BAKED GOODS NEEDED FOR FOCUS ON FOSTER CARE INITIATIVE
2025-12-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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 | 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

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.

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

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 | 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

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 | OH
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

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 | OH
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 | OH
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 | OH
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 | OH
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
THIS EVENT HAS REACHED CAPACITY. TO BE ADDED TO A WAITLIST, PLEASE CALL THE NCJW/CLE OFFICE AT 216-378-2204.

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!

NEWISH & JEWISH: JEWISH TRIVIA CONTEST
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Challenge yourself on a variety of topics from culture to history to Torah. It’s a great way to have fun and learn at the same time. Don’t worry. You won’t have to share your score! Bonus prizes include interesting text study and sharing some surprising tidbits on all things Jewish. Have some paper handy.
Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Location: Your home via Zoom

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH HAPPY HOUR AND GAME TIME
2026-03-12 17:00 - 18:30 | OH
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)

WOMEN'S SEDER
2026-03-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Temple Emanu El, 4545 Brainard Road, Orange, Ohio, 44022, United States
Sustainability Tips
We are collecting tips on how you reduce/reuse/recycle in your home, for Passover, and all year long. Please send in any of your tips (with the subject line: “Seder Tips”) to Susan Ringel so that we can share! Email susanringel@att.net.
Tzedakah
For tzedakah, please bring food items to the Seder that will be donated to the TriC Student Food Pantry: unopened non-perishable “chametz,” such as boxes of pasta, and/or any of the most needed items, including: juice, rice, dried fruit, baking mixes, soup, mixed nuts, granola, cereal, peanut butter, jelly. We also welcome cash donations. Click here for most needed items.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SHABBAT DINNER AT HILLEL
2026-03-20 18:00 - 21:00 | OH
Celebrate Women’s History Month with Shabbat services, a scratch-cooked kosher dinner and themed trivia. It will be a fun evening of community and conversation. Carpooling will be arranged.
Date: Friday, March 20
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (student led services at 6:00 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM)
Location Hillel at Case Western Reserve University (11303 Euclid Ave)

FOOD DRIVE TO SUPPORT THE LARGER LATINO COMMUNITY
2026-03-23 09:00 - 2026-04-17 16:00 | OH
Location: Drop off at NCJW/CLE Office, Unit L
Date: March 23 – April 17
Time: Office hours, 9AM-4PM
Latinos are currently being targeted simply for being Latino. Many individuals and families are afraid to leave home to go to work, the grocery store or school. This crisis is compounded by the curtailing of SNAP benefits, making access to food even more urgent. In partnership Interfaith Group Against Hate, we have identified specific items that are most needed. Please donate only the items listed HERE (this is not a general pantry clean-out).
Contact: Cynthia Tancer, cynthialtancer@gmail.com
Needed Items:
Grains and Legumes

White rice
Beans-Canned or Bagged
Masaharina (corn flour) or farina

Canned Goods

Tomato Sauce or Paste
Pigeon peas
Canned tuna or chicken
Canned Armour Chicken Vienna Sausage
Chicken Broth
Nido Fortificada Dry Whole Milk Powder with Vitamins A, C, D, Iron and Calcium*

Cooking Essentials

Vegetable or Canola Oil

Spiced seasoning

Adobo seasoning
Sazon packets
Instant coffee
Klass Aguas Frescas Horchata with vitamin C, multiserve, powdered drink mix*
Klass Aguas Frescas Hibiscus with vitamin C, multiserve, powdered drink mix*

* items available at Walmart

ACTS OF KINDNESS: TOY MAKING FOR ANIMAL SHELTERS
2026-03-24 13:00 - 15:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
We will be having fun with felt strips and squares. We will be making snuffle mats for dogs and braided toys for cats. All toys are to be donated to the Geauga County Rescue Village.
No experience necessary.
Date: Tuesday, March 24
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: NCJW/CLE, Unit E

ATTEND ENGAGEGCC ASSEMBLY
2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Beachwood Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH, 44122, United States
NCJW/CLE is hosting the next EngageGCC Assembly, as a member of Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC), a broad-based, grassroots organization of 39 churches, synagogues and non-profit organizations across Cuyahoga County working together to make our community better for ALL members of the community. Every EngageGCC Assembly meets at a different member organization, and this month NCJW/CLE will be hosting for the first time! We hope that many of you will attend to show your support, and learn more about GCC.

Date: Thursday, March 26
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Cuyahoga County Public Library – Beachwood Branch

VASE DECORATING COMMUNITY EVENT
2026-04-12 13:00 - 15:00 | NCJW/CLE, Unit E, Unit E, 26055 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH, United States
A hands-on, creative afternoon decorating vases that will be delivered to facilities in need of joy through our Big Hearted Blooms partnership. Participants will design and decorate vases from our Vase Collection Drive to support our shared mission of creating connection and supporting individuals dealing with loneliness and isolation. Bring your friends and family. Space is limited to 30 participants.
Date: Sunday, April 12
Location: NCJW/CLE, Unit E
Time: 1:00–3:00 PM

LIVESPECIAL AND ACTS OF KINDNESS JOINT PROGRAM
2026-04-14 17:15 - 19:15 | OH
An evening of connection and creativity at Solon Community Living. Volunteers will engage in conversation and assist residents with a simple craft project — no experience needed. Solon Community Living provides supportive, community-based housing for adults with disabilities so they can live and thrive.
Date: Tuesday, April 14
Time: 5:15pm – 7:15 pm
Location: Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Pkwy, Solon, OH 44139

NCJW/CLE SELF-REFLECTION SERIES WITH REBECCA FELLENBAUM: EMOTIONAL REGULATION & THE GIFT OF TRIGGERS
2026-04-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Orange Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike
We all get triggered or react in ways that we regret. But what if our triggers aren’t the problem and our reactions are actually doorways deeper into ourselves?
In this interactive workshop, certified somatic life coach Rebecca Fellenbaum will explore the gift of triggers and the power of emotional regulation. You’ll learn:

What emotional regulation means, and why it matters
How past experiences shape our behaviors and the patterns we live by today
How triggers reveal unconscious beliefs that are ready to transform
A step-by-step protocol for transforming our triggers

Through guided reflection and somatic practices, you’ll gain tools to regulate your emotions, respond with intention, and turn reactive moments into opportunities for growth.
Join us to move from reaction to reflection and build self-awareness for stronger relationships and lasting change.
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Orange Branch Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124
Cost: Free

ACTS OF KINDNESS AT LAURA’S HOME
2026-04-16 11:00 - 13:00 | OH
Help serve lunch and mingle with the residents at Laura’s Home, a Women’s Crisis Center that offers services designed to empower families and individuals to live healthy lives. Carpool available.
Date: Thursday, April 16th
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Laura’s Home (18120 Puritas Ave., Cleveland 44135)
