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.
HEALTHY AGING
Soup and Service
Tuesdays beginning Jan 14
noon-1 pm • Free
Come out for a warm bowl of soup while working on a community service project.
Unknown History: How Slaves and Former Slaves Shaped Our Nation
Tuesdays, Jan 14 – Feb 4 • 10-11 am
Members $25; Community $35
In this four-class series, led by Steve Schecter, we will explore the incredible and often overlooked influence that slaves or former slaves had on shaping American history. Through these classes, we will gain a deeper understanding of how enslaved people played a pivotal role in shaping the lives and decisions of some of our nation’s most influential figures, ultimately leaving an unforgettable mark on the fabric of our nation.
Classes include:
• George Washington and His Three Special Slaves
• Jefferson and the Hemings Family
• How the War Changed Lincoln
• A Partial Biography of Frederick Douglass
News of the Week
Jan 27 - March 17 • 9:45-11 am
Members $75; Community $85
Each week we discuss the major news events taking place 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.
Movie Mondays
Mondays beginning Feb 3
1 pm • Free
Watch a movie and join in for a lively discussion.
Senior Day at The J
April 1 • 10 am-2 pm
Members $10; Community $15
Feed your mind, body and soul with a variety of engaging activities. Connect with other older adults while having fun. Activities include Zumba, lectures, lunch and more.
Walking Wednesdays
Wednesdays, April 16 – May 21
11 am-noon • Free
During this hour-long walk, you’ll explore nature as spring is in bloom while getting fit. This walk is medium to high intensity.
Men’s Club
Mondays • 11 am
The Men’s Club of the Mandel JCC offers men the chance to socialize, meet new friends and engage in lively discussions about education, current events, economic development and more. For information, contact Janice Adell at 216-831-0700, ext 1334 or jadell@mandeljcc.org. No advance registration required.
$30/year (Non-members of The J pay an additional fee of $35/year)
60 Connect
Mon-Fri • 9:30 am-12:30 pm • Free
Individuals ages 60+ and adults with disabilities enjoy a kosher lunch while connecting with peers, socializing and engaging in recreational activities including exercise classes, live entertainment, discussion groups, outings and more.
FUN AND GAMES
First Sunday Jam Session
First Sunday of the month beginning Jan 5
10 am-noon • Free
Calling all musicians and music enthusiasts. Start your month creating music.
Board Games
Thursdays beginning Jan 9
1-3 pm • Free
Join us at The J for games, culture and friendly competition. We provide cards, chess, checkers, mah jongg and canasta. Feel free to bring your own games as well.
Canasta
Tuesdays, Jan 21– Feb 4
12:30-3:30 pm
Members $50; Community $60
Canasta is a card game in the rummy family that uses two decks of cards and four jokers. Learn this easy-to-understand yet challenging game, which has a renewed interest with people of all ages.
Play Mah Jongg
Fridays beginning Feb 7
1-2:30 pm • Free
Mah Jongg is a social game played with four players. Learn the basic rules of play, strategies, tips, switching hands and more. Not a beginner, just come to play! All are welcome. Instruction is available Feb 7-28. Open play will be in effect after that date.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Healthy Cooking: Tradition Meets Wellness Register for one or all of these upcoming lectures held in collaboration with Siegal Lifelong Learning. Each program is $10 per person. Members of Mandel JCC or Siegal Lifelong Learning receive a $5 discount.
Advantages of the Mediterranean Diet
Jan 15 • 10:30 am -noon
Members $5; Community $10
Around the world, indigenous diets have several things in common: a strong emphasis on fresh produce at all meals, little or no role for ultra-processed items and lots of region-specific legumes. Dr. Roxanne B. Sukol, former vice chair of executive health at Cleveland Clinic, will discuss why these nourishing foodstuffs confer significant advantages for individuals whose regular diets include them. In partnership with Siegal Lifelong Learning of Case Western Reserve University.
Unleashing the Power of Tahini:
Exploring its Health Benefits and Culinary Versatility
Feb 12 • 10:30 am-noon
Members $5; Community $10
An engaging and interactive talk and cooking demonstration focused on the many health benefits of tahini, a versatile and nutrient-rich ingredient made from ground sesame seeds. How can tahini enhance your diet with its rich flavor, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals? Chef Doug Katz and Dana Harary, co-founder of SoCo Tahini, will showcase delicious dishes that incorporate tahini, inspiring you to get
creative in the kitchen In partnership with Siegal Lifelong Learning of Case Western Reserve University.
FILM SCREENING
In Search of Israeli Cuisine
Feb 16 •1 pm
Members $5; Community $10
Film screening, hummus tasting and making, and book sale.
In Search of Israeli Cuisine is a portrait of the Israeli people told through food. It puts a literal face on the culture of Israel. The film profiles chefs, home cooks, vintners and cheese-makers drawn from the more than 100 cultures that make up Israel today – Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian, Druze. A rich and human story of the people emerges from their food.
Michael Solomonov’s new cookbook (Zahav at Home) be available for purchase at the event.
REGISTER FOR FILM SCREENING & PROGRAM
Eating Kosher for Healthy Aging
Feb 21 • 10:30 am-noon
Members $5; Community $10
How do kosher dietary practices support general health and wellness as we age? Participants will learn the fundamentals of kosher food laws and explore their potential health advantages with Registered Dietitian Ariela Goldenshluger Wieder. Topics will include how kosher guidelines promote mindful eating and emphasize clean food production. We will learn how these practices may benefit aging, foster digestive health and heart wellness, and promote ethical food choices.
