Arts and Culture

What We Offer

Creative Arts

Author Events

Leisure games

Film Screenings

Learning & Conversations

Jewish Experiences

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Featured Classes

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Arts and Ideas, Adult

CMA at The J

10/16/2025 - 11/13/2025

Explore art, culture, and history with hands-on artifacts from the Cleveland Museum of Art. Discover how creativity and functionality intersect across time and traditions.

Experience the Cleveland Museum of Art like never before, right here at The J! This engaging program offers a unique opportunity to explore three fascinating collections through hands-on interaction with real artifacts. Discover how art, culture and functionality intersect across history. Class meets on Oct. 16, Oct 30, and Nov 13.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

Dvorak's New World Symphony

11/21/2025 - 11/21/2025

Experience Dvorák's powerful Ninth Symphony at Severance Hall, enriched by a pre-concert lecture exploring its cultural influences and iconic melodies.

Join us at Severance Hall for Dvorák's Ninth Symphony. Informed by African American spirituals, Indigenous melodies, and Czech folk songs, Dvorák's Ninth Symphony proceeds from one memorable tune to another, including its exquisitely yearning slow movement and rollicking finale. We will arrive 1 hour before the concert for a lecture to learn about the music.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

Intermediate Watercolors

11/03/2025 - 12/08/2025

Enhance your watercolor skills with advanced techniques, color theory, and creative exploration to develop your unique artistic style.

This class builds on basic techniques to help students develop their skills and explore more complex aspects of watercolor painting. Students will learn advanced techniques, explore color theory, and experiment with different subject matter, all while developing their personal artistic style.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

News of the Week

12/01/2025 - 12/15/2025

Dive deep into significant moments in history and how they shape our present with historian and educator Terry Pollack.

Join us while historian and educator Terry Pollack, unravels the historical context behind today’s national events. This is your chance to dive deep into significant moments in history and how they shape our present! Engage in lively discussions, share your insights and pose your burning questions. We foster an open environment for learning without endorsing any political candidates, platforms or issues.

K-12, Arts and Ideas

Playmakers Participation Fee - Fiddler on the Roof Jr.

10/08/2025 - 02/15/2026

Join us for our first Playmakers show of the year! This Fall/Winter musical is open to 2nd-9th graders and will rehearse beginning in early October. Performances will be January 29 - February 8. Auditions are September 28 from 2 - 5 pm.

Join us for our first Playmakers show of the year! This Fall/Winter musical is open to 2nd-9th graders and will rehearse beginning in early October. Performances will be January 29 - February 8. Auditions are required before participants can register. Auditions are September 28 from 2 - 5 pm. Email emiller@mandeljcc.org with questions or for audition information.