Through rich recordings, fascinating stories, and heartfelt nostalgia, Clint Edwards brings to life the music and legends that defined a century.
$10 MEMBER PER LECTURE | $15 PUBLIC PER LECTURE
Great Performers Series Fridays in September
SEPTEMBER 12 | 11 AM | Artie Shaw
SEPTEMBER 19 | 11 AM | Lena Horne
SEPTEMBER 26 | 11 AM | Ray Charles
Golden Age Songwriters of Broadway and Hollywood Mondays in October
OCTOBER 13 | 11 AM | Jule Styne
OCTOBER 20 | 11 AM | Dorothy Fields
OCTOBER 27 | 11 AM | Ira Gershwin
From the Front Porch to the Grand Ole Opry: The Origins and Voices of Country Music Mondays in December
DECEMBER 1 | 11 AM | Origins of Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry
DECEMBER 15 | 11 AM | Male Trailblazers of Country Music’s Golden Age
DECEMBER 22 | 11 AM | Female Trailblazers of Country Music’s Golden Age
Behind the Music: Insights from an Orchestra Librarian
With over 35 years of experience in major symphonies, veteran orchestra librarian John Perkel shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, complex challenges, and humorous moments—all while inviting audience participation.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 | 2 PM
FREE TO MEMBERS | $15 PUBLIC
NEW!
Introducing Author’s Minyan - Where Jewish Authors Join the Conversation. Join a vibrant new book group dedicated to celebrating and supporting Jewish authors—and experience the thrill of having the author right there with you! On the day of each session, the featured author will be present for an intimate and engaging discussion, offering behind-the-scenes insight into their work. Light dessert served.
SELECT THURSDAYS AT 1 PM
$12 Members | $20 Public
SEPTEMBER 25 | The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern with Author Lynda Loigman
The heartwarming novel focuses on a newly retired woman who crosses paths with a former love interest of her youth after she moves to Florida, and she is forced to reexamine her past and the influences who shaped her.
NOVEMBER 13 | Behind Every Good Man with Author Sara Goodman Confino Don’t miss this entertaining tale of a woman humiliated by a cheating husband. But she has the last laugh as she figures out how to get him back, and simultaneously improve her own life in the process.
DECEMBER 18 | Songs of Summer with Author Jane Rosen Maggie May Wheeler goes in search of her past after discovering a letter she wrote to herself at 13. Suddenly, her current plan for her future doesn’t seem to work anymore, and she’s on a quest to figure out what will work.
Join us at Books & Bagels, where acclaimed authors from the Jewish Book Council visit the JCC to share the stories behind their latest books.
Counting
Backwards with Author Jacqueline Friedland
Alternating between the past and present, and deftly tackling timely-yettimeless issues such as reproductive rights, incarceration, and society’s expectations of women and mothers, Counting Backwards is a compelling reminder that progress is rarely a straight line and always hard-won. Inspired by true events, this is a riveting novel of two remarkable women that you’ll remember for years to come. Jackie Friedland is a lawyer and now a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. Book signing available.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 | 11 AM
$14 MEMBERS | $20 PUBLIC
Enrich your life with exhilarating day trips to the hottest Broadway shows, live music, and world renowned museums, exhibits and more. We take care of all the details on our fully-chaperoned bus trips so that you get to sit back, relax, meet new people and enjoy unforgettable cultural experiences. Come travel with us today!
Van Gogh at the New York Botanical Garden Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ
Join us for a guided tour of the exhibit Van Gogh’s Flowers. The ticket also includes a tram tour around the gardens, and time for shopping and lunch before returning home.
Bus departs 9:15 am and departs NYBG at 3:30 pm
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
$155 MEMBERS | $195 PUBLIC
New York Philharmonic | Tchaikovsky’s Fifth & Korngold
Join fellow music lovers for a moving program with the New York Philharmonic. Time for lunch in the Lincoln Center neighborhood before the 2pm performance.
Bus departs at 10 AM.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
$185 MEMBERS | $235 PUBLIC
Mamma Mia on Broadway
This laugh-out-loud musical brings the cult classic film to life with all its over the top flair. It’s to die for!
Lunch on your own.
Bus departs at 10 am
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
$179 MEMBERS | $229 PUBLIC
Wander through 42 acres of landscaped beauty featuring 300 contemporary sculptures and indoor galleries. Time for lunch on your own.
