Arts and Culture
What We Offer
Creative Arts
Author Events
Leisure games
Film Screenings
Learning & Conversations
Jewish Experiences
Unleash Your Creativity
Our hands-on classes help spark your inner self and engage your mind. No matter your age or experience, discover new interests and hobbies through art classes, card and tile games, book clubs and Israeli dance.
Topics of Interest
If you enjoy dialogue about current events and historical context, we have a variety of classes that will engage your mind and expand your views. From weekly news highlights to issues of race to Jewish studies, The J supports lifelong learning.
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.– Maya Angelou
Cleveland Jewish FilmFest
Watch a diverse, international selection of dramas, documentaries, shorts and TV series that explore, educate, entertain and provoke discussion on the Jewish and Israeli experiences. From dramatic to humorous, we screen powerful and award-winning films for all movie lovers.
Cleveland Jewish Book Festival
Indulge in a celebration of books written by nationally, internationally and locally acclaimed
authors who share the stories behind their books We highlight a variety of books including Jewish life, historical fiction, Israeli literature, cooking, memoirs and more.
Playmakers Youth Theatre
An inclusive educational theatre program for students in grades kindergarten through college. We support and help build self-confidence, creativity, teamwork and an appreciation for the arts.
Men’s Club
Join the conversation at weekly morning programs where adult men connect with peers, socialize, share ideas and listen to guest speakers. Topics range from education, health, Israel, Jewish holidays, local economic development and more.
Creative Aging
Connect with adults aged 60 and above during weekday programs that include exercise, live entertainment, games and outings. We provide congregate Kosher lunches and free transportation to assist older and disabled adults to eliminate isolation.
Featured Classes
Arts and Ideas, Adult
08/03/2026 - 08/03/2026
Spend a day at the historic Chautauqua Institution, featuring a keynote lecture by Ken Burns.
Spend a full day at the historic Chautauqua Institution, a 750-acre lakeside community dedicated to arts, education, and cultural exploration. Highlights include a keynote lecture by filmmaker Ken Burns and an afternoon musical performance featuring Chautauqua Chamber Music: Ruckus with violinist Keir GoGwilt. Walking level: Moderate. Three kosher meals provided. Bus ride approximately 2 hours.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
06/03/2026 - 06/03/2026
Join us for “Plants at War,” exploring how plants supported efforts during World Wars I & II, from victory gardens to battlefield medicine. We’ll begin with a guided movement class.
Join us for the presentation “Plants at War,” which reveals the often overlooked role of plants during World War I and II. The presentation highlights how botany and horticulture supported wartime efforts through victory gardens, battlefield medicine, and everyday community involvement; helping sustain morale, heal the wounded, and promote peace. We will start with a rejuvenating guided movement class. Walking level: Active. Kosher lunch provided. A program of PrimeTime Wellness Club.
Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas, Adult
06/10/2026 - 06/10/2026
Sean Martin, Curator for Jewish History at the Western Reserve Historical Society, leads an inspiring bus tour exploring the history of Jewish Cleveland.
Sean Martin, Curator for Jewish History at the Western Reserve Historical Society, will lead an inspiring bus tour that brings the rich history of Jewish Cleveland to life. The journey offers a unique chance to connect with the places that helped shape Cleveland’s Jewish heritage. Walking level: Easy. Kosher boxed lunch, snacks and beverages provided. Pick-up/drop-off at Siegal Lifelong Learning, 25700 Science Park Drive, Beachwood.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
08/12/2026 - 08/12/2026
Visit the Kent State University Museum, featuring its renowned fashion collection. We’ll see Quilts and Coverlets: Art for the American Home and begin with a guided movement class.
Visit one of the world’s most significant fashion collections at the Kent State Fashion Museum, home to inspiring exhibitions showcasing centuries of clothing, accessories, and textiles from around the globe. We’ll visit the special exhibit Quilts and Coverlets: Art for the American Home. The visit begins with a rejuvenating guided movement class. Walking level: Easy. Kosher lunch provided. A program of PrimeTime Wellness Club.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/13/2026 - 05/13/2026
Presented by KeyBank, this course will help you plan for retirement with confidence.
Presented by KeyBank, this course will help you evaluate key factors in planning for retirement. Learn how to estimate retirement expenses, maximize savings, and set meaningful financial goals.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/06/2026 - 05/20/2026
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social.
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/20/2026 - 05/20/2026
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social.
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request.
Arts and Ideas Leadership
Deborah Bobrow
Arts and Culture Manager
216-593-6278
Beth Rosenthal
Arts and Culture Program Associate
216-593-6216
Ava Propper
Philanthropy, Creative Aging and Arts, Administrative Associate
216-593-1301
