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
Women in History: Myths, Legends and Lore
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
While women’s history has often been ignored or even erased over the centuries, many women have made huge impacts on society. Everyday stories are repeated in schools, museums, and television programs because they are catchy, humorous, or entertaining; yet they are far from actual historical reality. This program examines the true and fascinating stories of women from ancient times through the American Revolution who are often described inaccurately and seeks to enlighten them as to their individuality and describe their accurate place in history.
Date and Time: Monday, March 6, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
Founding Mothers
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
In teaching the history of the American Revolution we traditionally focus on the group of men we term the Founding Fathers? of the United States. What is 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, serving as spies, and tending to the wounded. Many women engaged in courageous acts of heroism and sacrifice. Women joined their husbands in the field, doing whatever tasks were necessary. 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.
Date and Time: Monday, March 13, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
The Victorian Woman
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
This program explores the daily lives of women during the mid-Victorian era of the 19860s. The Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from June 1837 until her death on January 22, 1901. The Victorian era seems like another world to us; photography was a new invention and fashions included the hoop skirt, crinolines, and hair jewelry. The one thing that was different was the place of women in society. There were of course perceptive women of independent original thought, but for the huge majority, life was easier if they accepted that a woman’s place was in the home. The story of the Victorian woman is presented through the presentation of original clothing, photographs, magazines, and home implements of the period.
Date and Time: Monday, March 20, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
The Movement for Women’s Rights in the Victorian Era
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
The woman of the Victorian era was taught to be seen and not heard. Many men considered women as wallpaper, lovely to look at but silent in a room. The laws at that time required women to be obedient to their husbands and prevented them from owning property, including the wages they earned. Women fought for the abolition of slavery, and the creation of laws that gave women equal rights with men, better wages for working women, and gaining the right to vote. This was remarkable given that the laws of the country, often enforced by the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court, stood against women gaining equality. This is the story of some of the women who, regardless of the culture of the era, made significant strides in establishing their role as fully equal members of society and led the way for the greater establishment of women’s equality.
Date and Time: Monday, March 27, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
Ethics Thought Experiments
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
In this interactive discussion class, we will explore famous philosophical thought experiments and their practical applications. What does John Rawls’ “veil of ignorance” thought experiment teach us about how to set up a fair and just society? How do philosophers Peter Singer and Onora O’Neil use thought experiments to raise the question of whether people in the developed world are doing enough to help those in the developing world? Come join the conversation!
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 14, 21, & 28, 10:30am-11:45am
Cost: $30 JCC Member, $45 Guest
Link: Register Online
Music of the Breath: Introducing the Didgeridoo & the Music of Australia
Instructor: Ira Miller
During his first March lecture, Ira Miller will introduce the music of the Didgeridoo, a long wooden instrument played by the indigenous peoples of the continent. The class will look at some of the music brought to Australia from the British Isles.
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 7, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
Music of the Breath: The Singing and Playing Styles of Mongolia, the Arctic, and Southeastern Africa
Instructor: Ira Miller
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 21, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
Novice Canasta
Instructor: Bernadette Henessy 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.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 16, 23, 30, & April 20, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Cost: $40 JCC Member, $60 Guest
Link: Register Online
Jerry Herman
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In this course, we will take an in-depth look at the life and works of Jerry Herman. Herman was the lyricist and composer of classics like Milk and Honey, Hello Dolly, Mame, and La Cage.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 16, 23, 30, & April 20, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
How Politics Work: Political National and International Hot Topics
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
We will explore and discuss some of the nations and the world’s hot political topics with Dr. Bill Rosenberg.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 2, 9, & 16, 2:00pm-3:15pm
Cost: $20 JCC Member, $30 Guest
Link: Register Online
Social Guided Play Weekly: Mah Jongg & Canasta
Instructor: Bernadette Henessy May
Do you play Mah Jongg or Canasta and want more practice? Are you looking for a game, or your game didn’t run this week? We have an option just for you! Join us in a friendly, relaxed environment to play, practice, and expand your skills. Bernadette will be available to provide assistance and answer questions. We play 2-, 3-, and 4-person variations of both Canasta and Mah Jongg. Basic Mah Jongg or Canasta knowledge is required.
Date and Time: Friday, March 17, 24, 31, & April 21, 10:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $40 JCC Member, $60 Guest
Link: Register Online
Age of Exploration
Instructor: Judy Okum
Pack your map and parka as we explore the incomparable worlds of Alaska and the Yukon. Through an examination of the Ice Age, megafauna, volcanoes, indigenous peoples, and exploration by Russia, Britain, and other European powers, we will chill with these fabulous and distant lands. Next, we will take a road trip from Juneau to Fairbanks along the Alaska Highway. Pack your astrolabe and hardtack as we examine the incredible European Age of Exploration, which began in the 15th Century. First, let’s investigate earlier maritime voyages of the Vikings, Chinese, and Arabians, all of which contributed to the motivation of western Europeans in crossing oceans and reach strange, new worlds. Next, we will focus on the sea change which occurred when the Iberians ushered in this daring new era.
