Katz JCC Center for Learning & Growth Classes

Spring Evening Course Brochure

How to Register

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.


Charcoal & Brush: A Three-Class Art Workshop 

Wednesdays, April 9, 16, 30 

7pm-8:30pm 

Session One: Using carbon pencils, you will learn the basics of drawing. From large, to medium to small shapes, you will investigate shape and spatial relationships of a still life. By the end of the evening, you will have a contour line drawing laid out on your drawing paper.  Session Two: Learn basic charcoal drawing skills, how to blend, feather, hatch and cross hatch. Learn what a light source is and why it is so very important to your form! Session Three: One day paint event! We will paint this painting in its entirety! Nicole will lead you step by step so that you can bring your finished painting home that evening!  All levels welcome! All supplies provided.   Instructor: Nicole Blank 

Register Here

JCC Member: $90 | Guest: $105 


Thursday Evening Mah Jongg Game Nights (For Beginners and All Levels)

 Thursday, April 10 – Game Night One 

Thursday, May 1 – Game Night Two 

Thursday, June 5 – Game Night Three

 6:30pm: Dinner

 7pm-8:30pm

Looking for a fun and social night out? Join us for one, two or three Mah Jongg workshops with expert instructor Bernadette Hennessy May! Whether you’re new to the game or want to sharpen your skills, enjoy an evening of learning, laughter, and lively play. Come with friends or meet new ones—instruction is available at each session! Dinner included. Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May

Register Here 

JCC Member: $30 per Game Night | Guest: $35 per Game Night

*Register for 2 or 3 Game Nights to receive a 10% discount. Contact HDimassimo@jfedsnj.org for more information.


Find Your Inner Calm: Mindfulness and Meditation with Karen 

Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30 

7pm-8:30pm 

Join us on Wednesdays for a 3-session workshop with Karen! This experience will provide tools to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace including mindfulness prompts, guided meditation, and journaling/writing to help you relax, refocus, and recharge. Whether you’re new to or have experienced meditation or mindfulness, this workshop is the perfect way to reset and unwind. All Levels Welcome.   Instructor: Karen Taylor-Bass, Wellness and Meditation Coach 

Register Here

JCC Member: $60 | Guest: $75 


1A Hebrew Beginner 

Tuesdays, April 22, 29 

Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20 

7pm-8:30pm 

Build on the fundamentals of the Hebrew alphabet, letter recognition, and pronunciation. By the end of the 5 weeks, you will have some basic vocabulary and conversational skills.   Instructor: Dana Amsili is a seasoned educator with 21 years of experience teaching both children and adults in Israel and the United States. 

Register Here

JCC Member: $150 | Guest: $175 


The Biblical Art of Marc Chagall 

Wednesday, April 30 Wednesdays, May 7, 14 

7pm-8:30pm 

There is a museum in Nice, France, devoted exclusively to paintings of Biblical scenes by the Jewish painter Marc Chagall.  At the beginning of the first session of this interactive class, we will discuss Chagall’s biography.  In every session we will read and discuss the text of a Bible story he depicted, closely examine one or two of his wonderful paintings, and compare them to works by other artists.   Instructor: Sarah Rosenson, Master’s in Jewish Studies (B.A. Georgetown University and J.D. University of Pennsylvania). 

Register Here

JCC Member | $90 Guest: $105 


Chapter & Verse Evening Book Discussions 

Wednesday, April 30: Door to Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn 

Wednesday, May 28: Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon 

Wednesday, June 25: World by Julia Scheeres and Allison Gilbert

7pm-8:30pm 

Calling all book lovers! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect monthly with fellow readers and share insights on these three extraordinary novels.  Instructor: Anne McCracken, our JCC Librarian. The book discussion group meets three times this season for thought-provoking discussions.

