Orit Dolgushev
Program Manager, Main Line
484-534-0674
Email Orit
odolgushev@goldenslipper.org
Lifelong Learning at Golden Slipper Gems on the Main Line!
At Golden Slipper Gems on the Main Line, located at Adath Israel Synagogue in Merion, participants enjoy a robust lifelong learning program and cultural trips that naturally inspire socialization.
Current Lifelong Learning Offerings
September 2023 Program!REGISTER FOR SPRING CLASSES BELOW!
September 2023 In Person & Zoom Registration
In Person! Baking Together: Traditional Jewish Apple Cake With a Modern Twist
Wednesday, September 6: 1 PM – 2:15 PM – $5
Click to Register for Baking Together!
Instructor: Scott Noy, Owner – Chef Dad’s Table
This is a hands-on baking class. Chef Scott will demonstrate and participants will follow along making a traditional apple cake. We will have pre-baked cake that participants can sample during the demo. Rest assured you will not leave this class empty-handed!
In Person & Zoom! Art Appreciation: NYC to Tulsa, Highlights From The Guggenheim And Philbrook Museums
Thursday, September 7: 10 AM – 11 AM – FREE!
Click to Register for Art Appreciation
Instructor: Lynn Berkowitz
Let’s journey to New York City to view highlights in the Guggenheim Museum before heading to Tulsa, OK to glimpse at the collection and grounds at the Philbrook Museum and Gardens.
In Person SPECIAL EVENT! Golda Film Screening & Women In Zionism Lecture @ The Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI)
Friday, September 8, 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM – $20
Click to Register for Golda Film Screening @ BMFI
Instructor: Dr. Ruth Anolik, English Dept. Villanova U.
This is an exclusive event for Gems at the J, which will take place at Bryn Maw Film Institute (BMFI). Dr. Ruth Anolik is returning to us to discuss the roles women have played in Zionism, the movement to create a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. From the early days of Zionism, women have been involved in all aspects of the movement, from activism and politics to education and culture. Dr. Anolik will give a short introduction to the topic. We then will proceed to watch the new film GOLDA, starring Helen Mirren, which is based on the life of Golda Meir, the first prime minister of Israel. After the movie screening, Dr. Anolik will lead a discussion of the film’s themes and issues.
In Person! Exercise Class: Senior Fit! (Upstairs Dance Studio)
Monday, September 11, 11 AM – 11:45 AM – FREE!
Click to Register for Senior Fit!
Instructor: Jack Saninno, Fitness Instructor
This class will start with a warm-up that will progress into the low-impact cardio section. Next, we will do body, core, and leg workouts. The instructor will then lead us into doing toning with light free weights and exercise tubes. We will also spend time doing balancing exercises and finish with standing stretches.
In Person! Learn And Light Bites With Main Line Health
Monday, September 11, 12 PM – 1:30 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Learn And Lite Bites
Instructor: Maureen Krouse, Main Line Health Community Health and Outreach Manager
In honor of 911 we will discuss ways and steps to be prepared during health emergencies. Light lunch will be provided. Lunch is cosponsored by Tikvah organization.
In Person! Exercise Class: Golden Sculpt (Upstairs Dance Studio)
Tuesday, September 12, 11 AM – 2:30 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Golden Sculpt
Instructor: Trina Lyons, Fitness Instructor
This class is designed to increase strength, flexibility, range of motion, mobility, and balance with cardio. Exercises can be performed seated or standing.
In Person! Hands-On-Art: Meditative Mud
Tuesday, September 12, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Hands-On-Art
Instructor: Gavi Kestelbaum, Art Instructor
Explore the ancient art of building functional pottery with your hands. We will be making small, decorative bowls and plates using simple hand-building methods. We will finish our creations with acrylic paints. Dress for mess and bring a smock.
In Person! Broadway Trivia
Tuesday, September 12, 1 PM – 2 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Broadway Trivia
Instructor: Leila Joffe, American Conservatory Theater, AFTRA, SAG, Actors Equity
Grab your friends and test your Broadway trivia knowledge! You might be quizzed on the names of Broadway musicals, plays, and other theater productions. Prepare to recite famous Broadway composers, lyricists, actors, and actresses. Be ready to delve into the awards and the history of Broadway Theater!
In Person OPENING EVENT! Broadway Sing-A-Long And Kosher Lunch
Wednesday, September 13, 11 AM – 1 PM – $15
Click to Register for Opening Event: Broadway Sing-A-Long
Live Performance by Jenny Lee Stern!
Join us to celebrate the opening of a new hub for active older adults at the Kaiserman JCC, called Gems at the J. This event will feature a music performance by Broadway veteran Jenny Lee Stern. You will have the opportunity to sing along to your favorite Broadway songs! We promise tasty foods, a warm atmosphere, lively conversations, and a special giveaway!
