Activities & Adult Learning - Resources for Jewish Seniors in Greater Boston

Adult Learning

Adult Learning

Combined Jewish Philanthropies
126 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617 457-8774
http://www.cjp.org

CJP Adult Learning has several adult offerings. For instance, Me'ah is an intensive two-year adult learning program offered in conjunction with Hebrew College. The Genesis Forum is a free lunchtime learning series in the Boston office. Also, special events with impressive lectures are listed on the website. Click here for information. 

Please contact Elana at 617-457-8586 or email her at adultlearning@cjp.org  to find out how to take advantage of these programs.

Adventures in LifeLong Learning

Elder Hostel
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 800 454-5768
http://www.elderhostel.org

Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over. From New Hampshire to New Zealand, South Africa to South Dakota, Elderhostel offers you a world of educational opportunities. Expert instructors, experienced group leaders, and helpful staff create extraordinary experiences by sharing stimulating information, and leading fascinating field trips and cultural excursions. Programs have a special focus which can include outdoor activities, art lessons, and theater attendance.

Click here to find out how to obtain a catalog.

Evergreen Program

Boston University
808 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617 353-9852
Fax: 617-353-4130
http://www.bu.edu/evergreen/index.html

The Boston University Evergreen Program invites elders of the community to enrich their lives through opportunities to learn, make new friends, and participate in the intergenerational setting of the University.

Lectures and discussions on interesting and meaningful topics are conducted by recognized experts. The program also provides the opportunity for noncredit participation in most Boston University courses.

The only qualification for attending Evergreen is attainment of the age of fifty-eight. No educational credentials or professional affiliations are required.

Hebrew College

Me'ah Experience
160 Herrick Road
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Phone: 617 457-8742
http://www.hebrewcollege.edu

Through reading and analyzing core texts and ideas, the Me'ah program helps to develop a framework for understanding Jewish culture and civilization. Before each class there are prepared readings, including passages from primary textual sources and supplemental scholarly materials that reveal the richness of Jewish literature. The first year covers Hebrew Bible and rabbinics, while the following year focuses on the medieval and modern Jewish experience, drawing from primary sources and exploring the distinguishing social and cultural themes of those eras. To find out where a Me'ah class is being held click here.

Me'ah is an adult learning program of Hebrew College and the Commission on Jewish Continuity, made possible with funding from the Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

Institute for Learning in Retirement

Harvard University
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617 495-4072
http://www.hilr.harvard.edu

Membership has grown from 100 to 500 members, and over the decades thousands of men and women have taken part in the Institute's study groups. The membership is drawn from a broad and diverse spectrum of the community and includes professionals from such fields as education, law, healthcare, the arts, business, and technology. All are distinguished by their keen interest in the world of ideas. The Institute serves as a model for similar academic programs nationally and internationally.

For a membership application and information, email Lynda_Sheehan@harvard.edu or call 617-495-4072.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston

Foundations of Jewish Genealogical Research
P.O. BOX
Newton, MA 02461-0366
Phone: 617 796-8522
http://www.jgsgb.org

Hebrew College and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston are collaborating to offer Foundations of Jewish Genealogical Research, a course enabling serious adult students with a strong foundation in Jewish Genealogy to research their family of origins. In addition to methodology and knowledge of resources, the course will include introductions to relevant world history, geography, and DNA research.

For more information visit www.jgsgb.org , email info@jgsgb.org or call 617-796-8522.

Leventhal Sidman Jewish Community Center

Explorations: Adult Learning and Enrichment
333 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-6443
http://www.lsjcc.org/home/seniors.html

Explorations program runs for five consecutive Tuesdays beginning January 13, 2009 and will be offered again in the summer. Prices vary for member and non-member. Call Cindy Katzeff for brochure and registration at 617-558-6443.

 

Life Long Learning at Regis College

Regis College
235 Wellesley Street
PO BOX 3
Weston, MA 02493
Phone: 781 768-7135
http://regiscollege.edu

Life Long Learning at Regis College (LLARC) is a membership organization which offers daytime programs created by older adults who like to take classes and participate in small group discussions. LLARC involves no tests, term papers, or credits, nor any previous college experience. LLARC members can also participate in many Regis-sponsored cultural events on campus throughout the year.

For more information please click here, email LLARC@regiscollege.edu or call 781-768-7135.

Lifelong Learning Institute

Boston College at Dover Campus
20 Glen Street
Dover, MA 02030
Phone: 617 552-2950
http://www.bc.edu/friends/alumni/ilr/

This program is designed for personal enrichment for retired and semi-retired alumni and friends of Boston College. Classes meet Mondays and Tuesdays for 13 weeks in the fall and spring. Active membership has grown to 450 over the last decade. Membership is drawn from alumni and the local community and includes professionals from such fields as art, business, education, health care, law, and technology. Two administrators oversee the program. Members are entitled to visit many of the University museums, use the O’Neill Library, and the various cultural events offered by Boston College. The institute stresses peer learning and active participation.