Note: This trip involves significant walking. Bus departs JCC Rockland at 9:30 am and NJ at 4 pm.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025
$105 MEMBERS | $145 PUBLIC
Guggenheim Museum
Enjoy a docent-led tour exploring the diverse body of work of artist Rashid Johnson. Almost 90 works—from black-soap paintings and spraypainted text works to large-scale sculptures, film, and video—fill the museum’s rotunda. After the tour, take time to further explore the museum, enjoy lunch on your own or stroll along Fifth Avenue.
Bus departs from JCC Rockland at 9:00am. Bus departs from Guggenheim at 3:00 pm
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025
$135 MEMBERS | $185 PUBLIC
Yogi
Berra Museum and
Learning Center
Enjoy a docent-led tour of a museum dedicated to the winningest player in baseball history, Yogi Berra. The museum is located on the campus of Montclair State University. There will be time for lunch on your own after exploring the museum.
Bus departs from JCC Rockland at 11:15 am
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
$85 MEMBERS | $120 PUBLIC
CONCERTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
An Exhilarating Xylophone Concert with Roman
Don’t miss Roman’s thrilling return, delivering vibrant rhythms and sparkling melodies in a high-energy xylophone performance.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 | 3 PM
FREE MEMBERS | $15 PUBLIC
Forever Young Live at JFest
Come enjoy the timeless sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s with Forever Young, the popular oldies and doo-wop band, that will have you singing and dancing all afternoon! This outdoor concert is part of JFest, a fun-filled JCC event for the whole family.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 | 2 - 4 PM
FREE MEMBERS AND PUBLIC
Songs and Sweets by the Sukkah: A Sukkot Celebration
Celebrate the joy of Sukkot with international fingerstyle guitar champion Mark Sganga. Refreshments will be served in the sukkah before the concert—step inside, shake the lulav and etrog, savor some treats and then enjoy vibrant covers of classic rock, samba jazz, and Jewish melodies. Sponsored by The Walter Block Memorial Endowment Fund.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2025 | Visit the Sukkah 2 - 2:45 PM , Outdoor Concert Begins 3 PM
FREE MEMBERS | $20 PUBLIC
Pocketbook Bingo
Enjoy a fun-filled night of BINGO with the chance to win fabulous handbags. Admission includes 10 games of Bingo. BYO - Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy. Light refreshments will also be served. Pink attire suggested as we help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025 | 7 - 9 PM (Doors Open 6 PM)
$40 Early Bird Special until September 25, 2025
$50 MEMBERS AND PUBLIC
Maturely Motivated Players Presents Too Much Stuff!
Clutter got you down? Don’t cry—laugh! This delightful troupe of senior performers brings humor to our mess with adapted readings from well-known humorists.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 | 2 PM
FREE MEMBERS | $15 PUBLIC
Hanukkah Celebration
The HalCrystal Players return with their lively ten-piece band to light up the afternoon! Latkes and light refreshments will be served—come share in the celebration, the warmth of community, and the joy of the season.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025 | 12 PM
$25 MEMBERS | $35 PUBLIC
CREATIVE ARTS
Photography 101 on iPads
Brush up on your photography skills in this hands-on course using the powerful camera right on your iPad. Learn the basics of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling through a series of fun, accessible photo sessions. You’ll capture portraits, still life scenes, and candid moments both indoors and outdoors. In the final session, explore basic photo editing techniques to enhance your images and showcase your work with confidence. No prior experience needed!
Whether you knit, crochet, do needlepoint—or just enjoy good company—this weekly group is for you! Bring your latest project, swap tips and inspiration, and enjoy relaxing conversation and friendship. All skill levels are welcome.
THURSDAYS | 11 AM
FREE AND OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY
Art Co-op
Join a friendly artistic community for sculpting, drawing, painting, watercolors, collage or exploring another medium—whatever your creative outlet, the Art Co-op offers a welcoming space to work on your own projects alongside fellow artists. Bring your own project or work with collage materials laid out for you. Materials and ongoing projects can be stored on-site at the JCC for convenience. All media and levels of creativity are welcome. A perfect setting for collaboration, expression, and artistic community.
Stay active and social with Still Got Game! Join Coach Jamie for friendly outdoor games like frisbee golf, cornhole, and a few surprise challenges along the way. It’s all about fun, connection, and a little friendly competition. Registration is required. All participants will receive a Still Got Game t-shirt. Come show you’ve still got game!
