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
July Classes
How Politics Works
Instructor: Dr. Bill Rosenberg
Monday • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
July 27 • The Future of U.S. and European Diaspora Support for Israel
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Saxons to Shakespeare: The Origins of the English Language
Instructor: Judy Okun
Friday • 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM • July 24
Trace the fascinating evolution of the English language from its Germanic roots to its role as a modern global language.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
August Classes
A People at War: The History of the Jewish Community in the Civil War
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
2 Mondays • 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM • August 3 & 10
Explore the experiences, contributions, and perspectives of Jewish communities during the Civil War, including soldiers, nurses, spies, and families on both sides of the conflict.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
How Politics Works
Instructor: Dr. Bill Rosenberg
2 Mondays • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM • August 10 & 31
Join Dr. Bill Rosenberg for discussions on today’s most important political issues, including healthcare as a Jewish value and the evolving role of organizations such as the ADL and ACLU.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Woodstock Fair & Going Back to the Garden: Memories of Yasgur’s Farm
Instructor: Ira Miller
Tuesday • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM • August 11
Take a nostalgic journey back to Woodstock with music, history, personal stories, and reflections on one of the most iconic cultural events of the twentieth century.
JCC Member: $18 | Guest/JPATH: $23
Register Here
Tales of Dustin Hoffman
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
4 Wednesdays • 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM • August 5, 12, 19 & 26
Enjoy four acclaimed films that showcase Dustin Hoffman’s remarkable career and unforgettable performances across decades of cinema.
JCC Member: $10/per film | Guest/JPATH: $15/per film
Register Here
How Talk Shows Shaped Television Entertainment: Johnny Carson & The Tonight Show
Instructor: Leila Joffe
3 Thursdays • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM • August 6, 13 & 20
Explore the lasting influence of Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show through memorable performances, comedy, and television moments that shaped American entertainment.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Introduction to Mah Jongg
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
3 Thursdays • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • August 6, 13 & 20
Learn the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg in a supportive environment designed for beginners and newer players looking to improve their skills.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Tropics to Timbuktu: Exploring the African Continent
Instructor: Judy Okun
2 Fridays • 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM • August 7 & 14
Discover Africa’s geography, history, cultures, and lasting influence through an engaging exploration of one of the world’s most diverse continents.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Camels to Cuneiform: Exploring the Middle East and North Africa
Instructor: Judy Okun
2 Fridays • 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM • August 21 & 28
Examine the history, geography, civilizations, and modern-day issues that have shaped the Middle East and North Africa for thousands of years.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
September Classes
How Politics Works
Instructor: Dr. Bill Rosenberg
2 Mondays • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM • September 14 & 28
Join Dr. Bill Rosenberg for engaging discussions on current political issues, including Jewish voting trends and what may lie ahead in future elections.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Meet the Author: Sarah Rosenson
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
Monday• 1:30 PM • September 14
Meet author and educator Sarah Rosenson as she discusses her latest work and the creative possibilities found within biblical stories.
JCC Member: $18 | Guest/JPATH: $23
Register Here
Ethics in Modern Life
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
2 Tuesdays • 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM • September 22 & 29
Explore contemporary ethical dilemmas through thoughtful discussion and Jewish perspectives.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
“Yamim Noraim” (Days of Awe): The Music of the High Holidays
Instructor: Jeffry Kirshen
2 Wednesdays • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM • September 9 & 16
Reflect on the sounds, traditions, and emotional themes of the High Holidays through Jewish liturgy and classical music.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
The Lighter Side of Jack Nicholson
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
5 Wednesdays • 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM • September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Enjoy five films that showcase Jack Nicholson’s humor, charm, and unforgettable screen presence.
JCC Member: $10/per film | Guest/JPATH: $15/per film
Register Here
How Talk Shows Shaped Television Entertainment: The Modern Talk Show Era
Instructor: Leila Joffe
Thursday • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM • September 3, 10 & 17
Explore how modern talk show hosts helped bring Broadway, comedy, and memorable entertainment moments into homes across America.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here
Part 2: Introduction to Mah Jongg
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
3 Thursdays • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • September 10, 17 & 24
Continue building your Mah Jongg skills through guided gameplay, practice, and beginner-friendly strategy lessons.
JCC Member: $18/per class | Guest/JPATH: $23/per class
Register Here:
Magellan to Monsoons: Expedition to South Asia & Southeast Asia
Instructor: Judy Okun
4 Fridays • 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM • September 4, 11, 18 & 25
Journey through the history, geography, cultures, and global influence of South and Southeast Asia.
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