Maimonides’ Holistic Health: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Nutrition for Aging Well
March 7 • 10:30 am-noon
Members $5; Community $10
Renowned medieval Jewish philosopher and physician Maimonides emphasized balance, moderation and the connection between body and mind. This session with Dafna Ben Yosef, Ph.D., director of Jewish studies at Siegal Lifelong Learning, will cover how Maimonides’ teachings, such as focusing on plant-based foods and mindful eating, aligned with today’s best practices for aging gracefully and maintaining overall well-being, offer timeless insights for a balanced lifestyle. In partnership with Siegal Lifelong Learning of Case Western Reserve University.
REGISTER FOR LECTURES
Book Club at The J Third Tuesday of each month: Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18, April 15 • 11 am • Free Are you a book enthusiast? Join others in reading books then discuss them at our monthly Book Club.
Author Talk with Pam Jenoff at South Euclid Library
Feb 6 • 7 pm • Free
Author Pam Jenoff discusses her latest historical novel, Last Twilight in Paris. Jenoff is the author of several books of historical fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Code Name Sapphire, The Lost Girls of Paris and The Orphan’s Tale. In collaboration with Cuyahoga County Public Library.
Register at mandeljcc.org/bookfest
Lunch and Learn with Israeli Playwright Hadas Kaldaron
Feb 6 • noon • Free Hadas Kaldaron, artistic director of Israel’s National Youth Theatre, will discuss her works. She is the granddaughter of renowned poet Avrom Sutzkever and has been on a journey to keep her grandfather’s memory alive. Kaldaron is the associate producer of the awardwinning documentary Black Honey, the Life and Poetry of Avraham Sutzkever. She is the producer and main character in the new film Who Will Remain and is the producer of the play The Witness. Bring your own lunch. The J will provide drinks and dessert.
ARTS AND CULTURE CONTINUED
Art Exhibition
Feb 10-March 16
The revival of an almost 50-year-old photography exhibition by native Clevelander Seymour Hofstetter – originally displayed at the U.S. State Department, Overseas Press Club of New York, Cleveland Museum of Art, Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum of Philadelphia and elsewhere.
Lunch and Learn
Feb 11 • noon • Free Lunch and learn in the Mandel Community Room with Melinda Hoff, daughter of the photographer. Bring your own lunch. The J will provide drinks and dessert.
FILM SCREENINGS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round
Feb 18 • 7 pm
Members $5; Community $10
Ilana Trachtman’s moving documentary about African Americans and Jews working together in 1960 to desegregate an amusement park outside of Washington, D.C.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Making Trouble
March 23 • 10 am
Members $5; Community $10
Making Trouble tells the story of six of the greatest female comic performers of the last century – Molly Picon, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner and Wendy Wasserstein – who struggled and sacrificed for their fame and turned the old “death is easy, comedy is hard” joke completely on its head.
Cleveland Jewish Book Festival
The second chapter of the 25th annual festival featuring a diverse lineup of acclaimed authors.
• March 3 • 11 am • Free Virtual program in conjunction with Mandel JCC’s Men’s Club
Author Ilan Evyatar will discuss his book Target Tehran
• March 4 • 7:30 pm Free
Author Daniel Schulman will discuss his book The Money Kings at Park Synagogue
• March 5 • 7:30 pm
Members $10; Community $12
Author Jonathan Santlofer will discuss his book The Lost Van Gogh at the Maltz Museum
• March 11 • 6 pm
Members $10; Community $12
Author Jennifer Lang will lead a yoga/ journaling workshop
• March 18 • 7 pm • Free
Author Margalit Fox will discuss her book The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum at Cuyahoga County Public Library’s South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch
• March 19 • 7:30 pm • $15
Author Rabbi Sharon Brous will discuss her book The Amen Effect at Congregation Mishkan Or
at mandeljcc.org/bookfest
Rosh Chodesh Gathering
JEWISH LIFE
Jan 3, Jan 31, Feb 28, March 28, April 25 11 am-noon
Members: Free; Community $5
Join Cantor Sarah Sager for a meaningful monthly Rosh Chodesh Gathering. Rosh Chodesh is the start of a new Jewish month and a time for renewal, goal setting and spiritual growth. Cantor Sager will lead engaging sessions of Torah study accompanied by guided reflections.
Hebrew Story Time
Jan 8, Feb 5, March 5 • 4:30 pm • Free
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. For children ages birth to 6 years and their caregivers. Open to the community – drop in. In partnership with the Cuyahoga County Public Library Beachwood Branch.
J Family Days
10-11:30 am • Free
Celebrate the Jewish holidays and values at the Mandel JCC with monthly family programs designed for children 0-8 and their caregivers. We will do craft projects, read stories, play games and more!
Shabbat – Jan 12 • Purim – March 9
JNF Tu Bishvat Concert
Feb 9 • 2-4 pm • Free
Celebrate Tu Bishvat, the “birthday of the trees,” at The J with a community concert generously sponsored by the Jewish National Fund-Cleveland. This concert will be family friendly and open to all.
Tu Bishvat Seder
Feb 11 • 6-7:30 pm
$10 members; $18 community
Celebrate Tu Bishvat, the Jewish Earth Day, at the Mandel JCC over a vegetarian dinner and thoughtful conversation. This Tu Bishvat Seder will allow us to taste fruits native to the land of Israel and think about our relationship with the planet.
Purim After Dark
March 3 • 8-10 pm
$10 members; $18 community
Join us for a festive Purim celebration for adults, complete with Israeli DJ, music, dancing, appetizers and a costume contest!
Challah and Chessed
March 27 • 4-5:30 pm • Free
Come to The J after school to make your own challah and participate in a hands-on community service (chessed) project. For children ages 2-10 and their caregivers.
Intro to Judaism
Ongoing through April 10 • 7- 9 pm
$202.50 Members; $225 Community
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.
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.
