The Mandel Jewish Community Center connects the community through an array of dynamic recreational, social and educational programs that support physical well-being, and foster lifelong learning and healthy aging. Our arts and culture and Jewish life programs provide opportunities for adults of all ages to explore the arts, learn about Jewish life and culture, and engage in thoughtprovoking dialogue with peers about contemporary issues.
CREATIVE AGING
Senior Day at The J
Feed your mind, body and soul with a variety of fun, engaging activities and connect with other older. Activities include Zumba, senior self-defense, scam prevention, short films, nutrition lessons, lunch and more.
April 1
10 am - 2 pm
Members $10; Community $15
Line Dancing Extravaganza
Sha’Ran Marshall, owner and artistic director of Sha’Ran Studios, will lead this lively and fun class.
April 3, April 8 and April 24 6 - 7 pm
Members $45; Community $54
Painting with Watercolors
Explore watercolor painting during these two-hour classes with a professional artist and illustrator. Learn techniques, basic color theory and more. Basic materials are included. Perfect for adults with beginner to advanced painting skills.
Tuesdays, April 8 - May 13
1 - 2:30 pm
Members $120; Community $135
Quick & Flavorful: A Culinary Journey to Healthy Eating
University Hospitals Bedford Wellness Center presents a dynamic cooking demonstration featuring a Registered Dietitian and Executive Chef, showing you how to create delicious, nutrientpacked meals in no time!
April 9
3:30 - 4:30 pm • Free
Walking Wednesdays
Spring is in bloom. During this hour-long walk, you’ll explore nature while getting fit. This walk is light to medium intensity. Meet in Mandel JCC lobby.
Wednesdays, April 16 - May 21 11 am -12 pm • Free
DROP-IN GAMES!
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy these classic games. Free. Registration is encouraged.
Canasta
Thursdays, April - May • 1-3 pm
Bridge Thursdays, April and August • 1-3 pm
Mah Jongg
Fridays, June and July • 1-3 pm
Chess Fridays, June - July • 1-3 pm
Aging in Place:
Know Your Housing Options
Offered in partnership with Benjamin Rose, this three-part course 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.
April 22 – 24
11 am – 12 pm • Free
Inventions and Influence: Technology and Art in China
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.
April 23
2 – 3 pm • Free
Situational Awareness and Self Defense
This comprehensive Situational Awareness and Low Impact Self Defense course is designed by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to empower individuals with crucial safety skills. This course is appropriate for anyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level.
April 30
1 - 3 pm • Free
SPECIAL EVENT!
Fiddler on the Roof at Cleveland Playhouse
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 (Kosher option available) at the Beachwood Community Center. After, buses will transport us to Playhouse Square for the 2 pm performance by Cleveland Play House.
Registration deadline is April 17.
May 18
11:45 am - 5:30 pm
Members $70; Community $80
Learn Mah Jongg
Mah Jongg matches one’s playing pieces, called tiles, to a set of possible hands. It is a very social game played around a table with four players. Those new to the game will learn the basic rules of play, strategies, tips, switching hands and more. Not a beginner? Just come to play!
Registration includes the purchase of the 2025 National Mah Jongg card.
Fridays, May 2 - May 23
1 - 3 pm
Members $15; Community $35
News of the Week
Join historian and educator Terry Pollack for lively group interaction as we discuss weekly current news events.
Mondays, April 21 - May 19
9:45 -11 am
Members $46; Community $53
Financial Fatigue of Caregivers
Caregiving can be emotionally and physically taxing, but it also comes with significant financial challenges. This workshop provides practical strategies and resources to help effectively navigate these challenges.
May 6
5:30 - 6:30 pm • Free
Cooking for One or Two
Many people find it hard to cook for just one or two people. Learn how to save money and time, eat healthier and stop having the same leftovers day after day. Includes simple, delicious recipe ideas.
