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.
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.
Move and Groove Tot Shabbat
Educators Maria Hanley and Sarah Jaffe Kasdan lead a movement and music-filled program every Friday at The J. Parents and caregivers of children ages birth through six are invited to join us from 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Free and open to the community. Enter through the Stonehill Entrance.
Featured Classes
Jewish Life, Adult
10/06/2026 - 04/06/2027
Explore Jewish holidays, beliefs, history, and traditions through engaging in-person and virtual classes.
Explore Jewish holidays, beliefs, sacred texts, history, and traditions in this engaging introduction to Judaism. Led by a rotating team of rabbis through in-person and Zoom sessions, the course is open to all, regardless of background or prior knowledge.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
09/10/2026 - 09/10/2026
Join us with your family to make vegan Rosh Hashanah challah! Register children only; caregivers must stay during the event.
Get ready for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, by making your own delicious vegan challah! Families will mix dough, shape traditional round challahs, and add sweet fillings like raisins, chocolate chips, and more. Register children only; caregivers must stay with their child throughout the event.
Fitness, Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas, Adult
09/17/2026 - 09/17/2026
Join fellow seniors for a day of engaging lectures, fitness classes, and a kosher lunch that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.
Feed your mind, body, and soul by joining fellow seniors for a day of lectures, fitness classes, and a kosher lunch. Enjoy chair exercises, Prime Time, and Tai Chi. Explore topics like navigating the healthcare system and building healthy brain habits, and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cleveland Jewish FilmFest.
Jewish Life Leadership
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Jewish Life and Learning Manager
216-593-6288
