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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
Introducing our NEW 10% Discount! Purchase 3 classes in advance and receive a 10% discount on most classes offered. Join the Adult Enrichment Department in the lobby for coffee and receive your special discount code. Some restrictions apply.
Dates:
March 24 – March 28
April 7, 9, and 11
9am – 12pm
Members: Register through Daxco for each individual class using the links below.
Non-Members: Sign up for JPath for complimentary membership access here. Then, register for each individual class using the links below.
Wednesday, June 11th – Friday, June 13th
9:30am – 4:00pm
Location: Katz JCC and Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Bus Trip includes roundtrip Coach Bus, ticket to the museum, docent-led tour, and box lunch.
Join us for an unforgettable three-day Adult Camp experience! From Wednesday, June 11 – Friday, June 13, immerse yourself in a dynamic lineup of activities with a group of fellow-Adult Campers. On Thursday we hit the road to travel together by bus to Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, for an exclusive behind-the-glass tour of the exhibits like you’ve never experienced.
Every day of camp will feature a special start – camp-style – followed with activities including unique speakers, physical movement, team games, live performances, morning and afternoon snacks, all day coffee, and a great lunch. Friday afternoon we celebrate Shabbat together, followed with a very special performance, all the way from Broadway, by the incomparable Sue Speidel.
This all-inclusive experience is designed for active adults looking to learn, laugh, and have fun together!! T-shirt, s’mores, and sing-along included!
JCC Member Package: $162 • Guest Package: $180
How Politics Works: National & International Hot Topics
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
We will explore and discuss some of the nations and world’s hot political topics with Dr. Bill Rosenberg.
Monday, April 21
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Chess Club
Instructor: Gerry Lomsky
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
April 8, 15, 22, and 29
9:30-10:30am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Ethics in Modern Life
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
In each of these sessions we will discuss a different ethical issue that has strong arguments on both sides. Topics will include: Should billionaires exist? Does their huge wealth indicate something unjust and unethical about how our society is structured, or not? When should the government mandate safety features on certain dangerous products, and when should it be left to the consumer whether they want to pay more for the added safety? What are the ethical issues around “robo-reporters,” or stories written by artificial intelligence? We will also discuss three issues that have been in the news lately involving how people treat animals.
4 Tuesdays
April 1, 8, 15, and 22
10:30-11:45am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
The World of Classic Crime Films
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Take a return trip back to 1940s and 1950s with a five-week series of superb crime films that snap, crackle and pop with thrills and mystery. Hosted by Temple University professor Irv Slifkin.
April 2 – Night and the City (1950) w/Richard, Widmark, Gene Tierney and Googie Winters
April 9 – The Big Combo (1955) w/Cornel Wilde, Jean Wallace, Richard Conte
April 16 – Strangers on a Train (1951) w/Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, Robert Walker
April 23 – The Narrow Margin (1952) w/Charles McGraw, Marie Windsor, Jaqueline White
April 30 – Odd Man Out (1947) w/James Mason, Robert Newton, Cyril Cusack
5 Wednesdays
April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
1-3:15pm
JCC Members: $10/per session
Guest: $15/per session
Introduction to Hand & Foot
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
Hand & Foot is a canasta variation where 3-6 decks of cards are used (typically one more deck of cards than you have players). No canasta knowledge is necessary to play this fun engaging game. Hand & Foot is typically played with 2-5 players but can be played with as many as 8. Originally created in the 1950s, it is growing in popularity.
3 Thursdays
April 3, 10, and 17
1-3pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
The Legends of Laughter: Exploring the Greatest Stage and Film Comedians Pt. 1
Instructor: Leila Joffe
Join us on a journey through the world of comedy in this engaging course that delves into the lives, careers, and legacies of the greatest comedians in stage and film history. We will delve into the lives and careers of Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, and Lucille Ball. Through a combination of lectures and video clips we will explore “Your Show of Shows,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Producers,” “I Love Lucy,” and excerpts from Neil Simon’s plays and musicals.
3 Thursdays
April 3 and 17
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
From Geysers to Grizzlies: Exploring Yellowstone National Park
Instructor: Judy Okun
The name Yellowstone conveys images of bison, blizzards and geysers. Called the American Serengeti, it is a land like no other in the US. Wildlife, thermal activity, and stunning scenery attract visitors from around the globe. We will explore these fascinating aspects of Yellowstone, in addition to delving into its fascinating tectonics and geologic situation.
