2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Pablo Picasso. Join Janet Mandel to learn about Picasso’s inexhaustible creativity and explore his tumultuous life, revealed through beautiful images of his major paintings and sculptures. In conjunction with this lecture, we will be taking a Day Trip to MoMA on Thursday, October 5th. We will […]

The History of American Song is as complex and beautiful as America itself. American music includes Jazz, Blues, Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Broadway, and Rock & Roll. This interactive lecture will include live performances throughout the program, celebrating this wonderful repertoire. Gary Negbaur is a pianist, vocalist, educator, and composer. He plays Jazz, Blues and American […]

Max Kleinman is a consultant for the Jewish Community Legacy Project and chairs the Combatting Antisemitism Initiative for Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, NJ. He is a columnist for the New Jersey Jewish News and president of the Fifth Commandment Foundation. For two decades, he was the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest […]

It used to be common for stage musicals to be adapted as films. The trend has reversed and now it seems like most new Broadway musicals are based on popular films. How far back does this trend go? What caused the switch? John Kenrick celebrates this popular trend with backstage stories and performance videos. John […]

Sleep plays a crucial role in improving your physical and mental wellbeing. Join Jackie Morgado, Lead Technologist at the Center for Sleep Disorders at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, to learn about sleep disorders, the effect of sleep on your health, and ways to sleep better. Free to All-reservations strongly encouraged REGISTER HERE  

REGISTER HERE “The American Way: A True Story of Nazi Escape, Superman, and Marilyn Monroe,” with Bonnie Siegler & Helene Stapinski The American Way is a vivacious story of two very different men, both striving to make their way in New York, their lives intersecting with a glittering array of luminaries from Billy Wilder and […]

REGISTER HERE Molly Burack Annual Lecture “Teachers, The Ones I Can’t Forget,” with Martin Fletcher Join us in person as Martin Fletcher discusses via ZOOM his latest book, Teachers, The Ones I Can’t Forget. This session will be moderated by Life Long Learning Committee member, social activist, and former teacher, Ruth Ross. Teachers are the […]

REGISTER HERE A Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Lecture: Balance and Falls This program will discuss risk factors, safety considerations, the role of physical therapy, and exercise to reduce falls and maintain balance. Patricia Nolan PT is a Physical Therapist at Cooperman Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center. She has 22 years of clinical experience and has been […]

REGISTER HERE Morgenthau: Power, Privilege, and the Rise of the American Dynasty with Andrew Meier   Journalist Andrew Meier will speak about his latest book, Morgenthau: Power, Privilege, and the Rise of the American Dynasty. He traces four generations of Morgenthaus, culminating in the life of New York County’s longest-serving district attorney. Andrew Meier is […]

REGISTER HERE The Harlem Renaissance: Courage, Grace, and Vision with Janet Mandel The Harlem Renaissance was the beginning of an explosion in creativity that transformed African American identity and history, but it also transformed American culture in general. This talk will introduce you to many of the inspired artists who produced astonishing and ground-breaking work […]

REGISTER HERE Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life with Rosanne M. Liepzig Honest Aging is an indispensable guide to the second half of life, describing what to expect physically, psychologically, functionally, and emotionally as you age. With candor, humor, and empathy, this book will provide you with the knowledge and […]

REGISTER HERE 50 Years in Broadway Audiences: Treasured Memories with John Kenrick Theater historian John Kenrick saw his first Broadway show back in 1974, and he returns to look back on his half-century of cheering for hits and cringing through flops. Which shows did he work on, and what was the worst thing he ever […]

REGISTER HERE Yom HaShoah Program Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust with Meryl Frank Unearthed is the story of Meryl Frank’s search for her cousin Franya and a timely history of hatred and resistance. A thrilling mystery woven into a beautifully constructed family […]

Special Summer Life Long Learning Presentation Discover the transformative power of Culinary Therapy with Executive Chef Cardie Mortimer, who leads his audiences on a journey of inspiration, laughter, and healing through the art of food. His powerful presentation takes viewers on a thought-provoking and fun-loving tour of his storied career, the challenges he overcame, the […]

