Creative Aging

Creative Aging is not just about creative expression; it’s about living life to the fullest, celebrating individuality, fostering connections, and embracing the joy of lifelong learning. Creative Aging fosters a welcoming environment for all individuals to live their best lives through learning new skills, keeping active, and most importantly, socializing. Below is registration for all Creative Aging programs.

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.

Lunch Plus Programming

 Lunch Plus is an opportunity for individuals ages 60 and over and adults with disabilities to socialize, learn, explore and enjoy a Kosher lunch together. Through interactive programming, we help foster relationships and strengthen bonds between and among generations – reducing isolation and loneliness while increasing self-esteem and connectedness

Creative Aging Leadership

Funding Provided By

  • Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
  • Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services
  • Jewish Federation of Cleveland
  • Mandel Jewish Community Center
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