Classes, Clubs & Interest Groups

Art & Wine - Uncork Your Creativity!

Come join us for a glass of wine and a fabulous creative evening! Looking for a way to explore your artistic side but don't know where to start? This creative class is designed for both the artistic and not so artistic! The instructor will guide you through basic drawing skills and you will learn the basics of acrylic painting. We believe it's easier to learn when you're having fun. Over a 4 week period, we will show you a step-by-step approach on how to create your own masterpiece worth hanging! Must be 21. 4-Class pass: $150 members/$170 public

Time:	Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Starts:	Thursday, May 23 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Thursday, Dec. 19
Instructor:	Lynne Kaplan
$150 for members, $170 for the general public.

Beyond the Canvas: Dali

This fascinating JCC art series presents unique insights into legendary artists' lives and their artistic movements.
Thursdays, May 2-30 (no Class May 16)
May 30, 10:30-11:30am: Salvador Dali
Presenter Jacqueline Hahn is an award winning professor from UCI. She has taught in Grenoble, Paris and London and lectures in Art History, Literature, and Philosophy all over the world.
Series of 4: JCC Members $60, Public $75, Purchase the full series for $60 (members), $75 (public)

Time:	Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:	Thursday, May 30 Add to Outlook
$20 for members, $25 for the general public.

Beyond the Canvas: Full Series

This fascinating JCC art series presents unique insights into legendary artists' lives and their artistic movements.
Thursdays, May 2-30 (no Class May 16)
May 2, 10:30-11:30am: Pierre-Auguste Renoir
May 9, 10:30-11:30am: Paul Cezanne
May 23, 2-3pm **note time change**: Vincent Van Gogh
May 30, 10:30-11:30am: Salvador Dali
Presenter Jacqueline Hahn is an award winning professor from UCI. She has taught in Grenoble, Paris and London and lectures in Art History, Literature, and Philosophy all over the world.
Series of 4: JCC Members $60, Public $75

Time:	Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Starts:	Thursday, May 2 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Thursday, May 30
$60 for members, $75 for the general public.

Beyond the Canvas: Vah Gogh

This fascinating JCC art series presents unique insights into legendary artists' lives and their artistic movements.
Thursdays, May 2-30 (no Class May 16)
May 23, 2-3pm **note time change**: Vincent Van Gogh
Presenter Jacqueline Hahn is an award winning professor from UCI. She has taught in Grenoble, Paris and London and lectures in Art History, Literature, and Philosophy all over the world.
Series of 4: JCC Members $60, Public $75, Purchase the full series for $60 (members), $75 (public)

Time:	Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Date:	Thursday, May 23 Add to Outlook
$20 for members, $25 for the general public.

Books & Bagels July

July 30: Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson. Facilitated by Dana Susson and Marcy Middler. JCC Members and Women's Philanthropy Free, Public $10

Time:	Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:	Tuesday, July 30 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $10 for the general public.

Books & Bagels June

Enjoy coffee and bagels while discussing the Jewish book of the month. The book discusison this month will be on Rav Hisda's Daughter by Maggie Anton. Facilitated by Dana Susson and Marcy Middler. JCC Members and Womens Philanthropy free.

Time:	Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:	Tuesday, June 25 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $10 for the general public.

Books & Bagels May

Enjoy coffee and bagels while discussing the Jewish book of the month. The book discusison this month will be on Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner. Facilitated by Dana Susson and Marcy Middler. JCC Members and Womens Philanthropy free.

Time:	Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:	Tuesday, May 28 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $10 for the general public.

Bridge Intermediate: Supervised Play

Bridge: Intermediate Supervised Play with Ann Cressman Tuesdays 1 - 3 p.m. July 2-30, 6 weeks. (includes 1 Practice Class Friday July 26, 1pm) Intermediate Level. Improve your play through supervised instruction and analysis of hands.
Instructor: Ann Cressman, ACBL cert. instructor, Silver Life Master. JCC Members $90, Public $105 per session.

Time:	Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Starts:	Tuesday, July 2 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Tuesday, July 30
$90 for members, $105 for the general public.

