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
Explore Drawing Materials & Techniques
Instructor: Leeannwyn Stoner
Explore Drawing Materials and Techniques provides instruction on drawing as a significant classical medium to create art. Each week, a new drawing medium and subject are drawn for any level of artistic skill. All drawing materials will be provided, or you can bring your own. Some artists may prefer to work in their own sketchbook. Drawing subjects will be provided that best practice the medium. We will work with graphite pencils, conte crayons (portrait tones), watercolor pencils (but no water), charcoal, oil pastels, markers and, of course, art pencils!
3 Thursdays
December 5, 12, & 19
10-11:30am
JCC Members: $15/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
- JCC of Central New Jersey | Adult Enrichment (jccnj.org)
- One Day University (ODU), Use code katzjcc when enrolling
- National JCC Alliance and Partnerships with other JCCs
- In-person class registration is per individual, and virtual class registration is per household.
