About Us
The Mandel JCC of Cleveland is a nonprofit fitness, wellness and community center serving people in all stages of life. Our Beachwood campus is home to a total fitness and aquatics center, an Early Childhood Center and garden, Stonehill Conference Center, and outdoor grounds that host our popular summer J-Day Camps. The J has provided engaging and enriching programs and fitness amenities to meet the needs of our community. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, open and inviting place where everyone is welcome and anyone can be a member.
What We Offer
- Arts and cultures classes and events
- Jewish learning
- Early childhood programs and events
- J-Day Camps and Camp Wise overnight camp
- Healthy aging activities
- Fitness and Aquatics Center
- And more
Building Community for 75 Years
Established in 1948, The J was founded as a gathering place for Jewish families and new immigrants yearning for culture, recreation and community. While our programs and facilities have evolved dramatically over the past 75 years, our commitment to building and strengthening our Jewish and Greater Cleveland communities remains steadfast. Rooted in a rich history, we are and have always been dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in our community.
Work Your Passion With Us
Our team is composed of diverse, energetic and dedicated individuals who help us achieve our goals and deliver an optimum experience for each other, our members and the community. The J is a place where everyone feels like they belong and work-life balance is as important as meeting deadlines. Our year-round staff receive medical benefits, vacation time and free membership to The J.
Our Mission
Every program and service offered at The J is created to connect and strengthen our community through building and enhancing physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being. We share the rich values of Jewish life and embrace the diversity of the people and cultures who make Mandel JCC part of their life journey.
Membership is More Than Fitness
While The J is one of the premier fitness centers in Northeast Ohio, membership also supports a community center where people of all ages have made connections and family memories. A membership to The J offers discounts for classes and events, adult learning, Jewish FilmFest and Book Festival events, and family programming (after school and school's out, American Red Cross swimming lessons, Jewish family programs and events).
Leadership Team
It takes a talented team to create worthwhile programs and champion the needs of our community. The J is led by an engaged board of trustees and a president and CEO who guides the executive and senior leadership teams who work in collaboration with our dedicated staff to bring quality programs and services to life.
Inclusion/Ability Programming
Mandel JCC serves as a vibrant hub that brings people of all abilities and identities together to create opportunities for meaningful connections that enrich lives. We cultivate an inclusive environment where individuals connect to learn, grow and thrive. The J strives to continue our legacy of fostering unity, embracing diversity and empowering individuals to create a brighter and more connected future.
The Beckers’ Story
Cathy and Paul Becker are naturally social people – Cathy, a grade school teacher, and Paul, a psychologist. When thinking about retirement, the couple knew that Mandel JCC would be the ideal place to exercise and stay social and engaged in the community.
“It feels a little bit like home”
Explore, Reflect and Journey with Us
The 2020-2021 Annual Report shares how we set out on a journey through a new pandemic landscape. We adapted, improvised and overcame. We learned what could be done digitally and did it – everything from Arts, Ideas & Jewish Life to Camp dance parties. We delivered meals to homes that used to be provided on-site.