For membership information, download the application form or contact the BCILR office at BCIL@bc.edu or 617-552-2950.

Lifetime Learning Program

Newton Community Education
c/o Newton South High School
140 Brandeis Road
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 559-6994

The Newton Community Education is a self-sustaining arm of the Newton Public Schools, open to all students, regardless of residence. Educational, social, cultural, and vocational programs are provided to adults of all ages endeavoring to provide high-quality classes at a reasonable cost.

"Lifetime Learning" is an eight-week course specifically developed for seniors. Classes are taught by professionals who volunteer their services. Call Lori Swet for more information: 617-559-6994

Nishmat Hayyim

Jewish Meditation Collaborative of New England
1566 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: 617 566-8171
http://www.nishmathayyim.org

Nishmat Hayyim is a resource for Jewish communities throughout New England. They offer contemplative Torah study, tefillah, and ways to cultivate better physical and emotional health in a Jewish context. Local and national teachers lead contemplative Jewish services, lectures, and courses supporting Jewish spiritual life and teaching how regular meditation practice can contribute to psychological well being.

One Day University

Babson College
Sorenson Center for the Arts
231 Forest Street
Wellesley, MA 02457
Phone: 800 663-3298
http://www.onedayu.com

Since 2006, One Day University has been bringing together award-winning professors from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and other top-tier schools to create stimulating, thought-provoking, live, classroom experiences. Each event features four professors lecturing on topics including history, literature, political science, art, music, philosophy, and more—plus lunch.

In Massachusetts, Babson College hosts the event. Other sites are in Connecticut, New York, California, and Pennsylvania. Call 800-663-3298 to register and learn more about the program.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute @ Brandeis

Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02454
Phone: 781 736-2992
Fax: 781 736-2122
http://www.brandeis.edu/programs/bali/

The Brandeis Adult Learning Institute (BALI), offered on the Brandeis campus, is called the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute @ Brandeis (BOLLI). The BOLLI Program comprises a diversity of courses, seminars, lectures, and programs combined with social events and local and regional activities designed to meet the unique needs of the retired, semi-retired, and adult participants. Members are also welcome to participate in a variety of cultural and educational opportunities that are made available to the entire Brandeis community.

For more information about our program, please contact the BOLLI office at bolli@brandeis.edu or 781-736-2992.

University of Massachusetts - Boston

OLLI
100 Morrissey Blvd
Boston, MA 02125-3393
Phone: 617 287-7312
http://www.olli.umb.edu/

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-UMB) at the University of Massachusetts Boston is for people 50 years old and above. OLLI provides a learning experience at a modest cost that will enrich the intellectual, social, and cultural lives of people who share a love of lifelong learning regardless of the extent of their formal education. No academic or other credentials are required. Most of the OLLI instructors, called facilitators, are retirees. Many of them are retired or current UMass Boston faculty. Others are OLLI members who volunteer to facilitate a course of their interest.

Nearly 70 courses or seminars on a variety of topics are offered each year. They meet once a week during the day and might last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Field trips, special lectures, and social events are also included in the offerings. Most seminars are held at the Harbor Campus of UMass Boston. It is a short walk from the Massachusetts Archives building and the John F. Kennedy Library and easy to reach by public or private transportation. Parking is available for a small fee.

Members may take one or more courses (up to three, depending on availability) per semester, serve on committees, and participate in operating the program.

Workmen's Circle

Yiddish Classes
1762 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617-566-6281
http://workmenscircleboston.org

The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring, provides a wide range of opportunities to learn and practice Yiddish. Through classes given on three levels, lecture series, A Besere Velt, and the Yiddish Vinski, the Workmen's Circle has become the Yiddish Center of Boston. In addition to the yiddish classes, there are informal conversational groups and a drop-in group in Brookline, Somerville, and Lexington. Call the number above or visit the website for details and schedules.

Community Centers

JCC of the North Shore

Four Community Rd.
Marblehead, MA 01945
Phone: 781-631-8330
Fax: 781-631-8181
http://www.jccns.org

JCC of the North Shore has Jewish programming as well as recreational activities for the whole family.

Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center

333 Nahantan Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Phone: 617-558-6522
Fax: 617-244-8290
http://www.lsjcc.org

The JCC offers group fitness classes, personal training, aquatics, enrichment programs, discussion groups, travel, special entertainment, holiday celebrations, and intergenerational activities.

Fitness Options: The JCC’s Men’s Health Center and Adult Women’s Locker Room offer a premium health club experience. The fee for this is in addition to the general membership fee.   Click here to learn about what is offered in the Fitness membership.

