Israeli & Jewish Life
Welcome home!
WHO WE ARE
The Israeli Center at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is your home away from home—a welcoming hub for Israeli and Jewish life in the heart of Bergen County. Here, we come together to explore life’s big questions, gain perspective on today’s challenges, celebrate our holidays and seasons, and strengthen our sense of community. Rooted in connection, culture, and shared experience, the Center embraces the many ways Israeli and Jewish traditions enrich the JCC and the broader Bergen County community. We invite you to join us, participate, and help shape this vibrant, dynamic space.
New to the Community? We are here to help and guide you. Please contact us for more information.
Israeli Center Programs
Volunteer
Tu Bishvat with Tooli
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Time
The trees’ birthday has arrived… but Tooli’s tree isn’t ready for the celebration yet! In an interactive, musical, and imaginative show, Tooli sets out together with the children on a special Tu Bishvat mission.
Saving Shuli San
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Time
Saving Shuli San is a fast-paced Israeli comedy-action hit, released in theaters in Israel on July 17, 2025. A sequel to Leshacherer et Shuli, the film reunites the beloved Ma Kashur trio—Zion Baruch, Asi Israelof, and Shalom Michaelshvili—for another outrageous adventure. **SCREENING WILL BE IN HEBREW WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
A Taste of Israel
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Time
Experience the flavors, stories, and traditions of Israeli cuisine in a hands-on cooking series led by master baker and chef Hanita. From beloved classics to modern favorites, discover the rich culinary world of Israel through interactive classes that are fun, flavorful, and unforgettable.
A Community Book Fair & Tooli’s Interactive Children’s Show
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Join us for a feel-good community day celebrating stories, creativity, and connection! On February 26, the Kaplen JCC will host two special events happening side-by-side—a Second-Hand Book Fair for all ages and Tooli’s beloved interactive show for children.
Impossible Victories: The Story of Israel’s Freedom Fighters
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Impossible Victories explores Jewish resilience through firsthand stories of courage, survival, and purpose; told by those who have lived history in real time.
Cinematec: Nandauri
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Time
CINEMATEC brings the vibrant soul of Israeli life to the U.S. through the lens of its most powerful films. Step into the extraordinary human stories depicted in modern Israeli cinema. We curate award-winning, often unfiltered films followed by engaging, insightful discussions, illuminating the richness, complexity, and human heart of the Startup Nation. Join the Israeli Center Collab series.
3rd GEN: A Survivor’s Story
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Time
A powerful dance memoir bringing Holocaust survival stories to life through music and movement.
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