Register for Life Long Learning Classes!

 

Learning is a lifelong journey at our Saltzman Foundation Life Long Learning Institute and the cornerstone of the Katz JCC’s Adult Department.  Our diverse selection of adult education courses offered each month ensures there is something for everyone to discover the joy in learning.  We offer morning, afternoon and evening classes, both in person and virtually, to fit your lifestyle.  This program is made up of three key components, each offering classes meant to engage you:

Looking for more information or need help registering for a class? Contact Hanna DiMassimo hdimassimo@jfedsnj.org and Sarah Sellers ssellers@jfedsnj.org


November 2024

The Spy Next Door

Instructor: Herb Kaufman

From the American Revolution, through the Civil War and two World Wars, to the atomic age of the Manhattan Project, numerous Americans have betrayed America’s secrets and ultimately inflicted damage on America’s national security. America has remained particularly vulnerable to espionage because of a societal disbelief that those entrusted with the nation’s secrets would betray them. Beginning with the story of the Rosenberg’s through the most recent American spies, this presentation examines the often-incredible history of American citizens and espionage against the United States.

2 Mondays

November 11 & 25

10:30-11:30am

JCC Members: $15 class/per class

Guest: $20 class/per class

Register Here


How Politics Works: National & International Political Hot Topics

Instructor: Dr. Bill Rosenberg

We will explore and discuss some of the nations and world’s hot political topics with Dr. Bill Rosenberg. These topics will likely include the US Presidential Party Conventions, US Election laws, the crises in Ukraine and Israel, Autocracies and Democracies, the history and political consequences of trials of elected officials, and public support for political leadership and institutions.

2 Mondays

November 11 & 18

1:30-2:45pm

JCC Members: $15/per class

Guest: $20/per class

Register Here


Three Short Stories about Childhood

Instructor: Sarah Rosenson

Each week we will read one short story about childhood by a Jewish author: Isaac Babel, Isaac Bashevis Singer, or Grace Paley. For each story we will explore what is distinctively Jewish about it, and what universal experiences it describes. We will also talk about the literary devices used by the authors. Participants do not need to do reading in advance, as all the stories are very short, and we will read them together in class.

3 Tuesdays

November 5, 12, & 19

10:30-11:45am

JCC Members: $15 class/per class

Guest: $20 class/per class

Register Here


The World of Classic Crime Films Part II

Instructor: Irv Slifkin

Take a time-machine back to the 1940s and 1950s with this series that offers five weeks of superb film noirs—crime films that crackle with intrigue, excitement and entertainment, featuring great performances and shadowy surroundings. Hosted by Temple University professor Irv Slifkin.

Nov 6: Pitfall (1948) w/Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott, Jane Wyatt

Nov 13: The Asphalt Jungle (1950) w/Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Marilyn Monroe Robinson.

Nov 20: Pickup on South Street (1953) w/Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, Thelma Ritter

3 Wednesdays

November 6, 13, & 20

1:30-3:30pm

JCC Members: $5 class/per class

Guest: $10 class/per class

Register Here


Introduction to Canasta

Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May

If you are either a total beginner or have a bit of Canasta knowledge, but need more supervised practice, this class is for you! In this friendly and relaxed class, Bernadette will teach and improve your canasta skills while you meet other players!

3 Thursdays

November 7, 14, & 21

1-3pm

JCC Members: $15 class/per class

Guest: $20 class/per class

Register Here


Tony Award Winning Shows

Instructor: Leila Joffe

In this course, our main focus will be on Tony Award-winning shows from the past two decades. We will compare the relevance of recent winners to shows that were recognized 20 years ago. Through clips and discussions, we will learn about the performers and creators of the award-winning musicals of the last 20 years.

3 Thursdays

November 7, 14, & 21

1:30-2:45pm

JCC Members: $15 class/per class

Guest: $20 class/per class

Register Here


Exploring the Caribbean

Instructor: Judy Okun

Beyond the beautiful beaches and gentle breezes, there are a myriad of fascinating geographical and historical aspects to the Caribbean. Join us on this voyage where we delve into plate tectonics, ocean currents, climate, the history of indigenous groups, European contact, piracy and sugar plantation slavery in this fascinating part of the world.

2 Fridays

November 1 & 8

10-11:15am

JCC Members: $15 class/per class

Guest: $20 class/per class

Register Here


December 2024

Save the Date: Hot Club Live and Casino Night at the J is back

‘Twas the night before Chanukah and all through the J, people were gambling and starting to sway. The band was playing numbers, oh so nice, and the bar was serving drinks, straight up or with ice! With places to sit and mingle with friends, by nights end, you will have both old and new. So save the date and take a chance…there will be wonderful prizes too!

December 24, 2024

7pm

21+

Early Bird pricing available October 1st


History’s Mysteries of American History

Instructor: Herb Kaufman

“People who became food; How much is our money really worth? Is there really an Uncle Sam? Did Teddy Roosevelt truly lead a cavalry charge up San Juan Hill? Did American cowboys actually wear ten-gallon hats?” Many of these stories and legends have seeped into the story of American history and are repeated as fact in schools, history books and on televised history programs. This program focuses on American history and these unusual and often controversial incidents and events. We will examine these myths, stories and events of what they never taught in high school.

