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
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas
03/29/2026 - 03/29/2026
Celebrate Passover at The J with hands-on activities for young families!
Celebrate Passover at The J with hands-on activities for young families!
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/22/2026 - 04/22/2026
Presented by KeyBank, this course shows how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Presented by KeyBank, this course will help you understand identity theft. Learn how to recognize different types of identity theft and take practical steps to protect your personal information.
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.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
03/30/2026 - 05/18/2026
Explore pivotal moments from the past and their impact on today's world with historian Terry Pollack.
Join historian and educator Terry Pollack as he explores the context behind today’s national events. Participants will examine pivotal moments from the past and engage in lively discussion about how they continue to shape our world today.
K-12, Arts and Ideas
02/19/2026 - 05/17/2026
Auditions Feb 1 at 11:00 am or 12:30 pm, rehearsals mid-February, shows May 7–17.
Auditions are Feb 1 at 11:00 am or 12:30 pm. Rehearsals begin mid-February, and shows run May 7–17. For questions or audition info, email emiller@mandeljcc.org
K-12, Arts and Ideas
02/19/2026 - 05/31/2026
Auditions Feb 1, rehearsals begin mid-February, and shows are May 28 & 31.
Rehearsals in mid-February. Performances are May 28 and 31. Auditions are required before registration and will be held February 1, 12:30–2:00 pm. For questions or audition info, email emiller@mandeljcc.org
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/15/2026 - 04/15/2026
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
03/18/2026 - 03/18/2026
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
03/04/2026 - 03/18/2026
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
03/04/2026 - 03/04/2026
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
05/06/2026 - 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