JCC Travel Club: The Travel Club comprises members of the Greater Boston JCC’s. For many trips, there are bus pickups at Strair JCC in Stoughton as well as at the JCC in Newton, and at 100 Centre Street in Brookline. The Club holds bi-monthly dinners with entertainment at Leventhal-Sidman JCC. For more information on trips or dinners, call 617-558-6448.

Learning Without Walls: The JCC Without Walls program is an exciting, stimulating series of adult education programs that anyone can enjoy. Held in the community, outside the walls of the JCC, a range of timely, conversation-inducing topics are presented by esteemed local speakers or through other interactive means. JCC Without Walls is a collaboration of Congregation Kehillath Israel, The Leventhal-Sidman JCC, Ohabei Shalom, and Young Israel with generous funding from Combined Jewish Philanthropies. For more information or to join the mailing list, contact Robin Cohen and Cindy Katzeff at rgcohen@jccgb.org or 617-558-6443. All JCC Without Walls events are open to the entire community. 

Click here to learn about the Senior Programs at the JCC and obtain a copy of the Ma Nishma News Letter.

 

Metrowest JCC

Senior Adult Activities
76 Salem End Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: 508-879-3300
Fax: 508-879-5856

The MetroWest Jewish Community Center (MWJCC) hosts senior drop-in every Monday from 12:30 - 3:30 at Temple Beth Shalom in Framingham.

Striar JCC (South Area Senior Programs)

Ahavath Torah Congregation
1179 Central Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 339-364-1488
http://www.striarjcc.org

The Striar JCC Senior program has acquired a new name and new locations. South Area Senior Programs take place at Ahavath Torah Congregation in Stoughton. Every Tuesday classes, lectures, and performances are offered from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Kosher lunch is available.

Every Thursday History of Art & Architecture, Chair Yoga, Swimming, and other classes in addition to a guest lecturer are offered at Orchard Cove in Canton. Pre-registration by Tuesday is required. 

For more information, call Harvey Levensohn at 339-364-1488

Cultural Arts & Social Activities

Hadassah - Boston Chapter

2001 Beacon Street, Suite 101
Brighton, MA 02135
Phone: 617 566-0666
Fax: 617 232-7946
http://www.boston.hadassah.org

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel. In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Members are from the Boston metropolitan and city neighborhoods and are drawn to either the age-based or professional programs. Book groups, lectures, study groups, and fundraising options are scheduled throughout the year. 

Jewish Family Services of Worcester

Life After Loss / Getting on With Life
646 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone: 508 755-3101
http://www.jfsworcester.org

Life After Loss is a group of widowers and widows who are 40 years old and over. This is a free support group with an active social function. Activities provide over 200 members an opportunity to meet with others in the same situation, enabling group members to address the issues of “getting on with life.” The Greater Boston and Worcester groups have combined activities. For a listing of calendar events click here for more information. 

For Greater Boston questions, please contact Ronna Greif at ronnaleeg@comcast.net or 978-594-5355 or Dina Lewis at 781-790-7070.

For Worcester area questions, please contact Barbara Kupfer at barbara.kupfer@excite.com  or 508-826-6181.

Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle

Deli at Chestnut Park: Kosher Hot Meal
50 Sutherland Avenue
Brookline, MA 02135
Phone: 617 566-1700
http://www.benchmarkquality.com/

Kosher, Vaad-approved hot meals are served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at the Deli at Chestnut Park in Brighton. The meal is provided by the JCC in Newton. To order a meal call no later than noon the day before. Call 617-558-6596 for reservations. Suggested donation is requested.

Explore the Torah portion of the week with Rabbi Zaitchik, Thursdays 10:30-11:30.

Discovering What's Next : Revitalizing Retirement

492 Waltham Street
Newton, MA 02465
Phone: 617 796-1419
http://www.discoveringwhatsnext.com

Discovering What's Next is a community-based organization engaging mid-life and older adults in the creative exploration of their next life stage. Services provided are community action, social advocacy groups, and resources. Adult education, leisure activities, informal support groups, and socialization opportunities are offered on the third floor of the Newton Free Library.  Click here for the calendar of events.

Hadassah - NNER

Northern New England Region of Hadassah
19-A Crosby Drive, Suite 210
Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 1-781-280-0663
Fax: 1-781-280-0174
http//www.nner.hadassah.org

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel.  In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Hadassah - SNER

Southern New England Region of Hadassah
220 Reservoir Street, Suite 23
Needham Heights, MA 02494
Phone: 781 444-7676
http://www.sner.hadassah.org

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel. In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Within the Southern New England Region of Hadassah there are 18 chapters that cover a wide area. The names of the Chapters are:  Brockton-Taunton, Cape Cod, Charles River, Easton-Mansfield, Framingham-Natick, Hull, Needham, New Bedford, Norwood-Westwood, Orchard Cove, Plymouth, Sharon-Stoughton, South Coastal-Quincy, Suburban South, Sudbury-Wayland, and Wellesley-Weston. Please call the regional office in Needham for the direct contact information to the chapter closest to you.