Date and Time: Friday, March 3, 24, & 31, 10:30am-11:45am
Cost: $30 JCC Member, $45 Guest
Link: Register Online
Upcoming Special Program
Life Long Learning Presents… Avi Wisnia
The Chosen Songwriters: Celebrating the Jews Who Changed Modern Music
Instructor: Avi Wisnia
Join us as award-winning singer & pianist Avi Wisnia performs a joyful concert celebrating Jewish songwriters who changed modern music. With his unique voice and dynamic piano skills, Avi highlights the songwriters whose Jewish identity shines through our most popular and familiar songs in a way that invites the audience to join in and sing along. Throughout, this seasoned entertainer and storyteller weaves in his own funny and heartwarming tales about growing up as the son of a rabbi and grandson of a cantor to showcase how these songs continue to resonate from generation to generation.
Date and Time: Monday, April 24, 12pm-3pm
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $20 Guest
**Lunch Included**
Link: Register Online
The Hobbit and Philosophy
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
In this interactive discussion class, we will apply philosophical questions or ideas to the world of Tolkien’s classic The Hobbit. We will focus on The Hobbit itself, and not the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Did Bilbo behave ethically in the episode of the Arkenstone? How does the riddle game played by Bilbo and Gollum help us think about how we interpret language? Was the Battle of the Five Armies a “Just War?” And how can possessiveness and greed hurt someone, and those around them? Come join the conversation!
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 11, 25, and May 2, 10:30am-11:45am
Cost: $30 JCC Member, $45 Guest
Link: Register Online
Exotic Music: The Music of India pt. I
Instructor: Ira Miller
During his April lectures, Ira Miller will introduce the instruments and traditional folk music of India. In his first lecture, he will go over the various instruments and instrumental families that are utilized, as well as the obstacles that prevent India from having just one musical tradition. In his second and third lectures, Ira will delve deeper into the regional folk music styles found on the subcontinent, as well as the culture, folk instruments, and styles.
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 11, 18, & 25, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: $30 JCC Member, $45 Guest
Link: Register Online
The Hollywood Blacklist
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
The class will watch and discuss a series of 5 films that were released during the Hollywood Blacklist era in the mid-20th century, as well as movies about the time period. The numerous Jews who worked in the entertainment industry were affected by the Blacklist will also be discussed.
April 19th – Force of Evil (1948)
May 10th – Johnny Guitar (1954)
May 17th – Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
June 7th – The Front (1976)
June 14th – Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 19, May 10 and 17, June 7 and 14, 9:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $50 JCC Member, $75 Guest
Link: Register Online
How Politics Work: Political National and International Hot Topics
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
Dr. Rosenberg will present invited talks that will cover contemporary and historical political events and issues that are both domestic and international.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 19, 2pm-3:15pm
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
History’s Mysteries of World War II
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
Historical knowledge is often imperfect or erroneously portrayed by myths, half-truths, general omissions, or even total fabrication. This program, taught by Herb Kaufman, focuses on these unusual and often controversial incidents and events. World War II is often presented in school and in the media as a series of invasions and set-piece battles. However, there were many secret operations and innovations that remained confidential for many years after the war. There are also many actual historical events, incidents, and interesting personalities that are purposely left out of history education, such as the Ghost Army of World War II, the secrets of the Richey Boys, secret drones, bouncing bombs, and the Japanese plan to use weather balloons to attack America.
Date and Time: Thursday, April 20, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
Irving Berlin
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In her April lecture series, Leila will provide an in-depth examination of Irving Berlin’s life and work. Berlin has been dubbed “America’s Greatest Songwriter.”
Date and Time: Thursday, April 20 & 27, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: $20 JCC Member, $30 Guest
Link: Register Online
The Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
On April 11, 1865, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech from the White House about the challenges of reconstructing the nation after the Civil War. In his speech, he publicly endorsed black voting rights and sent a clear message that the way forward had to be peaceful. John Wilkes Booth was among those present. At 10:20 p.m. on April 14, 1865, the world changed, and one of the most heinous acts became an indelible part of American history. The class, led by Herb Kaufman, will explore the compelling story of the conspiracy, examine the background and personalities of the conspirators, and follow their movements on this fateful night.
Date and Time: Friday, April 14, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: $10 JCC Member, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
Russia and its Neighbors
Instructor: Judy Okun
The name “Russia” conveys many images—tundra, Communism, Tsars, Mongols, Siberia—to name just a few. The class, led by Judy Okun, will examine this vast region through a geographic and historical lens, delving into its dramatic and often turbulent past and present while also situating Russia in relation to its neighbors, particularly Ukraine, Central Asia, and China.
