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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
Hollywood and the Movies of World War II: The War Years
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
Beginning in the late 1930’s, Hollywood began to produce movies such as Charlie Chaplin’s political satire, The Great Dictator, conveying the turbulent political times. As the war in Europe continued to expand and more countries fell to the Axis Powers, Hollywood produced a series of anti-Nazi films which served to bring Nazi atrocities to the attention of the American public. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hollywood actors and directors quickly enlisted in the war effort. Hollywood banded together as never before and gave of their time, money, and hearts to support the war. This program looks at many of the notable, interesting, and more remarkable films that capture different aspects and perspectives of World War II.
Monday, January 6
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20
Guest: $25
“Frankly My Dear:” Hollywood and the Civil War
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
John Wayne, Morgan Freeman, Olivia de Havilland, and Sally Field are but a few of the countless notable Hollywood stars who appeared in motion pictures that have the Civil War as their narrative. While no Civil War movie captures the breadth and depth of the entire war experience, there are some notable films that teach about the war, while others are notable for their absurdity or simply sugar-coating reality. This program presents many of the notable, interesting, and remarkable films that capture different perspectives on the Civil War. It examines the writers, novels, and films, many of which have become iconic depictions of this historic era.
Monday, January 13
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20
Guest: $25
Spotlight on Ofra Bikel: A Journey Through Investigative Filmmaking
Instructor: Harriet Hendel
Join us for an insightful series exploring the work of acclaimed PBS filmmaker Ofra Bikel. In each session, we’ll watch a different film from her investigative series, followed by a thought-provoking discussion. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Bikel’s impactful storytelling and examine the pressing issues she brings to light. Ofra Bikel was born in Tel Aviv and has written, directed, and produced her work on FRONTLINE (PBS).
January 6, 2025: Burden of Innocence
January 13, 2025: When Kids Get Life
January 27, 2025: The Confessions
3 Mondays
January 6, 13, and 27
1-2:30pm
JCC Members: $10
Guest: $15
How Politics Works: National & Internation Hot Topics
Instructor: 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 transition of the national government, policy development in Congress and the White House, and if courts provide refuge.
2 Mondays
January 6 & 13
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Chess — New Year, New Hobby
Instructor: Gerry Lomsky
It’s a New Year — Try a New Hobby — Make new friends — Learn a new skill
We will have fun, excitement, and meet new people with casual, competitive, and friendly games. BEGINNGERS WELCOME! Lessons are available in each session. This class will be led by Gerry Lomsky, a former teacher in Haddonfield Public Schools, supervisor of Tatem Elementary Chess Club, and a teacher at Pioneer Academy of Cherry Hill.
4 Tuesdays
January 7, 14, 21, and 28
9:30-10:30am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Ethics in Modern Life: Scenarios from the NY Times Ethicist
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
In each of these sessions we will discuss several real-life ethical dilemmas sent in to the New York Times Ethicist Column. Our first class will focus on ethical dilemmas arising between family members. Next, we will look at situations where someone is stealing something. And the scenarios in our third class will raise the question whether it is ethical to report someone else when they are behaving badly. (These are all different dilemmas than the ones we discussed in October.) *please make sure the sentence in paragraphs is bolded and the word different is underlined*
3 Tuesdays
January 14, 21, and 28
10:30-11:45am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Legendary Hollywood Actresses
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Celebrate some of the greatest actresses in film history with this six-week series that showcases their talent, beauty and versatility. Hosted by Irv Slifkin, professor of Journalism, Temple University.
1/8- Katherine Hepburn: The Philadelphia Story (1940)
1/15- Bette Davis: The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)
1/22- Carole Lombard: Twentieth Century (1934)
1/29- Barbara Stanwyck: The Lady Eve (1941)
4 Wednesdays
January 8, 15, 22, and 29
1:30-3:30pm
JCC Members: $10/per class
Guest: $15/per class
Pickleball 101
Instructor: Avi Yehuda
Come learn the fundamentals of pickleball in session one and get on the courts to have fun for the other three sessions. Participants must feel comfortable moving around on the court, forward, backwards, and laterally by 2 to 3 steps. Limited spots available; first come, first served! Class will be on the first day and the remainder of classes will be on the court.
*All equipment will be provided. Please wear sneakers. *
4 Wednesdays
January 8, 15, 22, and 29
1-2pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Introduction to Canasta
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May, Owner of Game Friendzy
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!
