NCJW/CLE

RETAIL SORTING: "ALL HANDS ON DECK"
2025-09-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for “All Hands On Deck” on Tuesday, September 16th, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Volunteers will help sort clothing donations in our warehouse to support our retail operations. It’s a great chance to have fun, get organized and make a difference! Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Space is limited—don’t get “clothes” out!

To RSVP, contact:

Debbie Rosenthal at debbierosenthal@yahoo.com

Kelly Markowitz at kellymarkowitz1974@gmail.com

If you can’t make this one (or the spots fill up), don’t worry — more events are on the way soon.

131st OPENING MEETING: THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS
2025-09-08 11:30 - 13:30 | Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, OH, 44124, United States
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
While we will do our best to accommodate everyone, seating requests cannot be guaranteed for RSVPs received after the August 25, 2025 deadline.
Monday, September 8, 2025 at Landerhaven
10:45 AM VIP “Happy” Hour
11:00 AM Doors Open
11:30 AM Luncheon and Presentation

BIGHEARTEDBLOOMS – CARD MAKING SESSION FOR MONTHLY BOUQUET DELIVERY
2025-09-10 10:30 - 12:30 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Join us in making cards to facilitate lasting moments of connection! Cards will be hand delivered to residents in local care facilities as part of our monthly delivery partnership. All levels of card making skills and creativity are welcome!
Date: Wednesday, September 10
Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd. Warrensville Heights
RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CAAAB2DA5F5C52-57891488-flower

THREADS OF LOVE AND COMFORT (TLC) BLANKET MAKING
2025-09-11 10:00 - 12:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Please join TLC members as we assemble comfort blankets and kits for survivors of sexual assault.

Date: Thursday, September 11
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
RSVP: Janice Hirshon, jchirshon@gmail.com

NEWISH AND JEWISH: CHERYL’S MUSINGS
2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Over the years I’ve written a lot about life and I’m eager to share some ideas with you. I want to talk to you about things like happiness, your housecleaner, family in-fighting, misguided bar mitzvahs, airplane etiquette and even chicken soup……all through a Jewish lens. Please join me.
Date: Wednesday, September 17
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Location: Your home via Zoom
RSVP: Newish and Jewish: Cheryl’s Musings – Our Charity

Trauma-Informed Training
2025-09-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Beachwood Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH, 44122, United States
Trauma-Informed Training for Volunteers
Join a mandatory one-hour Trauma-Informed Training session for all volunteers who work directly with children and young adults. This includes current volunteers, as well as anyone interested in getting involved with Focus on Foster Care, Reading Buddies, Girls Book Club, or other youth-focused programs. The program will be facilitated by Chava Harris, LISW-S, MSSA, CNM Director of Crisis Services, Bellefaire JCB

Date: Thursday, September 18

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Beachwood Library
Why This Training Matters
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an essential approach for anyone working with children and young adults. This session will help volunteers:

Understand how trauma impacts behavior and development

Learn strategies to build trust and provide support

Create safe, respectful, and empowering environments

This training is designed to help us be more effective, compassionate, and informed in the work we do. It’s a valuable tool to strengthen our community efforts and ensure we’re providing the best support possible.

LIVESPECIAL EVENT: CREATIVE CAREGIVING OPTIONS
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:00
For families who help their adult loved ones manage their daily needs with an IO, SELF, or Level One Waiver services, focusing on Homemaker Personal Care (HPC), Ohio Shared Living (OSL), Adult Day Services, Transportation, Respite, and more.
Speaker(s): Amy Clawson, Family Support Specialist, Program Coordinator, Ohio Family to Family Jennifer O’Brien, Vocational Educational Coordinator
Date: Wednesday, September 24
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Your home via Zoom
RSVP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/3kqqnpf
Contact: Wendy Spitz, wendy@livespecial.com

KNIT FOR A CAUSE WITH DIGKNITTY
2025-10-09 09:30 - 12:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit H, Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH, United States
Calling all knitters and crocheters! DigKnitty is creating adorable bears, beautiful hats, scarves and blankets for the Share What You Wear project, and we need your help.
Date: Thursday, October 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
For More Information: Anita Pupa, anitareads@yahoo.com

VISIT THE RENEE JONES EMPOWERMENT CENTER
2025-10-09 12:00 - 14:00
Join a site visit to the Renee Jones Empowerment Center, Cleveland’s only nonprofit dedicated solely to supporting human trafficking and sexual assault survivors. Meet Renee Jones, the passionate leader behind the center, explore the safe and welcoming environment where lives are being rebuilt and learn about the transformative programs — from trauma-informed care and counseling to education, advocacy, and survivor empowerment.
Space is limited (20 participants), register soon! Boxed lunch is provided.

