The J - you belong here

Games, Classes, Workshops,
Discussion & Interest Groups

Join the vibrant community of adults who enjoy sharing intellectual, recreational, physical and spiritual pursuits. The J’s program for adult and active senior men and women offers a wide variety of classes, activities and special events in a friendly environment. Make new friends while pursuing long held interests and discovering new ones. For information about PrimeTime Adult programs, contact Geri Dorman, Senior Adult Director at (949) 435-3400 ext. 303, gerid@jccoc.org .


Week at a Glance

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
 Gentle Yogalates & Meditation-(Fee)
9:00 - 10:15
Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 4 Class Pass- Ongoing
9:30 - 12:30


Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 8 Class Pass- Ongoing
9:30 - 12:30
Gentle Yoga: Ongoing
9:00 - 10:00


Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 4 Class Pass- Ongoing
9:30 - 12:30


Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 8 Class Pass- Ongoing
9:30 - 12:30
Mah Jongg: Drop in and Play!
9:30 - 12:00


Digital Photo
9:30 - 10:30


Mah Jongg Tournament and Lunch
9:30 - 2:30


Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 4 Class Pass- Ongoing
9:30 - 12:30


Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 8 Class Pass- Ongoing
9:30 - 12:30
Gentle Yoga: Ongoing
9:00 - 10:00
 Shalom J Family
10:00 - 11:30


News and Views- Ongoing
10:30 - 11:30
Books & Bagels February
10:00 - 11:30


Books & Bagels January
10:00 - 11:30


Books & Bagels March
10:00 - 11:30


The View for Women of All Ages - Ongoing
10:00 - 12:00


Tu B'Shevat How to Make Your Own Terrarium
10:00 - 11:30
Writer's Roundtable March
10:00 - 11:30


Writer's Roundtable Feb
10:00 - 11:30


Writer's Workshop
10:00 - 11:30


Mah Jongg: Learn To Play
10:30 - 12:30


Women's Connection: Relationships Made Simple
10:30 - 11:45
 Men's Club At The J- Ongoing
10:00 - 12:00


Mah Jongg Refresher February
10:30 - 12:30


Mah Jongg: Refresher January
10:30 - 12:30
Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament Admission
11:00
Bridge: Drop In & Play - Ongoing
11:30 - 2:30
 Womens Connection: Fulfilling Your Life Goals
11:00 - 12:00


Older Senior Day February
11:30 - 2:00


Older Senior Day March
11:30 - 2:00
  
ACE SPONSOR - POKER TOURNAMENT
12:30
     
JCC Poker Game Dec 4
1:00 - 3:00


JCC Poker Game Sept 11
1:00 - 3:00


JCC POKER LEAGUE GAME: Early Bird Registration
1:00 - 5:00
     
Community Mitzvah Day at the JCC
2:00 - 4:00


JCC Cares - Help Families Forward
2:00 - 4:00


JCC Cares Community Mitzvah Day
2:00 - 4:00


NO-LIMIT TEXAS HOLD 'EM TOURNAMENT
2:00
     
  Bridge: Intermediate Supervised Play With Ann Cressman
3:00 - 5:00
  JCC Cares - Help Families Forward - PM
3:30 - 6:30
Great Jewish Americans 101: Jewish American Dramatists
4:00 - 5:30


Jstars- "Life as a Cabaret" Sunday Performance
4:00
     
  Singles Happy Hour
5:30
 JCC Cares - Orangewood Holiday Party
5:00 - 9:00
 
   Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Skype
6:30 - 8:30
  
  Mah Jongg: Drop in and Play!
7:00 - 9:00


A Mindful Guide to a Healthy Heart
7:00 - 8:30


Mah Jongg: Learn To Play Evening Class
7:00 - 9:00


Adult Mosaic with Sammy Jass
7:30 - 9:30
Men's Club Monthly Wine Tasting
7:00 - 9:00


Men's Club Monthly Wine Tasting
7:00 - 9:00


Men's Club Monthly Wine Tasting
7:00 - 9:00
 Cocktails & Heels Benefit Fashion Show
7:00 - 9:00


Dancing with You January
7:00 - 8:15
 

Classes & Events:

Gentle Yogalates & Meditation-(Fee)
Join in as we take our gentle yoga class to a new level of enjoyment for the mind and body. The class will integrate gentle core exercises with yoga and meditation providing a more complete and balanced experience. Each class will end with a meditation session allowing the body and mind to reflect and relax. Minimum 6 people
Time:Monday from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Starts:Monday, Feb. 6 Add to Outlook
Ends:Monday, Mar. 26
$50 for members.
Tu B'Shevat How to Make Your Own Terrarium
Tu B' Shevat marks the 'New Year of the Trees' We remember the land of Israel and our need to protect the environment. We will learn about the history of terrariums and create our own beautiful terrariums. Members $20, Public $30, Material Fee $25
Time:Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:Tuesday, Feb. 7 Add to Outlook
$20 for members, $30 for the general public, $25 optional fees.
Older Senior Day February
This once-a-month program is for older adults who need assistance . We have Jewish films, music, entertainment and holiday programs. Refreshments will be served. A catered kosher lunch is available for an additional charge. No charge to JCC members. Public $6 per day. RSVP to gerid@jccoc.org if you or your group is interested in participating.
Time:Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Date:Wednesday, Feb. 8 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $6 for the general public.
A Mindful Guide to a Healthy Heart
"This experiential workshop will introduce participants to the well-researched mind-body techniques that can promote cardiovascular health. Research on the benefits of meditation and yoga on the heart from Harvard, Yale and Cedars Sinai will be presented. Using mindfulness, meditation, and yoga based stretching, we will explore the ways that we can heal from within. "Loving kindness and compassion are also a part of cardiac health." These time tested practices will be incorporated as well.
Time:Monday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Date:Monday, Feb. 13 Add to Outlook
$20 for members, $30 for the general public.
Bridge: Intermediate Supervised Play With Ann Cressman
Intermediate Level. Improve your play through supervised instruction and analysis of hands Instructor: Ann Cressman, ACBL certified instructor, Silver Life Master.
Time:Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starts:Tuesday, Feb. 14 Add to Outlook
Ends:Tuesday, Apr. 3
Instructor:Ann Cressman
$105 for members, $135 for the general public.
Women's Connection: Relationships Made Simple
Having a loving and enduring relationship is as easy as giving your car a tune up! There are certain basic principles to being Lovers and Best Friends, regardless of whether you have been together 3 years or 43 years? Come hear what they are - or be reminded, because we can forget along the way.
Time:Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Date:Wednesday, Feb. 15 Add to Outlook
Instructor:Steve Parker Ph.D. MFT and Tessa Kershnar MFT
Free for members, $10 for the general public.
JCC POKER LEAGUE GAME: Early Bird Registration
First Game: Sunday, Feb. 19, Registration 12:30 p.m. Game 1-5 p.m. 2012 Schedule: Sundays, Feb 19, March18, May 6, June 10, July 15, August 19, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16 The more often you play the more chance you have to win fantastic prizes. 9 games will earn you points to the grand prizes at the year-end; Trip to Las Vegas, Free Entry into the Merage JCC's Poker Tournament in January 2013 and Gift Certificate to a fabulous Orange County Restaurant. Each month the top 2 winners earn great prizes also. Early Bird - $99 Members $ public $129 After Jan 29 $129 members $159 Public Individual Game Fee: JCC Members: $20. Public: $25. Door Registration: $30. (Not eligible for League prizes)
Time:Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Date:Sunday, Feb. 19 Add to Outlook
$99 for members, $129 for the general public.
Men's Club Monthly Wine Tasting
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. no charge.
Time:Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:Tuesday, Feb. 21 Add to Outlook
Mah Jongg Tournament and Lunch