Bridge: Beginner Supervised Play

Bridge: Beginner Supervised Play with Ann Cressman Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-12 noon July 2-30, 6 weeks. (includes 1 Practice Class Friday July 26, 10am) Beginner Level. Improve your play through supervised instruction and analysis of hands.
Instructor: Ann Cressman, ACBL cert. instructor, Silver Life Master. JCC Members $90, Public $105 per session.

Time:	Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Starts:	Tuesday, July 2 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Tuesday, July 30
Instructor:	Ann Cressman
$90 for members, $105 for the general public.

Bridge: Drop In & Play - Ongoing

Mondays, 11:30pm-2:30pm. Bring a partner and meet others to play bridge. Tables arranged by level. Ongoing Class. JCC members only. No charge.

Time:

Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Foodies & Friends July

Food experience out last Wednesday of the month. Learn the latest on local and new restaurants around town! Talk about the best dishes, appetizers, wines, meet the princeiples, and plan lunch outings with your JCC friends!

Time:	Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Date:	Wednesday, July 3 Add to Outlook

Foodies & Friends June

Food experience out last Wednesday of the month. Learn the latest on local and new restaurants around town! Talk about the best dishes, appetizers, wines, meet the princeiples, and plan lunch outings with your JCC friends!

Time:	Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Date:	Wednesday, June 5 Add to Outlook

Gentle Yoga

Wednesdays & Fridays, 8:45-9:45. This gentle approach to yoga helps you increase flexibility, improve circulation and experience more energy. It\'s a great way to reduce stress and improve physical condition. All Ages are welcome. Only JCC Members, No Charge.
Materials: Bring your own Yoga Mat.

Time:	Wednesday & Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Instructor:	El Rubin

Gentle Yogalates & Meditation

Gain the benefits of mind body wellness in a gentle yogalates class that integrates gentle core exercises with yoga and meditation. JCC Members only. $25 per 8 week session.

Time:	Monday from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Starts:	Monday, June 3 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Monday, June 24
Instructor:	El Vered Rubin
$25 for members.

HISPO Book Club - June

Historical, Social, Political book club.
March 5: Making of the President 1968 by Theodore White (facilitated by Arnie Mensch)
JCC Members: Free, Public: $10

Time:	Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Date:	Tuesday, June 4 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $10 for the general public.

HISPO Book Club May

Historical, political, and social book review.
May 7: the Patriarch by David Nasaw (Facilitated by Jesse Rosenblum)
JCC Members: Free, Public $10

Time:	Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Date:	Tuesday, May 7 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $10 for the general public.

JCC POKER LEAGUE: all Games 2013

All Ages - Play in our No Limit Texas Holdem Tournaments. Earn points for prizes. Registration 12:30 p.m. Game 1-5 p.m. 2013 Schedule: Sundays, Feb. 10, March 24, May 19, June 9, July 21, Aug. 18, Oct. 6, Nov. 17, Dec. 15 The more often you play the more chance you have to win fantastic prizes. Trip to Las Vegas, Free Entry into the Merage JCC Poker Tournament in January 2014 and Gift Certificate to a fabulous Orange County Restaurant. $99 for members; $129 for public. Individual Game Fee: JCC Members: $20. Public: $25. . (Individual game entry not eligible for League prizes)

Time:	Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starts:	Sunday, Feb. 10 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Sunday, Dec. 15
$99 for members, $129 for the general public.

JCC Singles: Taco Tuesday

TACO TUESDAY Tuesday, April 23, 5:30 p.m. Join us for delicious tacos and the best Margaritas in town. Celebrate “Taco Tuesday” at El Torito Grill, 1910 Main St., Irvine 92614

Time:	Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:	Tuesday, Apr. 23, 5:30 p.m. Add to Outlook

Lifelong Jewish Learning : From Gold Rush to Gold Records

The School of Lifelong Jewish Learning at the Merage JCC will feature world-class scholars on The History of Jews in California and on Jews & American Music. This is a one-time opportunity to learn about how Jews influenced the settling of the Golden State, the development of the movie industry and the quest for civil rights. The presenter will be Dr. Emily Katz. In the Music portion of the seminar, Larry Maurer provides an overview of Jewish contributions to American Music from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway hits to pop, rock and swing. Cantor Paul Dorman will present on Pop & Classic Rock and entertain us with his beautiful voice.