Hadassah - WNER

Western New England Region of Hadassah
340 Main Street, Suite 869
Worcester, MA 508752-7030
Phone: 1-508-752-7030
Fax: 1-508-752-4101
http://www.wner.hadassah.org

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel. In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Key Sunday Cinema Club - Boston Chapter

West Newton Cinema
1296 Washington Street
Newton, MA
Phone: 888 467-0404
http://www.keysundaycinemaclub.com

The Boston Chapter meets at the West Newton Cinema, Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Price for the series: $120 (credit), $115 (check).

Since 1992, The Key Sunday Cinema Club has distinguished itself as the nation's premiere sneak-preview film society, showcasing the best in international and independent cinema always before local commercial release. Knowledgeable film professionals, professors, authors, and critics moderate the post-screening discussions, often with special guest speakers in attendance.

Leventhal-Sidman JCC at Hebrew SeniorLife

Friday Oneg Shabbat Program
1550 Beacon Street
3rd Floor
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: 617 363-8100
http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, in conjunction with Hebrew SeniorLife, hosts oneg shabbat programs every Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 1550 Beacon Street, Brookline. The program consists of a traditional kosher shabbat meal, a lecture/discussion, and entertainment. Suggested donation is $4. Call for reservations at 617-558-6448.  Transportation is provided from the Newton JCC to Brookline every Friday if reservations have been made.

Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center

Wednesdays at the JCC
333 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-6448
http://lsjcc.org/home/seniors.html

On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. a full day program is available to members only. To register for a kosher lunch on Wednesdays, call Arlene at 617-558-6596 (10 - 11 a.m.) the Friday before the Wednesday program. There is a $3 suggested donation for lunch and full day program. Transportation is available to and from Brookline/Brighton. For van reservations, call Arlene at 617-558-6596.

Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center

JCC Travel Club
333 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-6448
http://www.lsjcc.org/home/seniors.html

Be part of the active community of travelers and leave every detail to the JCC! The JCC Travel Club invites members and non-members to attend a trip. For many trips there will be bus pickups at the Striar JCC in Stoughton as well as at the JCC in Newton and at 100 Centre Street in Brookline.

The Travel Club holds bi-monthly dinners with entertainment at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC.

For more information on trips or dinners, call 617-558-6448.

New Center For Arts and Culture

Events throughout the City
Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 531-4610
Fax: (617) 531-4611
http://www.newcenterboston.org

Acclaimed Jewish writers, journalists, artists, and politicians will speak in Boston as part of the New Center for Arts and Culture's annual New Center LIVE! series. The program runs from October 1, 2009 to December 1, 2009 and the events are at different locations throughout Boston. Call the office for more information. 

The New Center plans to build as its permanent home, an iconic, modern structure designed by world-renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind, on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. The Greenway is a series of gardens, plazas, and tree lined promenades extending for one mile through downtown Boston, connecting urban neighborhoods from the Zakim Bridge, through the North End and Faneuil Hall areas, the Financial and Wharf Districts, ending in Chinatown. The New Center's planned location is opposite the arch at Rowes Wharf in the heart of Boston's newest "cultural district" - which includes the New England Aquarium, the Children's Museum, and the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Senior Matinees at the Coolidge Corner Theatre

Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: 617 734-2500
http://www.coolidge.org/senior

Every Wednesday, adults 62 year olds and over pay just $3 for any screening beginning before 4 p.m. The Theatre is completely handicap accessible and is outfitted with assisted listening devices. If you have a Senior Member Coolidge Corner Card, you can get a free small popcorn at the concession stand as well. Just show your card. (Popcorn offer only valid during Senior Matinee screenings.) *Must present valid MBTA T.A.P ID if you are disabled and under age 62.

Temple Emanuel

Senior Activity Program
7 Haggets Pond Road
Andover, MA 01810
Phone: 978-470-1356
The Temple Emanuel Senior Program meets on the first Thursday of each month from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. and provides lunch, a speaker, or presentation. This program runs from September to June and is available to all seniors in the Merrimac Valley. There are three bus trips yearly.

Temple Emanuel

L'Chaim
345 Ward Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-8100
http://www.templeemanuel.com/

The L'Chaim Group for senior citizens offers exciting and interesting programs including special trips and social action projects.  Meetings are held once a month on Tuesdays between 1 and 3pm.  For more information call Doris Lelchook at 617-244-3752 or Chester Rubin at 617-734-6585.