Stimulate your mind and your soul at the SJCC. Learn a new language, take a literature course to discuss current affairs, or, be part of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. It’s always a good time to learn something new!

For more information contact Sue Potechin
Adult Education & Cultural Programs Manager
spotechin@jccottawa.com • (613) 798-9818 ext. 254

1. To register click on the purple Login/Register* tab at the top right of the page and follow the prompts.
2. Course registration is stopped three days before courses/lectures begin.

SPECIAL INTEREST

FilmShul returns with “SUPER FUNNY JEWISH MEN” – On Zoom

Quick with one-liners! Precise with physical comedy! Able to tell hilarious stories in a single routine!  Look!  Up on the stage! It’s a funny Jewish man! Actually, there have been a lot of them out there making us laugh over the years, spanning the decades from vaudeville, radio, the Borscht Belt and nightclubs through TV, records, movies and beyond.  Meet the greatest and latest in the business. All are pioneers, all are distinctive, and all are seriously funny. In partnership with AJA 50+.

Part 2 on May 17 at 1:00 pm on Zoom
Presenters: Laurence Lerman and Irv Slifkin
General admission: $12

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease in 2023

Dr. André Moreau will be giving a presentation on Alzheimer’s disease. He will describe how to detect early signs of the disease, discuss different risks and protective factors, therapeutic approaches, as well as the role of clinical research in the development of treatments and detection tools. He will also discuss the mandate of the Ottawa Memory Clinic.

Monday, June 5
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Free

ART

PaintNite.com with Joyce of Art Creative Magic! – In Person

Join local artist, “Joyce of Art,” to mingle, and have a laugh. This is not an art class. Learn a few tricks with step-by-step instructions. Perfect for anyone looking to get out and have a great time, not take themselves too seriously, and do something different for a bachelorette, date night, birthday, or some me-time.

Wednesday, June 21 • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Register here.

Fee: $39
Instructor: Joyce Menyasz

Cheers to Art Returns! – In Person

Join us for another 4 weeks of clever creations. Create, have fun and bring a friend! Choose 1 or all 4! No skills required. Fee includes supplies and refreshments. In partnership with the Greenberg Families Library and powered by Microgrants. For more information, contact Sue at spotechin@jccottawa.com.

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
May 31 and June 28

Each session: $20 SJCC Members • $25 Non Members
Instructor: Carlie MacPherson

GENERAL EDUCATION

On the Road to Kingship I: The Reign of Saul and Rise of David (The Book of 1 Samuel) – Hybrid: In-Person or Online 

In this 10-week course, we will read through the first book of Samuel, covering the rise to prominence of some of Israel’s most notable names: Samuel, Saul, and David. This course covers the most up-to-date scholarship on the formation of 1 Samuel and uncovers the literary mastery behind the narratives that are so familiar. Learn more about such stories as the call of Samuel, the anointing of Saul, David and Goliath and more. In partnership with the Ottawa Melton School.

Tuesdays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
April 18 – June 20
Instructor: Dr. Andrew Brockman
$175 SJCC Members • $190 Non-members

LANGUAGES

ASL (American Sign Language) Level 2 – In Person

Functions and grammar introduced in Level 1 are recycled and expanded to include giving directions; making plans; describing and identifying objects and locations; giving simple instructions; telling what happened. Topics move from talking about themselves and the immediate environment to talking about others and their community. Students develop language skills necessary to question, describe and explain. Students rehearse conversation strategies and volunteer appropriate information to maintain a comfortable exchange. In partnership with the SJCC Children and Youth Department

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm 
April 23 – June 4 (no class May 21)
SJCC Members $130 / Non-Members $145
Age: 16+
Instructor: Diane Fletcher- Falvey

Conversational French – In Person

Do you have a base in French and want to improve your conversation skills?

Postponed to Fall 2023.

Hebrew Chug –  On Zoom

If you are looking to practice your conversational Hebrew, join us weekly for an informal hour of conversation and an opportunity to meet other Hebrew speakers. New people are always welcome to join at any time! (Not intended for fluent speakers.)

