Meetups
What happens at the bi-weekly Meetups?
6:00-7:00pm
Jewish Life Unpacked – for grades 8-9 with Rabbi Josh Breindel
The Dinner Club – optional for grades 10-12
7:00-7:30pm
Delicious and nutritious community dinner
7:30-8:15pm
Electives, taught by our clergy members and educators:
- Jewish Storytelling Workshop – led by Rabbi David Finkelstein
- Israeli Folk Dancing – led by Jo Rothman
- Intro to Jewish Europe – led by Shoni Aronovich
8:15-8:30pm
Ice Cream Social
2026-27 Fall Semester Lineup
Jewish Life Unpacked
Modern stories, videos and music can help us explore the values and core ideas of Judaism described in our ancient texts. Jewish teachings can offer inspiration and guidance in surprising ways (be sure to ask Rabbi Josh about the link between rabbis, robots and wizards)! Through our conversations and creative projects, students will find new resilience to support their growth as young adults in the modern world.
Jewish Storytelling
In this elective, students discover the rich tradition of Jewish storytelling while developing their own voice as storytellers. Drawing on centuries of parables, folktales, and sacred narratives, students will explore how Jewish wisdom has always been passed down through story, and then practice that tradition themselves. Through listening, writing, and performing, students build core storytelling skills while connecting to a heritage that has always known the power of a well-told tale.
Intro to Jewish Europe
In this Elective, students who plan on traveling to Berlin & Krakow in the spring, and other curious students, will explore the complex and rich history of the Jewish communities in Germany and Poland before, during, and after the war, conduct personal family research, and dive into key events and stories from WWII. While not required, participation in this elective is highly advised to students who will travel to Europe in the spring.
The Dinner Club
Continuing a lovely “tradition” from last year, students who participate in this elective (running from 6-7pm) will learn how to make a different dish (or several) which will then be part of the community dinner! This elective is open to grades 10-12.
Israeli Folk Dancing
Tired of sitting still? Need to warm up? Come learn simple, joyful Israeli folk dances with Jo! We’ll be learning both line and circle dances ranging from classics like Nigun Atik to more modern dances like Golden Boy and Zahav. What better way to stay warm?
2025-26 Meetup Calendar:
Fall Semester
October 4, 2026
October 18, 2026
November 1, 2026
November 22, 2026
December 6, 2026 – JLOFT Hanukkah Giveback Event
December 20, 2026
Spring Semester
January 10, 2027
January 31, 2027
February 7, 2027
February 28, 2027
March 7, 2027
March 21, 2027
April 4, 2027
May 2, 2027
May 16, 2027 – End of Year Celebration
How much does it cost?
Participation at the Meetups is open to all J-LOFT members. The J-LOFT membership fee is $360 for families affiliated with one of the J-LOFT synagogues, or $550 for those not-affiliated. Early-Bird rates are available through Memorial Day!