NCJW/CLE

ACTS OF KINDNESS WITH PAPA’S PATH – PACKING BOXES
2026-01-15 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | OH
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

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

AN AFTERNOON WITH THE NORTHEAST OHIO INTERCULTURAL ASSOCIATION (NOICA)
2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00 | OH
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

NCJW/CLE BOOK CLUB
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00 | OH
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.

ACTS OF KINDNESS WITH PAPA’S PATH – PACKING BOXES
2025-12-17 08:00 - 17:00 | OH
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

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

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.

LIVESPECIAL.COM PRESENTS A HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
2025-12-09 18:30 - 19:30 | OH
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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

EVEREVE FASHION FUNDRAISER PARTY
2025-11-16 12:00 - 16:00 | OH
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

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

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

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.

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

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)

LIVESPECIAL NOVEMBER BOOTCAMP
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:00 | OH
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

LEARN MORE ABOUT FOCUS ON FOSTER CARE
2025-11-05 17:30 - 19:00 | OH
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

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

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

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

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

VISIT THE RENEE JONES EMPOWERMENT CENTER
2025-10-09 12:00 - 14:00 | OH
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)

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

LIVESPECIAL EVENT: CREATIVE CAREGIVING OPTIONS
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:00 | OH
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