Friday, April 4
10-11:15am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
The Incredible History of the English Monarchy
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
From Alfred the Great in the ninth century to Charles III today, 57 monarchs have ruled England—some in splendor, others in obscurity, with a few meeting tragic ends. From King George III and Queen Charlotte (as seen in Bridgerton) to Henry VIII’s wives, Lady Jane Grey, Bloody Mary, Queen Victoria, and the dramas of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, the monarchy has left an indelible mark on history. Deeply ingrained in British culture, royal weddings, births, and tragedies continue to captivate the world. This is the compelling story of the British monarchy.
Monday, May 5
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Expressive Painting Workshop
Instructor: Leeannwynn Stoner
Instructor Provides: Canvas Board, Paint, Water & palette mixing boards, Table cloths
Join in a 2-hour painting workshop that gives the artist complete freedom to make art without any preconceived ideas other than color. Remind artists of the instinctive art-making process and a discussion point. Bring your own inspired acrylic paint colors. The instructor will supply all the other materials, the canvas board and additional paint for color mixing. Any artistic level is welcome! Bring 1 favorite acrylic paint color, 2 oz. or larger.
Monday, May 5
9:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $30/per session
Guest: $35/per session
Oil Pastel Workshop
Instructor: Leeannwynn Stoner
Want to try oil pastels or learn more about them? Create a drawing using our oil pastels, linseed oil, extenders and smudge brushes with this soft blending medium. This instructional class will allow any artistic level to learn and practice oil pastel drawing. We supply all the materials, but feel free to bring your own oil pastels.
Monday, May 19
9:30 – 11:30am
JCC Members: $30/per session
Guest: $35/per session
The Soldier and His Lady: A Look at Victorian life, Culture, and Fashion
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
The Victorian era upheld strict roles for women, keeping them within the home. By the 1860s, the American Civil War disrupted this structure, leading to shifts in women’s roles. Alongside these changes, photography flourished, and styles like hoop skirts, crinolines, and hair jewelry defined fashion. This program explores the perspectives of both volunteer soldiers and women during this pivotal era. This program features our delightful collection of original clothing, books, photographs, household items and artifacts. By presenting the original antiques of this notable era, this program presents a historic look at the culture and fashion of the era.
Monday, May 19
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
How Politics Works: National & International Hot Topics
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
We will explore and discuss some of the nations and world’s hot political topics with Dr. Bill Rosenberg.
3 Mondays
May 5, 12, and 19
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
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
May 6, 13, 20, and 27
9:30-10:30am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Pickleball 101
Instructor: Avi Yehuda
Come learn the fundamentals of pickleball in session one and get on the courts to have fun in session two. 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
May 7, 14, 21, 28
1-2pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Legendary Actresses
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Celebrate more of the greatest actresses in film history with this eight-week series that showcases their talent, beauty and versatility. Hosted by Irv Slifkin, professor of Journalism, Temple University.
May 7 – Ingrid Bergman: Notorious (1946) w/Cary Grant, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern
May 14 – Rita Hayworth: Gilda (1946) w/Glenn Ford, George Macready, Joseph Calleia
May 21 – Marlene Dietrich: Witness for the Prosecution (1957) w/Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester
May 28 – Lauren Bacall: To Have and Have Not (1944) w/Humphrey Bogart, Walter Brennan, Hoagy Carmichael
4 Wednesdays
May 7, 14, 21, and 28
1-3:15pm
JCC Members: $10/per session
Guest: $15/per session
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
May 1, 8, and 15
1-3pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
The Legends of Laughter: Exploring the Greatest Stage and Film Comedians Pt. 2
Instructor: Leila Joffe
Join us on a journey through the world of comedy in this engaging course that delves into the lives, careers, and legacies of the greatest comedians in stage and film history. We will delve into the lives and careers of female musical comedy legends. Some of the great artists we will explore are Bette Midler, Carol Burnett, Elaine Stritch, Kristin Chenoweth, Mary Martin, Barbra Streisand, and Carol Channing.
3 Thursdays
May 15, 22, and 29
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Boom to Bust: Exploring World Population Dynamics
Instructor: Judy Okun
In this course, we will chart world population dynamics – migration and growth – from the hunter gatherers of the Great Ice Age to our modern industrialized world. Famines, technology, pandemics, social and climate changes have all affected human population growth throughout human history. With these factors as a backdrop, we will examine why parts of the world are experiencing low or no population growth, while others are experiencing rapid growth. The implications of these dynamics will be investigated as well. Some of the locations to be examined: Nigeria, China, Italy, Japan, India, and the US.
