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
04/06/2026 - 05/18/2026
Nurture your body-soul connection and a deeper sense of purpose through Omer-inspired breathwork, movement, and meditation.
Deepen your connection to body and soul through movement, breathwork, and other embodied practices inspired by the mystical Jewish wisdom of the Omer, the seven-week period from Passover to Shavuot. These practices invite you to move with intention, presence, and deeper connection.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas
03/29/2026 - 03/29/2026
Celebrate Passover at The J with hands-on activities for young families!
Celebrate Passover at The J with hands-on activities for young families!
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
04/19/2026 - 04/19/2026
Celebrate Israeli Independence Day at the Mandel JCC with hands-on activities for young families.
Join us at the Mandel JCC for an Israeli Independence Day celebration featuring hands-on activities for young families with children ages 0–8. This event is free and open to the community.
Fitness, Jewish Life, K-12
08/02/2026 - 08/07/2026
Registration for teens participating in the Cleveland Delegation at the 2026 Maccabi Games in Toronto.
This registration is for athletes accepted to the 2026 Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style sports competition. Athletes stay with host families and enjoy exciting evening events, including the Opening Ceremonies, taking place this year in Toronto, Canada.
Aquatics, Fitness, Jewish Life, K-12
11/19/2025 - 04/01/2026
This is the interest form to participate in the Toronto Summer 2025 Maccabi Games as part of the Cleveland Delegation.
Jewish teens aged 13-17 are encouraged to complete the interest form for the cities and sports of their choice. This will help form the Cleveland Delegation for the Toronto Maccabi Games, August 2nd - 7th. Basketball evaluations for the Cleveland Delegation for all age divisions will be held on January 11, 2026, at 11 am in the Mandel JCC gymnasium. Other sports evaluations are to be determined if needed. Cleveland Delegation athletes will be announced on February 16, 2026.
Jewish Life Leadership
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Jewish Life and Learning Manager
216-593-6288