In Person & Zoom! Political Affairs
Thursday, September 14, 10 AM – 11 AM – FREE!
Click to Register for Political Affairs
Instructor: Dr. Matt Kerbel, Interim Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Professor, Department of Political Science Villanova University
The 2024 election is still more than a year away but we already know it will be unlike any other. As Donald Trump’s legal problems intensify, he nonetheless maintains a grip over his party’s base, while the stakes remain higher than any election in memory. We will make sense of what is happening, as we get ready for what promises to be a wild political ride.
In Person! Walking Group
Tuesday, September 19, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Political Affiars
Instructor: Gems Staff
Looking for company to enjoy fresh air, physical activity & socialization? Stick with Gems as we explore the JCC site and walk together aroundthe campus. Weather permitting.
In Person & Zoom! Does God Exist?
Tuesday, September 19, 1 PM – 2 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Does God Exist?
Instructor: Barnett Kamen, Retired Jewish Studies Teacher, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
The debate between those who believe in God and those who do not has been ongoing throughout most of the history of humankind. In this session, we will explore various philosophical responses to the eternal question of the existence of God and the attempts to prove God’s presence. Just in time for the High Holidays.
In Person SPECIAL TOUR ! The Fabric Museum And Workshop (FWM 1214 Arch St.)
Wednesday, September 20, 11 AM – 2:30 PM – $15
Click to Register for The Fabric Museum And Workshop
1214 Arch Street, Philadelphia This museum is located near the Reading Terminal Market
Marion “Kippy” Boulton Stroud (1939-2015) founded it in 1977. We will enjoy a guided tour of the museum, which will be followed by a workshop–making print screens. We will then proceed to have lunch at Reading Terminal (buy your favorite food & sit down for a meal with the group).
In Person! The Hudsucker Proxy Film Screening & Talk
Thursday, September 21, 10 AM – 12:30 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for The Hudsucker Film Screening
Instructor: David Greenberg, Adjunct Professor, University of the Arts
For nearly forty years, Joel and Ethan Coen have been amongst the most critically lauded and popular independent filmmakers working in cinema. From their roots in gritty low-budget independent films to more expensive films with big movie stars, the multi-Oscarwinning pair of brothers have created a niche for themselves unlike any other in the movie business. Their idiosyncratic and boldly original style has set them apart from every other filmmaker working today. In this lecture and screening, we will take a deep dive into what it means when you see something called “A Coen Brothers Film.”
In Person! Exercise Class: Functional Fitness
Friday, September 22, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Functional Fitness
Instructor: Deborah Saldana
A low-impact workout that will train your muscles to work together for the tasks of daily living, at work, at home, and on the go. Our instructor will help you move your way from deconditioned to reconditioned, and help you regain mobility and flexibility. Music suggestions are always welcomed!
In Person SPECIAL TOUR! Visit To Weitzman National Museum Of American Jewish History (101 S. Independence Mall E)
Wednesday, September 27, 11 AM – 1:30 PM – $10
Click to Register for Visit to Weitzman National Museum
101 S. Independence Mall E, Philadelphia
Do not miss this unique group visit to the Weitzman Jewish Museum, which will feature a docent-led tour, specifically focusing on the exhibition by Jonathan Horowitz: The Future Will Follow the Past. The artist used installation to convey a message of seeing the U.S. through the critical eyes of a concerned citizen. After the tour, we will enjoy a meal together at the Museum. Bring your own brown bag lunch!
In Person! Mahjong Game Time!
4 Thursdays, September 7 – 28, 1 PM – 3 PM – FREE!
Click to Register for Mahjong Game Time!
Facilitators: Sharon Dunoff and Helene Rosenfeldt
This group is for beginners as well as for seasoned players alike. The facilitators will be available to teach the rules of the game to new players. Players that know the game can join peers familiar with the game.
Book Club - Zoom
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August 23, 3 PM
Join us for our discussion of the book Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano.
Register for the Book Club Here!
Membership Information Form
Annual Renewal
Location & Directions
Adath Israel
Enter the parking lot off of Old Lancaster Road and park as soon as you enter the lot. Enter the front door of the synagogue and you will be at Frankel Hall where courses are held.
Policies
Cancellation
When appropriate, Golden Slipper Gems will issue a credit, not a refund.
Attendance
A course series generally runs between 4 and 8 weeks depending on the site and holiday schedule. Please note that each individual course is sold only on a course basis, Golden Slipper Gems does not sell individual classes. Courses are not pro-rated if you join the course late or you miss a class for any reason.
Guests
For out of town guests you may purchase one class for $5. Guest passes cannot be purchased in lieu of course registration.
Credit
Credit will not be given after the first day of classes except in the event of illness or injury. Written documentation from a physician or nurse-practitioner is required.
