"Try the JETS" Swim Team Day
2025-12-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-14 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Unsure if the JETS is for you? Sign up for “Try the JETS” Swim Team Day!
Sunday, December 14 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM or Wednesday, December 17 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Experience a real swim team practice with our brand-new JETS Swim Team! This free session is perfect for young swimmers who want to see what being on a team is like before joining.
What to expect:
– A fun, structured practice led by our J swim coaches.
– Technique drills, teamwork, and an introduction to swim team culture.
– A chance to meet other swimmers and learn about joining the JETS!
Who can attend: Swimmers ages 5-21 interested in joining the JETS Swim Team and able to swim at least 25 yards Freestyle & Backstroke.

Candle Lighting at the J
2025-12-17 17:00 | Samuels Pavilion
This is Where You Shine!
Join us for candle lighting and celebrate Hanukkah with the J community!
Theater, a program where our students transform into performers and shine on stage, will be the host for this night of candle lighting.
Come a little earlier at 3:30 PM to participate in Create a Dreidel Sweet Enough to Eat!

J Centerstage: Matilda JR. - performed by elementary students
2025-12-16 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-15 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-14 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-14 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-12-14 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
About the show:
Clever Matilda Wormwood is unappreciated by her shallow family, But when she attends an unusual school, she finds a new ally, teacher Miss Honey, and a fearsome foe, headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Handily, our heroine has some special powers! Matilda learns to use her wit, courage, and determination to stand up for herself and those around her.
This production features many talented elementary school performers from our community in three separate casts:

Cast A will perform: Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 14 at 6:00 PM
Cast B will perform: Sunday, December 14 at 1:00 PM and Monday, December 15 at 6:00 PM
Cast C will perform: Sunday, December 14 at 3:30 PM and Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00 PM

Running time: An hour and a half, including a 15-minute intermission.

Talking about Israel
2025-12-16 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Join the J’s Shlicha Shir Benjamin and her husband Aviv for a weekly roundtable conversation on topics related to Israel.
Every week, we will explore a new topic related to Israeli society, culture, news and more. We will share our personal perspectives as Israeli Shlihim and create a learning atmosphere together.
Everyone is welcome! Whether you have been to Israel or are curious to learn more, we welcome you to learn with us, share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussion.
To sign up, please email Shir: sbenjamin@erjcchouston.org
Room 203
In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.

Candle Lighting at the J
2025-12-16 17:00 | Samuels Pavilion
This is Where You Shine!
Join us for candle lighting and celebrate Hanukkah with the J community!
Meals on Wheels, a program that provides meals to local seniors and makes their day shine, will be the hosts for this night of candle lighting.
Come a little earlier at 3:30 PM to participate in Hanukkah Sparkle and Shine Necklaces!

Candle Lighting at the J
2025-12-15 17:00 | Samuels Pavilion
This is Where You Shine!
Join us for candle lighting and celebrate Hanukkah with the J community!
Kidszone, an awesome after-school experience for Kinder to Grade 5, helps make the kids at the J shine every day and will be the hosts for this night of candle lighting.

JCC Houston Maccabi 2026 Tryouts
2025-12-14 14:30 - 18:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Ready for tryouts for Houston Maccabi 2026?

Tennis: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Tennis Center
Boy’s Basketball: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at the J

Houston Maccabi heads to Kansas City & Toronto! The JCC Maccabi Games bring together thousands of Jewish teen athletes (ages 13–17) from around the world for a week of sports, friendship and community spirit. From August 2–7, 2026, the Houston delegation will travel to Kansas City and Toronto to compete, connect, and celebrate Jewish pride on and off the field. Get ready for an unforgettable Maccabi experience — where teamwork, tradition and memories last a lifetime!

Open Gym & Tot Shabbat
2025-12-12 10:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
For kids ages 0-5 and their families
Celebrate Shabbat with your friends and family with open gym in the gymnastics center followed by musical services.
Open gym will begin at 10:00 AM in the gymnastics center, followed by music and services at 11:00 AM in the atrium of the Samuels Family Community Pavilion.
RSVPs are required and spaces are limited.

Latkes, 3 Ways
2025-12-11 19:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Celebrate the season with Hell’s Kitchen alum Chef Emily Hersh in this festive, flavor-packed latke workshop. Learn to make three creative twists on the classic potato pancake—loaded potato latkes, bold masala curry latkes, and sweet cinnamon sweet potato latkes—served with a glass of cozy winter sangria. Perfect for latke lovers and holiday hosts alike, this class combines Emily’s plant-forward expertise with vibrant, seasonal flavors.

J Camps Pre-Check Opens
2025-12-08 09:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
J Camps 2026 Registration Opens Sunday, February 1!
Pre-Check: Required for Camp Registration Day
Here is what you need to know:

An active membership is required to register your child for Pre-Check.
Only active members who have registered their child for Pre-Check will be allowed to register for J Camps on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Membership must remain active through the last day of camp.
Pre-Check registration opens on Monday, December 8, 2025.
The deadline for Pre-Check registration is Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Pre-Check registration must be completed for each child you plan to register on February 1, 2026.

Pre-Check registration will allow you to:

Become familiar with the registration platform.
Ensure that you have a $0 balance on your account.
Update your email address, phone number and emergency contacts.
Ensure your child’s birthday, grade level and school are accurate.

