Jewish Life

Norman E. Alexander
Center for Jewish Life

Vision

The Y’s Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life supports and engages people of all backgrounds and life-stages throughout their personal Jewish journeys. Proudly partnering with local institutions, the Center serves as Northern Manhattan’s hub of Jewish life, bringing together our community to explore Judaism and Israel through thought, experiential programs, social action, and fun.

Meet Our Program Director

Rabbi Ari Perten
Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life Director
aperten@ywhi.org
212-569-6200

Values

At the Y, we believe that we are connected by our values. Through a monthly exploration of these universal values, the Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life serves as an incubator of values that engage our neighborhood in community conversations. Our monthly values are interwoven into all of our Y programs, crafting meaningful growth opportunities for members and participants of all ages.

Our 2021 – 2022 values are:
    • September: Peoplehood
    • October: Loving-Kindness
    • November: Gratitude
    • December: Family
    • January: Justice
    • February: Human Dignity
    • March: Freedom
    • April: Remembrance
    • May: Honor
    • June: Pride


Visit our Who We Are: Values Walking Tour online exhibit.

Check out some of our ongoing programs:

Ukulele Shabbat

Yes, we're still gathering — online — with our friends on Friday mornings. All welcome!
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Bubbie's
Kitchen

Bubbie's Kitchen is a welcoming place, and there's room for all at Bubbie's table!
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PJ Library

Whether you’re a new parent, expecting a baby, or chasing a toddler, we’re so glad you found us! Welcome!
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Solechniy Krug
@ the Y

For Russian-speaking families, but all are welcome!
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Israeli Cuisine
@ Home

Join Israeli Emissary Shani Aslan for this fun and delicious cooking series, as she brings traditional and modern Israeli cuisine into your own home.
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Shamayim Vegan Cooking Challenge

The Y’s Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life is excited to share with you the Shamayim Challenge for people of all ages!
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Who We Are:
Values
Walking Tour

We welcome local artists to submit works of art related to a specific set of humanitarian values, one for each month of the year, to engage the community in a values-based conversation through monthly art exhibitions.
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Kesher Intergenerational
Friendship Initiative

The Y’s Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life is proud to announce our new Kesher: Intergenerational Friendship Initiative!
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Kashrut

We are proud to inform our community that, as of 2021, food prepared at the Y is under the rabbinic supervision of Rabbi Avrohom Marmorstein.

Eruv

Under the auspices of the Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life, the Y recently worked with community partners to expand the Washington Heights and Inwood eruv to include the Y. An eruv is essential to traditionally observant Jews, as it allows for the carrying of items, including keys, books, and even children, outside of the home on Shabbat. By expanding the eruv to include the Y, Shabbat-observant Jews can now access the Y building during the course of Shabbat.

For more information, please contact Y Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life Director Rabbi Ari Perten at aperten@ywhi.org.