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.
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
Early Childhood Jewish Life K-12
An interactive Jerusalem market with children's activities.
4:30 PM
2
Fitness Jewish Life
A boot camp for ages 12 and over led by The J's Israeli instructor Ronly.
9:00 AM
12
Fitness Jewish Life
Rabbi Jaymee Alpert and Fernando Martinez will lead this Neshama Body and Soul workout-worship experience.
11:00 AM
10
Fitness Jewish Life
Rabbi Jaymee Alpert and Fernando Martinez will lead this Neshama Body and Soul workout-worship experience.
8:00 AM
10
Jewish Life Leadership
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Director of Jewish Life and Culture
216-593-6288
Adi Naor
Family Shlicha
216-831-0700 ext. 1014
