I first heard about the Masa Israel Teaching Fellowship (MITF) just before I graduated from Ohio University. Joining Hillel on campus was my first real Jewish experience; I felt a new sense of pride in myself and my heritage. That also pushed me onto the path I am now. After graduating, I reached out to the Federation and they encouraged me to participate in the program in Beit Shean, Cleveland’s sister city. I am so happy I did! It’s such a unique experience and to be able to live in Beit Shean – not many people get to do that.

We hope you'll join us at some of our upcoming Federation events this month. There's something for everyone! To learn more or register, simply click on the links corresponding to the event you're interested in attending.

Meet Brad Helfman, our Campaigner of the Week!

When nearly 100 leaders from Jewish federations and community centers entered Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, they noticed sights familiar to most any synagogue, like pictures of synagogue leadership lining the hallways and pews and prayer books ready for service. Similarities ended, however, when they looked across the aisles and saw evidence of the Oct. 27 massacre that claimed 11 lives in the congregation.

The Saltzman youth panel 2018-2019 is off to an amazing start! We are already on pace to have a great year and make a huge impact in our Jewish Community.

“Hate will not chase me out of my house, G-d’s house,” Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation told the small group of Jewish leaders from Federations and JCCs from around the country who traveled to Pittsburgh on November 13th to show support to that community and to learn what we could from the massacre and ongoing trauma that remains with the Pittsburgh Jewish community.

The ambassador, Sallai Meridor has found in many cases, where the Jewish community of Cleveland goes, the Jewish people go. That’s due in part for various reasons, one of which is the strong leadership and determination that has thrived in the Cleveland community.

Caring for One Another is a priority of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. And our community is dedicated to caring for the estimated 900 Holocaust survivors living in Northeast Ohio.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that Ira Kaplan was awarded the 2018 Gries Family Award, recognizing his lasting impact on Cleveland’s Jewish and general communities. Kaplan, who is the Executive Chairman of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, was presented the award at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Board of Trustees meeting on November 8.