4 Thursdays
January 9, 16, 23, and 30
12:30-2pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Fascinating World of Movie Musicals pt. 1
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In this series, we will delve into the fascinating world of movie musicals. We will examine both timeless classics and modern movie musicals.
3 Thursdays
January 16, 23, and 30
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Expedition: Black Sea and Ukraine
Instructor: Judy Okun
The Black Sea and Ukraine have been at the center of world events for thousands of years. Throughout history, there have been waves of invaders whose objective was to control this vital area. We will explore what makes this area so unique and important by investigating its geography, prehistory, and modern history as well.
3 Fridays
January 17, 24 & 31
10-11:15am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25 /per class
1777 – The Pivotal Year: Philadelphia to Valley Forge
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
This is the often-forgotten history of the British Campaign to seize Philadelphia. In 1776, Philadelphia was the largest city in the United States and the first American capital. In 1776, British General Sir William Howe captured the city of New York, and in the following year set his sights on the capital of Philadelphia. Washington’s army settled into winter quarters at Valley Forge. Despite the conditions, the Continental Army came out of the ordeal stronger and more disciplined than ever, ready to take on the British army. Washington proved the Americans would continue to fight regardless of what cities the British held. Washington and the Patriots continued to fight even with the major cities under enemy occupation. As long as the Continental Army existed and could fight, the war would continue.
Monday, February 10
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20
Guest: $25
New Jersey Patriots and Loyalists in the Revolutionary War
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
This is the true history of a little-known part of the American Revolution. Even Benjamin Franklin’s son William, was the Loyalist Governor of New Jersey. George Washington wrote: “The conduct of the Jerseys has been most infamous; instead of turning out to defend their country and affording aid to our Army, they are making their submissions as fast as they can.” We are taught that with the Declaration of Independence American citizens rose up against the British government. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Monday, February 24
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20
Guest: $25
How Politics Works: National & Internation Hot Topics
Instructor: 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 international conflicts and how the United States plays a role, Federalism (the interaction of local, state and national government), and how political polls work.
3 Mondays
February 3, 10, and 24
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Keyboard Music for Beginners
Instructor: Gerry Lomsky
Learn a new life-long hobby and have fun! We will work with 61-key musical keyboards and start at a beginner level. By concentrating on basics, we will enjoy playing easy, wonderful melodies. The course will be taught by Gerry Lomsky, formerly of Haddonfield Public Schools and Pioneer Academy of Cherry Hill.
4 Tuesdays
February 4, 11, 18, and 25
9:30-10:15am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Molly Antopol — Three Short Stories
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
Each week we will discuss one short story from the collection The UnAmericans by Molly Antopol. Participants will get the most out of our sessions if they have read each story before class and bring a copy of the book to class with them. On February 4 we will discuss the story The Old World, on the 11th My Grandmother Tells Me This Story, and on the 18th The Quietest Man.
3 Tuesdays
February 4, 11, and 18
10:30-11:45am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Legendary Hollywood Actresses
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Celebrate some of the greatest actresses in film history with this six-week series that showcases their talent, beauty and versatility. Hosted by Irv Slifkin, professor of Journalism, Temple University.
2/5- Claudette Colbert: The Palm Beach Story (1942)
2/12- Irene Dunne: The Awful Truth (1936)
2 Wednesdays
February 5 & 12
1:30-3:30pm
JCC Members: $10/per class
Guest: $15/per class
Pickleball 101
Instructor: Avi Yehuda
Come learn the fundamentals of pickleball in session one and get on the courts to have fun for the other three sessions. Participants must feel comfortable moving around on the court, forward, backwards, and laterally by 2 to 3 steps. Limited spots available; first come, first served! Class will be on the first day and the remainder of classes will be on the court.
*All equipment will be provided. Please wear sneakers. *
4 Wednesdays
February 5, 12, 19, and 26
1-2pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Canasta Strategies
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May, Owner of Game Friendzy
Do you know how to play canasta and want to improve your play and enjoyment? This four-week course will cover topics including 5-card and 3-card rules, signaling sevens, using special hands, and more. Each week a new concept will be introduced, and then it is off to the tables to play, enjoy, and improve our canasta game.
4 Thursdays
February 6, 13, 20, and 27
12:30pm – 2pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Fascinating World of Movie Musicals pt. 2
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In this class, we will delve into the fascinating world of movie musicals. We will examine both timeless classics and modern movie musicals.