Date: Thursday, October 9
Time: 12 – 2 PM (Meet at NCJW/CLE at 11:15 AM if carpooling)

NCJW/CLE BOOK CLUB
2025-10-09 13:00 - 14:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit H, Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH, United States
Betty Bauman will lead a discussion on Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Please join us for an engaging and meaningful conversation.
Date: Thursday, October 9
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
No RSVP needed.

For more information, contact Margie Hirschfeld, buster28@yahoo.com or Karen Singer, kbsing@verizon.net.

Future Book Choices
November 6 – Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung
December 4 – How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
*Happy Land is scheduled for the second Thursday in October due to observance of Yom Kippur October 1 – 2.

Our books for 2025-2026 have been selected. If you would like a copy of our titles, please contact Margie Hirschfeld at buster28a@yahoo.com or Karen Singer at kbsing@verizon.net

GET OUT OF YOUR WAY: FROM SELF-SABOTAGE TO TRUSTING YOURSELF
2025-10-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Orange Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike
Part of NCJW Cleveland’s Self-Reflection Series.
Led by certified somatic life coach Rebecca Fellenbaum, this interactive workshop, based on her signature coaching experience, Finding Joy, is designed to help you shift out of undesirable patterns and begin creating a life you truly enjoy.
We will explore:

Why we sabotage the very things we want most
How to get to know your inner critic to trust your next step
Defining your joyful life
Small, meaningful shifts to help you put yourself first

You’ll leave feeling more grounded, more hopeful, and ready to move forward with purpose.
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Orange Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd. Pepper Pike

NEWISH JEWISH WITH CHERYL GORDON
2025-10-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Continuing our broad range of themes from last time, this month my “musings will focus on our own conduct and how the conduct of others affects us, some substantive Torah, and lots of Jewish wisdom on self-improvement and enjoying life. Schedule conflict? Register anyway so that you receive the recording the day after.
Date: Monday, October 20
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Your home via Zoom
Contact: Cheryl Gordon, cherplus@gmail.com

THE STATE OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS LEGISLATION AND POLICY IN OHIO
2025-10-29 07:00 - 20:30 | Beachwood Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH, 44122, United States
Join us for an educational opportunity featuring Kellie Copeland, Executive Director, Abortion Forward (formerly Pro-Choice Ohio) as she breaks down the current state of abortion rights and reproductive policy in the state of Ohio. With years of experience at the forefront of advocacy, Copeland offers sharp insight into legal, political, and human realities shaping access to abortion today.

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Location: Beachwood Library, 25501 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Contact: Debbie Perelman, debbie.perelman@gmail.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT FOCUS ON FOSTER CARE
2025-11-05 17:30 - 19:00
Join a meeting to discuss past committee activities and brainstorm new directions. This meeting is scheduled at dinnertime to accommodate those of us who work. Please note we will serve hors d’oeuvres. FOF Co-chairs Kate Brown, Ronna Kaplan and Yolanda Saunders-Polk
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: At the Shaker Heights home of FOF Co-chair Kate Brown
RSVP NOW: Ronna Kaplan via text or email, 216-410-5162 or rskaplan1@gmail.com

LIVESPECIAL NOVEMBER BOOTCAMP
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:00
The Role of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (DD) During and After High School
Wondering How Your County Board Can Help?

Strategies for navigating challenges
Lifespan planning and realistic expectations for families
Who to contact for services before high school graduation and beyond
Ways to ease the transition into adulthood
How county boards support teens and young adults with disabilities

Join Bradley Wyner in a conversation with panelists from county boards of DD and families in Ohio as they share: Let’s Talk About It.
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: Zoom Program/FREE
Questions? Contact wendy@livespecial.com
Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dgy78wp

KNIT FOR A CAUSE WITH DIGKNITTY
2025-11-06 09:30 - 12:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit H, Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH, United States
Calling all knitters and crocheters! DigKnitty is creating adorable bears, beautiful hats, scarves and blankets for the Share What You Wear project, and we need your help.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
For More Information: Nancy Markus at nancy.markus@gmail.com or 2163747444 (text)

NCJW/CLE BOOK CLUB
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit H, Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH, United States
Judi Wolf will lead a discussion on Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung. Please join us for an engaging and meaningful conversation.
Date: Thursday, November 6
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
No RSVP needed.
For more information, contact Margie Hirschfeld, buster28@yahoo.com or Karen Singer, kbsing@verizon.net.
Future Book Choices

December 4 – How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
January 8* – The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad
*The Hebrew Teacher is scheduled for the second Thursday in January because New Year’s Day falls on the first.