Date and Time: Friday, April 14, 21, & 28, 1:00pm-2:15pm
Cost: $30 JCC Member, $45 Guest
Link: Register Online
Wine Tasting
Let’s celebrate Shavuot together and sample some special wine! Join us as we celebrate the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and find some delicious wine to pair at your Shavuot dairy feasts. Kelly Daniels is the owner of The Wine Stellar, specializing in the art of wine and food pairing. She will be guiding us through a wine tasting to go with some dairy delectables you can have during Shavuot.
Date and Time: Monday, May 22, 2pm-4pm
Cost: JCC Member $20, Guest $30
*First come, first serve*
Link: Register Online
Israeli Dancing
Instructor: Don of RAK-DAN Entertainment
Do you love Israeli music or are you interested in hearing it? Are you looking for an opportunity to take a dance class that isn’t overwhelming? Then don’t miss this series of classes! Some classic and contemporary dances will be taught, and in the process, you will learn the basic steps used to create Israeli Dances. You will experience the joy of dancing, the intellectual experience of learning & recalling choreography, and the fun & social aspects of communal cultural dancing.
No experience necessary!
Date and Time: Monday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 9:00am-9:45am
Cost: JCC Member $10, Guest $15
Link: Register Online
The Secret Army: The History of Female Spies – Part I
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
Spies and espionage are among the least understood but most fascinating aspects of history. Intelligence gathering has traditionally been considered the domain of men. Until recently, the exploits of women who served as spies have often been overlooked or considered of little importance. Herb Kaufman details the fascinating exploits and daring of many of the female spies from the Revolutionary War through the mid-Civil War. When many colonists decided to end their relationship with England to become an independent nation, women worked as agents for both the British and the Patriots. During the Civil War, women served in espionage for both the Union and the Confederacy.
Date and Time: Monday, May 15, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: JCC Member $10, $15 Guest
Link: Register Online
The Secret Army: The History of Female Spies – Part II
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
During the Civil War, women disguised themselves as actresses and servants and even feigned ignorance to obtain secrets. They obtained valuable information and were eventually recognized for their contributions to both the Union and the Confederacy. In World War II, a woman headed the intelligence gathering “Alliance,” France’s largest intelligence gathering and resistance network. Women spies were major contributors to the success of both the British Special Operations Executive and the American Office of Strategic Services. Some of these spies were caught and executed; some just disappeared into history, while others wrote of their exploits and adventures. All of these heroic women are finally being recognized as women who exhibited great intelligence and extraordinary bravery.
Date and Time: Monday, May 22, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: JCC Member $10, Guest $15
Link: Register Online
The U.S. & China
Instructor: Buntzie Ellis Churchill
Buntzie Ellis Churchill, Director of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, was formerly a member of N.Y.’s Council on Foreign Relations, a trustee of Drexel University and more than a dozen other non-profits, joins us at the Katz JCC to offer a dynamic 2-part class. Buntzie was President of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia for 23 years. She led the organization as it became one of the nation’s top ten public policy forums. It was a prestigious platform for the discussion of national and international social, political, and economic issues. (On who else’s podium could you hear Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher in the same month?)
Join Buntzie as she explores China, a country she has visited many times.
May 1: Invisible China: The differences between the urban and rural populations.
May 8: The military competition between the US and China. Is the U.S. still a superpower? The answer is ‘Yes, but…’)
Date and Time: Mondays, May 1 & 8, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: JCC Member $20, Guest $30
Link: Register Online
Ethics and Journalism
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
In this interactive discussion class, we will explore ethical issues that journalists face. For instance, what are the ethical issues that come up when journalists report on mass shootings? Should journalists ever publish stories based only on anonymous sources? Come join the conversation!
Date and Time: Tuesdays, May 30, June 6 and 13, 10:30am-11:45am
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
Exotic Music: The Music of India pt. II
Instructor: Ira Miller
In Part II of his lecture series about the music of India, the subject of Ira’s first class will be devoted to the movie music of India and how Western music has been incorporated into Indian culture. Although most major countries have a single city known for its film industry, such as Hollywood in the United States, India has four distinct, competing film industries that reflect the various languages and tastes of its filmgoers. Ira will demonstrate films from each of India’s film industries. Ira will also show how cultures outside of India influence Indian music during this session. The second- and third-class sessions will examine two Indian classical music traditions, attempts to create music that combines Indian and Western classical music traditions, and how Indian music has influenced American popular music.
Date and Time: Tuesdays, May 9, 16, 23, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
How Politics Work: Political National and International Hot Topics
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
Dr. Rosenberg will present invited talks that will cover contemporary and historical political events and issues that are both domestic and international.
