Contact

Nancy Greenberg 
Worcester JCC 
ngreenberg@worcesterjcc.org 
508-756-7109 x 232 

Weather Alert

In case of inclement weather, call the JCC snow line: 508-756-7135

Locations

St. Johns High School, Remillard Hall in the Ryken Ctr., 378 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545

The Willows at Worcester, 101 Barry Road, Worcester, MA 01609

Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street at Spurr Street, Worcester, MA 01604

 

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Made possible by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Central Mass
 

Central Mass Jewish Film Festival 2016

 Celebrating the Jewish Experience Through Film!

Free Encore Showing: Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg

Friday, January 22, 1:00 PM at Worcester Senior Center

Click above image to view trailer

Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg is the funny and surprising story of radio & television pioneer Gertrude Berg. Creator, star and writer (12,000 scripts!) of the hit 1950’s sitcom The Goldbergs, Berg was a beloved trailblazer, the Oprah of her day. Berg’s blend of comedy and social commentary—with Jewish characters at the center—endeared audiences and made her an American cultural icon.
 
OPENING NIGHT FILM: A BORROWED IDENTITY

Saturday, January 23, 2016, 7:30 PM at St. John's High School


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This provocative coming-of-age drama follows Eyad,a gifted Palestinian Israeli boy who leaves home to attend an elite Jewish boarding school on scholarship. Desperately he tries to fit in with his Jewish schoolmates and within Israeli society. As war looms, Eyad struggles with a decision that could alter the course of his future. The latest film from acclaimed director, Eran Riklis (Lemon Tree, The Syrian Bride). Based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Sayed Kashua, creator of the Israeli TV series “Arab Labor”. Nominated for four Israeli Academy Awards. Audience favorite Washington DC Jewish Film Festival 2015. Fee:  $15 per person, Please purchase tickets at the door!

THE LAST MENTSCH

Tuesday, January 26 at 7:15 PM at The Willows at Worcester


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Having spent a lifetime concealing his heritage, Marcus Schwarz, an aging German Holocaust survivor tries to come to terms with his past. Born Menachem Teitelbaum, he escaped Auschwitz with his life only to exterminate his Jewishness. Without family, a synagogue, or a single Jewish friend, he has so effectively created a new identity that, when faced with his own mortality, the rabbis refuse his appeal to be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Determined to return to his birthplace and establish his ancestry, Marcus enlists the help of Gül, a brash, chain-smoking Turkish woman with a troubled history of her own. The unlikely duo sets out on a journey that will irrevocably change them both. Audience favorite San Diego Jewish Film Festival 2015. Fee:  $10 per person

DOUGH

Saturday, January 30, 7:30 PM at St. John’s High School, Ryken Center, Shrewsbury

A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!

PURCHASE ONLINE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Click above image to view trailer

After 100 years in business, Nat’s third generation kosher bakery in London’s East End, is in a downward spiral. His longtime customers are moving away or dying. In a pinch, Nat reluctantly hires a young Muslim immigrant, Ayyash, who assists with the bakery’s daily chores, while selling marijuana on the side, to help his struggling mother make ends meet. When Ayyash accidentally drops his stash into the dough, the challah starts flying off the shelf and an unlikely friendship forms between the old Jewish baker and his young Muslim apprentice. Opening night film SF Jewish Film Festival 2015. Fee $15 per person, limited tickets available at door!

RAISE THE ROOF

Sunday, January 31, 7:00 PM at St. John’s High School, Ryken Center, Shrewsbury
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Inspired by images of the magnificent wooden synagogues of 18th century Poland--the last of which were destroyed by the Nazis—Massachusetts artists Rick & Laura Brown of Handshouse Studio set out to reconstruct a replica of the stunning, mural covered Gwozdziec synagogue. Working with a team of 300 artisans and students from around the world, using only period hand tools and techniques, the Browns finally realized their dream. In 2014, the show-stopping reconstruction of the Gwozdziec synagogue roof was unveiled as the centerpiece of the new POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, in Warsaw. This awe inspiring documentary by filmmakers Yari and Cary Wolinsky tells the story of this remarkable 10 year project against the backdrop of the 1000 year history of Jews in Poland. Audience favorite Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival 2015. Fee: $15 per person, please purchase tickets at the door!

CLOSING NIGHT FILM: APPLES FROM THE DESERT

Tuesday, February 2, 7:15 PM at The Willows at Worcester, Great Room

 Click above image to view trailer

Unhappy with the restrictive traditions of home and community, Rebecca begins to explore life beyond her strict Orthodox home. Suspicious and angry, her father reacts by setting in motion a prearranged marriage to an older widower with children of his own. A romantic, coming of age tale that explores themes of love, reconciliation, and tradition versus modernity. Based on the short story by Savyon Leibrecht and nominated for three Israeli Academy Awards.Opening night film Boston Jewish Film Festival 2015. Fee:  $10 per person