Tatami – The Movie; Discussion Leader: Stephen Berk
Tatami resonates as both a thrilling sports drama and a searing political statement on the resilience and bravery of Iranian women seeking self-determination.
Filmed during the protests in Iran in 2022 and set during one intense day at a World Championship event in Tbilisi, Georgia (where it was secretly filmed), the film follows rising Iranian judo fighter Leila and her coach Maryam, who travel to the championship intent on bringing home Iran’s first gold medal. Just as Leila is nearing victory, a chilling ultimatum arrives from the Islamic Republic declaring she must fake an injury and lose to avoid facing an Israeli opponent or be branded a traitor to her country. With her freedom and her family’s safety on the line, Leila confronts an agonizing choice: follow her government’s orders, or fight for her dream.
Tatami is notable for being the first film ever co-directed by an Israeli and an Iranian filmmaker: DireGuy Nattiv & Amir Ebrahimi.
Single price tickets are $10 for JCC members and $15 for guests at the door and $8 for members and $13 for non-members with prepayment. Refreshments are being provided by 518 Kosher and the SJCC.
Contact: Judy Ben-Ami, (518) 377-8803
10/17/2026 7:00 pm
Schenectady JCC, 2565 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, NY
Hadassah Book Review for October
More Than Matzoh Balls by Linda Brody Bakst
My Search for Jewish-American Identity
Author will be joining us for our discussion (in person)
This is a reflective memoir of Jewish-American identity, tracing the author’s coming-of-age in mid-20th-century Brooklyn through family history, cultural assimilation, faith, and trauma inherited from the Holocaust. It blends personal narrative, generational history, and social commentary, written in clear, emotionally grounded prose. The tone is intimate yet accessible, combining family nostalgia with sociocultural insight.
10/19/2026 1:00 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom and via Zoom
Festival of Nations
The Jewish Community will represent ISRAEL at the Festival of Nations this year on November 1!
We are seeking children, teens, and adults to perform an Israeli dance together to the song YACHAD.
Tickets are provided free of charge to members of the Jewish community.
11/01/2026 11:30 am
Empire State Plaza, Convention Center, Albany, NY
Prayer and Beyond
(The group formerly known as What Are We Saying When We Are Praying?)
A Discussion Group Facilitated by Brenda
Delicious snacks will be served! Be part of this interesting and interactive discussion!
Please RSVP to Brenda whether you are planning to attend or not! Email Brenda or call her.
11/10/2026 2:00 pm
Brenda's House
Kaaterskill-Klez, a Chanukah musical celebration
Join Margot Leverett, Zoe B. Zak, Robert Bard & Studio Stu for a joyous musical celebration of Chanukah and the enduring spirit of Jewish music. Through the soulful sounds of Klezmer, we’ll look back at the traditions and stories that have carried us through generations—and look ahead with hope toward peace.
An evening of music, community, and the light we carry forward.
Registration required & reception included. $10 donation requested
12/17/2026 7:00 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom and on Zoom