Thursdays 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm 
April 20 – June 29
$45 SJCC Members • $45 Non Members
Instructor: Sue Potechin

Hebrew for Beginners 2 – In Person 

Learn to speak Modern Hebrew in an interactive environment. This is a look at the Hebrew language for beginners of conversational Hebrew. Being able to read Hebrew is an asset. We will practise reading and with children’s books and excerpts from an easy reading newspaper.

Mondays 10:00 am – 11:30 am
April 17 – June 12
$125 SJCC Members • $140 Non-Members
Instructor: Sue Potechin
No class: May 22

Conversational Hebrew 2 Plus – In Person 

Take advantage of this time to review what has been learned in Beginner 2 and focus a little more on conversation. This is designed to be partly a tutorial and partly new learning.

Fridays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm 
April 21 – June 23
$50
Instructor: Sue Potechin
No class: May 26

Intermediate Yiddish Conversation Circle – On Zoom

For lovers of Yiddish looking to practice reading, translating and conversation at an intermediate level. Meets all year round.

Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:15 pm
April 19 – June 28
$45
Instructors: Ellen Caplan and Judith Weinman

LITERATURE

Non-Ashkenazi Israeli Fiction – Hybrid: In-Person or Online 

It has often been critically observed that “high culture” in Israel, especially in the country’s early decades, was dominated by writers of Ashkenazi (Jewish European) origin, with little room for non-Ashkenazi voices.  This course will explore four books by Israeli Jewish non-Ashkenazi writers (Sarit Yishai-Levi’s Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, Orly Castel Bloom’s An Egyptian Novel, Eli Amir’s The Dove Flyer and Dorit Rabinyan’s All the Rivers), one book by an Arab Israeli writer (Sayed Kashua’s Dancing Arabs) and one television series (Fauda).  We will study each work in terms of its own specific context but will also ask the following general question: does it make sense to speak about non-Ashkenazi literature as a category to be taught in its own course—or does this classification introduce unnecessary division into the complex and interconnected Israeli artistic scene? The course will be taught in such a way that you will be able to engage even if you do not have time to read all the texts in advance.

Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm 
May 23 – June 27
$150 SJCC Members • $165 Non Members
Instructor: Dr. Gefen Bar-On Santor

MUSIC

Ukulele Level 2 – In Person 

Building upon the skills learned in level 1, students will learn and practice a variety of strumming patterns and some more advanced chords. Bring your tuner or buy one from Angèle. Need to borrow a uk? She can provide that, too!

Tuesdays, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
May 2 – June 20
$125 SJCC Members • $140 Non-Members
Instructor: Angèle Jodouin

Ottawa Community Concert Band – In Person

Ottawa Community Concert Band returns to the SJCC for the first time since 2019. Host for the evening, Shelley Posen, and musical director, Jim Milne will take us on a musical journey of the biggest concert band in Ottawa. Payment can be made at the door, but please register in advance with Sue Potechin, spotechin@jccottawa.com (613) 798-9818 ext 254. To register and pay online click here.

