Adult Enrichment & Learning Programs

At the beginner Mah Jongg level, players learn the basic rules of American Mah Jongg, including tile identification, the Charleston, how to read the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, and how to form a hand.

Intermediate Mah Jongg players start to recognize patterns, develop strategies based on opponents’ exposures, and make faster decisions during the Charleston. They become more adept at switching hands mid-game, managing risk, and defending against opponents’ Mah Jongg calls while increasing consistency in completing valid hands.

Advanced intermediate Mah Jongg players refine their ability to track discards, interpret opponents’ exposures more deeply, and apply defensive strategies proactively. They confidently adjust their approach to the table’s dynamics, explore more complex hands, and focus on maximizing success while minimizing risk.

Whether you’re working on memoirs, essays, short stories, or poetry, our writers’ group will help you boost productivity and enrich your creative journey. Come grow your writing skills, make new friends, and experience the camaraderie the Bender JCC offers.

Get your creative juices flowing! This hands-on course is for those who have already taken ceramics and/or are beginners. Classes are designed to allow room for student exploration of wheel and hand-building techniques.

The Bender JCC is pleased to once again offer U.S. Citizenship classes. The 10-week session will be held once a week in person at the Bender JCC.

Classes will focus on the ability to understand and answer the questions at the Naturalization Interview. The class will be taught by our very popular and experienced teacher, John Schmelzer. Through the program, you will learn about U.S. history, the structure of the government, and civics. Students will practice answering the questions on the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, and questions asked in the citizenship interview. All instructional materials will be provided.

The Bender JCC is happy to offer Adult ESOL (English as a Second Language) classes. The objective of this program is to improve the level of the English learner. Immigrants will practice speaking English and learn the skills necessary for communicating in many different practical situations. Classes will be taught virtually via ZOOM and In-person at the Bender JCC.

Ready to spell the longest word possible? The Bender JCC offers drop-in Scrabble on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. May the best word win!

Beginner Bridge classes are designed for individuals with little to no experience playing the card game of bridge. The aim is to introduce the fundamental mechanics and strategies of the game.

Canasta is a fun and exciting card game that involves strategy, teamwork, and scoring points by making sets of cards. It’s a great way to socialize and challenge your mind. This class will include the skills, rules, strategies, and special hands to play