NCJW/CLE

OPERATION WARM-UP (OWU) SORTING DAY
2025-12-02 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

NEWISH AND JEWISH: END OF YEAR “CLEARANCE”
2025-12-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
NEWISH AND JEWISH: END OF YEAR “CLEARANCE”
Tying up some loose ends, this engaging session has something for everyone: the dark history of trafficking Jewish women from eastern Europe, the surprising layers of the Gaza starvation narrative, and lots of timely Torah! No deep dives here. Just some intriguing basics!
Date: Tuesday, December 16
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm EST
Location: Your home via Zoom

ACTS OF KINDNESS WITH PAPA’S PATH – PACKING BOXES
2025-12-17 08:00 - 17:00
Join us in packing boxes for Papa’s Path using Amy Eisenberg’s inventory. These special care packages will be sent to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and are filled with thoughtful home care aids designed to make daily life a little easier.
Date: Thursday, January 15
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts
REGISTER HERE

NCJW/CLE BOOK CLUB
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00
Karen Horowitz will lead a discussion on The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad. Please join us for an engaging and stimulating discussion.
Future Book Club Choices
February 5 – Songs for the Broken Hearted by Ayelet Tsabari
March 5 – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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, January 8*
*Note this meeting will take place the second Thursday of January due to New Year’s on the 1st
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
No RSVP needed.

AN AFTERNOON WITH THE NORTHEAST OHIO INTERCULTURAL ASSOCIATION (NOICA)
2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00
Our last meeting with the members of NOICA was a great success! We shared holiday traditions with each other and got to know members of the Turkish Muslim community.
With the holy period of Ramadan approaching, our next gathering with NOICA will explore our traditions for fasting and breaking the fast, with a demonstration of recipes. The afternoon also will include prompted discussions to build on our shared understandings and to develop friendships.
We hope you will join us as we continue to partner and build relationships with the Turkish Muslim community.
Space is limited.
Date: Sunday, January 11
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: NOICA Center, 32901 Station St., Solon, OH 44139

SELF REFLECTION SERIES WITH REBECCA FELLENBAUM
2026-01-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Orange Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike
WHAT DO I REALLY WANT: SETTING YOUR LIFE UP FOR YOU

We often enter the new year either chasing goals we think we should want or avoiding resolutions altogether. But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question? In this workshop, certified somatic life coach Rebecca Fellenbaum invites you to ask a more poignant question: What do I really want?

Together, we’ll explore how to listen to your intuition and uncover your authentic goals. You’ll learn how to move beyond masks, expectations, and obligations and discover what you want for your life. We’ll map out what setting your life up for you looks like, identifying your unique preferences, needs, and dreams.

Through reflection and somatic exercises, you’ll reconnect with your inner voice, tap into your joy, and learn what you really want. We’ll also address what gets in the way and how learning to ask for help is one of the most courageous and transformational steps you can take toward living a life that feels like your own.

Date: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Orange Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124

ACTS OF KINDNESS WITH PAPA’S PATH – PACKING BOXES
2026-01-15 10:00 - 12:00
Join us in packing boxes for Papa’s Path using Amy Eisenberg’s inventory. These special care packages will be sent to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and are filled with thoughtful home care aids designed to make daily life a little easier.
Date: Thursday, January 15
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts

NEWISH AND JEWISH-APPLIED JUDAISM: WINTER EDITION
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
The beauty of Jewish wisdom is its continued relevance from Torah times to today. Winter is a time when we all need positivity! In this session we will look at multiple source texts and actively talk about how they can guide and inspire us today in most every aspect of our lives.
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm EST
Location: Your home via Zoom

ACTS OF KINDNESS – CARD MAKING
2026-01-20 13:30 - 15:30 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Create cards of inspiration and support that will be put in backpacks for homeless teens in Cuyahoga County.
NCJW is supporting this new project initiated by Judy Payne and being launched by Bellefaire.
Plans are being made to have a speaker join us to provide information about this project.
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts

COFFEE CONNECTIONS
2026-01-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Cold weather got you down? Warm up at our Coffee Connections event, where we will introduce some new, fun activities! It’s a perfect chance to enjoy friendly conversation without even leaving your house or battling the winter weather.
Spend some time connecting with others, meeting some of our wonderful new members, and hearing more about Big Hearted Blooms through a special presentation.
We hope to see you there!
Date: Thursday, January 22
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Location: Zoom

VIRTUAL LETTER-TO-THE-EDITOR WRITING WORKSHOP
2026-01-26 11:30 - 12:30
This interactive Zoom workshop will help you turn your ideas into persuasive letters to the editor that get noticed—and get published. Learn how to clearly express your views, influence public conversation, and take action on issues that matter to you. You’ll learn:

Proven tips for organizing a strong letter

Strategies to increase your chances of publication

How to use AI tools to refine and polish your message

Date: January 26, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Zoom

KNIT FOR A CAUSE WITH DIGKNITTY
2026-02-05 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 along with other community projects and we need your help.
Date: Thursday, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
More Information:
Every Thursday morning you can find up to 20 knitters and crocheters working hard around the large table in Unit H. NCJW generously provides the yarn for all our projects and you’d be amazed at the wonderful items our knitters/crocheters create!
Knitters/crocheters range in age from 35 to 92 and we welcome any NCJW member who would like to join us. We have a lot of fun!