Our books for 2025-2026 have been selected. If you would like a copy of our titles, please contact Margie Hirschfeld at buster28a@yahoo.com or Karen Singer at kbsing@verizon.net

JOIN FOCUS ON FOSTER CARE COMMITTEE AT CHAIR-ITY
2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Chair-ity, 1340 E. 38th St.,, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
Chair-ity, Inc. is a nonprofit that provides furniture and household goods to young people aging out of foster care. Each year, 20,000 teens age out of care without a family or support system, and 22.2% experience homelessness. Volunteers will organize furniture and pack kitchen boxes for local youth starting life on their own.
Limited Space (10 people max)
Date: November 8, 2025
Time: 9–11 a.m.
Location: Chair-ity (1340 E. 38th St., Cleveland, OH 44114)
RSVP: Call or text Yolanda Saunders-Polk at 216.544-1459 by November 4.

NEWISH AND JEWISH
2025-11-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Israel and Gaza. Yay or Boo?
Acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster we’ve all been on recently, Cheryl Gordon will lead us in a candid discussion about the latest events in Israel and the Middle East. Looking beyond the headlines, this session will offer insider information, third party commentaries and Cheryl’s “unbiased” attempt to deconstruct and simplify the media jumble.
Date: Tuesday, November 11
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Location: Your home via Zoom
Contact: Cheryl Gordon, cherplus@gmail.com

ACTS OF KINDNESS: CARD-MAKING FOR PAPA’S PATH
2025-11-11 13:30 - 15:30 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Create heartfelt cards for families supported by Papa’s Path, a nonprofit organization founded by the Babbush family in honor of their father (“Papa”) to support individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease through community programs, education, and initiatives that improve quality of life.
Date: Tuesday, November 11
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Location: NCJW/CLE, Unit E

EVEREVE FASHION FUNDRAISER PARTY
2025-11-16 12:00 - 16:00
Shop for a cause at exclusive fundraiser party with Evereve at Eton. From chic fall looks to everyday essentials, 15% of your purchases will be donated to support NCJW/CLE’s work in the community.
Date: Sunday, November 16
Time: 12–4 PM
Location: Evereve, Eton Chagrin Boulevard, 28803 Chagrin Blvd, Woodmere, OH 44122
Call or email Lindsay Cole at 216-378-2204 ext. 101, lcole@ncjwcleveland.org

LOIS ZAAS MEMORIAL ADVOCACY LECTURE
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Temple Emanu El, 4545 Brainard Road, Orange, Ohio, 44022, United States
23RD ANNUAL LOIS ZAAS MEMORIAL ADVOCACY LECTURE: CAN WE TRUST THE MEDIA? CAN WE PROTECT THE TRUTH?
Experts on the ground reveal what’s at stake for free press.
This year’s Lois Zaas Annual Advocacy Memorial Lecture will focus on Freedom of the Press and the search for the truth in today’s media world. A journalist, a lawyer and a professor will share stories, challenges and points of view. Expert panelists include:

Kevin Adelstein, Publisher, Cleveland Jewish News
Jennifer Cohen, First Amendment Attorney
Mitchell McKenney, Kent State University Journalism Professor

Presentation of the Advocacy in Action Award to Hazel Brown
Date: Wednesday, November 19
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Temple Emanu El (4545 Brainard Road, Orange, Ohio 44022)
Co-Chairs: Barbara Friedman Yaksic and Leslie Resnik

OPERATION WARM-UP (OWU) SORTING DAY
2025-12-02 09:00 - 11:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Please join Operation Warm Up to organize and sort cold weather clothing donations. All donations will go to Cleveland area agencies in need. The volunteer day will fill up once we have 20 NCJW/CLE volunteers. Additional details to follow.
Date: December 2, 2025
Time: 9 am to 11am
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
Please register by November 11th

