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.
You may be interested in:
- Pickleball classes, clinics and leagues
- Arthritis, core and HIIT shallow water group exercise classes
- Personal training
- RecoveryZone with advanced restorative equipment
- Yoga, Pilates, Tai chi, Pure strength, Pop Zumba Low impact cardio and weights and more
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Adult
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.
Adult
01/27/2026 - 01/27/2026
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
02/11/2026 - 02/11/2026
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
01/14/2026 - 01/14/2026
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
12/17/2025 - 12/17/2025
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
12/04/2025 - 12/25/2025
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.
Adult
01/20/2026 - 01/20/2026
Learn how to spot scams, avoid threats, protect personal data, and use best practices for secure browsing, shopping, and communication.
In today?s digital world, protecting yourself online is just as important as knowing how to use a computer. You?ll be prepared to recognize and avoid common cyber threats. From spotting phishing attempts and fake emails to understanding the dangers of suspicious downloads, you?ll remain safe online. We will explore key concepts like malware, ransomware, and how these threats can compromise personal data, and best practices for securing your computer, creating strong passwords, and safeguarding sensitive information from scammers. These tools will protect your digital life whether you're browsing, shopping, or communicating online.
Adult
02/10/2026 - 03/03/2026
A four session program to promote specific eating and physical activity behaviors shown to improve health and well-being.
Eat Smart, Live Strong is a four session program to promote specific eating and physical activity behaviors shown to improve health and well-being. These sessions focus on goal setting each week and addressing real and potential barriers to achieve the new behaviors. Presented by Central State University.
Adult
01/06/2026 - 01/06/2026
This beginner-friendly class covers the basics of using a PC, giving you the skills to navigate technology with ease.
This beginner-friendly course is designed for individuals who are new to using computers and want to build a strong foundation in essential digital skills. You will start by learning how to properly operate and power on a PC, followed by hands-on practice with using a keyboard and mouse to navigate the system confidently. Through guided instruction, participants will explore the Windows operating system, gaining familiarity with its layout, menus and how to locate and open applications.
Adult
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.
Adult
01/27/2026 - 01/27/2026
Learn to browse safely, manage email, spot online risks and use social media responsibly.
This course teaches learners to navigate the online world more effectively and safely. It covers how to use and customize popular browsers, evaluate website reliability, manage email, and recognize risks like spam and phishing. Additionally, it provides an introduction to responsible social media use, helping participants connect and share in digital communities with confidence and care.
Jewish Life, Adult
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.
Fitness, Adult
01/07/2026 - 02/11/2026
A 45-minute indoor ride designed to keep you strong, energized and mentally sharp.
Boost your body and mind with Memory Cycling! This 45-minute indoor cycling class combines heart-pumping cardio with brain-boosting benefits to help keep your memory sharp and energy high. Perfect for all fitness levels.
Fitness, Adult
01/08/2026 - 01/29/2026
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.
Adult
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.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
12/17/2025 - 12/17/2025
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. This week's topic: History of Hough Bakery
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request. This week's topic: History of Hough Bakery presented by Western Reserve Historical Society
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
12/03/2025 - 12/17/2025
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social.
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
12/03/2025 - 12/03/2025
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. This week's topic: Brain Aerobics
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request. This week's topic: Brain Aerobics
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
11/05/2025 - 05/06/2026
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social.
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/07/2026 - 01/21/2026
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social.
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/21/2026 - 01/21/2026
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social.
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
01/07/2026 - 01/07/2026
A curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social.
Welcome to your new Wednesday ritual – a curated wellness experience designed exclusively for active adults who want to stay sharp, strong and social. Each session includes: 45 minutes of guided movement, 45 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for engaging talks and activities. Transportation is available upon request.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
02/11/2026 - 02/11/2026
Learn to design and print your own personalized notecards using foam plates, inks and papers. All materials provided.
Participants will use pencils to incise foam printing plates with a design of their creation and print their designs on notecards. Sample cards will be shown that have been printed with simple typography – one or two initials, for example. Sample alphabets will be provided to help participants trace the letterforms to create their designs. All necessary materials, including inks, papers, and tools, will be provided.
Aquatics, Adult
12/01/2025 - 12/31/2025
Organized workouts for beginner through intermediate adult swimmers.
Dive into better fitness, refined technique and a supportive swim community with U.S. Masters Swimming at The J! This energizing program is perfect for adult swimmers of all levels. Each session includes customized workouts and interval training designed to match your goals and ability, with a focus on improving stroke efficiency, endurance and overall technique.
Adult
01/13/2026 - 01/13/2026
This intermediate class covers personalizing settings, exploring accessibility tools, evaluating software and learning basic troubleshooting.
This intermediate-level course is for learners who have a solid understanding of computer fundamentals and wish to enhance their skills. It covers personalizing system settings, understanding input/output devices, and exploring accessibility tools for inclusive technology. Students will also evaluate various software programs to find those that align with their goals, whether for productivity, creativity, or communication. Additionally, the course provides basic troubleshooting strategies to help students manage common issues independently, boosting their confidence in using technology.
Adult Programming Leadership
Julia DiBaggio
Creative Aging Manager
216-831-0700 ext. 1014
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Director of Jewish Life and Culture
216-593-6288
Kate Toohig
Director of Wellness and Engagement
216-593-6265
Rich Zatta
Director of Fitness
216-593-6298