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

K-12, Arts and Ideas, Adult

07/26/2025 - 07/27/2025

Participation Fee for our one-of-a-kind musical theatre experience!

One-of-a-kind musical theatre production experience where you audition, but the show is a mystery to you until you arrive for kick-off at 10 pm on July 26. Participation Fee waived for J Day Camp Staff.

Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas, Adult

09/11/2025 - 09/11/2025

Celebrate the holidays and New Year through creative expression! Explore Judaic themes while making meaningful artwork, materials provided.

Embrace the spirit of the holidays and the New Year! This class invites participants to engage with the rich cultural and religious tapestry of Judaism by creating their own artworks that reflect these traditions. Join us on a journey of creativity, learning, and connection as we honor the beauty and significance of Judaic themes. All Materials will be provided.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

09/05/2025 - 10/17/2025

Uncover the untold stories of the Civil War—from daring women spies to a heroic enslaved man who stole a Confederate ship. Explore hidden history, surprising truths and the real reasons the war didn’t end quickly.

A look at what you did not learn in high school and correcting some of the lies that were taught. The class highlights interesting personalities from women spies to comparing Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, meeting slave Robert Smalls who stole a confederate ship and the doctor that developed how soldiers in the North were treated, Major Jonathan Letterman. The North, based on population, industry and money should have easily won the war within two years. We will explore why this did not happen.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

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

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

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

09/19/2025 - 10/10/2025

Learn the basic rules, strategies and tips while playing with others around the table. Perfect for beginners—includes the official Mah Jongg card.

Mah Jongg matches one’s playing pieces, called tiles, to a set of possible hands. It is a very social game played around a table with four players. This introductory class will teach the basic rules of play, strategies, tips, switching hands and more. Fee includes the current Mah Jongg card.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

09/08/2025 - 10/13/2025

Learn the basics of watercolor painting in this beginner-friendly class that builds a strong creative foundation.

This class offers a comprehensive introduction to watercolor painting, perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. Participants will learn basic techniques like color mixing, brush control, and wet-on-wet and dry painting methods. The course will explore the fundamentals of watercolor painting, building a strong foundation for artistic expression in this medium.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

09/08/2025 - 10/27/2025

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.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

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.

Arts and Ideas Leadership

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