The Jewish Catskill resorts of the 20th Century were a summer paradise for millions and the birthplace of great comic careers. Mel Brooks, Sid Caesar, Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Jackie Mason, and many others learned to win laughs from the patrons of Grossingers, Browns, The Concord, Kutchers, and The Nevele, just to name a few. […]

The Ritzer Lecture We sometimes feel a helplessness with the changes that accompany aging, perhaps a sorrowful sense of loss. How can we take a different, more spiritual view of ourselves and this process that increases our gratitude and joy?   Karen Frank is a Pastoral Nurse and Jewish Spiritual Director whose work integrates physical […]

The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum paints a vivid portrait of Gilded Age New York, a city teeming with nefarious rogues and capitalist power, all straddling the line between underworld enterprise and “legitimate” commerce. Combining deep historical research with the narrative flair for which she is celebrated, Margalit Fox tells the unforgettable true story of a once-famous heroine […]

Benjamin Mann, Chief Planning Officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest   Free to All / Reservations strongly encouraged / Refreshments to follow REGISTER HERE The annual Shirley C. Green Memorial Symposium is presented in recognition of her life-long devotion and efforts on behalf of Israel. The program is made possible through the generosity […]

Sonia Delaunay was an avant-garde artist who spent her life experimenting with the language of color and abstraction. She developed a varied practice, giving equal weight to design and fine art. While remaining faithful to abstract painting, she created innovative designs in typography and textile prints. She crafted handmade garments and ready-to-wear fashion and designed […]

A Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Lecture with Brittany Haliani   This program will discuss how to research and find accurate health information on the internet. Brittany Haliani started her medical library career at the Mayo Clinic. She received her Master of Library Science degree with a focus on medicine, from Texas Women’s University. Prior to her position at […]

The Birth of Rock and Roll, the British Invasion, Broadway Classics, Cool and Latin Jazz with Gary Negbaur Come Rock through the 50s and 60s with Gary Negbaur. This interactive lecture will include live performances, celebrating Rock and Roll, the British Invasion, Broadway Classics, Cool and Latin Jazz.   Gary Negbaur is a pianist, vocalist, educator, […]

Was Captain Von Trapp really a strict disciplinarian to his seven children? How did Rodgers and Hammerstein come to adapt their story as a Broadway musical? And why did the survival of 20th Century Fox depend upon the success of the film version? Entertainment historian John Kenrick uses rare photos, exciting performance videos and fascinating […]

Jews have been a part of West Point since the first class of 1802. In 2019, the number of Jewish graduates from the Academy passed 1,000. Joel Kampf of West Orange will show the short film, Diversity in the Long Gray Line, and then discuss the Jewish experience in this venerable institution. Joel Kampf, West […]

We will be hosting our program in the theater and hope you will be able to attend in person. However, if you feel that you are not comfortable driving to the JCC on Wednesday, here is the Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97264486587   The Jazzmen is a sweeping and spellbinding portrait of the longtime kings of jazz, […]

Dr. Howard Rudominer will discuss the topic, Anxiety and Depression in the Golden Years: Overcoming Worry and Fear. As a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Rudominer has extensive experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric and psychological disorders. He has been listed as one of the best psychiatrists in the USA and Canada specializing in […]

In Here's to the Ladies, the follow-up to Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater, theatre journalist Eddie Shapiro sits down for intimate conversations with more of Broadway's most prolific and fascinating leading women. Including such luminaries as Barbara Cook, Kelli O'Hara, Heather Headley, Faith Prince, Stephanie J. Block, and Tonya Pinkins. […]

Historian Robin Judd, whose grandmother survived the Holocaust and married an American soldier after liberation, introduces us to the Jewish women who lived through genocide and went on to wed American, Canadian, and British military personnel after the war. The audience will be in person and Robin Judd will be joining us via zoom. Robin […]

Join David and Susan Schwartz on a whirlwind tour of Costco warehouses around the globe. They are two of Costco's biggest fans yet live in one of NYC's smallest apartments. Since 2016, they have been to over 250 of Costco's 850 + warehouses. David Schwartz is the author of several books, including, The Last Man […]

