Learning is a lifelong journey at our Saltzman Foundation Lifelong 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
October Classes
America at War With Itself: The Origins of the Civil War
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
From the early beginnings of the United States as a free and independent country, the issue of slavery remained a central issue in the historical development of the nation. This class surveys the social, cultural, and political landscape of 18th- and early 19th-century America. Beginning with the Constitutional Convention of 1787 through the election of President Lincoln, we discuss American politics and society, bringing into sharp focus the causes of the Civil War as documented in our political history.
2 Mondays • 10:30am-11:45am • October 13 and 27
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
A Chorus Line
Join us for an exciting afternoon as we honor the 50th anniversary of the iconic musical, A Chorus Line! Don’t miss this one, singular sensation, dazzling tribute to the performers behind the curtain, as we watch the original film!
Date: Friday, October 24 Time: 1:00pm
JCC Member – $10 Guest/JPATH – $15
Register Here
How Politics Work: From Filibusters to Foreign Affairs
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
Join Dr. Bill Rosenberg as we discuss some of the most important political issues facing the U.S. and the world today.
October 13
The History and Impact of Filibusters in the U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Appointments and Legislation
October 27
Hard vs. Soft Power in U.S. Foreign Affairs
2 Mondays • 1:30pm-2:45pm • October 13 and 27
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Ethics in Modern Life: Sports & Price-Gouging
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
Join instructor Sarah Rosenson for an engaging discussion that delves into important ethical questions relevant to today’s society.
October 21
Ethics in Sports
October 28
Price-Gouging & Product Hoarding
2 Tuesdays • 10:30am-11:45am • October 21 and 28
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Alfred Hitchcock: More from The Master of Suspense
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
We delve further into the life and films of the suspense maestro with this series that includes great efforts from all aspects of his storied career in cinema.
October 22
The 39 Steps (1935)
October 29
Psycho (1960)
2 Wednesdays • 1:00pm-3:15pm • October 22 and 29
JCC Member – $10/per class Guest/JPATH – $15/per class
Register Here
Bach, Beethoven and Beyond
Instructor: Jeffry Kirschen
Step back in time and explore the rich tapestry of 17th century Western music. From the use of early instruments to the influence of politics and literature, this class uncovers how the world
shaped the music—and how the music, in turn, shaped the world.
You’ll leave with new insight, historical context, and the chance to enjoy the beauty of this extraordinary era through recorded examples.
2 Wednesdays • 10:00am-11:00am • October 22 and 29
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Introduction to Hand & Foot Canasta
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.
3 Thursdays • 1:00pm-3:00pm • October 9, 16, and 23
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Footwork & Flair: Dance Legends of Broadway and Film
Instructor: Leila Joffe
Explore the greatest Broadway and film dance numbers and the legendary choreographers and dancers behind them. Some of the dancers and choreographers we will focus on are Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and the Nicholas Brothers. Come celebrate the enduring impact these icons have made on musical theater and film.
2 Thursdays • 1:30pm-2:45pm • October 23 and 30
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
November Classes
Einstein and Oppenheimer: The True History of the Creation of the Atomic Bomb
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
This is the incredible story of the history and development of the atomic theory, the creation of the Manhattan Project, the intrigue behind the plans to drop the first atomic bombs, and the industrial and scientific efforts that brought the world into the atomic age.
2 Mondays • 10:30am-11:45am • November 3 and 17
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
How Politics Works: Staggered Terms & the Rise of a Political Movement
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
Join Dr. Bill Rosenberg as we discuss some of the most important political issues facing the U.S. and the world today.
November 3
Staggered Elections: Balancing Change and Stability
November 24
MAGA: The Evolution of a Modern Political Movement
2 Mondays • 1:30pm-2:45pm • November 3 and 24
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Ethics in Modern Life: Medical Ethics
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
Join instructor Sarah Rosenson for an engaging discussion that delves into important ethical questions relevant to today’s society. We will talk about medical ethics, and what happens when people, including children, turn down lifesaving medical treatment because of their religious beliefs.
Date: Tuesday, November 4 Time: 10:30am-11:45am
JCC Member – $18 Guest/JPATH – $23
Register Here
Two Very Short Stories by Grace Paley
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
We will read and discuss two very short stories by Jewish American author Grace Paley, both of which relate to the theme of memory. Participants do not need to do any reading in advance; we will read the stories together in class.
Date: Tuesday, November 18 Time: 10:30am-11:45am
JCC Member – $18 Guest/JPATH – $23
Register Here
Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense Returns
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Thrills! Sophistication! Romance! Scares! You’ll discover all of these in these offerings from the cinematic gems from the great Sir Alfred. Irv Slifkin hosts.