Join the fun. Beginner and advanced tables available; welcome all levels. Socialize with friends, meet new people and enjoy a light, delicious kosher lunch. *Bring a friend for member price $8 Mah Jongg Card
Time:Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Date:Thursday, Feb. 23 Add to Outlook
$32 for members, $42 for the general public.
Mah Jongg Refresher February
Practice and brush up on your skills at our supervised play session. 4-week session. Minimum 6
Time:Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starts:Friday, Feb. 24 Add to Outlook
Ends:Friday, Mar. 16
Instructor:Joan Samson
$55 for members, $75 for the general public.
Books & Bagels February
"A Death In Vienna" by Daniel Silva
Time:Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:Tuesday, Feb. 28 Add to Outlook
Instructor:Dana Susson and Marcy Middler
Free for members, $10 for the general public.
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Skype
What's it all about in plain English? If you are resistant, reluctant or intimidated by all this new technology, you are not alone! Find out what Social Media is all about in plain English and how you can set up an account and benefit from it. Instructor: Steve Averill of Averill Media, OCBizBlog.com JCC Members only: $30 each session.
Time:Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Date:Wednesday, Feb. 29 Add to Outlook
Instructor:Steve Averill
$30 for members.
Great Jewish Americans 101: Jewish American Dramatists
An astonishing number of major 20th Century dramatists have been Jewish Americans including Arthur Miller, Clifford Odets, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Woody Allen and Wendy Wasserstein to name just a few. Professor Robert Cohen, UCI Founding Chair of the Drama Department, will present an edutaining program about the Jewish playwrights, illustrated by dramatic scenes from select works by actors from the UCI Graduate Drama Dept. Professor Cohen is a professional director, playwright, drama critic, essayist and author. He teaches drama workshops worldwide. All seats at the door $12
Time:Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Date:Sunday, Mar. 4 Add to Outlook
Instructor: Professor Robert Cohen
$8 for members, $10 for the general public.
Writer's Roundtable March
Wouldn't it be great to have a New York Times bestselling author as your own personal writing coach? Now you can have exactly that, every month at the J, at the Writer's Roundtable. Bring your questions, concerns, and issues about writing and getting published - whether you're writing a novel, a memoir, short stories, nonfiction, or anything else. Your guide is eight-time national bestselling author Michael Levin, who has taught thousands of writers at UCLA and NYU, has been published by Simon & Schuster, Random House, and many other top publishers, and has written for the New York Times, CBS News, the Los Angeles Times, and the Jerusalem Post. Now you can get all your writing and publishing questions answered, so you can write the book of your dreams!
Time:Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:Wednesday, Mar. 7 Add to Outlook
Instructor:Michael Levin
$18 for members.
Womens Connection: Fulfilling Your Life Goals
Back by popular demand! Learn techniques to further enhance life purpose, daily enjoyment and confidence in your personal lives or careers.You will have fun discovering new strategies to learn about the inner and true self and become "unstuck". Don't miss Part 2 of this wonderful workshop.
Time:Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Date:Wednesday, Mar. 7 Add to Outlook
Instructor:Joan Stavale, Breakout Life Coaching
Free for members, $10 for the general public.
Men's Club Monthly Wine Tasting
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. no charge.
Time:Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:Tuesday, Mar. 13 Add to Outlook
Older Senior Day March
This once-a-month program is for older adults who need assistance . We have Jewish films, music, entertainment and holiday programs. Refreshments will be served. A catered kosher lunch is available for an additional charge. No charge to JCC members. Public $6 per day. RSVP to gerid@jccoc.org if you or your group is interested in participating.
Time:Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Date:Wednesday, Mar. 14 Add to Outlook
Free for members, $6 for the general public.