May 14
3:30 - 4:30 pm • Free
CMA at The J: From Tea to Tiles: Trade between Asia and Europe
An adult art appreciation class that focuses on Chinese art, presented by the Cleveland Museum of Art.
May 21
2 - 3 pm • Free
Wills, Trusts & Asset Protection Workshop
Unlock the power of effective estate planning as you gain valuable knowledge to confidently take charge of your estate and ensure your legacy.
May 22
6:30 – 7:30 pm • Free
Register online at mandeljcc.org/adult-programs
Contact us at healthyaging@mandeljcc.org or 216-593-6283
ARTS AND CULTURE
Mandel JCC Book Club
Join other readers at the monthly book club, the third Tuesday of the month.
April 15, May 19*, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19
11 am – 12 pm • Free *Note day change
Yom Hashoah Lunch & Learn with Author Josh Rolnick
Join author Josh Rolnick in a discussion about his short story “Kindertransport.”
Kosher lunch provided.
April 24
12:15 - 1:30 pm • Free
Journey Through Jewish Cleveland Class and Bus Tour
Sean Martin will teach a class which will incorporate a brief introduction to the history of Jewish Cleveland, focusing on locations to be visited on the bus tour, held the following week.
Class: June 9 • 10 -11:30 am Bus Tour: June 16 • 10 am - 3 pm Members $85; Community $90
SPECIAL EVENT!
Artist in Residence
Artist-in-residence Gadi Zamir will engage the community in creating a permanent mixed-media painting embracing themes of sorrow, peace, prayer and light. Mandel JCC members and the general community are invited to collaborate. This event will be a part of the community’s observance of Yom Ha’atzmaut.
April 27-29, 9 am - 2 pm • All ages • Free
JEWISH LIFE
Hebrew Story Time
Join the Shin Shinim (young emissaries from Israel), for a monthly Hebrew story time. Read a Hebrew book, learn songs and complete a craft project. This program is both for native Hebrew speakers as well as those who want to learn more Hebrew. This event is in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Public Library Beachwood Branch.
For children ages birth to 8 years. Open to the community – drop in.
April 2, May 7
4:30 pm • Free
Rosh Chodesh Gathering
Join Cantor Sarah Sager for a meaningful monthly Rosh Chodesh Gathering at the Mandel JCC. Cantor Sager will lead engaging sessions of Torah study accompanied by guided reflections.
April 18, Ilyar; May 30, Sivan 10:30 - 11:30 am
Members Free; Community $5
Israeli Boot Camp
Celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, with a fun workout led by Israeli fitness instructor Ronly, complete with Israeli music. Come prepared to sweat while having a great time.
For all fitness levels, anyone ages 13+. Free and open to the community. Registration Required.
April 27
9:30 - 10:30 am • Free
SAVE THE DATES
Cleveland Jewish FilmFest September 4-14th
Rainbow Challah Bake
Get ready to celebrate Pride at the Mandel JCC by making your own rainbow challah! In partnership with JHUB and LGBTQ Jews, come for this festive program. No challah baking experience required, all supplies will be provided.
Adults and teens.
May 29
7 - 9 pm
Members $5; Community $10
Israel Scouts Concert
Mandel JCC welcomes the Tzofim Friendship Caravan, a group of Israeli Scouts leaders who perform and tour across the United States each summer. Learn more about Israeli culture through this celebratory performance, full of Hebrew and English songs and upbeat dances.
June 17
6:30 - 7:30 pm
$5 per person
(All ages; children under two free)
Shabbat at the Pool
Celebrate Shabbat in nature at the Mandel JCC outdoor pool! Come for a Shabbat sing along, and enjoy popsicles with your little ones.
For families with children ages 0-8.
July 11
4 - 5 pm • Free
J Family Day: Tu B’Av
Celebrate the little-known Jewish holiday of love and family at The J! We will be doing projects to show appreciation to those we love and participating in a family Israeli Dance class!
For families with children ages 0-8.
