JCC Global's Spring Programs in the Passover Spirit
- JCC Global
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
As we enter the season of renewal and liberation, JCC Global is proud to share a selection of spring programs inspired by the spirit of Passover — celebrating community, responsibility, remembrance, hope, education, and the timeless power of storytelling.
Spring: CDI Mexico's 51st Carlos Halpert Jewish Dance Festival
From March 23 to 31, 2025, the Jewish community of Mexico came alive with the passion of dance. Over 2,000 dancers — aged 3 to 75 — from 100 dance groups performed for more than 10,000 spectators. As in previous years, JCC Global proudly co-sponsored the international program of the festival, demonstrating how shared traditions connect us — much like the story of Passover does across generations and continents.
Click here for photos and video highlights.
Community Responsibility: UJA Federation of New York Solidarity Summit for Ukraine, March 10, 2025
After joining floristry workshops organized by Mykolaiv JCC, 18-year-old Vika Timoshenko discovered a new passion and now works at a prestigious gallery. She dreams of launching a family business with her mother — a symbol of hope and resilience.
Vika's story, along with an extensive report, was presented by Smadar Bar-Akiva at the UJA Federation of New York Summit, where Alex Budnitzky also shared efforts to support Ukrainian immigrants in NY. Discussions covered war conditions, employment, mental health, Jewish renewal, and immigration challenges, confirming UJA Federation's long-term commitment, having provided over $26 million to Ukrainian Jewish communities in the past three years.
JCC Global would like to thank UJA Federation of New York for supporting the SecondStride grant that provides crucial employment services in 8 JCCs across Ukraine.
Hope: The 10 Global Projects of the “JCC Global - From Good to Great” program
Like the early signs of spring, ten new global projects are blossoming across our international network. These initiatives reflect a deep commitment to building hope through connection, mutual learning, and shared purpose.
The projects bring together women, teens, seniors, and families to foster meaningful cross-cultural connections and shared learning. They include activities such as intergenerational recipe sharing, English lessons, women’s circles, parent-child groups, and more.
Each project is co-created by three JCCs: one in Ukraine, one in North America, and one in Israel, Europe, or Latin America. Activities are taking place both online and in person, with some partnerships already launching joint delegations and face-to-face encounters.
This program is supported by a grant from the Jewish Federations of North America.
Note: Project names are provisional and reflect the spirit of each program.
Remembrance and Education: Women’s Seminar in Krakow, October 20-25, 2025
As part of the “JCC Global – From Good to Great” program, JCCs from Pardesia (Israel), and Sumy and Poltava (Ukraine) are launching a joint women’s initiative, culminating in a seminar in Krakow this October.
Over 30 women (ages 45–65) will participate in a series of online meetings this spring—facilitated by the local JCCs—featuring presentations about each community and three value-based masterclasses. These sessions will build familiarity and connection among participants, leading to an in-person seminar in Krakow, led by Sara Tessler and Shanie Barenboim, focusing on remembrance, resilience, and shared narratives.
Learning and Storytelling: JCC Global Passover’s Passover Zoom Gathering
In preparation for Passover, JCC Global hosted a global virtual gathering that brought together over 100 JCC leaders from around the world. The session focused on learning, storytelling, and sharing new traditions to bring to this year's Seder table.
To view the recording press here (password: sT^935F=)
In small breakout rooms, participants exchanged meaningful ideas, ranging from symbolic gestures to creative rituals. One moving tradition came from a family where each person hides an afikoman—and those who find one are then encouraged to help others find theirs, turning the game into a lesson in mutual support and solidarity.
Another proposed tradition was placing yellow flowers on the Seder table, in remembrance of the hostages still held in Gaza and in solidarity with communities impacted by the war in Ukraine.
And for those looking to add a musical twist, one suggestion was to create a Passover freedom playlist—featuring songs about liberation and resilience from across cultures, such as Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” or “Get Up, Stand Up”. These powerful anthems can open intergenerational conversations about what freedom means today.