Monday, December 2

10:30-11:30am

JCC Members: $15

Guest: $20

Register Here


Happy Holidays: A Look at Our Holiday Traditions

Instructor: Herb Kaufman

Ever wonder who is known in history as the “Mother of Thanksgiving,” or “Santa Claus’ Father.” Have you ever thought about why Hanukkah involves eating donuts, or when did Santa start living in department stores? These and many other interesting questions are explored in this timely holiday program. Many of our traditions were started by authors in their poems and books, and cartoonists with a holiday idea.

Monday, December 16

10:30-11:30am

JCC Members: $15

Guest: $20

Register Here


How Politics Works: National & International Political Hot Topics

Instructor: Dr. Bill Rosenberg

We will explore and discuss some of the nations and world’s hot political topics with Dr. Bill Rosenberg. These topics will likely include the US Presidential Party Conventions, US Election laws, the crises in Ukraine and Israel, Autocracies and Democracies, the history and political consequences of trials of elected officials, and public support for political leadership and institutions.

2 Mondays

December 9 & 16

1:30-2:45pm

JCC Members: $15/per class

Guest: $20/per class

Register Here


Basic Drawing

Instructor: Gerry Lomksy

Learn a life-long hobby that you can enjoy anywhere, anytime, with friends, family, and even grandchildren! Landscapes, still life, and even exciting action will be proud take-home drawings that will teach you about perspective, shading, shadows, and color. The course will be taught by Gerry Lomsky, formerly of Haddonfield Public Schools and Pioneer Academy of Cherry Hill.

4 Tuesdays

December 3, 10, 17, & 24

9:30-10:15am

JCC Members: $15 class/per class

Guest: $20 class/per class

Register Here


Ethics and Chanukah

Instructor: Sarah Rosenson

As Chanukah approaches, we will not discuss ethics in modern life; rather, we will discuss ethics in ancient life! Did the Maccabees and other Jews of ancient Israel behave ethically? Is it ethical to be martyred rather than betray your religion? Come share your views! You do not have to be Jewish or celebrate Chanukah to take this class.

Tuesday, December 3

10:30-11:45am

JCC Members: $15

Guest: $20

Register Here


Chanukah Story Time for Adults

Instructor: Sarah Rosenson

The year 2024 has been a very difficult one for our nation and our world. As the year winds down, we will relax together and read three Chanukah stories for young children by Isaac Bashevis Singer. We will discuss their deeper themes, and also share our own memories. This class is open to all.

Tuesday, December 10

10:30-11:45am

JCC Members: $15

Guest: $20

Register Here


The World of Classic Crime Films Part III

Instructor: Irv Slifkin

Take a time machine back to the 1940s and 1950s with this series that offers five weeks of superb film noirs—crime films that crackle with intrigue, excitement and entertainment, featuring great performances and shadowy surroundings. Hosted by Temple University professor Irv Slifkin.

Film: Touch of Evil (1958) w/Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Orson Welles. Robinson.

Wednesday, December 4

1:30-3:30pm

JCC Members: $5

Guest: $10

Register Here


Introduction to Mah Jongg

Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May

If you are either a total beginner or have a bit of Mah Jongg knowledge but need more supervised practice, this class is for you! In this friendly and relaxed class, Bernadette will teach and improve your Mah Jongg skills while you meet other players.

3 Thursdays

December 5, 12, & 19

1-3pm

JCC Members: $15 class/per class

Guest: $20 class/per class

Register Here


Tony Award Winning Shows

Instructor: Leila Joffe

In this course, our main focus will be on Tony Award-winning shows from the past two decades. We will compare the relevance of recent winners to shows that were recognized 20 years ago. Through clips and discussions, we will learn about the performers and creators of the award-winning musicals of the last 20 years.

3 Thursdays

December 5, 12, & 19

1:30-2:45pm

JCC Members: $15/per class

Guest: $20/per class

Register Here


Antarctica: A Land Apart

Instructor: Judy Okun

The word ‘Antarctica’ conveys many images—icy landscapes, bitter temperatures, penguin colonies, and midnight sun—to name just a few. We will examine this vast continent through a geographical and historical lens, delving into plate tectonics, past climates, Aristotle’s theories, exploration, present studies, and more.  Bundle and join us on this adventure to a place like none other on Earth.

2 Fridays

December 13 & 20

10-11:15am

JCC Members: $15/per class

Guest: $20/per class

Register Here


Virtual Class Opportunities

  1. JCC of Central New Jersey | Adult Enrichment (jccnj.org)
  2. One Day University (ODU), Use code katzjcc when enrolling
  3. National JCC Alliance and Partnerships with other JCCs
  • In-person class registration is per individual, and virtual class registration is per household.

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