Register Here

JCC Member: $45 Guest: $60 


Global Shifts: Democracy, Business & the Future 

Thursdays, May 1, 15 

7pm-8:30pm 

This two-session class will explore The Future of Democracy in the United States and Around the World and Globalization Impact on Politics, Business, and Our Lives. In Week One, we will consider the origins and future of democracy from the time of Aristotle onward. How is this concept supposed to work? Are there different variations? Where has it been employed over time and how has it changed? Does democracy really benefit the public? What are the protections for those in society who live in a democracy? Are there other models that should be considered? 

In Week Two, we will review how globalization has evolved and impacted society in various ways, positively and negatively. Who controls or should control globalization? How has globalization impacted our lives through international organizations such as the UN, the EU, NAFTA, as well as Amazon, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, media, and religion. Has globalization improved our lives or not?  Instructor: Bill Rosenberg. Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Drexel University.  

Register Here

JCC Member: $60 Guest: $70 


Hike in the Pinelands 

Sunday, May 4

 10:00am-12:00pm

 Experience the Pinelands on foot, led by naturalist and documentarian, Jason Howell. Learn about the wildlife, flora, amazing geology, and the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system. Meet at Pinelands Adventures parking lot promptly at 10am, dressed for the weather. Bring your sunblock, snack, and water bottle.   Hike Lead: Jason Howell, Pinelands Preservation Alliance.

Register Here

Cost: $10


Creating with Polymer Clay Workshop

Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21 

7pm-8:30pm 

Discover the fundamental techniques for creating art with polymer clay in this hands-on workshop. You’ll explore the Millefiori technique, an ancient glasswork method from Italy, meaning “a thousand flowers.” Instead of painting designs, you’ll craft patterns by assembling colored clay “logs” into a “cane.” In this workshop, you’ll learn to create a beautiful flower cane and use it to decorate a vibrant, eye-catching wall hanging. Additional creative ideas and projects will also be introduced. All supplies will be provided.   Instructor: Mindy Fox, master polymer clay artist since 1996, brings her expertise and passion to guide you in crafting unique and colorful designs. 

Register Here

JCC Member | $90 Guest: $105 


Cinema Unplugged: Transforming Your Movie Experience

 Mondays, June 2, 9, 16 

Class starts promptly at 6:30pm

This three-part class is for movie enthusiasts who want deeper insights into film. It includes interactive sessions on story-telling through film as well as editing, cinematography, lighting, mise-en-scene, music, and acting. The first class focuses on analyzing iconic film clips, while the second and third sessions involve watching and discussing two full films.    Instructor: Cooper Gorelick has a B.A. in Theater and an M.A. in Screenwriting. He heads Broadcasting and Film at Cherry Hill High School. 

Register Here

JCC Member: $90 | Guest: $105 


Dragon Boat with Cooper River Dragon Boat Club 

Wednesday, May 21 

Wednesdays, June 11 and 18 

Location: The Camden County Boathouse at Cooper River: 7050 N. Park Dr. 

6pm-7pm

Experience the thrill of Dragon Boating at Cooper River! Meet at 6:00pm sharp at the Boathouse and spend time on the water as expert instructors guide you through the techniques, teamwork, and rhythm that make this sport so unique. Whether you’re a beginner or have paddled before, this class is a great way to learn, stay active, and enjoy the camaraderie of the boat. There are follow up opportunities to train and participate in a Regatta in early August. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a towel! *PFD required/Club provides if needed* *wear sneakers/water shoes and athletic clothes* *consider a fanny pack for keys and phone*.    Instructors: Joanne Hoffmann and Wendy Schwartz 

Register Here

JCC Member: $90 | Guest: $105 


Hike and Picnic with Friends at Ridley Creek State Park 

Sunday, June 1

 10:00am-1:00pm 

Join us for a moderate hike on a 3.7 to 4.0-mile trail followed by an outdoor picnic lunch. We will travel independently to gather at Ridley Creek State Park at 10:00am at a designated meeting place with amenities to start our hike and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings. The hike difficulty rating is described as appropriate for “for the majority of trail users … the trail may have embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.” It is steeper and narrower than the easiest, but it does not require advanced trail skills or conditioning. Elevation is 400 feet. After the hike, we will share a communal lunch in the great outdoors. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, enjoy the fresh air, and embrace the outdoors. Bring your own lunch, snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.  Weather appropriate clothing and hiking footwear recommended.   Hike Leads: Judy Okun and Lisa Brennan, JCC Volunteers and Marcy Rost, JCC Adult Department.