Many of our items go to Share What You Wear. They use baby blankets, hats and scarves, large throws for teens aging out of foster care, and small stuffed toys.
Plush, fuzzy bears go to S.A.N.E. (sexual assault nurse examiner). Since June, we’ve provided them with almost 70 bears!
Project Warm Up gets hats and scarves every year as well as specific needs. This year we made specific hats and scarves and baby blankets and hats to accompany the coats given to children at Haven Home.
Special scarves for JFSA winter Hanukkah luncheon were lovingly made.
Shawls for Council Gardens were a bit hit at the summer get together where they were raffled off.
Pregnant with Possibilities gives our baby blankets and hats to clients who complete goals. Their director said she “looks forward to our masterpieces” every year.

The above projects are given to NCJW projects, but we also donate throughout the community.

Chesed Center has been the recipient of hats, scarves, and baby blankets.
University Settlement has been given lots of hats, scarves, socks, and blankets.
WarmUp Cleveland provides hats and scarves through the Cleveland Public Library System, and we have supported them with hats and scarves.
Hats and scarves have been taken to Israel through missions of our members.
The Gathering Place and Seidman Cancer Center have been given blankets and shawls for those going through chemotherapy.

NCJW/CLE BOOK CLUB
2026-02-05 13:00 - 14:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit H, Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH, United States
Susan Kahn will lead a discussion on Songs for the Broken Hearted by Ayelet Tsabari. Please join us for an engaging and stimulating discussion.
Future Book Club Choices
March 5 – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
April 16* – The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
*Note this meeting will take place the third Thursday of April because Passover will be celebrated the evening of April1st through April 9th.
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, February 5
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: Unit H, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts.
No RSVP Needed!

BIG HEARTED BLOOMS CARD MAKING
2026-02-06 10:00 - 12:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
Please join in creating handmade cards to accompany our monthly delivery of BigHeartedBlooms flower arrangements. The cards are personally delivered by our volunteers to residents at one of our local partner care facilities. They’re a meaningful and lasting reminder of a moment of connection and joy.
Sign up for our February 6th session from 10-12 in Building E (and our March 5th session) via the link below. No special skills are required; all are very welcome!
Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Hts
Registration: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CAAAB2DA5F5C52-61319620-ncjwcle#/

HANDS-ONLY CPR, AED, AND STOP THE BLEED TRAINING OPEN HOUSE
2026-02-08 13:30 - 15:30
Join us for free emergency response training, open to the public and suitable for ages 10 and up. In just 20 minutes, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to act in an emergency until professionals arrive. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged.
Date: Sunday, February 8
Time: 1:30– 3:30 pm.
Location: Orange Library, (31975 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124)

CRAFTIVISM FOR ABORTION ACCESS
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:30
Join us for Valentine’s-themed “craftivism” as we come together to respond to renewed efforts to restrict access to mifepristone, a long-standing, FDA-approved medication used in abortion care. With new federal and Ohio state actions threatening access, we’ll gather to make Valentine’s Day cards for RFK jr and Ohio lawmakers, while enjoying wine and Valentine’s Day cookies as we turn care into collective action.

Date: Thursday February 12
Time: 6:30-8:30 (open house, stop in any time)
Location: Laura Vexler’s home (address provided upon registration)

REPRO SHABBAT: CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTERS: UNDERSTANDING THE RAPID GROWTH OF FAKE ABORTION CLINIC
2026-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), often referred to as fake abortion clinics, are rapidly expanding in Ohio and across the country. Join us for an important discussion on the realities and dangers of these centers and their impact on reproductive health and abortion access. The program will feature Dov Nelson, Communications and Outreach Associate at Preterm, a nonprofit sexual health clinic in Cleveland, and Deb Kline, Director of Cleveland Jobs with Justice, a coalition of labor, faith, and community organizations working together for worker justice.
This virtual event is part of Repro Shabbat, a nationwide initiative organized by NCJW National, celebrating the critical importance of reproductive freedom.

Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

NEWISH & JEWISH: IF I AM NOT FOR MYSELF, WHO AM I?
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Led by Cheryl Gordon, take a deep dive into a very uncomfortable reality of Jewish life today. In these troubling times, we Jews often step back or hide. Sometimes we’re even apologetic. We are very comfortable defending others, but reluctant to advocate for ourselves. Instead of being self-conscious and apologetic, let’s look at why and how to step up for both ourselves and future generations. Please bring your ideas and personal examples.
Date: Tuesday, February 17
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm EST
Location: Your home via Zoom

MEMBER HAPPY HOUR!
2026-02-19 17:00 - 18:30
It’s the perfect excuse to escape the cold and enjoy a fun, laid-back evening together. Drop in any time! Drinks and light appetizers will be served. Space is limited – first come, first come first served (28 people maximum)
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Location: Tres Potrillos (located at 25765 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122).

131st WINTER MEETING
2026-02-24 11:30 - 13:30 | Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, OH, 44124, United States
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Landerhaven
11:00 AM: Doors Open
11:30 AM: Luncheon and Discussion with Fran Belkin, moderated by Jamie Belkin
Presentation of the Haymon-Bloom Emerging Leadership Award to Sandy Blum
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with Fran Belkin, a big part of Cleveland’s behind-the-scenes rock-and-roll family and keeper of stories you thought you knew. Fran will open the vault on moments that never made it to the stage lights that shaped Cleveland’s legendary rock era.
Channel your inner rock star and come dressed ready to rock and roll!

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH HAPPY HOUR AND GAME TIME
2026-03-12 17:00 - 18:30
Did you know…Ina Garten analyzed nuclear energy policy for the White House? Test your knowledge about amazing Jewish Women throughout history, and join us for a fun and informative evening to commemorate Women’s History Month.
Enjoy an evening of games, food, wine and comradery!
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:30
Location: The Village Party Room (26300 Village Place, Beachwood, OH 44122)
