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
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
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.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
12/17/2025 - 12/17/2025
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. This week's topic: History of Hough Bakery
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. This week's topic: History of Hough Bakery presented by Western Reserve Historical Society
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
12/03/2025 - 12/17/2025
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
12/03/2025 - 12/03/2025
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. This week's topic: Brain Aerobics
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. This week's topic: Brain Aerobics
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
11/05/2025 - 05/06/2026
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
01/07/2026 - 01/21/2026
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
01/21/2026 - 01/21/2026
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
01/07/2026 - 01/07/2026
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
11/19/2025 - 11/19/2025
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. This week's topic: Hollywood's Golden Age
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. This week's topic: Hollywood's Golden Age presented by Women in History
Jewish Life, K-12, Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/13/2026 - 02/17/2026
Create stunning resin art in this three-part workshop with local artist Jenny Kaplan. Class meets 1/13, 1/27 and 2/17.
Discover the beauty of resin art in this beginner-friendly, three-part class led by local artist Jenny Kaplan. Together we’ll explore the basics of working with resin and create personalized pieces of jewelry and Judaica. Each session you will leave with your handcrafted creations. Class meets 1/13, 1/27 and 2/17.
Jewish Life, K-12, Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/17/2026 - 02/17/2026
Create stunning resin art in this workshop with local artist Jenny Kaplan.
Discover the beauty of resin art in this beginner-friendly, three-part class led by local artist Jenny Kaplan. Together we’ll explore the basics of working with resin and create personalized pieces of jewelry and Judaica. Each session you will leave with your handcrafted creations. Class meets 2/17. (You can sign up for the whole series, just search "Resin" and all the options will appear)
Jewish Life, K-12, Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/13/2026 - 01/13/2026
Create stunning resin art in this workshop with local artist Jenny Kaplan.
Discover the beauty of resin art in this beginner-friendly, three-part class led by local artist Jenny Kaplan. Together we’ll explore the basics of working with resin and create personalized pieces of jewelry and Judaica. Each session you will leave with your handcrafted creations. Class meets 1/13. (You can sign up for the whole series, just search "Resin" and all the options will appear)
Jewish Life, K-12, Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/27/2026 - 01/27/2026
Create stunning resin art in this workshop with local artist Jenny Kaplan.
Discover the beauty of resin art in this beginner-friendly, three-part class led by local artist Jenny Kaplan. Together we’ll explore the basics of working with resin and create personalized pieces of jewelry and Judaica. Each session you will leave with your handcrafted creations. Class meets 1/27. (You can sign up for the whole series, just search "Resin" and all the options will appear)
Arts and Ideas Leadership
Deborah Bobrow
Arts and Culture Manager
216-593-6278
Beth Rosenthal
Arts and Culture Program Associate
216-593-6216
