Jewish Life

Tu B’Shevat teaches us to see trees as more than just plants—they offer valuable life lessons

This year, the Festival of Lights holds special significance at the Merage JCC as it coincides with another day of warmth and giving: December 25. 

In commemoration of October 7th, communities across North America are hosting events to gather, mourn, pray and remember. At the Merage JCC, we invite you to join us for a special memorial ceremony, where we will stand together in unity to honor the victims, support the survivors, hold the hostages in our thoughts and prayers and reaffirm our community’s strength and commitment to Israel. Through this gathering, we aim to provide solace, solidarity, and strength to all those who continue ...

The Orange County Jewish Historical Society is proud to announce that our traveling exhibit about the history of the OC Jewish community, “Jews of Orange County, Our Story,” will be part of Jewish Heritage Night taking place at Angel Stadium on Wednesday, July 10

In a world where the currents of hatred threaten to engulf the shores of tolerance and understanding, a resilient fragment of humanity rises to defy the roiling sea of antisemitism. The Merage JCC is proud to bring the world premiere performance of "I Loved Jew, I Loved Jew Not: Stories of Jewish Resilience Against the Tide of Antisemitism” by The Braid.

No matter how well you think you’ve planned out your summer, leave it kids to ask the eternal question—what are we doing today? while also stating how bored they are. Well, we have a solution. For the third summer in a row, we present: Summer Vacay at the J! Summer Vacay at the J is four hours of family fun at the pool every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. starting on June 24. Our all-star team entertains children inside and outside the pool and leads games, art ...

Jewish American Heritage Month is a celebrated national effort that is recognized each May by Presidential Proclamation, a tradition that began in May 2006. JAHM provides an opportunity for people to learn about and appreciate Jewish heritage and reflect on the specific history and experiences of the American Jewish community, serving as an antidote to antisemitism. Each May, JAHM is supported by nearly 200 cultural, civic, educational, and government entities around the country who set out ...

On the occasion of Jewish Women’s History Month 2023, The Merage JCC’s Great Jewish Americans 101 is pleased to present the exhibition Michele Mattei: Jewish Women of Age, Influence and Accomplishment, curated by Roni Feinstein, art scholar and historian. 

At 87 years young, the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach is going strong. It began during the Depression, in 1936, when the owner of a failing boatyard leased his land on the peninsula to businessman Al Anderson, who quickly constructed a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round on the property, thus creating the destination we know today. One of many activities people enjoy is paddling around the bay in kayaks—a fun choice introduced in 1938 by OC Jewish pioneer Allan Fainbarg. According to Allan, ...

Mount Vernon is bringing its newly produced film, George Washington and the Pursuit of Religious Freedom to the Merage Jewish Community Center on March 22.