The Cultural Arts and Education Department at the JCC provides a variety of interesting and engaging programs ranging from kosher cooking to art, history, music, literature and spiritual/physical health. Annual highlights include the Film Festival of Central NJ and the Jewish Book Festival Author Series. Enrich your life with a class, series or special exhibit and share in the experience amongst a community of friends and family. Please refer to the program guide for specific details. For more information on exciting trips and events for active adults click here.

JCC Teaching Kitchens

Heart Healthy Cooking for the Entire Family with Elizabeth Miller
25038-04 • Tuesday, February 7 • 7:30 P
Join this "teach and taste" where Elizabeth will show us how to prepare a delicious meal that your entire family and their hearts will love.

Couples' Cooking
25038-05 • Saturday, March 3 • 7:00 P
Join Chef Adrienne Cymbala and other couples for a fun-filled evening where everyone helps prepare a delicious international dinner from appetizers through dessert. This class is always a great night out and a sell-out. Bring along your own kosher or domestic wine.

Israeli Wine Tasting
25038-06 • Wednesday, May 9 • 8:00 P
Get a taste of Israel and the delicious wines that are produced there. Join in on the fun as we are led through a tasting of a variety of types of wine. Light appetizers will be served.

Step Up For Israel
A FREE five-part film mini-course at the JCC (Weinberg) co-sponsored by the Community Relations Committee of MetroWest & Central in partnership with Jerusalem Online University and Hasbara Fellowships. Step Up for Israel is a grassroots education and advocacy initiative intended to give participants factual knowledge about Israel and the confidence to feel proud of Israel and inspire others to feel the same.

Crossing the Line
Wednesday, February 1 • 7:30 P

An in-depth view of the anti-Israel movement on campuses; this documentary
demonstrates the blurring of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic lines. Post-film discussion with Elliot Mathias.

A State is Born
Monday, February 27 • 7:30 P

An examination of the legitimacy of the State of Israel through an overview of its history. Post-film discussion with Natalie Elgrabli.

Searching for Peace
Monday, March 26 • 7:30 P

An examination of the specific issues important to both the Israelis and Palestinians in the peace negotiations with a focus on the validity of the claims and desires of each. Post-film discussion with Natalie Elgrabli.

Israel and the West
Tuesday, May 1 • 7:30 P

A look at the common values and threats shared by Israel and the Western world. Post-film discussion with Natalie Elgrabli.

Communicating for Israel
Tuesday, June 5 • 7:30 P

Learn effective communication tools and messages to speak on Israel's behalf. Post-film discussion with Natalie Elgrabli.

Split Level Concerts @ the JCC
For the third year, renowned local house music series Split Level Concerts and the JCC bring you nationally recognized musical artists. You won't want to miss these outstanding singer/songwriters as they bring their music and unique styles to the JCC.

John Wesley Harding
Saturday, February 25

John Wesley Harding may take his name from a Bob Dylan album and be a modern-day folksinger, but with the biting, cynical observations in his songs, a sharp sense of humor, and winning melodies, he shows that his true forefathers are Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe with a hint of Billy Bragg thrown in for good measure. Far from being a follower or strict revivalist, however, “Wes” draws on a wide assortment of musical influences, pushing the boundaries of the all-too-often formulaic singer/songwriter tag to create something all his own. He’s touring behind his latest CD, The Sound Of His Own Voice, released in October 2011.  Check out Harding’s music at wesleystace.com.

Tickets $25 in advance/$30 at the door. 


Introducing the Studio for Art & Soul at the J. Our commitment to you is to continually provide rewarding and interesting social, recreational, educational and cultural programs. Art & Soul, which will offer a variety of art classes and workshops for all ages, is here to provide you and the community with a place to stretch your imagination, express your creativity and learn about art in the comfortable setting of the J. Click here for instructor bios. Please consult the program guide for additonal information.

Click here for flyer of the latest Art and Soul offerings>

Click here to sign up online for any of the classes listed. Click here for the registration form in pdf format.

