Adult Programs

Fitness and Aquatics

We take a comprehensive body and mind approach with all of our programs. Our fitness and wellness team has degrees, certifications and expertise in a broad scope of areas including physical therapy, exercise science, sports medicine, nutrition and dietetics, water sports, exercise physiology and sports injury, safety and recovery.

Learning and Conversations

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. 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.

Learn More

Men’s Club

The J’s Men’s Club offers an opportunity to connect with peers and discuss a variety of interesting and topical issues. Participants socialize, share ideas and listen to guest speakers. Most members are retired, have a wide variety of hobbies and are active volunteers in the community.

Learn More

U.S. Masters Swim

This program is for dedicated, adult swimmers who want to experience an intense workout while advancing your swimming technique and skills. Level 1 Master Coach Laura Wright provides instruction and workouts tailored to each swimmer's individual ability. The goal is for you to become a more efficient and advanced swimmer.

Learn More

Jewish Education

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.

Learn More

Creative Aging

Creative Aging is not just about creative expression; it’s about living life to the fullest, celebrating individuality, fostering connections, and embracing the joy of lifelong learning. Creative Aging fosters a welcoming environment for all individuals to live their best lives through learning new skills, keeping active, and most importantly, socializing.

Learn 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.

Learn More

Featured Classes

View All

Adult

Balance and Falls Prevention

12/16/2025 - 12/16/2025

This program helps participants reduce fall risks, improve balance, and stay active through practical strategies and exercises—beneficial for all mobility levels.

The program is designed to raise participants’ fall prevention knowledge and awareness, introduce steps they can take to reduce falls and improve their health and well-being. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Individuals with mobility issues can enhance their balance and safety, while those without any apparent impairments can still benefit by maintaining their current health status and preventing future problems.

Jewish Life, Adult

Bite-Sized Torah: Monthly Lunch and Learn

11/19/2025 - 11/19/2025

Enjoy lunch and lively Jewish learning led by local rabbis and educators. No Hebrew or prior experience needed.

Enjoy your lunch at the JCC with a side of Jewish learning! Each month we host a lunch and learn led by a different community rabbi or educator on a variety of engaging new topics. Bring your own brown-bag lunch, and desserts or goodies will be provided. All Jewish learning backgrounds are welcome, no Hebrew or text skills required.

Jewish Life, Adult

Bite-Sized Torah: Monthly Lunch and Learn

10/29/2025 - 10/29/2025

Enjoy lunch and lively Jewish learning led by local rabbis and educators. No Hebrew or prior experience needed.

Enjoy your lunch at the JCC with a side of Jewish learning! Each month we host a lunch and learn led by a different community rabbi or educator on a variety of engaging new topics. Bring your own brown-bag lunch, and desserts or goodies will be provided. All Jewish learning backgrounds are welcome, no Hebrew or text skills required.

Fitness, Adult

Boxing Fundamentals and Self Defense -Thursdays - November 2025

11/06/2025 - 11/27/2025

Learn practical boxing and self-defense skills from an expert with 15+ years of experience. Build confidence, improve technique, and train with proven methods used by top fighters.

Build strength, confidence and real-world self-defense skills in our Boxing Fundamentals & Self Defense class! Learn proper stance, striking and movement through boxing and kickboxing techniques, guided by an expert with 15+ years of experience training with top MMA, UFC and boxing professionals. Hands-on partner drills ensure practical, effective learning.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

Dvorak's New World Symphony

11/21/2025 - 11/21/2025

Experience Dvorák's powerful Ninth Symphony at Severance Hall, enriched by a pre-concert lecture exploring its cultural influences and iconic melodies.

Join us at Severance Hall for Dvorák's Ninth Symphony. Informed by African American spirituals, Indigenous melodies, and Czech folk songs, Dvorák's Ninth Symphony proceeds from one memorable tune to another, including its exquisitely yearning slow movement and rollicking finale. We will arrive 1 hour before the concert for a lecture to learn about the music.

Adult

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body

12/02/2025 - 12/02/2025

Gain practical skills on healthy living as we explore the latest research on aging well and the impact diet, exercise and mental engagement have on our brain and body.

For centuries, we've known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Arts and Ideas, Adult

Intermediate Watercolors

11/03/2025 - 12/08/2025

Enhance your watercolor skills with advanced techniques, color theory, and creative exploration to develop your unique artistic style.

This class builds on basic techniques to help students develop their skills and explore more complex aspects of watercolor painting. Students will learn advanced techniques, explore color theory, and experiment with different subject matter, all while developing their personal artistic style.

Jewish Life, Adult

Introduction to Judaism

10/23/2025 - 04/07/2026

Explore Jewish holidays, history, and core concepts through engaging study and discussion, led by rotating rabbinic instructors in both in-person and virtual sessions. Open to all.

Explore Jewish observance of holidays and life-cycle events, major periods in Jewish history and significant Jewish concepts through lecture, engaging text study, meaningful dialogue and exploration in the community. Class will be taught in four sections with a different rabbinic instructor for each section. Some classes will be held in person at the Mandel JCC Community Room and some dates will be taught virtually via Zoom. Open to the community.

Adult

Pickleball for Mobility and Balance

12/04/2025 - 12/18/2025

Stay active and improve coordination, balance and agility in this beginner-friendly pickleball class focused on fun and fitness.

Pickleball for Mobility and Balance is designed for beginners who are interested in playing Pickleball as a casual hobby to stay active. The focus will be on enhancing overall coordination, balance, and agility, while playing a fun game.