Lisa Charschan, Director of Adult Services
516-634-4169, lcharschan@friedbergjcc.org
Ongoing Programs
For Members Only – Registration Required
REAP (Retired, Experienced and Proud)
Mondays, 11 am-2 pm
Fee: $79 Members $38 per person quarterly (includes 3 months of weekly entertainment)
The People’s Forum with Gloria
Tuesdays, 11:30 am-12:30pm
Participate in lively conversation, make a social connection & face life’s challenges together.
Fee: Free for Members
Sports Roundup
Tuesdays, 12:15-1:15 pm
Let’s discuss our favorite topic, sports!
Fee: Free for Members
Headlines and Topics
Wednesdays, 11 am-12:15 pm
Join us for a lively discussion of current events and newsworthy stories.
Fee: Free for Members
Point Counterpoint
Politics From Both Sides
Mondays 7PM-8:30 PM
The left and the right are represented at this spirited exchange.
Fee: Free for Members
In-House Games
Registration Required
Mah Jongg Mondays
Mondays, 12-4 pm
Fee: Free for Members
Open Play
Wednesdays, 1-4 pm
Fee: Free for Members
Open Play
Fridays 11-4pm
Fee: Free for Members
Beginner Canasta Lessons with Heidi Pashko
6 Thursdays 5/1, 5/8 ,5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5
1PM-3PM
Canasta is making a comeback all over town. Learn why this high scoring and unpredictable game is so popular again and how to get in on the fun!
Fee: $162; Members, $135
Evening Beginner Canasta Lessons with Heidi Pashko
6 Wednesdays 5/7,5/14,5/21.5/28,6/4,6/11
6:30-8:30 PM
Canasta is making a comeback all over town. Learn why this high scoring and unpredictable game is so popular again and how to get in on the fun!
Fee: $162; Members, $135
Beginner Mah Jongg Lessons with Michele Lamonsoff
6 Wednesdays 5/14, 5/21 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18
3:45-5:45 PM
Join us to learn the game that has fascinated people for so many years with its strategies, sequences and combinations. This class will introduce you to the tiles and basic moves of the ancient game.
Fee $162; Members $135
Evening Beginner Mah Jongg Class for Moms with Wendy Katcher
6 Tuesdays 4/22 4/29 5/6 5/13 5/20 6/3 (No Class 5/27)
7PM-9PM
Looking for a fun way to unwind and connect with others?
Join our Beginner Mah Jongg Class and learn the classic, exciting game that’s perfect for both relaxation and mental stimulation! Meet New Friends: A great way to bond with others in a laid-back, social setting. Boost Your Brain: Challenge your mind while mastering the ancient Chinese tile game. Have Fun: No experience necessary! Learn step-by-step at your own pace.
$162 Members $135
In-House Lectures / Programs
Registration Required
Between the Covers
with Liz Ropers Mondays at 1:30
April 7 Tom Lake by Anne Patchett
May 5 Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
June 2 Leaving by Roxana Robinson
Fee: $8; Members, $5
Lecture Series with Liz Ropers
Thursdays at 1 pm
April 10 The Origin of Modern Jewish Humor
May 15 Historical Figures from a Jewish perspective Part 1
June 12 Historical Figures from a Jewish perspective Part 2
Fee: $15; Members, $5
Classic Movies & discussion
with Liz Ropers
Thursdays at 1 pm
May 22 The Joy Luck Club
June 26 All the President’s Men
Fee: $15; Members, Free
Discover the Glamour of Art Deco with Eva Berger
Thursday, May 1, 2025
12:45 PM
Bagels with a schmear included
$15 | Members: $10
Art Deco defined an era of luxury, innovation, and modernity, reaching its height in the 1920s and ’30s. This bold and stylish movement bridged the Gilded Age to the present, incorporating exotic materials like ebony and ivory alongside cutting-edge innovations such as chrome plating, stainless steel, and plastic.
More than just a design trend, Art Deco both reflected and shaped political, social, and economic shifts, from the corseted formality of the past to the free-spirited flapper culture of the Roaring Twenties, and nowhere is its legacy more alive than in New York City, a true mecca of Deco architecture.