This in-depth intellectual discovery is 4 mornings 8:30am - 1pm and includes 2 seminars a day, continental breakfast, snack and lunch from Monday, May 20 to Thursday, May 23, 2013.
JCC Members $118, Public $136 (before May 14)
Early bird price in effect until May 14, then increases to $133 for members, $151 for public.

Time:	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Starts:	Monday, May 20 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Thursday, May 23
$118 for members.

Mah Jongg Refresher

Practice and brush up on your skills at our supervised play session.

Time:	Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starts:	Friday, June 7 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Friday, June 28
Instructor:	Joan Samson
$60 for members, $75 for the general public.

Mah Jongg: Drop in & Play - Ongoing

Mondays 7-9 p.m. Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Beginner & Advanced tables. JCC Members only: no charge

Time:

Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Mah Jongg: Learn To Play Mondays

Mondays, 7-9pm, May 13-July 8 (no class 5/27)
Learn to play in a small, friendly class setting
Instructor: Joan Samson
JCC Members $110, Public $135 Minimum 6 players

Time:	Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Starts:	Monday, May 13 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Monday, July 8
Instructor:	Joan Samson
$110 for members, $135 for the general public.

Men's Club At The J - Ongoing

Each week this group enjoys coffee and bagels while discussing issues of the day. News articles or other topics that interest members are brought in and thought provoking exchanges develop as members share views based on professional experience, life lessons, or opinions. Discussion led by Marty Migdall. Members only. No charge.

Time:

Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mens Club Monthly Wine Tasting May

Gents- if you love wine this is not to be missed. RSVP required to Sid Field, Coordinator (949) 464-9939 or bacchus1961@cox.net. JCC Members only: Free.

Time:	Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:	Tuesday, May 21 Add to Outlook

Mens Wine Tasting August

RSVP required to Sid Field, Coordinator. (949) 464-9939 or bacchus1961@cox.net.

Time:	Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:	Tuesday, Aug. 13 Add to Outlook

Mens Wine Tasting July

RSVP required to Sid Field, Coordinator (949)464-9939 or bacchus1961@cox.net

Time:	Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:	Tuesday, July 16 Add to Outlook

Mens Wine Tasting June

RSVP required to Sid Field, Coordinator (949) 464-9939 or bacchus1961@cox.net

Time:	Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:	Tuesday, June 18 Add to Outlook

Monthly Unlimited Pass

Working on a project you just have to complete? Have a lighter schedule this month? Purchase an unlimited art class pass and a lower rate-perclass, and come as much as you would like during the month. Pass may be used during open studio hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pass expires within a month from date of purchase. Unlimited pass: $300 members, $320 public

Time:	Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$300 for members, $320 for the general public.

News and Views - Ongoing

This class is for everyone who loves to discuss current events and the news. Come debate and discuss loyal and world issues in an interactive format where participation is encouraged. Facilitated by Bob and Lillian Kurtz JCC Members Only: Free

Time:	Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Instructor:	Robert & Lillian Kurtz

Shall We Dance?

Thursdays, 7-8:30pm, learn a new dance each month
May 23-June 13
Learn classic dance steps to contemporary music to dance at parties, weddings and cruises. Have fun, socialize, and burn calories with Jennifer's easy approach to learning to dance.
Instructor: Jennifer Bagwell Kay. Artistic director of Pacific Performing Arts
JCC Members $55, Public $75 per month. Minimum 8 participants.

Time:	Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Starts:	Thursday, May 23 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Thursday, June 13
$55 for members, $75 for the general public.