3 Thursdays
February 13, 20, and 27
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Southern Crossing: An Exploration of Australia
Instructor: Judy Okun
The name “Australia” conveys many images—the Outback, indigenous inhabitants, unique fauna, European exploration—to name just a few. This class will examine Australia through a combined geographical and historical lens, delving into a mosaic of topics which will help to explain what makes Australia so unique– tectonics, the Ice Age, and human encounters with the land beginning over 40,000 years ago. The geopolitical challenges and opportunities that result from Australia’s proximity to China and the Pacific Rim will round out our encounter with this extraordinary Southern land.
3 Fridays
February 13, 21 & 28
10-11:15am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Founding Mothers
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
In teaching the history of the American Revolution we traditionally focus on the group of men we term as the “Founding Fathers” of the United States. What are often ignored are the significant and important roles played by many women in the War for Independence. Women organized the Daughters of Liberty and performed crucial tasks in the American Revolution, organizing fundraising drives, supplying the troops, working in the military camps, serving as spies, and tending to the wounded soldiers. Many women engaged in courageous acts of heroism and sacrifice. This is the history of many of these selfless and heroic women whose role in the service of the revolution is often ignored and forgotten.
Monday, March 3
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20
Guest: $25
The Struggle for Women’s Rights
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
Known as the “Victorin Age”, the 63-year reign of Queen Victoria was a witness to extraordinary changes in culture and society across the world. These changes ranged from the introduction of the postage stamp, through the era of the American Civil War, and world changing innovations and inventions. The history of the Victorian era conventionally focuses on the inventions and innovations of the late 19th century. What are often ignored are the significant and important roles played by many women who stepped out of their traditional roles to assume leadership positions in gaining their rights as citizens. Victorian women became a force in the abolition of slavery, the fight for better wages, and the 42-year struggle for women’s suffrage.
Monday, March 17
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20
Guest: $25
Modern Masters: Georgia O’Keeffe
Instructor: Leeannwyn Stoner
Art Workshop in oil pastel celebrating women’s history month with “the Mother of American Modernism” Georgia O’Keeffe. This workshop will include a short review of the Modern Master’s work with flowers and then create your own piece in that style with oil pastel. Please feel free to bring your own oil pastels, however, all materials will be provided. Any artistic level is welcome.
Monday, March 10
1 – 2:30pm
JCC Members: $20
Guest: $25
How Politics Works: National & Internation Hot Topics
Instructor: 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 women in politics and the impact of age on politics.
3 Mondays
March 3, 10, and 17
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Keyboard Music— Beyond the Basics:
Instructor: Gerry Lomsky
A wonderful opportunity to improve (or re-learn) your musical skills and music theory knowledge. We will concentrate on chord theory and develop skills with a multi-fingering approach. Musical rhythmical patterns and styles of playing will also be introduced, while learning folk and pop songs, as well as show tunes. The course will be taught by Gerry Lomsky, formerly of Haddonfield Public Schools and Pioneer Academy of Cherry Hill.
4 Tuesdays
March 4, 11, 18, and 25
9:30-10:15am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Text and Art: Four Bible Stories
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
Each week we will study and discuss the text of a famous biblical passage from the Jewish Bible (Tanakh) or the Christian New Testament. Then we will look at two to four works by different artists depicting the scene. The stories discussed will be Pharaoh’s daughter finding the baby Moses, David and Goliath, the parable of the prodigal son, and not casting the first stone. Artists will include Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Poussin, Bernini, and Alma-Tadema.
4 Tuesdays
March 4, 11, 18, and 25
10:30-11:45am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
Introduction to Mah Jongg
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May, Owner of Game Friendzy
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
March 6, 20, and 27
12:30pm – 2pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25 class/per class
Talent & Legacy of Women in Entertainment
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In this course, we will explore the remarkable contributions of great women in theater and film. We will examine the talent and legacy of such iconic artists as Katharine Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Julie Andrews, and many more.
3 Thursdays
March 6, 20, and 27
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25 class/per class
The Great Plains: An Exploration
Instructor: Judy Okun
The Great Plains region conveys images of vast grasslands, bison, and wide-open spaces. With a combined geographical and historical lens, we will delve into this incredible part of the US, from dinosaurs to bison, Native Americans to pioneers, the Ice Age to the Age of Conquistadors. Through slides and lively discussion, we will discuss this quintessential part of the US and why it is so important and unique to the history of North America.
2 Fridays
March 21 & 28
10-11:15am
JCC Members: $20/per class
Guest: $25/per class
