Arts and Culture
What We Offer
Creative Arts
Author Events
Leisure games
Film Screenings
Learning & Conversations
Jewish Experiences
Unleash Your Creativity
Our hands-on classes help spark your inner self and engage your mind. No matter your age or experience, discover new interests and hobbies through art classes, card and tile games, book clubs and Israeli dance.
Topics of Interest
If you enjoy dialogue about current events and historical context, we have a variety of classes that will engage your mind and expand your views. From weekly news highlights to issues of race to Jewish studies, The J supports lifelong learning.
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.– Maya Angelou
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.
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 books including Jewish life, historical fiction, Israeli literature, cooking, memoirs and more.
Playmakers Youth Theatre
An inclusive educational theatre program for students in grades kindergarten through college. We support and help build self-confidence, creativity, teamwork and an appreciation for the arts.
Men’s Club
Join the conversation at weekly morning programs where adult men connect with peers, socialize, share ideas and listen to guest speakers. Topics range from education, health, Israel, Jewish holidays, local economic development and more.
60 Connect
Connect with adults aged 60 and above during weekday programs that include exercise, live entertainment, games and outings. We provide congregate Kosher lunches and free transportation to assist older and disabled adults to eliminate isolation.
Featured Classes
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/22/2025 - 04/24/2025
Aging adults will learn how to assess their current housing situation and discover options.
This course, offered in partnership with Benjamin Rose, is designed to help you understand how to assess your current housing and understand future options to age in place. Explore ways to use home equity to stay in our homes and discover housing options. This free three-part series will cover (1) How to assess your home for safety, accessibility and affordability, (2) Using your home to keep your home through single-purpose, equity loans and reverse mortgages, and (3) Understanding the various types of senior housing options.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/18/2025 - 05/18/2025
Catered lunch and bus transportation to a classic stage production at Allen Theatre.
A deeply moving tale about community and generational values, "Fiddler on the Roof" is a heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and love and laughter. “L'Chaim!” We will join the JCC of Youngstown for a catered lunch by Davis Bakery at the Beachwood Community Center. After, buses will transport us to Playhouse Square for the 2 p.m. performance by Cleveland Play House. A kosher option is available.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/06/2025 - 05/08/2025
A three-class workshop providing practical strategies and resources for caregivers.
Caregiving can be emotionally and physically taxing, but it also comes with significant financial challenges that often go unnoticed. This workshop addresses the financial fatigue experienced by caregivers and provides practical strategies and resources to help navigate these challenges effectively. Key topics covered including understanding financial fatigue, accessing benefits and resources, managing debt and financial obligations, and self-care and advocacy.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/21/2025 - 05/21/2025
An art appreciation class for adults presented by Cleveland Museum of Art that focuses on goods traded between Asia and Europe.
The Cleveland Museum of Art will bring Chinese and Dutch art to The J for an engaging program that features items such as Chinese silk, Dutch ceramics and Japanese enamelware. Throughout history, explorers have traveled to acquire "exotic" goods, using routes like the Silk Road and sea paths around Africa. We will examine the cultural exchanges and globalization involved in their creation and their relevance today. Participants can handle art objects and engage in observation and discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/23/2025 - 04/23/2025
An art appreciation class for adults presented by Cleveland Museum of Art that focuses on Chinese art.
Cleveland Museum of Art will bring Chinese art to The J for this engaging program. Participants will learn to handle an array of intricate, sophisticated objects while examining and discussing functions. As one of the world’s first civilizations, China has been an important center for artistic and technological production and innovation. Objects featured in this program focus on advances made by Chinese artists and artisans in ceramics, textiles and bronze-making techniques.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/03/2025 - 04/24/2025
An adult line dancing class. Meets on Th 4/3, Tu 4/8 and Th 4/24.
Sha’Ran Marshall, owner and artistic director of Sha’Ran Studios, will lead this lively and fun class. Spend time with family and friends socializing and learning some of the latest and past line dances. The moves will make you a hit at summer’s backyard parties and weddings. Class dates Thursday, April 3, Tuesday April 8 and Thursday April 24.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/05/2025 - 05/19/2025
This virtual class explores the current events and issues of the day.
Join us each week virtually as we discuss the current major news events and gain a deeper understanding of these issues. Join historian and educator Terry Pollack for lively sharing and group interaction as we follow and try to comprehend the unfolding events in the news each week.
K-12, Arts and Ideas
03/02/2025 - 04/27/2025
A theatre class for children of all skill levels who are in kindergarten and first grade.
Youths will explore performing arts fundamentals through improv and creative movement, have a blast learning the ins and outs of storytelling, and enjoy playing a character. Students rehearse for a culminating showcase performance with featured roles, speaking lines and musical numbers for all. This class-meets-rehearsal-process model is a perfect introduction to the arts or a great fit for a seasoned young performer.
K-12, Arts and Ideas
02/03/2025 - 05/20/2025
Our spring production for youth in grades 4 - 9.
This Playmakers Youth Theatre production of Into the Woods Jr. is a rich, creative reimagining of your most beloved fairytales. Meet Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Jack anew as you journey with them on a quest for what matters most and learn to be careful what you wish for. This meaningful, memorable story is made complete by a beautiful, complex musical score. Auditions will be in late January. Performances are mid-May.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/09/2025 - 04/09/2025
A cooking demonstration with UH registered dietitian and chef showing how to create flavorful healthy meals.
University Hospitals Bedford Wellness Center presents a dynamic cooking demonstration featuring a registered dietitian and executive chef showing you how to create delicious, nutrient-packed meals in no time. Discover how to blend fresh ingredients, bold flavors and simple techniques to whip up healthy and satisfying dishes. Whether you're short on time or seeking inspiration, this demo will prove that healthy eating can be quick, flavorful and anything but bland.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/01/2025 - 04/01/2025
Enjoy a day at The J filled with fitness, educational and fun activities for older adults.
Feed your mind, body and soul with a variety of engaging activities and connect with other older adults while having fun. Activities include Zumba, senior self-defense, scam prevention, swimming, lunch and more.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/22/2025 - 04/22/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Come out for a cozy bowl of soup while working on a community service project. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm and making a positive impact.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
03/25/2025 - 03/25/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Come out for a cozy bowl of soup while working on a community service project. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm and making a positive impact.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/08/2025 - 05/13/2025
A six-week watercolor painting class for adults.
Explore watercolor painting during these two-hour classes with a professional artist and illustrator. Learn techniques, basic color theory and more. Paint nature scenes directed by the teacher. Basic materials are included (watercolor paper, watercolors, brushes and accessories, and drawing materials). Perfect for adults with beginner to more advanced painting skills.
Arts and Ideas Leadership
Beth Rosenthal
Arts and Culture Program Associate
216-593-6216
Deborah Bobrow
Director of Arts and Culture
216-593-6278
Jill Rembrandt
Sr. Director of Jewish Life, Arts & Culture and Healthy Aging
216-593-6254