Intro to Art for Adults with Debbie Livingston
25043-03 • Tuesday, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/17 and 4/24 • 9:15 - 11:45 A
25043-04 • Tuesday, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 and 6/5 • 9:15 - 11:45 A

Bring out your inner artist in this class which is a basic exploration of many art techniques. The projects will include figure drawing, still life acrylic painting, watercolor landscape painting and printmaking. Each class will have a demonstration and a quick "learning to see" exercise. This class is designed for beginners, but all levels are welcome.

Creating Visual Memories with Vicki Parker
25050-03 • Sunday, February 12 • Ages 15 and up welcome • 10:00 A - 2:00 P
Join award-winning artist Vicki Parker to create an original piece of art from your old family photos, genealogies, maps and more. You will create a meaningful piece of art that you can proudly share. Upon registration, the instructor will email suggestions on getting started.

Intro to Hand Built Ceramics for Adults with Neil A. Sedwin
25052-02 • Sunday, February 26 and March 11 • 10:00 A – 3:00 P
This "hands on" beginner's class introduces the fundamentals of hand building three-dimensional objects in clay. Learn the basic techniques of building with clay through demonstrations. Various methods of finishes and glazes will be explored. Materials and tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own tools.

Creating a Unique Color Dye Scarf or Banner with Miriam Jacobs
25048-02 • Sunday, April 22 • 1:00 – 6:00 P • Ages 10+ with adult only
This workshop is a great way to create a one-of-a kind scarf or banner using a method of printing on fabric called disperse dye. There is no need to be a strong artist—the tools used will help everyone create beautiful, colorful results. All materials will be supplied. Wear old clothes or an apron and you may wish to bring plastic gloves.

Hands on Digital Photography for Adults with Herb August
25053-02 • Sunday, May 20 and June 3 • 10:00 A - 2:00 P
Come learn to use your DSLR or advanced point-and-shoot camera like a professional. Topics include digital SLR basics, dial settings, metering, lenses, filters, flashes, composition, photo editing, gadgets and tools. You will finally know enough about F-stop, shutter speed and ISO settings to be able to shoot in "manual" mode!

3rd Annual University Lecture Series at the JCC
Join us and our professional speakers for intellectual conversation and stimulating debates on subjects of Jewish content and/or relevance

Parameters of the 2012 Presidential Election
Dr. Phillip S Mundo, Drew University, Professor of Political Science
Tuesday, March 6 • 7:30 – 9:00 P

The 2012 presidential election is more than a contest among ambitious politicians. The strident partisanship that has characterized American politics in recent years underlies the campaign for the Republican nomination for the presidency, and it will characterize the general election in the fall. Why the gulf between the political left and right in contemporary America? Does this election suggest ways to bridge it?

Klezmer Roots and Toots
Professor Ed Goldberg, Professor of Computer Science at The College of New Jersey and Middlesex County College;
Professor Bob Mehlman, retired English Professor at The College of New Jersey and Barbara Goldberg, Teacher
Tuesday, March 13 • 7:30 – 9:00 P

Klezmer music is often referred to as Eastern European Jewish soul music. Ed and Barbara Goldberg and Bob Mehlman teach us about Klezmer history and characteristics using musical examples from their award winning Odessa Klezmer Band repertoire.

Israel's Changing Collective Identity
Dr. Fred A. Lazin, Schusterman Visiting Professor of Israel Studies,
American University and The Lynn & Lloyd Hurst Family Professor Emeritus
of Local Government, Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Tuesday, March 20 • 7:30 – 9:00 P

Dr. Lazin will trace the changes in Israeli society from 1948 Sabra culture and the melting pot of the past to today's multiculturalism. We will look at the place of the Oriental Jews, ultra-orthodox, liberal Judaism, Russians, Israeli Arabs and McDonald's in Israeli society.

Tickets:

Member/Senior 65+/Student: $13/session, Community

Participant: $15/session

Series Savings: Member/Senior 65+/Student: $34 for three sessions, Community Participant: $40 for three sessions

Sponsorships
Gold: $180 (includes two series tickets)

Silver: $108 (includes two series tickets)

Copper: $54 (includes one series ticket)

Two bonus screenings this spring; one will be an Israeli film! Mark your calendars; we hope you can join us. Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 17 • 7:30 P • Screening location to be announced

Amy Warsh, Dir. of Cultural Arts & Education, 908-889-8800 x205