The Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Saltzman Youth Panel program educates Jewish Cleveland students about the philanthropic process.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland celebrated the closing of another record-breaking Campaign for Jewish Needs with an estimated 200 supporters on Dec. 11 at the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood.

Holidays are often a time of reflecting, sharing gratitude, making memories and coming together as a family. The spirit of giving that is central to the holidays can inspire conversations about tzedakah (charity), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). These meaningful conversations can create a space where charitable intentions can be nurtured, celebrated and transmitted to the next generation. Have you considered using this special time as an opportunity to engage in conversations about Jewish values and philanthropy?

Rather than attending his final day of classes for the semester, Ethan Dobres, a third-year student at The Ohio State University in Columbus from Solon, spoke before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of a bill to codify a working definition of antisemitism into state law.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that a record $38,087,175 has been raised by 9,206 gifts representing 12,275 donors in the 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs. The Federation’s annual Campaign provides the critical dollars necessary to help keep our diverse, local community safe, strong, vibrant, and welcoming, as well as serve the needs of the global Jewish community.

Mazel tov to Ryan Levine, recipient of the 2024 Amb. Milton A. and Roslyn Z. Wolf Young Campaigner of the Year Award. Ryan was recognized at our Campaign Closing Celebration for his dedication to the Campaign for Jewish Needs.

We hope to see you at our December and early January events! Don't miss your chance to view our latest exhibit in Federation's Roe Green Gallery, volunteer to help local Cleveland children, and take part in fun events with our PJ Library®/Young Families initiative!

Ryan Levine has not only been a dedicated young leader at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, but his generosity has also provided him with much in return.

When we talk about the critical needs in our Jewish community, how many of us have the full picture of what that really means? I have been involved with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and supported our community’s annual Campaign for Jewish Needs for decades, so when I took the helm as campaign chair this year, I thought I knew what I was getting into.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will close its 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs with a celebration at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School at 26500 Shaker Blvd. in Beachwood.