OPERATION WARM-UP (OWU) SORTING DAY
2025-12-02 09:00 - 11:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Please join Operation Warm Up to organize and sort cold weather clothing donations. All donations will go to Cleveland area agencies in need. The volunteer day will fill up once we have 20 NCJW/CLE volunteers. Additional details to follow.
Date: December 2
Time: 9 am to 11am
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
Register Here: Operation Warm Up Sorting Event

LEFTOVER CHANUKAH CANDLES COLLECTION
2025-12-02 13:30 - 14:30 | NCJW/CLE, Unit H, Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH, United States
Do you have leftover Chanukah candles left in your cupboard? Probably! Please consider donating them to our collection! We will take any amount, size, or color of candles (but not broken ones), and the boxes too! Bring them to the drop-off basket at the NCJW Office from Monday, Nov. 3 – Friday, Nov. 28.
To share in the light of Chanukah, we will gather to sort, count and bundle the candles into groups of 44. They will be bagged or boxed and then donated to the Kosher Food Pantry and Bikkur Cholim. The candles will be distributed to clients who celebrate Chanukah. A joyous act of kindness!
To volunteer, please RSVP to Susan Ringel at susanringel@att.net.
Date: Tuesday, December 2
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.

KNIT FOR A CAUSE WITH DIGKNITTY
2025-12-04 09:30 - 12:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Calling all knitters and crocheters! DigKnitty is creating adorable bears, beautiful hats, scarves and blankets for the Share What You Wear project along with other community projects and we need your help.
Date: Thursday, January 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.

NCJW/CLE BOOK CLUB
2025-12-04 12:30 - 14:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit H, Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH, United States
Terri Stendler will lead a discussion on How to Read A Book by Monica Wood. Please join us for a stimulating and engaging discussion.
*PLEASE NOTE THE EXENDED TIME: 12:30 – 1:00 includes a schmooze and lunch preceding our 1:00-2:00 discussion. If you want to be included in the lunch, contact Karen Singer (kbsing@verizon.net) before November 24.
Please also consider bringing a gently used (or new) children’s book for donation to NCJW’s Little Free Library effort.
Future Book Club Choices
January 8* – The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad
February 5 – Songs for the Broken Hearted by Ayelet Tsabari
*Note this meeting will take place on the second Thursday of January due to New Year’s on the first.
For more information, or if you would like a copy of our titles selected for 2025-2026, please contact Margie Hirschfeld at buster28a@yahoo.com or Karen Singer at kbsing@verizon.net.
Date: Thursday, December 4
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm*
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
No RSVP needed.

BUILDING BRIDGES WITH BOOKS: KIDS BOOK BANK VISIT
2025-12-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Kids’ Book Bank, 13913 West Parkway Road, Cleveland, OH, 44135, United States
Book Lovers: Take a Trip to Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank’s new facility! We will carpool from NCJW/CLE to tour the new facility and prepare donated books for distribution. Please register directly through the Book Bank’s website by clicking the link below:
REGISTER HERE
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
The details:
*Bring a reusable water bottle which you can fill from their cooler.
*Feel free to bring a gently used or new kids’ book (or a few) to donate.
*Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that might get dusty.
*Once we know who is coming, we will arrange a carpool from NCJW.
Questions? Julie Moss 726jkm@gmail.com or Debbie Joseph josdeb3@gmail.com

LIVESPECIAL.COM PRESENTS A HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
2025-12-09 18:30 - 19:30
NCJW/CLE’s singing groups and Horvitz YouthAbility of JFSA Cleveland will perform together and bring joy to the community.
Date: Tuesday, December 9
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Eton Chagrin Blvd. (28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere)
No RSVP Needed

BAKED GOODS NEEDED FOR FOCUS ON FOSTER CARE INITIATIVE
2025-12-12 10:00 - 12:00 | NCJW/CLE, Warehouse (Unit L), 26055 Emery Road, Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Kent State University’s Foster Care Initiatives will host their annual holiday dinner for scholars impacted by foster care and their families. We are seeking volunteers to contribute homemade or store-bought baked goods for the attending families. NCJW/CLE’s Focus on Foster Care (FOFC) committee has proudly partnered with this program since 2021.
Date: Deliver on December 12
Location: Deliver to NCJW/CLE office (Unit L), between 10:00 AM and noon.
RSVP: If you plan to participate, please contact Ronna Kaplan, FOF Co-Chair, at rskaplan1@gmail.com or 216-410-5162.