The Jewish Experience FULL SERIES

A New JCC Evening Lecture Series:
The Jewish Experience
May 6: Harry Houdini: America's First Jewish Superhero
June 3: Jews in Baseball
July 8: Abraham Lincoln
Series of 3: JCC Members $20, Public $25

Starts:	Monday, May 6 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Monday, July 8
$20 for members, $25 for the general public.

The Jewish Experience: Abe Lincoln

A New JCC Evening Lecture Series:
The Jewish Experience
Lecture 2: Monday, July 8, 7-8pm
Abe Lincoln: America's First Jewish President?
How could anyone with a beard and the name Abraham, who was so wise, not be Jewish? This lecture explores the possible Jewish roots of our 16th president.
Presented by Dr. Don Schwartz, Emeritus Professor of History from CSU Long Beach and Executive Director of the California Council of History Education.
Individual Lectures: JCC Members $8, Public $10

Time:	Monday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Date:	Monday, July 8 Add to Outlook
$8 for members, $10 for the general public.

The Jewish Experience: Jews in Baseball

A New JCC Evening Lecture Series:
The Jewish Experience
Lecture 2: Monday, June 3, 7-8pm
As American as Potato Latkes: Jews in Baseball
Jews have played a prominent role in America's national pastime: as players, owners, statisticians, journalists, and broadcasters. In this lecture we will address the fascination that baseball held for immigrant Jews and the roles Jews have played in the history of baseball.
Presented by Dr. Don Schwartz, Emeritus Professor of History from CSU Long Beach and Executive Director of the California Council of History Education.
Upcoming Lectures:
Abe Lincoln: America's First Jewish President? - July 8
Individual Lectures: JCC Members $8, Public $10

Time:	Monday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Date:	Monday, June 3 Add to Outlook
$8 for members, $10 for the general public.

The View for Women of All Ages - Ongoing

Come for coffee, chat, and share your ideas while discussing topics of interest to women.
Meet for lunch out the last Tuesday of the month. Facilitated by Michelle Walot & Ro Probowsky

Time:	Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Instructor:	Michelle Walot and Roe Probolsky
Free for members, $5 for the general public.

Women's Connection: The Authentic Woman

The Authentic Woman - A Work in Progress
Wednesdays, June 12 & 19, 10:30am-12:30pm
A 2-part workshop with Lynda Zussman, Educator and Life Skills Specialist.
Women of this Millennium are not getting older, they're getting better. Every decade needs a new direction in life. Explore possibilities to achieve your full potential and unique gifts and define who you really are now. Short term and long term goals will be explored as well as developing the body, mind and spirit. Activities including journal writing, collage, and discussion will help you develop your plan.
JCC Members $30, PUblic $45, includes workbook activities and a copy of Zussman's book, Throw Me The Rope

Time:	Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starts:	Wednesday, June 12 Add to Outlook
Ends:	Wednesday, June 19
$30 for members, $45 for the general public.

Writers Roundtable July

Work with a New York Times bestselling author as your own writing coach! Bring your questions about writing and getting published. Your guide is nine-time national bestselling author Michael Levin, who has taught thousands of writers at UCLA and NYU. Get all your writing and publishing questions answered so that you can write the book of your dreams!

Time:	Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:	Wednesday, July 31 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $10 for the general public.

Writers Roundtable June

Work with a New York Times bestselling author as your own writing coach! Bring your questions about writing and getting published. Your guide is nine-time national bestselling author Michael Levin, who has taught thousands of writers at UCLA and NYU. Get all your writing and publishing questions answered so that you can write the book of your dreams!
JCC Members: Free. Public: $15

Time:	Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:	Wednesday, June 26 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $15 for the general public.

Writers Roundtable May

Work with a New York Times bestselling author as your own writing coach! Bring your questions about writing and getting published. Your guide is nine-time national bestselling author Michael Levin, who has taught thousands of writers at UCLA and NYU. Get all your writing and publishing questions answered so that you can write the book of your dreams!
JCC Members: Free. Public: $15

Time:	Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:	Wednesday, May 29 Add to Outlook
Instructor:	Michael Levin
Free for members, $15 for the general public.