Fall 2015 ProgramsAt a Glance

OUR JEWISH WORLD Jewish Communities of MexicoJewish Communities of Italy

GREAT JEWISH AMERICANS 101Jewish Architects and their Creations

JEWISH HOLIDAYSPreparing for the High Holy DaysSukkot CelebrationChanukah Celebration

TRIP TO NIXON LIBRARY

JCC CARESInspirational Jewish Women’s Luncheon

LIFELONG LEARNINGSearching for Your Family TreeNews & ViewsBooks & BagelsiPhone Tips and Secrets

WELLNESSWomen’s Connection LecturesGentle Yoga

GAMESMah Jongg Luncheon BridgePoker League

CLUBS & AFFINITY GROUPSThe View for WomenMen’s Club

Geri DormanPrimeTime Adult Director(949) 435-3400, ext. 303gerid@jccoc.org.

One Federation WayIrvine, CA 92603 www.jccoc.org

PRIMETIME ADULTSOur Jewish WorldJewish Communities of MexicoWednesday, September 9, 7 p.m.

Professor Sefamí will delineate the Jewish presence in Mexico since the conquest of the Aztec Empire, Crypto-Jews in colonial times, the changes in law allowing for freedom of religion in the 19th century, the migration at the beginning of the 20th century, the estab-lishment of institutions, and the richness of the various communities today.

Presented by Dr. Jacobo Sefami, UCIThe grandson of Sephardic Jews who emigrated to Mexico City from Turkey and Syria, Jacobo Sefamí received his Licenciatura en Lengua y Literatura Hispánicas from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught at New York University, and is currently Professor at the University of California, Irvine.

JCC Members $18, Public $25

Jewish Communities of Italy: How Jewish are Italian Jews?Wednesday, October 28, 7 p.m.

What did it mean to be both Italian and Jewish in the young state of Italy? Did Jews, fierce patriots of Italy, find a place for their Jewishness as well? In this lecture, Shira Klein explores the culture and daily life of Italian Jews from the time they became full citizens up until their persecution under Fascism.

Presented by Dr. Shira Klein, Chapman UniversityShira Klein is an Assistant Professor of History at Chapman University in Orange and received her PhD from New York University. Klein is currently completing a book on the Jews of modern Italy.

JCC Members $18, Public $25

The Merage JCC Israel & Jewish Engagement Center presents

Nidje Israel Synagogue, Mexico City

Merage JCC PrimeTime Adult Programs & Activities Fall 2015

PrimeTime Adult Programs

For information / reservations, contact Geri Dorman, PrimeTime Adult Director, at (949) 435-3400, ext. 303 or email gerid@jccoc.org. Register online at www.jccoc.org

JEWISH HOLIDAY EVENTS

Preparing for the High Holy Days: A Jewish Meditation Workshop with Dr. Toni ParkerTuesday, September 8, 10-11 a.m.Drawing on the long history of meditation and contemplative practice in Judaism, this workshop will cover the basics of Jewish meditation with instruction and short exercises. Whether you are a total beginner or advanced, come to prepare for the High Holy Days in a meaningful way, deepening your practice, or finally learning how to sit still.Dr. Toni Parker is a Jewish meditation teacher and psychologist. She has taught at Valley Beth Sholom in Encino and practices psychotherapy.JCC Members only: $10

Sukkot Luncheon and Film Ushpizin Friday, October 2, 12-2:30 p.m.The harvest festival of Sukkot is a time of great joy. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the JCC sukkah followed by the screening of the critically acclaimed film, Ushpizin, which takes place during the holiday of Sukkot in the Holy Land.JCC Members $20, Public $25. Register by 9/30.

Chanukah Celebration with Rabbi Leah LewisTuesday, December 8, 11 a.m.Enjoy a holiday treat while learning about the heroes of Chanukah.JCC and Shir Ha Ma’alot Members only: Free

Nixon Presidential Library and MuseumDiscovery and Recovery: Preserving Iraqi Jewish Heritage Friday, September 4, 9 a.m.- 3 p.mWest Coast PremiereThe exhibit details the dramatic recovery of historic materials relating to the Jewish community in Iraq from a flooded basement in Saddam Hussein’s intelligence headquarters, and the National Archives’ ongoing work in support of U.S. government efforts to preserve these materials. Doris Hamburg, Director of National Archives, Preservation Department, will speak and give a tour of the exhibit at this opening event.JCC Members $55, Public $65 (includes transportation to the Nixon Library, admission and presentation). Register by 8/31.

