Welcome to all the Jewish Cleveland women who will be leading our strong, vibrant community in the coming year and thank you to all of our outgoing chairs for their dedication.

Babies, babies, babies! It seems like I’m learning of a new birth or pregnancy daily. I love hearing these couples’ good news, celebrating with them, witnessing the love and excitement, hope and anticipation of discovering who these new souls will become and what their future accomplishments will be. Each new baby brings new opportunities, new possibilities, new joys.

What's Jacki Bell's one piece of advice for young families? Be patient! "Kids are really smart, so often times I can talk through an issue with my 3 year old. Plus, it's all a phase and they don't last long." Meet Jackie and her family now:

There are two things in my life that define me – my Jewishness and baseball. I was born and raised in Jewish Cleveland and the values of Judaism were instilled in me from a very young age – from synagogue, Sunday School, Jewish Day Camps, BBYO, and activities at the Mandel JCC. Jewish Cleveland is everything to me – as is playing baseball. I’ve put so much into being able to play my entire life, including in college.

The Saltzman Youth Panel educates Jewish Cleveland high school students like me about philanthropy. Together, this year’s cohort of 40 high school juniors and seniors will make decisions about allocating $42,500 to worthy organizations in the Jewish and general communities.

The Federation's 2011 Population Study showed that 19% of Cleveland Jewish households are living in poverty. Based on this research, the Federation founded a Task Force on Financial Distress. Their recommendation: Establish a Chesed Center. Chesed, for kindness.

Find out how Carol Paull of Shaker Heights is making an IMPACT! by volunteering in our community.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Charles Eisenman Award. As the Federation’s highest honor, the award recognizes an individual or non-profit in the community for their exceptional civic contributions. Recent winners have included Michael Siegal (2017), Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. (2016), and Thomas W. Adler and Greater Cleveland Food Bank (2014). Nominations are due February 2, 2018.

Beth and Brett Levy of Shaker Heights love what the Jewish Cleveland community has to offer. They love spending time with their two daughters cheering on the Indians and at the many farmers markets around the city. See what the Levy’s love about being a Young Family in Jewish Cleveland:

Help families that have moved to Cleveland from Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria by donating much needed clothing for school uniforms.