This talk will discuss the important relationship Gustav Klimt, art star of Vienna’s Golden Age, had with his many Jewish patrons. We will see some amazing paintings and learn the tragic stories of what happened to these works and to their enlightened, forward-thinking collectors during the Nazi era and beyond. Janet Mandel retired after teaching […]

Dr. Lucio Volino and his Pharmacy Resident students will provide a comprehensive overview of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD). Come learn about various forms, sources, potential uses, and safety concerns, including potential side effects and drug interactions. Common misconceptions surrounding cannabis and CBD will also be discussed. Free to All - Reservations strongly encouraged $80 guest […]

My Fair Lady: Broadway's 'Loverly' Musical Hit - After being told a musical based on Shaw's 'Pygmalion' couldn't work, Lerner and Loewe turned it into a one of the greatest musicals of all time. Theater historian John Kenrick returns to pull back the curtain on how this beloved show moved against all odds from the […]

Novelist Andrea J. Stein, author of Dear Eliza, will join us to address her writing and publishing process, the grief in all of our lives, the Jewishness of her characters and stories, and the current climate for Jewish authors in a special summer Life Long Learning presentation. Her book explores grief, love, and what happens […]

Joshua Becker will discuss his novel, Soul Mission, and the process of writing it. He spent more than a decade working on this book, which brought him across the United States and led to meeting individuals from all walks of life. A midlife crisis is hardly unique, unless it involves time travel and multiple reincarnations. […]

Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove of art. Hidden in plain sight, artwork animates everything from the eye-catching product packaging to handmade murals and signs. After visiting 150+ Trader Joe’s stores nationwide, author Julie Averbach uncovers the secret and surprising stories behind Trader Joe’s art, inspiring us to appreciate the grocery store as an art […]

Explore Van Gogh’s troubled life and vibrant legacy, revealing how his emotional intensity and bold colors forever changed the course of modern art. About the speaker: Janet Mandel is a retired NJ public school teacher who now lectures on art history at museums, libraries, and adult learning centers. FREE for JCC Members; $15 Guest Register […]

Learn how postwar Jewish literature helped shape American Jewish identity and fight antisemitism, with insights from noted scholar Rachel Gordan. About the speaker: Rachel Gordan is a professor at the University of Florida and 2024–25 NEH Scholar-in-Residence at the Center for Jewish History. FREE to all. Reservations strongly encouraged. Dessert reception following the program. Books […]

A Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Lecture Lifestyle medicine uses evidence-based habits to prevent and manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. This presentation explores its six core pillars— nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connection—offering practical strategies for sustainable behavior change. About the speakers: Dr. Ernani Sadural, […]

38th Annual Shirley C. Green Memorial Symposium Former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed offers timely insight into the ever-evolving Middle East, decoding the region’s conflicts, alliances, and future outlook with clarity and firsthand perspective. About the speaker: Avi Melamed is a geopolitical analyst, educator, and author, known for his deep expertise in Arab-Israeli relations and […]

Allan Chernoff shares his mother’s powerful Holocaust survival story, capturing a vanished Polish-Jewish world before, during, and after WWII. About the speaker: Allan Chernoff is a veteran TV journalist, having served as a correspondent for CNN, CNBC, and NBC News over the course of a three-decade career. He is the co-author of The Tailors of […]

Learn how to reframe solitude and cultivate meaningful connections with nurse and spiritual wellness guide Karen Frank. About the speaker: Karen Frank is a longtime Jewish congregational nurse, helping people navigate aging, caregiving, illness, and emotional well-being. FREE for JCC Members; $15 Guest Register Here

Discover the life and legacy of Ruth Asawa— visionary artist, educator, and activist—whose innovative work and advocacy transformed both modern sculpture and arts education in America. About the speaker: Janet Mandel is a retired NJ public school teacher who now lectures on art history at museums, libraries, and adult learning centers. FREE for JCC Members; […]

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl discusses her inspiring journey from outsider to trailblazing spiritual leader, in conversation with writer Abby Pogrebin. About the speaker:  Angela Buchdahl is the first Asian American ordained as a rabbi and a widely admired voice on faith, identity, and belonging. FREE for JCC Members; $15 Guest The audience will be in person; […]