November 5
Dial M for Murder (1954)
November 19
To Catch a Thief (1955)
November 26
The Birds (1963)
3 Wednesdays • 1:00pm-3:15pm • November 5, 19, and 26
JCC Member – $10/per class Guest/JPATH – $15/per class
Register Here
Introduction to Mah Jongg
Instructor: Bernadette Hennessy May
Whether you are 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 • 1:00pm-3:00pm • October 30, November 6 and 20
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Footwork & Flair: Dance Legends of Broadway and Film
Instructor: Leila Joffe
Explore the greatest Broadway and film dance numbers and the legendary choreographers and dancers behind them. We will explore the lives and works of the great Agnes De Mille and Jerome Robbins. We will also watch some of the outstanding dance numbers from their time periods. Come celebrate the enduring impact these icons have had on musical theater and film.
2 Thursdays • 1:30pm-2:45pm • November 6 and 20
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Lake Effect: Exploring The Great Lakes
Instructor: Judy Okun
The five Great Lakes are some of the largest sources of freshwater on the planet. These behemoths have an incredible history, both natural and human. Through a combined geographic and historic approach, we will investigate the formation of the lakes during the last ice age, indigenous people of the lakes, early European and American exploration and the resultant fur trade, and the enormous economic growth that resulted from east coast access to the lakes in the 19th century. We will also explore the national parks of the region and the threats of invasive species that arrive from the Atlantic. Grab your compass as we prepare to embark!
2 Fridays • 10:00am-11:15am • November 7 and 21
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
December Classes
A Tiger Jumped Through the Window: The History of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
Instructor: Herb Kaufman
The shout of “General Quarters” rang throughout the fleet. A historian once wrote that the command at Pearl Harbor was “swatting at mice while a tiger jumped through the window.” Explore the history of the acquisition of Pearl Harbor, the political background, eyewitness accounts and historical analysis of the attack that brought the United States into World War II. Uncover Japanese planning & secret innovations, secret code breaking efforts, American strategy & perceptions, and the interactions of individuals and the military. Importantly, and often overlooked, is the success of the response of the United States Army and Navy both to the attack, and future military actions resulting in the defeat of the Japanese Imperial forces.
2 Mondays • 10:30am-11:45am • December 8 and 15
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
How Politics Work: Next Chapter in American Leadership & the Two-Party System
Instructor: Bill Rosenberg
Join Dr. Bill Rosenberg as we discuss some of the most important political issues facing the U.S. and the world today.
December 1
A Look Ahead: The Future of U.S. Political Leadership
December 8
Understanding America’s Two-Party System
2 Mondays • 1:30pm-2:45pm • December 1 and 8
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Scenarios from the New York Times Ethicist
Instructor: Sarah Rosenson
Join instructor Sarah Rosenson for an engaging and thought-provoking series based on scenarios from the New York Times Ethicist.
December 2
Taxes
December 9
“Should I Tell…” Dilemmas
December 16
Religious Congregations
3 Tuesdays • 10:30am-11:45am • December 2, 9, and 16
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
The Jewish Experience – Hollywood Style
Instructor: Irv Slifkin
Jewish lives and Jewish life are explored in these superb documentaries that focus on different aspects of Jewish contributions to society and in the arts.
December 3
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
December 10
The Automat (2021)
December 17
Hollywoodism: Jews, Movies, and the American Dream (1998)
December 24
Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy (2013)
4 Wednesdays • 1:00pm-3:15pm • December 3, 10, 17, 24
JCC Member – $10/per class Guest/JPATH – $15/per class
Register Here
Introduction to 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.
3 Thursdays • 1:00pm-3:00pm • December 4, 11, and 18
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Footwork & Flair: Dance Legends of Broadway and Film
Instructor: Leila Joffe
Explore the greatest Broadway and film dance numbers and the legendary choreographers and dancers behind them. We will focus on Gwen Verdon, Bob Fosse, Chita Rivera, and Justin Peck. We will learn about their lives and watch some of their most iconic performances. Come celebrate the enduring impact these icons have had on musical theater and film.
2 Thursdays • 1:30pm-2:45pm • December 11 and 18
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Expedition: Ancient Mediterranean
Instructor: Judy Okun
The Sumerians, the Egyptians, the Israelites, the Greeks-How did geography contribute to the development of these and other ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean region? On this journey, we will examine these past worlds, their histories, lands, technology, peoples, and contributions to human civilization. We will also investigate why this region had the right conditions for the world’s earliest human civilizations to occur there.
2 Fridays • 10:00am-11:15am • December 5 and 12
JCC Member – $18/per class Guest/JPATH – $23/per class
Register Here
Virtual Class Opportunities
- JCC of Central New Jersey | Adult Enrichment (jccnj.org)
- One Day University (ODU), Use code katzjcc when enrolling
- National JCC Alliance and Partnerships with other JCCs
- In-person class registration is per individual, and virtual class registration is per household.