From Fred and Ginger to the Chrysler Building to Tupperware, join us for a fascinating journey into the world of Art Deco.
Join us and the Jewish War Veterans for a delightful film:
Mrs. Harris goes to Paris
Thursday April 24, 2025 12:30
In 1950s London, a widowed cleaning lady falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, deciding she must have one of her own. After working to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris that will change not only her own outlook — but the very future of the House of Dior.
Bagels and cream cheese will be provided by the Jewish War Veterans
Fee $5 Members and Jewish War Veterans
Join us and the Jewish War Veterans for a delightful film:
The Women’s Balcony
Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30
An acciden during a bar mitzvah celebration leads to a gender rift in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem, in this rousing, good-hearted tale about women speaking truth to patriarchal power.
Bagels and cream cheese will be provided by the Jewish War Veterans
Fee $5 Members and Jewish War Veterans
Join us and the Jewish War Veterans for an action packed film:
September 5
June 19, 2025 12:30
During the 1972 Munich Olympics, a hostage crisis pushes legendary TV executive Roone Arledge to thrust an untested sports producer, Geoff Mason, into the spotlight of breaking news coverage. With lives hanging in the balance and the world watching, this pivotal moment, based on a true story, reshaped journalism forever.
Bagels and cream cheese will be provided by the Jewish War Veterans
Fee $5 Members and Jewish War Veterans
Watercolor with Peter Lora
6 Wednesdays 4/2,4/9,4/16,4/23,4/30,5/7
1 PM – 2:30 PM
Beginner watercolor art classes are the perfect way to explore and express your inner-artist. If you are a complete beginner, you have come to the right place! This class specializes in teaching beginner watercolor painting students the fundamental art techniques necessary to express themselves through art. Through our warm, non-judgemental, and encouraging approach to beginner watercolor classes, our students learn quickly as they celebrate their creative weekly progress. Beginner watercolor students rave about the personalized attention they receive, and all art instructions are tailored towards your individual needs and interests
Fee: $98 Members $82
Please bring $15 the first day of class for supplies which will be provided by your instructor.
Drawing with Peter Lora
6 Wednesdays 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4,6/11 6/18
1PM-2:30PM
All artists create a drawing as a vehicle to express their thoughts on a two dimensional surface.
Drawing skills can be learned by anyone. If you have a strong foundation You’ll have the confidence and tools to create your artistic visions ultimately creating your artistic voice. In this class students will learn portion measurement and shading skills. students also will learn to understand integral drawing concepts like perspective, value, and composition. Each week in this in-person class we will introduce new drawing and perception concepts while also building on the previous week’s lesson, allowing us to break down the larger elements of still life in Cast drawing. Materials used are very open, but the lessons will cover graphite and charcoal/chalk drawing material concepts.
Fee: $98 Members $82
Please bring $15 the first day of class for supplies which will be provided by your instructor.
Acrylic painting with Eva Berger
6 Tuesdays 5/6 5/13 5/20 5/27 6/3 6/10
1:30-3:30PM
Discover the Joy of Acrylic Painting and unleash your creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience with a brush, this guided class will help you explore techniques, colors, and textures to create your own masterpiece.
Fee: $89; Members, $72
Additional $35 fee for supplies or provide your own.
Day Trips & Outings
Registration Required
Walking club with Lisa
5 Wednesdays 4/23,4/30,5/7,5/14,5/21
9:45 AM
Join Lisa Charschan, Adult Services Director as we walk and talk our stress away. Being active is the secret to staying healthy and walking is one of the easiest ways to get moving. Frequent brisk walks can boost your brainpower and make you more productive. For this 5 week session we will be meeting at a different location each week. Stops may include but not limited to the Long Beach Boardwalk, Oceanside Park, Norman Levy Preserve, Hempstead State Park. Meeting spot will be announced once you register. Proper walking shoes are required.
Fee $18 Members Free
Calling All Musicians; Let’s start a Klezmer workshop
Thursday, May 15, 2025
7-9 PM
Are you a musician—beginner or experienced—looking to explore the lively world of klezmer music? Come join Ronald Churgin for an informational meeting to see how we can play, study, and celebrate this rich musical tradition.
