Classes

Learn. Explore.

At the PJCC, we offer classes and workshops every month for all ages and interests.

Jewish Culture Classes

Want to learn Hebrew? Increase your Yiddish vocabulary? Check out some of our Jewish education classes.

Wellness Classes

in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente redwood city

Special classes spanning different health and nutrition topics.

Bridge

Learn the current basics of bridge with an emphasis on bidding and play of the hand.

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Clues to Food Mysteries: Nutrients, Ingredients & Additives

Saccharin. Sodium Nitrates. Artificial food dyes. Fat. Sugar. Salt. Confused? You're not alone. Although our doctor, dietitian or personal trainer would have us live in a food utopia where blueberries, broccoli, and other fresh foods are the foundation of our choices, the reality is that many of the foods we consume contain preservatives, sweeteners, food dyes and/or undesirable levels of key nutrients. If you're concerned about what is hiding in your food, join Kaiser Permanente registered dietitian Brenda Allison-Fay as she discusses how to solve some of the mysteries surrounding the foods we eat. Everyone will be eligible to win a free cookbook!

This event, presented free of charge in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, is open to the entire community. Pre-registration is required. Call either the PJCC at 650.212.7522 or Paul Munda at Kaiser, 650.299.4991.

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Color Intensive in Still Life Composition

This class will provide students with the foundation necessary to be creative. Classes are very hands-on, with an emphasis on easel-side critiques. Based on each student's level and goals, each student develps an individualized program for improving their ability as a painter. Instructor Elio Camacho has taught numerous workshops throughout the United States for the past three years.

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Food For Thought: Holy Beggars

Author Aryae Coopersmith's book chronicles his Haight-Asbury years in the 60's with the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Part hippie, part tzaddik, part rock star, Reb Carlebach was Judaism's wandering musical mystic whose melodies are still sung today. His musical style of prayer opened the door to much that followed, from the Jewish Renewal movement to Debbie Friedman's song-based worship. Aryae will describe his close relationship with Carlebach.

This program is made possible by the Koret Taube Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, presenting educational and cultural programs that explore Jewish heritage, identity, and community.

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Food For Thought: How We Talk to Each Other

May 7: Family Matters
Claudia Miller and Katharina Dress will help us examine changing roles in our families. What do you miss as your role changes? How can you discuss these often emotional topics with your family members? The presenters will help you to address even the most difficult topic with honesty and caring, and without judgment, criticism or blame.

May 21: New Approaches to Resolving Conflict
Let's face it . . . our system of justice needs fixing. Punishments are often beyond what is reasonable and the outcome might not bring a sense of closure. Restorative justice aims to change that dynamic and set in place a plan of action to move toward healing for all parties involved.
Claudia Miller received her M.A. from Naropa University with a focus on dialogue as a source of healing. Katharina W. Dress has a Masters in Communications from San Francisco State and extensive mediation training, including nonviolent communication.

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Food For Thought: Jews Lending A Hand

June 4: Pursuing Social Justice in the Developing World
Sprinza Katz from the American Jewish World Service will talk about the work of this organization dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among people across the world. Established in 1985, AJWS works in 30 countries from Asia, South American, Africa and the Middle East. Their projects range from building potable water systems to campaigns to ban female genital cutting.

June 18: Ethiopian Jews - From Hunger and Poverty to their Historic Airlift to Israel
Between 1983 and 1992 Peggy Myers and her late husband, Dr. Ted Myers, made annual trips to Ethiopia, recording the plight of the Ethiopian Jews Peggy's photographic exhibit has been shown in cities throughout the U.S. In 2008 Peggy received the highest honor given by Goucher College, the Public Service Award for her years of humanitarian work to benefit the less fortunate.

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Food For Thought: Through the Lens of a Camera

March 5: Striking Poses - Dramatic Portraits from Around the Globe
'Mind if I take your picture?' Photographer and art buyer Max Fallon has interrupted people going about their lives with that question in 42 countries, on five continents. Max will demonstrate how you can use photography to meet and interact with subjects. Max was director of print production and art-buying at an award-winning advertising agency in San Francisco and has a BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology.

March 19: How Photography Has Changed the Way We See the World
The world has changed dramatically in our lifetimes and the photographs we see today show us a different world than the one we grew up in. Joe Gurkoff will talk about how photography has changed both the world we see and the way we see it. You'll hear about the subtle and profound ways technological advances have altered our vocabulary. Joe is a mixed-media artist and fine art photographer who is known for his striking images.

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Healthy Italian Cooking

This class will make you think you are meandering down the streets of Roma or Parma. Imagine a basil, tomato (lots of vitamin C) and mozzarella Caprese. Smell the bubbling pizza and calzone made from the freshest olive oil and smooth texture of skim shredded Buffalo chunks. Unfold fresh gnocchi accompanied by arugula, beet and chevre goat cheese salad. If your mouth is watering, learn to make these foods and more!

Instructor: Former classroom teacher Sharon Barkoff has been teaching cooking to children and adults for several years. Materials are included in class fee. Bon appetito!

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Jewish Book Discussion

Join other readers for a lively discussion of Jewish themed books on loan from the Jewish Community Library's Book Club in a Box. Facilitator Jim Van Buskirk, coordinator of Book Club in a Box leads the group in a lively discussion each month. Call for book selections at 378-2751.

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Let's Talk About It

Each week Shirley Rosenberg leads lively discussions about the events of the day. All opinions are welcome, creating a forum for stimulating and thought-provoking conversation. A leader of current events discussions for more than 25 years, Shirley graduated with a degree in International Relations from UC Berkeley and earned an MA in Education at SF State.
This is a drop-in group; reservations are not required.

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Member Mixer

Join us for wine and hors d'oeuvres and enjoy an evening of mixing and mingling with friends, old and new. This is a great event for any member that would like to invite friends and show off their Center!

This event is for members and their guests who are 21 years old and over. Childcare is available but limited. Call to reserve a spot at 650.378.2702.

A free gift to everyone who RSVPs!

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Prep For The Met

Get the insider's perspective on opera from a local professional. Learn how the combination of libretto, music and spectacle of the theatre combine to create master- pieces. Hear the stories and scandals behind the great operas being simulcast by America's top opera company, the Met. Be prepared when you attend the Live at the Met Opera performances at local presenting theaters.

January 20, 2012 'The Enchanted Island' with music by Handel, Vivaldi & Rameau
February 24, 2012 'Ernani' by Verdi

Instructor: Deborah Rosengaus, mezzo-soprano has performed internationally in Eastern Asia and Australia, with recitals in Italy, Mexico and across the United States. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and Master's in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.

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Still Life in Oils

Improve your painting skills! Classes are very hands-on, with an emphasis on easel-side critiques. Based on each student's level and goals, each student develops an individualized program for improving their ability as a painter. Elio Camacho has taught painting throughout the United States.

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Sunday Cinema Film Series

This series will present films of Jewish interest throughout the year.

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Take A Breath: An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It is an effective technique for stress reduction. It brings balance, rest and a growing inner peace, and contributes to physical, emotional and mental well- being. Meditation can also give us direct, intuitive experience of higher realities. Drawing on the experience of mindfulness and on insights of the Jewish spiritual path, we will give ourselves the gift of wellness through meditation.

This class is open to all, Jews and non-Jews alike, and includes simple and basic instructions in the practice of meditation.

Rabbi Lavey Derby has practiced meditation for over twenty years and has been teaching meditation for the past ten years.

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The Best in Cinema: Monday at the Movies

Avoid the crowds at the theater and catch a variety of rare, thought-provoking films here at the PJCC!

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