Already Started or Ongoing:

Mah Jongg: Drop in and Play!
Mondays 7-9 p.m. Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-noon
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 p.m.
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.
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.
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, No Charge.
Time:Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Instructor:Robert & Lillian Kurtz
The View for Women of All Ages - Ongoing
Distinctive women, different viewpoints. Join us for coffee and conversation and share your ideas while discussing topics of interest fo women. Facilitated by Adeline Cohen. JCC Members no charge. Public $5
Time:Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Instructor:Adeline Cohen, MA Psychology
Free for members, $5 for the general public.
2012 Mah Jongg Cards On Sale!
Order your 2012 Mah Jongg card NOW!! through February 1st at the JCC and pick it up at the Front Desk in April. Small Card $7. Large Card $8.
Date:Wednesday, Feb. 1 Add to Outlook
$7 for members, $8 for the general public.
ACE SPONSOR - POKER TOURNAMENT
Be an Ace Sponsor for the Merage JCC’s Eighth Annual NO-LIMIT TEXAS HOLD 'EM TOURNAMENT -- Sunday, January 29, 2012 at the JCC
Includes 1 seat, initial add-on & recoginition in all poker publicity. Play for incredible prizes including fabulous vacations, sports tickets, home electronics and many other exciting prizes! BUY-IN: (INCLUDES $4000 IN CHIPS)
Time:Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to
Date:Sunday, Jan. 29 Add to Outlook
$500 for the members & the general public.
Dancing with You January
Our class focuses on International Latin and American Smooth Ballroom Dance Styles. This session will focus on learning Rumba and Swing. Classic dance steps to contemporary music to dance at parties, weddings and cruises. A fun with Jennifers easy approach to learning dance steps from the Ballroom dancing syllabus. Instructor: Jennifer Bagwell Kay, Artistic Director of Pacific Performing Arts,. 2011 Champion California Star Ball, Desert Classic & San Diego Dance Sport Champion JCC Members $100, Public $135.
Time:Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Starts:Thursday, Jan. 26 Add to Outlook
Ends:Thursday, Mar. 1
Instructor:Jennifer Bagwell Kaye
$100 for members, $135 for the general public.
Mah Jongg: Learn To Play
Practice and brush up on your skills at our supervised play session. Min. 6 (no class 2/15)
Time:Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starts:Wednesday, Jan. 25 Add to Outlook
Ends:Wednesday, Mar. 21
Instructor:Joan Samson
$105 for members, $135 for the general public.
Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 4 Class Pass- Ongoing
Under the supervision of art expert Lynne Kaplan, come work in an open studio setting which emphasizes individualized instruction. Students work on their own projects while the instructor guides the student on technique, form, and color. Students can work in any paint medium or in low-fire clay. Classes are ongoing. Join in anytime! Students provide their own materials.
Time:Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starts:Tuesday, Jan. 24 Add to Outlook
Ends:Thursday, Mar. 15
$150 for members, $170 for the general public.
Mixed Media Art with Lynne Kaplan- 8 Class Pass- Ongoing
Under the supervision of art expert Lynne Kaplan, come work in an open studio setting which emphasizes individualized instruction. Students work on their own projects while the instructor guides the student on technique, form, and color. Students can work in any paint medium or in low-fire clay. Classes are ongoing. Join in anytime! Students provide their own materials.
Time:Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starts:Tuesday, Jan. 24 Add to Outlook
Ends:Thursday, Mar. 15
$275 for members, $315 for the general public.
Mah Jongg: Learn To Play Evening Class
8 classes (no class 2/13) Learn to play in a small, friendly class setting. Instructor: Joan Samson Members $100, Public $135, Card $8, Minimum: 6
Time:Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Starts:Monday, Jan. 23 Add to Outlook
Ends:Monday, Mar. 19
Instructor:Joan Samson
$100 for members, $135 for the general public.
Mah Jongg: Refresher January
Practice and brush up on your skills at our supervised play session. No Class 2/15 4-week session.
Time:Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starts:Thursday, Jan. 19 Add to Outlook
Ends:Thursday, Feb. 9
Instructor:Joan Samson
$55 for members, $75 for the general public, $8 optional fees.
Jstars- "Life as a Cabaret" Sunday Performance
The Merage Jewish Community Center’s first adult theater group, "JStars", showcases the singing and dancing talents of JCC members ages 18 and up.
The first production: "Life as a Cabaret" is a "Follies" style show featuring song selections from ten all-time favorite Broadway shows such as Cabaret, Chicago, The Producers, Chorus Line and more!
The performances will be on Saturday January 14 at 8 pm and Sunday January 15 at 4 pm
Time:Sunday from 4 p.m. to
Date:Sunday, Jan. 15 Add to Outlook
$18 for the members & the general public.
JCC Cares - Orangewood Holiday Party
Help run a cookie decorating booth at the Orangewood Holiday Party at the Embassy Suites in Orange. Thursday, December 15, 5-9 p.m.
Time:Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date:Thursday, Dec. 15 Add to Outlook
Writer's Workshop
Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, novels or memoirs, for adults or for kids, getting published has never been more confusing. Now, New York Times best selling author (and JCC Member) Michael Levin will show you how to navigate the changes in publishing and get your book or article published the right way. Michael Levin is a 35 time book author, ghost writer and internationally acclaimed writing coach who has taught at UCLA & NYU. JCC Members Only $12, Public $20 register by 12/2
Time:Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Date:Wednesday, Dec. 7 Add to Outlook
Instructor:Author Michael Levin
JCC Cares - Help Families Forward - PM
Help prepare food baskets for Thanksgiving at Families Forward. Minimum age 14.
Time:Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Date:Friday, Nov. 18 Add to Outlook
JCC Cares - Help Families Forward
Help prepare food baskets for Thanksgiving at Families Forward November 13, 2-4 p.m. For ages 20’s & 30’s.
Time:Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Date:Sunday, Nov. 13 Add to Outlook
JCC Cares Community Mitzvah Day
Help Us Help Others - All ages welcome! Participate in a project such as: • Making favors for Meals on Wheels seniors • Creating Discovery Art Boxes for hospitalized children • Packing lunches for the homeless for SOS (Share our Selves) • Writing letters to soldiers • Decorating containers for toiletries for the homeless • Greyhound rescue dogs
Time:Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Date:Sunday, Oct. 23 Add to Outlook

© Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County | 1 Federation Way, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92603
(949) 435-3400 | All Rights Reserved