Please register in our front office if you are planning to attend
Being Somebody the Show
Thursday, June 19, 2025
7PM-9PM
BEING SOMEBODY stars an extraordinary 89-year-old Jewish psychologist/executive coach (vibrant and still working) alongside his talented recording artist/writer/performer daughter. Together, through storytelling, music, and movement, they take the audience on a nostalgic journey back in time to growing up in Brooklyn in the 1940s, 50s, and 1970s, evoking laughter, tears, and heartfelt memories of those moments that matter most and make us who we are. This is a real-life father/daughter tale of love, family, and hope with universal themes that speak to us all and remind us of our lives growing up and the values we still hold near and dear.
BEING SOMEBODY has received standing ovations to sold-out theaters in NYC, Westchester County, Rhode Island, and Florida.
Tickets $15 Members $10
What is PEIR?
PEIR is an acronym for Personal Enrichment In Retirement.
Thursdays 10-11:30
It’s a unique organization that combines life-long intellectual stimulation and social interaction among our retired, or semi-retired adults, from all walks of life. What is unique about PEIR is that its members make the presentations either in-person and/or via Zoom to the membership.
PEIR is now expanding its in-person presentation program through a collaboration with the Oceanside JCC. PEIR members will be making in-person presentations to a combined PEIR-JCC audience.
Our lifelong learning group offers its members the opportunity to be teachers and/or students. If you would like to make a presentation to the group on a subject of interest to you, you can do your own research, design your own talk, and present it to our group, allowing some time for questions and possible discussion. Many of our members prefer auditing the presentations that others give and participating in the subsequent discussion.
Wherever your interests take you: art, music, history, current events, technology, sports, government, travel, philosophy, etc., PEIR will peak your curiosity and desire to remain mentally alert. We constantly inspire and amaze each other.
In PEIR’s program, there is no homework, no tests, and no grades; Just learn, laugh and make new friends.
Registration is required to attend.
Free to all members of the JCC and PEIR member
Day trip to Nassau County Museum of Art
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Art Deco Exhibit/ Delicious lunch at Spaghettini
Let’s Journey Back to the Glamorous Jazz Age
The latest exhibition at the Museum delves into the decorative arts of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age. Art Deco at 100 will feature poster art, photography, furniture and fashion. This will be a docent guided tour providing insight to the art on display. After our museum visit we will head to our new favorite restaurant, Spaghettini for a four course lunch extravaganza.
Transportation and lunch included in the price.
Fee: $88; Members; $79
Day Trip to Elmont Theater
Wednesday, Apri 30, 2025
Carol’s Kings You Got a Friend at the J
Enjoy great seats for a very special show as we watch the world’s first all-male Carole King tribute band. This dynamic performance is sure to make the earth move and provide a memorable afternoon.
Transportation and lunch included in the price.
Fee: TBA
Day Trip to Argyle Theater in Babylon
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Fiddler on the Roof
Tradition as its finest!
The award winning-tale of Tevya the dairyman and his family’s struggles in a changing Russia is a true musical theater tradition. WIth beloved songs such as “Sunrise Sunset”, “ If I Were a RIch Man” and
“Matchmaker, Matchmaker”, Fiddler is the perfect mix of humor and heart.
Transportation, Snacks and orchestra seats included
Fee: $129: Members $109
Day Trip to John Engeman Theater in Northport
Wednesday, May 30, 2025
Join us for an Enchanted Afternoon
South Pacific
This beloved musical takes place on a South Pacific island during World War II where two love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. South Pacific’s lush score contains some of the best songs ever written by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Let’s sing along with songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” “There is Nothing Like a Dame”.
Transportation,snacks and orchestra seats included in the trip price.
Fee: $129; Members $109
Day Trip to Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Join Us for a Trip to Gold Coast Opulence
The Hempstead House is one of four mansions on the grounds of the Guggenheim Estate. The summer residence hosted grand parties for the elite of the time. The Hempstead house is a magnificent structure with beautiful landscaped gardens and exquisite views overlooking the Long Island Sound.
On our guided tour we will see the grand rooms inside the massive Tudor Style Mansion. Tours of the Mansion are limited. We are fortunate to have this tour arranged just for us.
Fee: TBA
