JCC Greater Boston Announces Acquisition of Boston Jewish Film, Expanding the Center’s Cultural and Community Impact
Moving under the JCC umbrella will ensure the continued growth and long-term sustainability of BJF, its annual festivals, and year-round programs.
Newton, MA – January 6, 2026 – JCC Greater Boston (JCC) - the region's largest Jewish provider of programs geared toward health and wellness, early education, art, and culture – today announced its acquisition of Boston Jewish Film (BJF), New England’s largest film-based organization, renowned for its curation and presentation of Jewish and Israeli cinema. The integration, which became official on January 1, marks a significant milestone for the JCC in line with its Strategic Plan and ongoing commitment to strengthening arts and culture offerings for the Greater Boston Jewish community. Crucially, the transition will also provide BJF with a stable organizational home, new resources, and broader audience reach through the JCC’s established community networks.
“We are thrilled to welcome Boston Jewish Film into the JCC Greater Boston family,” said Lily Rabinoff-Goldman, CEO and President of JCC Greater Boston. “The Boston Jewish and Israeli Film Festivals are essential to the vitality of our community, and this transition helps ensure BJF's continued success and innovation for years to come. With our shared mission of fostering connection through Jewish culture and meaningful experiences, we look forward to supporting BJF in this next chapter while deepening our collective impact.”
For nearly four decades, BJF has been a leading voice in showcasing thought-provoking films, fostering dialogue, and building community through storytelling with a Jewish lens. Under the JCC brand, BJF will continue to operate its signature programs including the annual Boston Jewish Film Festival, the Boston Israeli Film Festival, and related screenings and conversations supported by the JCC's infrastructure and strategic vision. The partnership will also create new opportunities to expand year-round programming, increase collaboration with local artists and cultural institutions, and enhance educational opportunities for community members at the JCC.
“We are excited to begin this next chapter with JCC Greater Boston,” said Joey Katz, Artistic Director at Boston Jewish Film. “Film is one of the most powerful tools we have for connection, conversation, and understanding, and our position within the JCC will open new doors to creative possibilities while preserving our mission and identity. We look forward to building on the legacy of Boston Jewish Film and creating an even more vibrant cinematic and cultural presence in Greater Boston together with the JCC.”
The acquisition comes during a period of substantial growth and transformation for the JCC. Within the last two years, the organization has significantly expanded its roster of teen programs, launched three new summer camps, and entered the final phase of a multi-year renovation of its Leventhal-Sidman building. Construction will be completed in January with the delivery of the JCC’s newly refurbished Riemer-Goldstein Theater, in time for the JCC’s special screening of the award-winning film, FOUR WINTERS, taking place on January 25.
The JCC will continue to focus on expanding its arts and culture footprint throughout the region in 2026. Notably in April the organization will host its annual gala, JCC@333: An evening of Jewish Humor with B.J. Novak & the Novak Family, which will highlight the JCC’s wide ranging Arts & Ideas offerings and dedication to Jewish culture and experiences.
About JCC Greater Boston
Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. The largest provider of Jewish early education in New England, JCC Greater Boston’s three early learning centers in Newton, Sharon, and Hingham serve roughly 350 students every year, with a curriculum focused on social, emotional, cognitive and physical development, and grounded in Jewish values. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston engages more Jewish individuals and families each year than almost any other Jewish institution in Boston. Visit www.bostonjcc.org to learn more.
About Boston Jewish Film
Founded in 1989, Boston Jewish Film runs the Boston Jewish Film Festival and the Boston Israeli Film Festival, along with various screenings and cultural events throughout the year. New England’s largest film-based organization, BJF is present in regional schools with its High School Antisemitism Initiative, and also offers filmmaking and storytelling workshops for Boston area youth.
Media Contact:
Riva Cheses
Director Marketing & Communications
rcheses@jccgb.org
