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
07/17/2025 - 07/17/2025
Experience the nation's largest juried art fair in Ann Arbor, featuring nearly 1,000 artists across various mediums.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair features nearly 1,000 artists, transforming Ann Arbor into an outdoor art gallery for the largest juried art fair in the nation. Participating artists specialize in painting, photography, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, and more. Join us on an air-conditioned motor coach departing at 7:30 a.m., where you'll enjoy a light breakfast on the bus. We will return to The J at 5:30 p.m., having immersed ourselves in the artistic energy of the fair from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Refund requests made by phone or in writing at least 1 week before the start of the program, will receive a full refund of all fees.
Arts and Ideas Leadership
Deborah Bobrow
Director of Arts and Culture
216-593-6278
Beth Rosenthal
Arts and Culture Program Associate
216-593-6216
Jill Rembrandt
Sr. Director of Jewish Life, Arts & Culture and Creative Aging
216-593-6254