6 MONDAYS | 1:30 - 2:30 PM
SEPTEMBER 29, OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27, NOVEMBER 3
$90 MEMBERS | $135 PUBLIC
NEW!
The Goodfellows is a group for men that meets twice a month on Fridays for engaging lectures and meaningful conversations—no politics involved! On the first session of each month, enjoy thought-provoking lectures or special programs. The second session of the month features conversations which may include sharing memorabilia and personal stories. Check the website for the latest schedule and updates.
8 FRIDAYS | 12 PM | FREE TO MEMBERS ONLY
Don’t miss these lectures!
SEPTEMBER 19 | The Sons of Baseball with Brian Braff
OCTOBER 17 | How Media Shaped Sports: From Casey at the Bat through Streaming Services Today with Evan Weiner
NOVEMBER 14 | Remembering the American Revolution with Joel Farkas
DECEMBER 5 | The Incorruptibles: A True Story of Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the Birth of the American Underworld with Author Dan Slater
Come for conversations!
September 26, October 31, November 21, December 12
Book Bunch
Participate in this member-led book club exploring a variety of authors and genres. Book Bunch meets on select Tuesdays at 2pm.
Registration Required FREE AND OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY
3 TUESDAYS AT 2 PM | SEPTEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 4, DECEMBER 2
Check website for book selections.
Looking to try something new or sharpen your strategy? These classes offer expert instruction, helping you build skills and confidence in a relaxed, social setting.
Beginner Canasta with Lisa
SIX THURSDAYS | 10 AM - 12 PM
SEPT 18 – OCT 30 (No Class October 2)
MEMBERS $145 | PUBLIC $160
Advanced Beginner Canasta with Lisa
FIVE THURSDAYS | 10 AM - 12 PM
NOV 13 – DEC 18 (No Class November 27)
MEMBERS $135 | PUBLIC $150
Beginner Mah Jongg with Lisa
FIVE MONDAYS | 10 AM - 12 PM
SEPT 8 – OCT 20 (No Class Sept 22 & Oct 13)
MEMBERS $135 | PUBLIC $150
Adv Beginner Mah Jongg with Lisa
FIVE MONDAYS | 10 AM – 12 PM
OCT 27 – NOV 24
MEMBERS $135 | PUBLIC $150
Beginner Mah Jongg Lessons Evenings with Tamara
FIVE MONDAYS | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
SEPT 8 – OCT 13 (No Class September 22)
MEMBERS $135 | PUBLIC $150
Beginner Bridge Class with Meryl
EIGHT FRIDAYS | 10 AM – 12 PM
OCT 10 – DEC 5 (No Class November 28)
MEMBERS $195 | PUBLIC $245
WEEKLY EVENTS
Everyone’s looking for community. Explore some of these member-led clubs, and see what may be right for you.
“THERE’S SOMETHING TO DO EVERY DAY AT THE J!”
Free and Open to Members Only
Women’s Views on the News
Dive into a discussion on a wide variety of topics.
THURSDAYS | 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Men’s Discussion Group
Men gather for conversation, camaraderie and always a good treat.
THURSDAYS | 12:45 – 2:15 PM
Trivia
A relaxed way to have fun with facts and nostalgia.
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS | 11 AM – 1 2 PM
Open Bridge
All levels are welcome to come by and join games.
FRIDAYS | 1 PM
Open Poker
New members are always welcome to join games.
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS | 12 PM
Game Play
Daily games of Canasta, Mah Jongg and Bridge are always alive in several card rooms throughout the building. Members form their own games or we help you join one.
MONDAY– FRIDAY | 12 PM – 4 PM
COMING IN NOVEMBER!
Coming Alive Through the Arts
For more information about Community Membership, contact Membership at membership@jccrockland.org or call 845.362.4400 x189.
All programs require registration. Stop by the front desk or call 845.362.4400 to register. More information is available on our website: jccrockland.org/adultlife
Everyone is Welcome Here
At JCC Rockland, we are proud to be the heart of Jewish life in our community, fostering an environment where everyone is welcome. We strive to create an inclusive atmosphere that embraces all backgrounds. If you require special accommodations to participate in our programming, please reach out to 845.362.4400 to discuss your needs and how we can support your participation.
s Barbara Lerche, Director of Adult Life Julie Schneyer, Program Coordinator, juliesc@jccrockland.org
