SPRING COURSES APRIL-JUNE 2025 All courses will be held at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill, NJ unless noted otherwise.
WELCOME: The Katz JCC is excited to introduce The Center for Learnin and expertly led programs designed for adults of all ages. Embracing J enrichment and growth! To register, visit us online using the links provid Health and Wellbeing: Exploring Healthspan and The Path to Peak Performance Tuesdays, June 10, 17 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 Bit.ly/CLGPeakPerformance JCC Member: $60 Guest: $70 Scan Here! 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 Bit.ly/CLGCooking3 JCC Member: $80 Guest: $90 Scan Here!
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 bit.ly/clgmeditation JCC Member: $60 Guest: $75 Scan Here! 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. bit.ly/clgartpolymer JCC Member: $90 Guest: $105 Scan Here! Our Instructors We engage experts in their fields to instruct and lead our courses. Many of our instructors also bring in speakers with unique experience and knowledge. ng & Growth. Our center offers a range of thoughtfully crafted courses Jewish values and traditions, we provide a unique space for personal ded. Questions? Contact Hanna DiMassimo at hdimassimo@jfedsnj.org
What We Believe We believe that health, wellbeing, and learning are inter-related and we invite you to join us in a special learning community which fosters all three. 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). bit.ly/clgmarcchagall JCC Member: $90 Guest: $105 Mindel Kaufman Lifelong Learning Art Institute Endowment Fund of the JCF, Inc. 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 bit.ly/clgartworkshop JCC Member: $90 Guest: $105 Scan Here! Scan Here!
Meet New People with Common Interests Experience a wide range of adult learning and outdoor adventures in South Jersey with the JCC Center for Learning & Growth. 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. bit.ly/clgbookdiscussions JCC Member: $45 Guest: $60 Scan Here 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. bit.ly/clghebrewbeginner JCC Member: $150 Guest: $175 Scan Here!
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. bit.ly/clgglobalshifts JCC Member: $60 Guest: $70 Scan Here! Cinema Unplugged: Transforming Your Movie Experience Mondays, June 9, 16, 23 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. bit.ly/clgcinema JCC Member: $90 Guest: $105 Scan Here!
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. bit.ly/clghike Cost: $10 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 Bit.ly/CLGGameNights 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. Scan Here! Scan Here!
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. bit.ly/clgphotographyq3 JCC Member: $150 Guest: $165 Scan Here! 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. bit.ly/clghikeandpicnic Cost: $10 Scan Here!
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 bit.ly/clgdragonboat JCC Member: $90 Guest: $105 Scan Here! 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 bit.ly/q3kayak25 JCC Member: $65 Guest: $75 Scan Here!
Questions about registration? Contact Hanna at hdimassimo@jfedsnj.org. 1301 SPRINGDALE ROAD CHERRY HILL, NJ 08003 8000 Main Street Voorhees, NJ 08043 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cherry Hill, NJ Permit No. 453 Address Service Requested Website: www.bethelsnj.org ▪ Telephone: (856) 675-1166 ▪ Fax: (856) 489-3280 Beth El News Editor Davida Chornock - dchornock@bethelsnj.org We had a great time celebrating summer with YOU! APRIL: 9, 16, 30 Brush & Charcoal: A Three-Class Art Workshop 10 Thursday Evening Mah Jongg Game Nights 16, 23, 30 Find Your Inner Calm: Mindfulness and Meditation with Karen 22, 29 Hebrew Beginner 30 The Biblical Art of Marc Chagall 30 Chapter & Verse Evening Book DiscussionsY: MAY: 1, 15 Global Shifts: Democracy, Business & the Future 1 Thursday Evening Mah Jongg Game Nights 4 Hike in the Pinelands 6, 13, 20 Hebrew Beginner 7, 14, 21 Creating with Polymer Clay Workshop 7, 14 The Biblical Art of Marc Chagall 21 Dragon Boat with Cooper River Dragon Boat Club 28 Chapter & Verse Evening Book Discussions JUNE: 1 Hike and Picnic with Friends at Ridley Creek State Park 9, 16, 23 Cinema Unplugged: Transforming Your Movie Experience 10, 17 Exploring Healthspan and The Path to Peak Performance 5 Thursday Evening Mah Jongg Game Nights 5, 8, 12 Photography Workshop in the Pine Barrens 10, 17 Heart Healthy Mediterranean Cooking 11, 18 Dragon Boat with Cooper River Dragon Boat Club 22 Day of Kayaking in the Pinelands 25 Chapter & Verse Evening Book Discussions SPRING COURSES APRIL-JUNE 2025 *All registrations final. Department policy available upon request.
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