Just a year ago, Marci and Mark were busy young parents whose days revolved around their kids. Then the unexpected happened. Marci and her two boys returned from the park to find Mark unconscious. He had suffered a pulmonary embolism, and died 72 hours later.

Let’s flashback to October 9, 1948. Game 4 of the World Series is on between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Braves. 82,000 people cheer from the stands — one of the largest ever in World Series History. The Indians have a slim one-run lead, but somebody needs to step up.

Soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces uncovered similarities in their work with troubled youth during a visit to Bellefaire JCB in University Heights on April 24. The soldiers, who were visiting Cleveland for a week to participate in Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremonies in the area, engaged in a professional exchange of ideas with Bellefaire employees and mental health professionals during their time at the facility.

It was the perfect day for a “Spruce Up!” Volunteers from our Jewish Volunteer Network and Community Relations Committee, partnered with our friends at Habitat for Humanity and Esperanza to revitalize Cleveland’s Stockyard Neighborhood. Together, we repaired fences, painted, and landscaped to beautify our community that we love. Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers for joining us to make a big difference!

Following a Board of Trustees Meeting on August 12, 2015, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland released the following statement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action:

Members of our Ben-Gurion Society enjoyed Lunch with a Leader featuring Federation President, Stephen H. Hoffman.

Meet Alyssa. She’s been to Israel before, but she’s ready to go back again – this time, for the entire summer! Alyssa is a participant with Onward Israel Cleveland, an 8-week program where students ages 20-25 live and intern in Tel Aviv. Follow Alyssa’s journey on this blog each week, and to learn more about all Israel opportunities, visit our I-Connect Page.

Our Federation family had a great day of giving back during our annual “Day of Caring.” Volunteers were all around Cleveland, doing their part for local foodbanks, nursing homes, and schools. A handful of volunteers chose to venture out to Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s (CMSD) Case Elementary, a Wraparound Services Initiative school, where many students struggle to succeed academically. Students at these schools also might not have enough to eat or a safe place to call home.

Our Federation Family gives back with a Day of Caring!