June 4 at 2:00 pm
Cost: $10

Florence Melton School Of Adult Jewish Learning, OTTAWA

On the Road to Kingship: The Prophet Samuel – Hybrid: In-Person or Online  The Books of Samuel and the stories of the first kings of Israel are integrally marked by the influence of the Prophet Samuel. This 6-week course will examine the most current research on literary criticism on 1 Samuel, and will particularly focus on the centrality of Samuel in the eponymous books. Learn about the development of these important cultural narratives and how the story of the development of Israelite kingship was formed. Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am May 16 – June 20 $150 SJCC Members  $165 Non-members Instructor: Dr. Andrew Brockman ✦ NEW! ✦  The Jewish State: Examining the Jewish Identities of Israelis – On Zoom This course seeks to uncover the diverse and complex faces of Jewish Israeli identity. Beginning with the current state of Jewish Israeli identity as reflected in contemporary Israeli discourse, the lessons then proceed to explore the roots at the foundation of this complex tapestry. After establishing the historic foundation, the course examines themes, including the evolving religious landscape, the intricate relationship of politics and religion, the interplay of the Mizrachi and Ashkenazi Jews, the dynamics between Israel and World Jewry, and Jewish Renaissance agents in Israel. In partnership with the Florence Melton School in Louisville, Kentucky. Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm March 7 – May 23 Instructor: Cantor David Lipp of Adath Jeshurun, Louisville No class: April 4 and 11 Cost: $219 USD Please contact Sue at spotechin@jccottawa.com or 613-798-9818 ext. 254 for financial assistance. To register: www.meltonschool.org/ottawa On the Road to Kingship: The Prophet Samuel – Hybrid: In-Person or Online  The Books of Samuel and the stories of the first kings of Israel are integrally marked by the influence of the Prophet Samuel. This 6-week course will examine the most current research on literary criticism on 1 Samuel, and will particularly focus on the centrality of Samuel in the eponymous books. Learn about the development of these important cultural narratives and how the story of the development of Israelite kingship was formed. Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am May 16 – June 20 $150 SJCC Members  •  $165 Non-members Instructor: Dr. Andrew Brockman ✦ NEW! ✦ Local Pilot Program Members of the Tribe (Adapted Curriculum) Adult Jewish Learning for All – Hybrid: In-Person or Online  In this 4-session course, will look at the question, “What is the purpose of living Jewishly?” We’ll discuss the responsibilities, pressures, and misconceptions that come with being called “the Chosen People.” Together, we’ll learn the meanings behind rituals, symbols, and why Israel matters so much. This is the first ever series of Melton classes that is inclusive of people with diverse abilities. The curriculum and pace of the class has been modified to allow time for additional questions, clarification, and repetition. Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm  New dates: June 1 – June 22 Cost: $54 special low fee for this course only!  Instructor: Jodi Green Register here. ✦ NEW! ✦ 4-week mini courses are here for May and June! Children of the Revolution: 20th Century Jewish Radicalism – On Zoom For much of the 20th Century, the People of the Book were also the People of the Left, aligning ourselves with (and often leading) radical and revolutionary causes, from the Russian Revolution and the Spanish Civil War to the political ferment of the 1960s. Was it because our own collective experience of exile and persecution gave us innate sympathy for the downtrodden?  Does our tradition require us to take up the cause of the wretched, whoever and wherever they may be? Or does the act of being a revolutionary allow us to shatter, once and for all, the stereotype of the Jew as passive victim? In four weekly sessions, this short course will examine the main currents of 20th Century Jewish radicalism – from the Russian Revolution to the Weather Underground – and try to answer the question, “does the radical fire still burn in the Jewish heart?” Mondays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm  May 15 and 29, June 5 and 12 Instructor: Angus Smith $125 Register here. The Most Talked About Biblical Story – Hybrid: In-Person or Online  The “Akedah” permeates all three modern monotheistic faiths and impacts western philosophy. Genesis 22 — nineteen verses that create as much rabbinic conversation as the creation story; nineteen verses that changed western religion. Come explore some powerful questions about the binding of Isaac. Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 11:15 am  June 7, 14, 21, and 28 Instructor: Rabbi Steven Garten $125 Register here. Living Wisdom Series Pray It Forward: God, Gratitude, and Gathering Together – Hybrid: In-Person or Online  Prayer provides a means to express gratitude. Prayer can be silent. Prayer can be communal. Prayer expresses our deepest needs and appreciation. This course follows the development of prayer, from the Tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai, to the Temple in Jerusalem, to the Synagogue of today. The course will also explore some of the concepts behind prayer and blessings, as well as the power of meditation, as we link our past, present, and future, to the immediate and the transcendent. This is a journey of the soul. Start today. Wednesdays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm  May 3 – June 7 Instructor: Rabbi Deborah Zuker Cost: $179 USD Register here.