JWell: A New Era of Jewish Wellness Flourishes at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

By Laurie B. Davis

In 2022, Senior Rabbi Hal Rudin-Luria of B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike, Ohio, visited Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, Maryland, where he encountered something that would soon inspire transformative change back home. During his visit, he toured The Soul Center at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Center for Healing & Spirituality—a groundbreaking model that seamlessly blended wellness, mindfulness, and Jewish spirituality. Deeply moved by what he saw, Rabbi Rudin-Luria returned to Cleveland with a vision: to bring a similar wellness experience to B’nai Jeshurun.

From Vision to Initiative

That dream began taking shape the following year. In 2023, a dedicated team of clergy and lay leaders came together to imagine a uniquely Cleveland-based Jewish wellness center. The effort was spearheaded by Rabbi Alexandra “Alex” Rosenbaum, a native Clevelander and passionate advocate for integrating spiritual, mental, and physical well-being through a Jewish lens. Rabbi Alex was hired as the First JWell Director and her husband, Rabbi Joshua “Josh” Jacobs was hired as the new assistant rabbi. Both are 2017 graduates of Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, California.

Rabbi Alex returned home to Cleveland after several years serving in diverse rabbinic settings from hospital chaplaincy and spiritual counseling to pulpit leadership. For her, this project represented a homecoming in every sense of the word. “What I love about engaging with our rich tradition,” Rabbi Alex reflects, “is finding new, creative ways to make Judaism relevant and nourishing in our lives.”

In September 2024, during the Hebrew month of Elul, B’nai Jeshurun officially launched JWell, a center for Jewish wellness designed to nurture the body, mind, and soul. The initiative quickly established itself as a new cornerstone of congregational life, supported by generous community donors, dedicated volunteers, and a vital grant from the Mt. Sinai Health Foundation.

Rooted in Jewish Wisdom, Focused on Wholeness

JWell’s mission is an integrated model of wellness that seeks to transform and elevate the spiritual lives of people across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. By infusing mindfulness, creativity, and health into Jewish practice, JWell offers innovative ways to connect with tradition while promoting personal and communal flourishing.

Through programs that weave together music, movement, healing, and Jewish learning, JWell invites participants to explore new pathways into spirituality, well-being, and connection.

Programs That Inspire and Heal

JWell’s programming is intentionally diverse and evolving, designed to serve all ages and backgrounds. A few highlights from the January 2026 calendar include:

• Kavvanah Minyan: A 90-minute alternative Shabbat experience in the Gottlieb Auditorium led by Rabbi Alex. Through poetic liturgy, soulful song, and reflection, participants explore joyful prayer and spiritual renewal.
• Taste of Tai Chi: With instructors Yingli Wolinsky and George & Joyce Becker, this program introduces the ancient art of Tai Chi, exploring its balance and mindfulness through both body and spirit, harmonizing beautifully with the Jewish idea that each person is an olam maleh, a complete universe in miniature.
• Music for Daily Living: Led by board-certified Neurologic Music Therapist, Beth Friedman-Romell, this therapy group uses singing, drumming, and movement to support those living with the effects of stroke, TBI, and other neurological conditions. Offered in partnership with the Cleveland Stroke Club, the program operates on a pay-what-you-can model, ensuring accessibility for all.
• JLadies Abide Yoga: In collaboration with BJC Sisterhood, Hope Hamling of Abide Yoga Studio guides a relaxing slow-flow yoga session. This program, part of B’nai Jeshurun’s JLadies social group for women in their 30s and 40s, emphasizes community, mindfulness, and fun.
• Taste of Eden: Tu B’Shvat Seder, featuring Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, this spiritually rich celebration connects Judaism, environmental consciousness, and social justice. The seder is supported by the Norma and Albert Geller Social Justice Endowment Fund and several organizational partners, including Case Western Reserve University’s Siegal Lifelong Learning Program and Jewish Vegan Life.

A Team of Heart and Vision

Under Rabbi Rudin-Luria’s leadership, and with Rabbi Alex Rosenbaum serving as Founding Director, JWell is guided by a committee of dedicated congregants and professionals who bring creativity, compassion, and professionalism to everything they do.

In addition to her role at JWell, Rabbi Alex also serves as Jewish Living Coordinator at her alma mater, Gross Schechter Day School, reflecting her lifelong dedication to Jewish education and community nurture.

Transforming the Landscape of Jewish Life

The creation of JWell marks a new chapter for the Cleveland Jewish community that unites tradition with innovation, and spirituality with holistic wellness. Through its integrative programming, JWell aims to touch thousands of lives, building a more connected, mindful, and spiritually vibrant future for all.

As Rabbi Alex puts it, “Our tradition has always taught that caring for the body, mind, and soul are interconnected sacred acts. JWell is here to help each of us live that truth together.”

For more information on JWell go to jwell@bnaijeshurun.org or contact Rabbi Alex at rabbirosenbaum@bnaijeshurun.org. She would be delighted to talk to you about JWell!