Date and Time: Wednesdays, May 3, 17, 24, 2pm-3:15pm
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
Novice Mah Jongg (American Style)
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.
Date and Time: Thursdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 1pm-3pm
Cost: JCC Member $40, Guest $60
Link: Register Online
George Gershwin
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In her May lecture series, Leila will provide an in-depth examination of George Gershwin’s life and work.
Date and Time: Thursdays, May 4, 11, 18, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
Social Guided Play Weekly: Mah Jongg & Canasta
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
Do you play Mah Jongg or Canasta and want more practice? Are you looking for a game, or your game didn’t run this week? We have an option just for you! Join us in a friendly, relaxed environment to play, practice, and expand your skills. Bernadette will be available to provide assistance and answer questions. We play 2-, 3-, and 4-person variations of both Canasta and Mah Jongg. Basic Mah Jongg or Canasta knowledge is required. *If you own Mah Jongg cards, please bring them*
Date and Time: Fridays, May 5, 12, 19 and June 2, 10am-12pm
Cost: JCC Member $40, Guest $60
Link: Register Online
The English Language: A Journey
Instructor: Judy Okun
Join instructor Judy Okun as she leads the class in tracing the evolution of the English language in Britain, from its Germanic origins through Norse and Norman invasions to its current position as a global language. We will also examine the development of alphabets and the concept of language families, endangered languages, language as a marker of migration and cultural status, and discuss English in the context of the Indo-European Language Family.
Date and Time: Fridays, May 5, 12, 19, 1:00pm-2:15pm
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
Images Burned into Memory: The Story of the Battle of Gettysburg
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
During three days in July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg became indelibly etched in the American memory. Almost as soon as the armies began to move away, people came to the battlefield as if drawn by some irresistible force. This is the stirring story of these three turbulent days and the people, events, and images that have been burned into our American memory. Authentic Civil War antique weapons used by the armies at the Battle of Gettysburg are presented in person as part of the program.
Date and Time: Monday, June 12, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: JCC Member $10, Guest $15
Link: Register Online
“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.
Date and Time: Monday, June 19, 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: JCC Member $10, Guest $15
Link: Register Online
Exotic Music: The Music of the Middle East and Africa
Instructor: Ira Miller
The music of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will be the focus of Ira Miller’s June classes. Beginning with a comparison of Middle Eastern and Western musical styles, Session 1 then moves on to the fundamental elements of Arabic music. Session 2 delves into Middle Eastern instruments, how Middle Eastern music has influenced Western cultures, and a brief discussion about their classical music. The music of Sub-Saharan Africa is covered in Session 3, along with the main distinctions between African and Western music, the main musical genres, and the instruments. The final lecture in this series will examine the contemporary music scene in Africa and the influence of African music on Western culture.
Date and Time: Tuesdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: JCC Member $40, Guest $60
Link: Register Online
How Politics Work: Political National and International Hot Topics
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
Dr. Rosenberg will present invited talks that will cover contemporary and historical political events and issues that are both domestic and international.
Date and Time: Wednesdays, May 31, June 7 and 14, 2pm-3:15pm
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
Novice 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.
Date and Time: Thursdays, June 8, 15, 22, 29, 1pm-3pm
Cost: JCC Member $40, Guest $60
Link: Register Online
Cole Porter
Instructor: Leila Joffe
In her June lecture series, Leila will provide an in-depth examination of Cole Porter’s life and work.
Date and Time: Thursdays, June 1, 8, 15, 1:30pm-2:45pm
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
Social Guided Play Weekly: Mah Jongg & Canasta
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
Do you play Mah Jongg or Canasta and want more practice? Are you looking for a game, or your game didn’t run this week? We have an option just for you! Join us in a friendly, relaxed environment to play, practice, and expand your skills. Bernadette will be available to provide assistance and answer questions. We play 2-, 3-, and 4-person variations of both Canasta and Mah Jongg. Basic Mah Jongg or Canasta knowledge is required. *If you own Mah Jongg cards, please bring them*
Date and Time: Fridays, June 16, 23, 30 and July 7, 10am-12pm
Cost: JCC Member $40, Guest $60
Link: Register Online
Expedition: Latin America
Instructor: Judy Okun
Pack your compass and atlas as we explore the incomparable region of Latin America—an area rich in diverse landscapes, cultures, histories, resources, and biodiversity. Through a combined historical, geographic, and cultural lens, we will explore this fascinating world—its unique physical situation and human encounters with the land. Tectonics, the Ice Age, Indigenous groups, European encounters, native foods and animals, and Latin America’s relationship with North America and beyond will be explored.
Date and Time: Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 10am-11:15am
Cost: JCC Member $30, Guest $45
Link: Register Online