Author Mark Braff will discuss his interviews with the sons of major league baseball players, exploring the perks, pressures, and frustrations that came with it. About the speaker: Mark Braff is a retired PR executive and first-time author of Sons of Baseball: Growing Up with a Major League Dad. FREE for JCC Members; $15 Guest […]

Follow Bette Midler’s rise from Hawaiian roots to stardom in this lively celebration of the “Divine Miss M.” About the speaker: John Kenrick is a musical theatre historian, author, and Broadway insider who has taught at NYU’s Steinhardt School. He is a founding curator for the new Museum of Broadway in NYC. Free for JCC […]

Born with Joubert syndrome, Suzy Fischer defied the odds with her family’s support. Her mother Jane shares their powerful, hopeful story, drawn from her memoir, If You Knew Suzy. About the speaker: Jane Fischer holds a master’s in special education from Montclair State University. She co-founded Gateway to Social Opportunity, promoting inclusive recreation for children […]

John Kenrick explores how the turbulent life of America’s most controversial founding father, Alexander Hamilton, inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda’s record-breaking hip-hop musical, revealing rare footage and backstage stories. About the speaker: John Kenrick is a musical theatre historian, author, and Broadway insider who has taught at NYU’s Steinhardt School. He is a founding curator for the […]

Saving Abigail is a true story of a little girl taken hostage by Hamas the morning of October 7, 2023.  With no road map for how to save a hostage, Abigail’s great aunt Liz Hirsh Naftali undertook an international effort to share her niece’s face and story with US and world leaders. About the speaker: […]

Marcel Duchamp, modern art’s defining iconoclast, constantly reinvented himself, challenging artistic norms and inspiring generations. Discover his innovative, genre-shifting works and the lasting shockwaves they sent through contemporary art. About the speaker: Janet Mandel retired after teaching for 32 years in the New Jersey public schools. She now presents illustrated lectures on art history at […]

In the Garden of the Righteous chronicles extraordinary acts amid immense threats and widespread apathy, presenting ten deeply researched, astonishingly moving stories of courage and moral choice during a dark era. About the Speaker: Richard Hurowitz, writer and founder of the Octavian Report, has been published in major outlets including the New York Times and […]

This presentation highlights the influential work of Jewish architects—Frank Gehry, Moshe Safdie, Daniel Libeskind, and Richard Meier—whose designs have shaped modern architecture and cultural identity worldwide. About the speaker: Abbie Gorin is a retired attorney and longtime tenants’ rights advocate in NY and NJ. A dedicated educator, he developed Jewish heritage curricula, and his work […]

Raphael, a master of High Renaissance harmony and beauty, shaped our understanding of artistic perfection. This presentation previews the Met’s 2026 exhibition of over 200 works, illuminating his creative process and vision. About the speaker: Janet Mandel retired after teaching for 32 years in the New Jersey public schools. She now presents illustrated lectures on […]

Artificial intelligence powers tools like ChatGPT and household robots, helping with daily tasks.  Learn simple, safe ways to use AI, avoid scams, and understand how it’s shaping the future for your children and grandchildren. About the speaker: Chris Strom is a nonprofit executive, marketer, and AI educator serving as CMO at the Sunrise Association and […]

A RWJ Barnabas Health/Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Lecture Explore Blue Zones and Super Agers, understand U.S. aging demographics, review healthy aging guidelines, and learn about new treatments for age-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias. About the speaker: Theresa M. Redling DO, FACP is Chief of Geriatric Health and Disease Management at the Cooperman […]

Rachel Cockerell will discuss her innovative family memoir, which tells the story of a long-lost plan to create a Jewish state in Texas. She weaves together diaries, letters, newspaper articles, and interviews in a highly inventive style. About the speaker: Rachel Cockerell is an author and historian whose debut book, Melting Point, draws on research […]

Jane Eisner traces the professional accomplishments and personal challenges of pop icon Carole King, exploring her unique contribution to American music. About the speaker: Jane Eisner is a widely published journalist who held leadership positions at the Philadelphia Inquirer and The Forward. She is also the author of Taking Back the Vote. Books will be […]