Senior Department 

The Senior Adult Department of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center promotes Jewish cultural heritage and values by providing social, educational, and recreational programs. Through these programs, we strengthen our connections to our community and keep alive our history and traditions. The Senior Adult Program encourages us to learn, grow and enrich our lives among others who share our values.

For more information on events listed below, contact Melanie Rubin in the JCC Senior Department: 858.362.1141 or melanier@lfjcc.org.

 

Senior Department Programs

To see all upcoming events at the JCC, visit: https://www.lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx

Shalomaland: A Walking Tour of San Diego's Jewish History


Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 10:30am-12:00pm
La Jolla

Back by popular demand, Shalomaland returns for a second season to explore San Diego's rich Jewish history! Guided by scholar Dr. Joellyn Zollman, we will journey to key Jewish sites across the city, revealing the resonant, layered history of Jewish life in San Diego. From San Diego pioneer Louis Rose to the visionary Jonas Salk, this four-session class will reveal the vibrant Jewish legacy embedded in our fine city.

Exploring La Jolla through the eyes of Jonas Salk, Louis Kahn, and Roger Revelle

For this final class session, we will highlight three Jewish innovators who left an indelible mark on San Diego - Jonas Salk, Louis Kahn and Roger Revelle. In this journey in around the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, we will explore how Salk, Kahn and Revelle influenced the North County region as we know it today and how their significant impact is felt far beyond the Jewish community.


DISCLAIMER:This class requires minimum enrollment; if not met, it will be canceled and you will receive a full refund or credit. Outdoor sessions may be rescheduled due to weather. If rescheduled, you may transfer to the new date, receive a credit, or request a refund.

Price:
Individual Classes: $30 | JCC Members: $25

Shalomaland: April 16 Add to Cart


Treasures of the Jewish Music


Thursdays | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Astor Judaica Library
Lawrence Family JCC

Step into the rich tapestry of Jewish musical heritage with. Eileen Wingard and a community of music aficionados as they showcase and appreciate iconic musical gems from the Astor Judaica Library’s Jewish music collection.

Recorded music curated and hosted by Eileen Wingard, retired San Diego Symphony violinist

Jewish Holidays:
Music of Yom Hazikaron, April 16, 2026, Special guest: Guri Stark, Israeli-born engineer who served in the IDF.
Music of Yom Yerushalayim, June 4, 2026, Special guest TBA

Price: Complimentary

Music of Yom Hazikaron: April 16 Add to Cart

Music of Yom Yerushalayim: June 4th Add to Cart


Advanced Latin American Literature


Weekly on Mondays | April 27 - June 15 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Due to the holiday on May 25, class will be held that week on Thursday, May 29
Lawrence Family JCC

Students explore major Latin American literary texts and movements from the nineteenth century to the present through close analysis of prose, poetry, and essays. The course emphasizes historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts, critical reading, literary analysis, and advanced oral expression in Spanish, featuring authors such as Rubén Darío, Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, and Mario Vargas Llosa.

New students will receive an assessment prior to enrollment.

Price: $185 | JCC Member Price: $155
*Security fee will be applied at checkout

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

Advanced Latin American Literature Add to Cart


Intermediate Spanish II


Weekly on Mondays | April 27 - June 15 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Due to the holiday on May 25, class will be held that week on Thursday, May 29
Lawrence Family JCC

This continuation course strengthens essential speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. Students practice real-world communication through peer activities, presentations, and everyday scenarios. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and speaking fluency while engaging with colloquial Spanish. Key topics include preterit and imperfect tenses, reflexive verbs and commands, and an introduction to the subjunctive mood.

New students will receive an assessment prior to enrollment.

Price: $185 | JCC Member Price: $155
*Security fee will be applied at checkout

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

Intermediate Spanish II Add to Cart


Spanish Beginners II


Weekly on Tuesdays (8-Week Course) | April 28 - June 16 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Students will review and expand Spanish structures, develop formal vocabulary, and improve oral skills. They'll explore Hispanic culture and literature through short stories and videos. Key components include grammar, vocabulary, language awareness, and participation. Practicing and understanding Spanish in class is a vital part of this course.

New students will receive an assessment prior to enrollment.

Price: $185 | JCC Member Price: $155
*Security fee will be applied at checkout

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

Spanish Beginners II Add to Cart


Intermediate Spanish I


Weekly on Tuesdays | April 28 - June 16 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Classwork will include practical real-life situations such as being able to explain your symptoms to a doctor, haggling over prices in a market, inviting a friend to a movie, and retelling past experiences. Dialogues and visual stimuli will engage students and provide a backdrop for meaningful conversations between student and teacher, and between fellow students!

New students will receive an assessment prior to enrollment.

Price: $185 | JCC Member Price: $155
*Security fee will be applied at checkout

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

Intermediate Spanish I Add to Cart


Rhythms of Wisdom


Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Experience a joyful drumming class blending global rhythms with Jewish tradition. Explore beats like Samba and Beledi, create grounding rhythms, and improvise in a playful, supportive space. Reflect on Jewish teachings and spiritual themes, connecting rhythm with holidays and wisdom. No experience needed; all instruments provided. Come as you are and let rhythm guide your journey.

Price: $45 | JCC Member Price: $36

Rhythms of Wisdom Add to Cart


Death Wings Workshop


Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 10:00 am
Lawrence Family JCC

In Partnership with Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

The Death Wings Workshop is a hands-on creative ritual for remembering and letting go. This workshop, created by theatrical performer, playwright, artist and teacher Bess Welden, is a three-hour session for small groups to gently open up to thoughts and feelings about loss and grief while engaging in a meaningful art project. Facilitated by Lawrence Family JCC CEO Betzy Lynch, this community workshop will allow us to not only normalize loss but celebrate what letting go liberates in us, all while creating your very own set of mini-wings.

DISCLAIMER:Space for this program is limited. If you do register, please make every effort to attend. If plans have changed and you are no longer able to attend, please contact laurenl@lfjcc.org

Price: Complimentary

Death Wings Workshop: May 17 Add to Cart


JEWISH POETS-JEWISH VOICES: The Magic of Spoken Word


Tuesdays | 7:00 PM
Lawrence Family JCC

Celebrate the 19th season of Jewish Poets-Jewish Voices! Experience an enriching evening as three talented local poets, handpicked by the JP-JV committee, share their compelling presentations. Following their performances, indulge in a half hour of open mic, where you're invited to share your own voice. Join us for a captivating night filled with spoken word and moments of introspection.

Hosted by Joy Heitzmann, refreshments.

May 19: Featured poets: David Chait, Betzy Lynch, Donna Rolfe; open mic.
Price: Complimentary

May 19th Add to Cart


San Diego College of Continuing Education - Emeritus Classes

Spring Semester runs February 1- June 10, 2023. Click here for the schedule and to register, or for help with registration contact the Outreach Department at 619.388.1285. College Admin. staff will be at the JCC for drop-in assistance with registration on Tuesday, January 31 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm and Friday, February 3 from 9:00-11:00 am. Many Emeritus classes meet virtually; some are in person or a mixed modality. The following classes will be held in person at the Lawrence Family JCC for Spring Semester.