The Jewish Federation of Cleveland raised $1,065,621 in support of its 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs on Super Sunday Oct. 25 at the Federation’s Mandel Building in Beachwood.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland hopes to surpass the $1 million mark for the fourth straight year at its Super Sunday event from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Federation’s Mandel Building in Beachwood. Volunteers share their stories of why they participate.

Barry Feldman, Chair of the St. Petersburg Partnership Subcommittee, shared the following message to his fellow volunteer leaders serving on the Federation's Overseas Connections Committee. We invite you to read his message, and be inspired by the work that we do in our sister city of St. Petersburg, Russia to renew Jewish life where it was once forbidden.

Jewish Clevelander Alexandra is in St. Petersburg, Russia. She is a JDC Entwine volunteer with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Commmitee (JDC), a Federation partner, teaching English and Hebrew to local students participating in a joint YESOD/Jewish Agency camp called TIUL International.

One of my first memorable Federation experiences was when I went on a young adult mission to Israel 11 years ago. I’d never been to Israel. I was hesitant to leave my children but something in me said “just go, it will be worth it.” And, it was! Israel was simply beautiful. It moved me.

To me, the last of anything has always meant turning the page to something new. So ending my role as chair of Women’s Philanthropy is not really an end. My Federation journey and our community needs will remain as relevant a passion tomorrow as they are today.