2 Fridays
May 2 & 9
10-11:15am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
“We’re Bigger than US Steel:” The Jewish Mafia of the Early 20th Century
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
The Prohibition era was a golden age for organized crime, and Jewish gangsters capitalized on the opportunity, dominating bootlegging and illegal trade. Men like Arnold Rothstein, Louis “Lepke” Buckhalter, and Dutch Schultz built powerful criminal empires across the country, controlling not just alcohol, but gambling and extortion as well. With their reign backed by ruthless enforcers like Ice Pick Willie and Kid Twist, these men became legends in the criminal world. This program uncovers the myth and reality of Jewish gangsters, exploring their complex roles in organized crime on both organized crime and the broader cultural narrative during this turbulent period in Jewish American history.
2 Mondays
June 9 & June 16
10:30-11:30am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
How Politics Works: National & International Hot Topics
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
We will explore and discuss some of the nations and world’s hot political topics with Dr. Bill Rosenberg.
2 Mondays
June 9 & 16
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
College Behind Bars
Instructor: Harriet Hendel
This is a 4-part series of documentaries (each one is 55 minutes) available ONLY on PBS Passport. The series highlights the Bard Prison Initiative in a maximum-security prison called “Eastern” in upstate New York.
Bard College professors teach high-level college classes to men doing time at Eastern Correctional Facility in Naponach, NY. In each session, we will watch the 55-minute documentary together and have time for a discussion afterward.
June 9 – “No One Ever Taught Me Any of That”
June 17 – “I’m Trying to Get Home to My Family Too”
June 23 – “Every Single Word Matters”
June 30 – Home Is A Work In Progress”
4 Mondays
June 9, 17, 23, and 30
1-2:30pm
JCC Members: $10/per session
Guest: $15/per session
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.
3 Tuesdays
June 10, 17, and 24
9:30-10:30am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
New York Times Ethicist: Ethics in Parenting
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
We will talk about four scenarios from the New York Times Ethicist column about whether and how parents should treat children equally in various challenging circumstances. Come share your views!
Tuesday, June 10
10:30-11:45am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
New York Times Ethicist: Ethics of Financial Transactions
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
We will talk about four scenarios from the New York Times Ethicist column about various financial transactions. These scenarios will include social gatherings, professional opportunities, or personal experiences.
Tuesday, June 24
10:30-11:45am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Legendary Actresses
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Celebrate more of the greatest actresses in film history with this eight-week series that showcases their talent, beauty and versatility. Hosted by Irv Slifkin, professor of Journalism, Temple University.
June 4 – Jean Arthur: The More the Merrier (1943) w/ Joel McCrea, Charles Coburn, Richard Gaines
June 18 – Audrey Hepburn: Roman Holiday (1953) w/ Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power
June 25 – Doris Day: Pillow Talk (1959) w/ Rock Hudson, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter
3 Wednesdays
June 4, 18, and 25
1-3:15pm
JCC Members: $10/per session
Guest: $15/per session
Mah Jongg Strategies
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
Do you already play Mah Jongg and want to up your game? Each week, we will play Mah Jongg and take time to discuss strategies such as picking your hand, evaluating, and finding connections on the card, defensive playing, and more!
3 Thursdays
June 12, 19, and 26
1-3pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
The Legends of Laughter: Exploring the Greatest Stage and Film Comedians Pt. 3
Instructor: Leila Joffe
Join us on a journey through the world of comedy in this engaging course that delves into the lives, careers, and legacies of the greatest comedians in stage and film history. We will delve into the comedic genius of Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler. Through clips and discussion, we will rediscover some of their most iconic moments.
3 Thursdays
June 5, 12, and 26
1:30-2:45pm
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
Spice and the Making of Modern Europe
Instructor: Judy Okun
While we may take them for granted today, spices have been prized as luxury items throughout much of history. Food preservation, medicinal purposes, and flavoring are just some of the reasons for their allure. From an inconspicuous point of origin in Southeast Asia, we will investigate how a few specific spices created the impetus for Western Europe’s incredible trans-oceanic voyages of the 15th through 17th centuries and its establishment as a center of world commerce, power and wealth.
Friday, June 27
10-11:15am
JCC Members: $20/per session
Guest: $25/per session