GREAT JEWISH AMERICANS 101An “edutaining” series about outstanding Jewish Americans and their contributions to the world

Jewish American Architects and their Creations Around the WorldSunday, November 8 at 4 p.m. • Presented by Jennifer Siegal

Architecture is a visual art as well as a medium for advancing social, political, and cultural goals. Learn about the Jewish American architects who built so many important buildings, designs and communities of our times including Frank Gehry, (Disney Concert Hall), Moshe Safdie (Yad Vashem) and others who creatively influenced the culture of the world.

Presented by Jennifer Siegal, Adjunct Associate Professor, USC, M.Arch.Jennifer’s company, OMD, has received numerous awards including Infiniti Design Excellence Award for the Future LA. Siegal was named in Esquire Magazine’s “America’s Best and Brightest”. She has been featured in exhibitions worldwide, and her work has been exhibited at Google, the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, the National Design Museum and the Walker Art Center and televised on NBC, CNN, and HGTV.

Frank Gehry, Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles JCC Members $10, Public $12, at the door $14

Fall 2015 Merage JCC PrimeTime Adult Programs & Activities

GamesMah Jongg

THE PATH TO MAH JONGG WISDOMAuthor Karen Gooen, Luncheon and PlayThursday, December 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.In search of the secrets of the ultimate Mah Jongg Maven, author Karen Gooen will share her insightful memoir Searching for Bubbe Fischer: The Path to Mah Jongg Wisdom. Afterward, a delicious lunch will be served followed by an afternoon of Mah Jongg play.JCC Members $36, Public $42. Register by 11/30.

DROP-IN MAH JONGGMondays, 7-9 p.m., Ongoing.Bring your JCC friends and meet other Mah Jongg players.JCC Members only: Free.

LEARN TO PLAY MAH JONGGMondays, 7-9 p.m. October 12 - November 30, 8 ClassesWednesdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. September 30 - November 18, 8 Classes Learn to play in a small, friendly class setting. Instructor: Joan Samson JCC Members $140, Public $155, Card $9, Min: 6 for each 8 week session

MAH JONGG REFRESHERFridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.October 9 - 30, 4 Classes Practice & brush up on your skills at our supervised play session. Instructor: Joan SamsonJCC Members $75, Public $90, Minimum: 6 for each 4 week session

Bridge

DROP-IN BRIDGEMondays, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Ongoing.Meet other bridge players - no partner needed to participate.JCC Members only: Free.

BRIDGE: INTERMEDIATE LEVELTuesdays, 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.October 13 – November 17, 6 classes The first card you take out of your hand can mean victory...or defeat. How do you choose? This class will focus on opening leads, then begin to explore other areas of defensive play. Instructor: Joan S. Kaye, Ed.D.JCC Members $115, Public $130

Poker

POKER LEAGUE 2015 – TEXAS HOLD’EMHalf Yearly League: July to NovemberSundays, 1 p.m.October 11, November 1, November 29Play in our monthly games on Sundays. Each game has prizes for the winner of the day. Grand prizes for league awarded on November 29. 1st & 2nd place prizes given at each game. League: JCC Members $75, Public $90. Individual game: JCC Members $25, Public $30. (Not eligible for League prizes)

Clubs & Affinity GroupsTHE VIEW FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGESTuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ongoing. Enjoy coffee, chat, and share your ideas while discussing topics of interest to women. Facilitated by Michelle Walot & Ro ProbolskyJCC Members Free, Public $5 per session

MEN’S WINE TASTINGTuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Monthly. October 20, November 24, December 15Gents - if you love wine, this is not to be missed. RSVP required to Sid Field, coordinator, (949) 464–9939, Bacchus1961@cox.net. JCC Members only: Free

MEN’S CLUB AT THE JFridays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Ongoing. Enjoy coffee and bagels while discussing issues of the day. Club members share views on current news items and thought-provoking topics. Drop in guests welcome. Coordinator: Marty MigdallJCC Members only: Free. Drop in and join.

Lifelong LearningNEWS & VIEWSMondays, 10-11:30 a.m., Ongoing.Come discuss local and world issues in this interactive class.Instructor: Jesse Rosenblum. JCC members only: Free

BOOKS & BAGELSTuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Meets once a month. Enjoy coffee and bagels while discussing the book of the month.

