Mandell Mahjong MM monogram
MANDELLMAHJONG
Mahjong Instructor · Tournament Organizer · Passionate Player

Meet Sandra Mandell

For me, Mahjong is about more than the tiles. It's about friendships, laughter, and the connections made around the table.

Sandra Mandell smiling in her blue Mahjong cap

A post that changed my Monday nights

My Mahjong journey began three years ago with a post about lessons from the local synagogue, scheduled for Monday evenings in January from 7–9 PM. If you know me, you know there's no place I'd rather be on a cold Monday night than curled up on my couch! But I decided to carve out some time for myself, signed up, and brought a few girlfriends along. We quickly became obsessed. Even after the lessons ended, Monday nights at 7 PM remained something I looked forward to all week.

Learning at the table

Once my lessons were over, I joined my mom and her friends at Brookville Country Club for their weekly competitive game. I quickly learned that the best way to improve was to keep playing—and, even better, to play with people who were better than me. Those weekly games became my training ground, helping me sharpen my skills, deepen my understanding of the game, and grow in confidence.

As I became more involved in the Mahjong community, I sought out every opportunity to play and learn, from open plays and Mahj & Mingles to tournaments and even an out-of-state retreat last winter.

Finding my way to teaching

I assisted and shadowed two incredible Mahjong instructors who helped train me, each with a distinct approach—one structured and lecture-based, the other hands-on. I combined their techniques with my own personality and developed a teaching style and curriculum of my own. My classes focus on clear instruction, hands-on practice, and, most importantly, lots of laughter!

In Spring 2026, I began teaching independently, and I haven't looked back. My classes have kept me fully booked, and I love helping new players build confidence and experience the excitement of learning the game.

Our Mahjong community

Beyond teaching, I love creating opportunities for players to connect. This past summer, I organized an inter-country-club Mahjong tournament at Brookville Country Club, bringing players together for a memorable day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Whether I'm teaching a beginner or organizing a tournament, my goal is to create an experience that is welcoming, engaging, and fun.

Come for the Mahjong. Stay for the friendships.