August 10
10 - 11:30 am • Free
PROGRAM CALENDAR
April
April 1 Senior Day at The J 10 am - 2 pm
April 2 Hebrew Story Time 4:30 pm
April 3 Drop-in Canasta 1 - 3 pm
April 3 Line Dancing Extravaganza 6 - 7 pm
April 8 Painting with Watercolors 1 - 2:30 pm
April 8 Line Dancing Extravaganza 6 - 7 pm
April 9 Quick & Flavorful: A Culinary 3:30 - 4:30 pm Journey to Healthy Eating
April 10
April 15 Mandel JCC Book Club
April 15
April 16
April 17 Drop-in Canasta 1 - 3 pm
April 18 Rosh Chodesh Gathering: Iyar 10:30 - 11 am
April 21 News of the Week 9:45 - 11 am
April 21 From Tea to Tiles: 2 - 3 pm Trade Between Asia and Europe
April 22-24 Aging in Place: Knowing Your Housing Options 11 am - 12 pm
April 22
April 23
April 23 CMA at The J: Inventions and Influence: 2 - 3 pm Technology and Art in China
April 24 Yam Hashoah Lunch & Learn 12:15 - 1:30 pm with Author Josh Rolnick
April 24 Drop-in Canasta 1 - 3 pm
April 24 Line Dancing Extravaganza 6 - 7 pm
April 27-29 Artist in Residence 9 am - 2 pm
April 27 Israeli Boot Camp 9:30 - 10:30 am
April 28 News of the Week 9:45 - 11 am
April 29
April 30
April 30 Situational Awareness and Self Defense 1 - 2 pm
May
May 1 Drop-in Canasta 1 - 3 pm
May 2 Learn Mah Jongg 1 - 2:30 pm
May 5 News of the Week 9:45 - 11 am
May 6 Painting with Watercolors 1 - 2:30 pm
May 6 Financial Fatigue of Caregivers 5:30 - 6:30 pm
May 7 Walking Wednesdays 11 am - 12 pm
May 7 Hebrew Story Time 4:30 pm
May 8
May 9 Learn Mah Jongg 1 - 2:30 pm
Cut out and save calendar.
May 12 News of the Week 9:45 - 11 am
May 13 Painting with Watercolors 1 - 2:30 pm
May 14 Walking Wednesdays 11 am - 12 pm
May 14 Cooking for One or Two 3:30 - 4:30 pm
May 15 Drop-in Canasta 1 - 3 pm
May 16 Learn Mah Jongg 1 - 2:30 pm
May 18 Fiddler on the Roof at Cleveland Playhouse 11:45 am - 5:30 pm
May 19 News of the Week 9:45 - 11 am
May 19 Mandel JCC Book Club
May 21
May 21 CMA at The J: From Tea to Tiles: 2 - 3 pm Trade between Asia and Europe
June 16 Journey Through Jewish Cleveland: Bus Tour
June 17 Mandel JCC Book Club 11 am - 12 pm
June 17 Israel Scouts Concert 6:30 - 7:30 pm
June 19
June 26
July
July 3
July 10
July 11
July 15
July 17
July 24
July 31
August
August 7 Drop-in Chess 1 - 3 pm
August 10 J Family Day: Tu B’Av 10 - 11:30 am
August 14 Drop-in Chess 1 - 3 pm
August 19 Mandel JCC Book Club 11 am - 12 pm
August 21
August 28
MANDEL JCC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Membership offers discounted rates on programs and classes, in addition to early childhood and summer camp registrations for the young families in your life. Our fitness and aquatics center features personal training, Pilates, pickleball, racquetball, group exercise classes and more for all ages and abilities.
At The J, you can discover new ways to connect with others in the community who have shared interests and ideas. Whether it is attending a Jewish cultural event, learning a new skill or sport, exercising your body and brain in our fitness and aquatics center or through thought-provoking programs, the Mandel JCC helps ignite and support your interests and passions.