Sept. 29 The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant (meet in the JCC sukkah)Oct. 20 The Nightingale by Kristin HannahNov. 17 The Betrayers by David BezmozgisDec. 15 The Jazz Palace by Mary Morris

Facilitated by Dana Susson and Caryn AltmanJCC Members & JFFS: Free, Public $10

iPHONE TIPS AND SECRETS - BEYOND ESSENTIALSWednesdays 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 4 sessionsBeyond Essentials covers advanced features in the iPhone and contacts. It also covers the camera, photos, music, advanced email, iBooks, built-in apps, advanced Siri and many additional tips. Instructor: Jake JacobsJCC Members $40, Public $50

SEARCHING FOR YOUR FAMILY TREE Learn to Trace your Jewish AncestryWednesdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 4 sessions

October 7: Introduction to Genealogy- discussion of important resources. Learn how to join JewishGen (free), come up with a rough family tree.October 21: Introduction to census research. Learn how to find a person on the 1940 census and an earlier one.November 4: Introduction to immigration and naturalization records. Learn to find a ship manifest of a relative and their citizenship papers.November 18: General discussion, results, brick wall solutions, what now?

Instructor: Joel Weintraub, PhD., who has given presentations on census, immigration and naturalization, Jewish genealogy and has published articles on census and biographical research.JCC Members $25, Public $35 for 4 sessions. Minimum: 10.

For information / reservations, contact Geri Dorman, PrimeTime Adult Director, at (949) 435-3400, ext. 303 or email gerid@jccoc.org. Register online at www.jccoc.org

Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County1 Federation Way • Irvine, CA 92603 • 949.435.3400 • www.jccoc.org

Wellness

WOMEN’S CONNECTION LECTURE SERIES Join a dynamic group of women promoting educational, social and Jewish interests for women at the JCC. JCC Members & JFFS only: Free

10 Essential Legal and Financial Steps Women Can Take Today to Secure their TomorrowWednesday, September 30, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.Do you think that only the wealthy or elderly need a will or a trust? How much money do you really need if you are going to retire worry free? Presenters: Laura Meier, Esq. and Debra Curry, CFP

Myth of Aging Wednesday, October 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. There is a myth that as women age they lose vitality, memory, sexuality and purpose. Current research says that you are at your prime after 65, with mature values and attributes. Presenter: Nadine Durbach, MSW

Volunteers Make a Difference Wednesday, December 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about opportunities in the community where you can make a difference by volunteering some of your time. Presenters: Reega Neutel, MSW, and JCC Cares

UNDERSTANDING THE DEMENTIA DISEASE PROCESSThursday, October 8, 10:30 a.m.Learn about the different types of dementia, behaviors and different stages of the disease including diagnosis, medications and how to assist a family member who may have dementia.Presenter: Pamela S. Berkson, Assistant Clinical Professor in Internal Medicine & Geriatrics at UCIJCC Members only: FreeSponsored by Heritage Pointe

GENTLE YOGALATES & MEDITATION Mondays, 9-10:15 a.m. Session 1: August 24 - October 5 (no class 9/14)JCC Members only: $45, 6 classesSession 2: November 9 - December 28JCC Members only: $60, 8 classesThis class will integrate gentle core exercises with yoga & meditation to provide a complete and balanced experience. Instructor: El Vered Rubin

GENTLE YOGAWednesdays & Fridays, 8:45-9:45 a.m., or 10-11 a.m.This gentle approach to yoga helps you increase flexibility, improve circulation and experience more energy.Materials; Bring a Yoga mat and strap. Instructor: El Vered Rubin. JCC Members only: Free

JCC Cares Inspirational Jewish Women’s LuncheonThursday, October 15, 12-2 p.m.Please join us for the third annual Inspirational Jewish Women’s Luncheon. This year we will be honoring Hannah Taylor Skvarla, co-founder of the Little Market. The Little Market works with artisan groups around the world and provides design insights, helping artisans showcase their skills to a broader audience. Hannah is a also a member of Human Rights Watch which raises awareness for human rights issues.Pre-registration: $20, the price goes up to $25 one week prior to the luncheon.

An Evening with Lainie Kazan

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

7 P.M.

Dennis RossSUNDAY,

NOVEMBER 224 P.M.

www.jccoc.org for more information

OCJEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL 2015

ORANGE COUNTY JEWISH THEATRE

PRESEN

TS

Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County 1 Federation Way, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92603 • PH 949.435.3400 • FAX 949.435.3401 • www.jccoc.org

OCJEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL 2011

MUSIC • BOOKS • FILM

Alan DershowitzTUESDAY,

OCTOBER 206:30 P.M.

OC JEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL We are looking for volunteers to staff our annual Jewish book sale.

For more information or to sign up, contact Nicole Rosenson, Cultural Arts assistant, at (949) 435-3400 ext. 161 or email nicoler@jccoc.org.