 Register Here

Cost: $10 


Health and Wellbeing: Exploring Healthspan and The Path to Peak Performance

 Tuesdays, June 3, 10 7pm-8:30pm

In this two-part class, explore new approaches to enhance your health and wellbeing as we consider the concept of “healthspan.” Healthspan refers to the period of a person’s life during which they are generally healthy and free from serious disease or health conditions. And, it emphasizes length and quality of life, focusing on maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being as one ages. Learn techniques to turn stress into productive, peak performance. Discover the 5 key areas of health and how to improve your habits in all 5 areas. The goal: Remain active, engaged, and healthy for as long as possible.   Instructor: Dr. Scott Yorker 

Register Here

JCC Member | $60 Guest: $70 


Photography Workshop in the Pine Barrens 

Thursday, June 5: Introductory class at the JCC, 7pm-8:30pm 

Sunday, June 8: Field Day at Franklin Parker Preserve, in the Pine Barrens Meeting on location at 6:30am, prior to sunrise 

Thursday, June 12: Class presentations and discussion at the JCC, 7pm-8:30pm 

The workshop offers a unique blend of classroom learning and field experience, making it ideal for both beginners and more experienced photographers. Participants will gain practical skills in landscape photography, including composition and light. The early morning field day provides a unique opportunity to capture the Pine Barrens at sunrise, a time of day known for its exceptional light and beauty; and the final session allows for constructive critique and discussion, helping participants refine their techniques. Instructor: Richard Lewis. Richard Lewis is a fine art landscape photographer who lives in NJ and photographs around NJ as well as other states. His expertise will provide valuable insights and guidance to participants. 

Register Here

JCC Member: $150 | Guest: $165


Heart Healthy Mediterranean Cooking: A Two-Week Culinary Workshop (featuring all new recipes) 

Tuesdays, June 10, 17 

Class starts promptly at 6:30pm Embark on a delicious journey with our Heart Healthy Mediterranean-Inspired Cooking Workshop! In this twoweek series, you’ll learn to create bold, flavorful dishes with expert guidance from Vicky Cohen. We will explore new recipes and enjoy a tasting together. Leave with recipes, new skills, and new friends made along the way.   Instructor: Vicky Cohen 

Register Here

JCC Member: $80 | Guest: $90 


Day of Kayaking in the Pinelands 

Sunday, June 22 

9:30am: Meet at Pinelands Adventure 

10am-2pm: Kayak 

Join us for a day of adventure, nature, and kayaking led by Pinelands naturalist and documentarian Jason Howell, and accompanied by JCC aquatics staff who are enthusiastic kayakers. The Batsto River is a scenic, winding Pine Barrens river with clean, cool water, waiting for you to explore! The Pinelands Adventures team will drive us to the start on the Batsto River at Quaker Bridge about four miles into the Wharton State Forest. Trip length is approximately 4 hours, based on the average trip length for beginner to intermediate paddlers out for a relaxing paddle. Jason will guide us with insights about Pinelands orchids and wildflowers which should be in bloom at this time. *Changing river conditions such as weather, water levels, underwater obstacles and fallen trees can make this trip moderately challenging depending upon the paddler’s level of experience and physical condition. Bring your sunblock, lunch, snacks, and water. 21+ only

Register Here

JCC Member: $65 | Guest: $75


*All registrations final. Department policy available upon request.

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Pool Update: Two lap lanes will be closed for lifeguard courses on April 27. Thank you for your understanding!