Arts and Ideas
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.
60 Connect
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
01/21/2025 - 02/04/2025
Learn the easy-to-understand card game of canasta.
Canasta is a card game in the rummy family that uses two decks of cards and four jokers. Come learn this easy-to-understand yet challenging game, which has a renewed interest with people of all ages.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/03/2025 - 03/24/2025
This class explores the current events and issues of the day.
Join us each week as we discuss the major news events taking place and gain a deeper understanding of these issues. Join historian and educator Terry Pollack for lively sharing and group interaction as we follow and try to comprehend the unfolding events in the news each week.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/07/2025 - 03/28/2025
Learn the social game of Mah Jongg and participate in open play.
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. Those new to the game will learn the basic rules of play, strategies, tips, switching hands and more. Not a beginner? Just come to play! All are welcome. Instruction is available Feb. 6-27. Open play will be in effect after that date.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/11/2025 - 02/11/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Join us for a cozy bowl of soup and the chance to engage in lively conversation. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm. If you’d like, bring an article that intrigues you or poses a question you’ve been pondering to spark the discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/18/2025 - 02/18/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Join us for a cozy bowl of soup and the chance to engage in lively conversation. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm. If you’d like, bring an article that intrigues you or poses a question you’ve been pondering to spark the discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/25/2025 - 02/25/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Join us for a cozy bowl of soup and the chance to engage in lively conversation. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm. If you’d like, bring an article that intrigues you or poses a question you’ve been pondering to spark the discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/04/2025 - 02/04/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Join us for a cozy bowl of soup and the chance to engage in lively conversation. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm. If you’d like, bring an article that intrigues you or poses a question you’ve been pondering to spark the discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/14/2025 - 01/14/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Join us for a cozy bowl of soup and the chance to engage in lively conversation. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm. If you’d like, bring an article that intrigues you or poses a question you’ve been pondering to spark the discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/21/2025 - 01/21/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Join us for a cozy bowl of soup and the chance to engage in lively conversation. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm. If you’d like, bring an article that intrigues you or poses a question you’ve been pondering to spark the discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/28/2025 - 01/28/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Join us for a cozy bowl of soup and the chance to engage in lively conversation. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm. If you’d like, bring an article that intrigues you or poses a question you’ve been pondering to spark the discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/14/2025 - 02/04/2025
A series of classes exploring the influence of slaves on shaping American history.
In this four-class series, presidential historian Steve Schecter will explore the incredible and often overlooked influence that slaves had on shaping American history. We will discuss their pivotal role in shaping the lives and decisions of some of our nation?s most influential figures, ultimately leaving an unforgettable mark on the fabric of our nation. Topics include George Washington's Three Favorite Enslaved; Thomas Jefferson and the Hemings Family; How the War Changed Lincoln; and A Partial Biography of Frederick Douglass.
Arts and Ideas Leadership
Beth Rosenthal
Arts and Culture Program Associate
216-593-6216
Deborah Bobrow
Director of Arts and Culture
216-593-6278
Jill Rembrandt
Sr. Director of Jewish Life, Arts & Culture and Healthy Aging
216-593-6254
