Learning is a lifelong journey at our Saltzman Foundation Lifelong 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.
Open to members and non-members.
Looking for more information or need help registering for a class? Contact Hanna DiMassimo hdimassimo@jfedsnj.org and Sarah Sellers ssellers@jfedsnj.org
May Classes
How Politics Works
Instructor: Dr. Bill Rosenberg
Join Dr. Bill Rosenberg as we discuss some of the most important political issues facing the U.S. and the world today.
May 18
What Are Primary Elections All About and Why Are They Important? How Do They Sort and Limit Our Choices in the General Election?
Monday • 1:30PM – 2:45PM • May 18
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Ethics and Journalism
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
In this interactive discussion class, we will explore ethical issues that journalists face. For instance, what words should journalists use to describe a situation when a government officer injures someone? What are the ethical issues that come up when journalists report on terrorism? Should journalists ever publish stories based only on anonymous source? Come join the conversation!
Tuesday • 10:30AM – 11:45AM • May 19
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
The Different Sides of Meryl Streep Pt. 2
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Delve into the wide-ranging career of one of our most honored actresses in films of all genres that test to her talent and adaptability.
May 20
Julie & Julia (2009) w/ Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, & Chris Messina | 123 Min. Run Time
May 27
Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) w/ Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, & Rebecca Ferguson | 110 Min. Run Time
2 Wednesdays • 1:00PM – 3:15PM • May 20 & 27
JCC Member: $10/per film | Guest/JPATH: $15/per film
Register Here
Facilitated Bridge Play
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
All levels welcome. Come to bid, play, and discuss bridge hands while socializing in a welcoming environment. We will play pre-duplicated hands, and a hand record will be available for participants to take home with them. Facilitated by Game Friendzy’s owner, Bernadette Hennessy, so you can ask questions regarding bidding, playing, and hand evaluation. Each week will feature a mini bridge lesson, and then we bid and play as many hands as possible. No bridge partner necessary. Drop-ins welcome.
Thursday • 10:30AM – 12:30PM • May 21
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
June Classes
Camp Simcha Is Back
A 3-Day Adult Camp Experience (No Sleepaway… Just the Fun!)
Get ready to move, laugh, learn, and experience something NEW! Camp Simcha returns for its second year with three unforgettable days designed especially for active adults who love connection, community, and fun. This all-inclusive experience brings the spirit of camp to life — without the bunk beds!
Wednesday – Friday • 9:30AM – 3:30PM Daily • June 3 – 5
JCC Member: $165/3 day camp | Guest/JPATH: $180/3 day camp
Register Here
The American Revolution, Patriotic Devotion
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
As Washington retreats, the Saratoga campaign shifts the war. Under Benedict Arnold, British forces surrender, bringing French support. Fighting moves south, where a “see-saw” conflict turns neighbor against neighbor. Patriot and French forces trap the British at Yorktown, leading to peace talks as King George III and Parliament react to the stunning outcome.
3 Mondays • 10:30AM – 11:45AM • June 1, 8 & 15
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
How Politics Works
Instructor: Dr. Bill Rosenberg
Join Dr. Bill Rosenberg as we discuss some of the most important political issues facing the U.S. and the world today.
June 8
What Countries are in the Axis of Good and Evil in Politics Today? How Has This Changed Over Time?
June 15
How Do Life Stressors Like Health, Death, Mental Illness, and Jobs Impact Our Political Activity?
June 22
U.S. Immigration History & the Politics of 2026
3 Mondays • 1:30PM – 2:45PM • June 8, 15 & 22
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Ethics and Art in the Bible: Noah’s Ark
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
We will discuss the ethics of this fascinating story, and then look at two paintings of Noah’s Ark, one by a Quaker artist and one by a Jewish artist.
Tuesday • 10:30AM – 11:45AM • June 2
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Ethics in Modern Life: Term Limits & Campaign Ethics
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
In each of these sessions we will discuss a different ethical issue related to political officials and political campaigns.
June 23
Term Limits: Should there be term limits for elected officials? What are the pros and cons?
June 30
Campaign Finances: Is the way that political campaigns are financed in this country ethical? How does it compare to other countries? And what can realistically be done to improve it?
2 Tuesdays • 10:30AM – 11:45AM • June 23 & 30
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Passion & Power: Romance in the World of Opera
Instructor: Jeffry Kirschen
Forbidden love, intense passion, and tragic sacrifice define some of opera’s most powerful works. Join this two-part exploration of romantic operas across centuries and styles. Through story, history, and musical insight, we’ll see how master composers bring the beauty and turmoil of love to life on stage.
June 10
This session will feature works by Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Puccini, Verdi, and Bizet, including beloved operas such as The Marriage of Figaro, La Bohème, Aida, and Carmen.
June 17
This session will highlight the dramatic intensity of Richard Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Debussy, Bartók, and Korngold, with selections from Elektra, Porgy and Bess, and The Dead City.
2 Wednesdays • 10:00AM – 11:00AM • June 10 and 17
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Another Round with Alfred Hitchcock
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
A mix of classic and underseen films of espionage, thrills, and guilty pleasures from the always intriguing master of suspense.
June 3
Rear Window (1954) w/ James Stewart, Grace Kelly, & Thelma Ritter | 112 min. Run Time
June 10
The Wrong Man (1956) w/ Henry Fonda, & Vera Miles | 105 Min. Run Time
June 17
North by Northwest (1959) w/ Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, & James Mason | 136 Min. Run Time
June 24
Frenzy (1972) w/ Jon Finch, Alec McCowen, & Billie Whitelaw | 116 Min. Run Time
4 Wednesdays • 1:00PM – 3:15PM • June 3, 10, 17 & 24
JCC Member: $10/per film | Guest/JPATH: $15/per film
Register Here
Facilitated Bridge Play
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
All levels welcome. Come to bid, play, and discuss bridge hands while socializing in a welcoming environment. We will play pre-duplicated hands, and a hand record will be available for participants to take home with them. Facilitated by Game Friendzy’s owner, Bernadette Hennessy, so you can ask questions regarding bidding, playing, and hand evaluation. Each week will feature a mini bridge lesson, and then we bid and play as many hands as possible. No bridge partner necessary. Drop-ins welcome.
4 Thursdays • 10:30AM – 12:30AM • June 4, 11, 18 & 25
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
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.
4 Thursdays • 1:00PM -3:00PM • May 28, June 4, 11 & 18
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
The Stage & Stories of Lincoln Center Theater Pt. 2
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In this series, we will take an indepth look at the magic of Lincoln Center Theater. We will examine clips from some of their most iconic musicals and plays. We will learn the history of how the theater started and take an in-depth look at the many stars who have performed there.
3 Thursdays • 1:30PM – 2:45PM June 4, 11 & 18
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/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.
Trips & Events
More events coming soon!
