Jewish Life
The J is dedicated to offering programming that reflects Jewish values and is designed to educate the greater community on Jewish culture and traditions – creating a pathway for joyful, meaningful living. As an organization that is open and accepting of all, we create classes and events that appeal to every age and religious background.
See our upcoming Jewish Life events and classes.
Family Programs
Building community is important to families of all sizes. Our engaging and hands-on programs for children from birth through school age are offered year-round. Families connect, celebrate and explore together while listening to a Jewish author reading a children’s book, learning to make Israeli dishes, dancing to music at tot Shabbat or making dreidels and matzah houses.
Intergenerational Learning
The J brings people of all ages together with activities that bridge the generation gap. From holiday celebrations to challah-making workshops we encourage the community to share experiences that unite the young and the young at heart. Our engaging adult programs include art classes, news and current events discussions, lectures, book club gatherings and classes on Judaism that explore Jewish history, life cycle events and Torah study.
Israeli Connections
Israel has a rich history and culture that is important to Jewish life. To support educational programming and strengthen connections with Israel, The J has a shlicha (messenger or emissary from Israel) on staff. Adi Naor is from Haderah, a city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, north of Tel Aviv, after completing her service in the Israeli Defense Forces as a commander in the Education Corps. Adi enriches our community through activities, events and displays about Israeli culture, history and the Hebrew language.
Jewish Holidays
Judaism is rich with customs, rituals and holiday celebrations based on the Torah. We have created a series of guides to share the history, symbols and customs associated with each major holiday and provide ideas for activities for families.
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 genres and topics including Jewish life, historical fiction, Israeli literature, cooking, memoirs and more.
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.
Featured Classes
Fitness, Jewish Life, K-12, Adult
04/27/2025 - 04/27/2025
A fun workout to celebrate Israel's Independence Day.
Celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, with a fun workout led by Israeli fitness instructor Ronly — complete with Israeli music. Come prepared to sweat while having a great time. For all fitness levels, anyone ages 13+. This event is free and open to the community.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
04/06/2025 - 04/06/2025
A family day celebrating Passover with fun crafts and activities.
Participate in a hands-on matzah making workshop with Rabbi Chayim Alevsky where kids can grind wheat kernels to make their own flour, knead and roll the dough, and bake a handmade matzah. For families with children ages 2-8. Free and open to the community, but registration required.
Fitness, Jewish Life, K-12
08/03/2025 - 08/08/2025
Registration for teens who are participating in the Cleveland Delegation of the Maccabi Games in Tucson.
The Maccabi Games is an annual event presented by the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA) in North America where teens compete in Olympic-style games. The Cleveland Delegation will take teens to Pittsburgh to compete in the following sports: Baseball, Basketball, 3v3 Basketball, Dance, Ice Hockey, Softball, Soccer, Star Reporter, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track and Volleyball.
Fitness, Jewish Life, K-12
07/27/2025 - 08/01/2025
Registration for teens who are participating in the Cleveland Delegation of the Maccabi Games in Tucson.
The Maccabi Games is an annual event presented by the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA) in North America where teens compete in Olympic-style games. The Cleveland Delegation will take teens to Tucson to compete in the following sports: Baseball, Basketball, 3v3 Basketball, Dance, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Star Reporter, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.
Jewish Life, K-12, Adult
05/29/2025 - 05/29/2025
Celebrate Pride at the Mandel JCC by making your own rainbow challah!
Get ready to celebrate Pride at the Mandel JCC by making your own rainbow challah! In partnership with JHUB and LGBTQ Jews, come for this festive program. No challah baking experience required, all supplies will be provided.
Jewish Life, Adult
04/18/2025 - 04/18/2025
Celebrate the new Jewish month and the spirit of Passover in a meaningful text study with Cantor Sarah Sager.
Join a meaningful text study with Cantor Sarah Sager that will focus on the spiritual nature of the new Jewish month, and specifically the holiday of Passover.
Jewish Life, Adult
05/30/2025 - 05/30/2025
Join Cantor Sarah Sager for a text study on Rosh Chodesh Sivan, exploring its spiritual significance and connection to Shavuot.
Examine the spiritual nature of Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of a new Jewish month. In this interactive text study led by Cantor Sarah Sager, we will explore the significance of the month of Sivan and the holiday of Shavuot.
Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/24/2025 - 04/24/2025
Lunch & Learn with author, Josh Rolnick for Yom Hashoah
Lunch & Learn with author, Josh Rolnick, who will speak about his short story KINDERTRANSPORT for Yom Hashoah
Jewish Life Leadership
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Director of Jewish Life and Culture
216-593-6288