Oy, Hanukkah - Nosh and Schmooze!
2025-12-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Kenny & Ziggy’s, 1743 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX, 77056, United States
What’s a holiday without a little nosh, schmoozing and a whole lotta Yiddishkeit?
Join us for a Hanukkah evening at Kenny & Ziggy’s that’s hotter than a fresh plate of latkes. You’ll hear from the Deli Man himself, Ziggy Gruber — a real mensch — who’ll tell how Yiddish shaped his days cooking with his Zayde (grandpa). He’ll also share the details on the special Hanukkah foods being served!
Sponsored by the Yiddish Book Center, Houston Yiddish Vinkl
(In memory of Dr. David Sufian z”l), and Kenny & Ziggy’s.
$25 per person. Your registration is your RSVP.
Cash bar (Remember you can’t spin a dreidel straight after three martinis!)
Nosh, laugh, kibitz and celebrate Hanukkah with us. It’s sure to be a real simcha!

J Second Stage: Matilda JR. - performed by middle school students
2025-12-07 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
About the show:
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
This production features many talented middle school performers from our community in two separate casts:

Cast A will perform: Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM
Cast B will perform: Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 7 at 5:30 PM

Running time: An hour and a half, including a 15-minute intermission.

BODYPUMP Masterclass with International Master Trainer Judson MacDonald
2025-12-07 15:30 - 16:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Judson MacDonald is a certified group fitness instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach based in Durham, North Carolina. He serves as an International Trainer, Assessor and Presenter for Les Mills, bringing energy and expertise to a wide range of formats including BODYATTACK™️, BODYJAM™️, BODYPUMP™️, BODYSTEP™️, CORE™️, SHAPES™️and freestyle programs. He believes group fitness is one of the most fun, effective and inclusive ways to discover your own way of loving your fitness. In Judson’s classes, you can expect to laugh, share energy with others and take away new knowledge on how to feel your best, no matter the level or impact.
To RSVP please email Renee: rcohen@erjcchouston.org

What is BODYPUMP™️?
BODYPUMP™️ is THE ORIGINAL BARBELL CLASS™️, the ideal workout for anyone looking to get lean, toned and fit—fast.
Using light to moderate weights with lots of repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. It can burn up to 400 calories. Instructors will coach you through the scientifically-backed moves and techniques pumping out encouragement, motivation and great music—helping you achieve much more than on your own! You’ll leave the class feeling challenged and motivated and ready to come back for more.
More information about BodyPump: https://www.lesmills.com/us/workouts/fitness-classes/bodypump/

Shared Light: Community Hanukkah Experience
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | West Houston JCC, 1120 Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX, 77079, United States
Join us for a community West Houston/Katy Hanukkah experience filled with light, learning and connection! This program is funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Community Impact Fund is free of charge and open to any member of the community.

BODYSTEP Masterclass with International Master Trainer Judson MacDonald
2025-12-07 15:00 - 15:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Judson MacDonald is a certified group fitness instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach based in Durham, North Carolina. He serves as an International Trainer, Assessor and Presenter for Les Mills, bringing energy and expertise to a wide range of formats including BODYATTACK™️, BODYJAM™️, BODYPUMP™️, BODYSTEP™️, CORE™️, SHAPES™️and freestyle programs. He believes group fitness is one of the most fun, effective and inclusive ways to discover your own way of loving your fitness. In Judson’s classes, you can expect to laugh, share energy with others and take away new knowledge on how to feel your best, no matter the level or impact.
To RSVP please email Renee: rcohen@erjcchouston.org

WHAT IS BODYSTEP?
Basic stepping, just like walking up and down stairs, is at the heart of BODYSTEP™️—a full-body cardio workout to really tone your butt and thighs. In a BODYSTEP workout you can expect a mixture of upbeat, rhythmic stepping with squat and lunge patterns to work the legs. Combine this with movements like burpees, push ups and weight plate exercises, and the result is a fun, uplifting full-body workout! Don’t worry, there’s heaps of options so that everyone leaves feeling successful. Our bubbly and approachable instructors coach you through the workout. We play invigorating, hit music and inject a whole lot of fun and personality along the way. You can burn up to 540 calories and you’ll leave buzzing with satisfaction.
More info about BODYSTEP: https://www.lesmills.com/us/workouts/fitness-classes/bodystep/

JCC Houston Maccabi 2026 Tryouts
2025-12-07 14:00 - 18:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Ready for tryouts for Houston Maccabi 2026?

Tennis: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Tennis Center
Volleyball: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Zone
Boy’s Basketball: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Zone

Houston Maccabi heads to Kansas City & Toronto! The JCC Maccabi Games bring together thousands of Jewish teen athletes (ages 13–17) from around the world for a week of sports, friendship and community spirit. From August 2–7, 2026, the Houston delegation will travel to Kansas City and Toronto to compete, connect, and celebrate Jewish pride on and off the field. Get ready for an unforgettable Maccabi experience — where teamwork, tradition and memories last a lifetime!

Thrive at Global Havdalah
2025-12-06 19:30 | Upon RSVP
Please join us for a night filled with amazing speakers, informative breakout sessions and delicious food! All Jewish teens, Grades 9-12, from the Houston community are invited to join us.
Address shared upon registration.
Pre-registration is required. Teens attending this must be picked up by 9:30 PM.

Shabbat Community Dinner
2025-12-05 17:30 - 21:00 | TBA
Join us for a joyful community Shabbat dinner to celebrate Chanukah!
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with delicious food, laughter, and warmth, surrounded by community. This special potluck-style evening will unite us for a night full of flavor, music, and light.
We’ll provide challah, wine and sufganiyot (doughnuts), and invite you to bring your favorite dairy dish to share. Enjoy a festive dinner, candle lighting, music, kids’ activities, and a truly joyful evening together!
(Location provided upon registration)
This is a collaborative event with the Jewish Federation and IAC.
