Every week, Sydney visits an elderly woman in her home. "She's a survivor and she's been through a lot," shared Sydney. "She only leaves her house for doctor's appointments. She doesn't feel confident to be out in the world. She's homebound basically."

Shari S. Perlmuter of Pepper Pike has been named the 2016 recipient of the Ruby Bass Award, honoring her volunteerism and dedication to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Perlmuter was presented with the award at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Women’s Philanthropy Signature Event on September 27.

We are inspired! Lion of Judah, Pomegranate, and Ben-Gurion Society Donors filled the beautifully renovated Temple-Tifereth Israel to celebrate philanthropy and the power of women to make a difference through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

Hundreds of volunteers gathered around tables in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building. In the commotion of talking and laughing, with two projector screens showing the Cleveland Browns' inevitable loss to the Miami Dolphins, with musical acts performing to the crowd, you could be forgiven for thinking the Jewish Federation of Cleveland was hosting one heck of a party.

We did it! Thank you to the 1,000+ volunteers and 1,600+ donors who collectively raised nearly $1.1 million at Super Sunday – Jewish Cleveland's single largest one-day giveathon of the year!

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland raised $1,097,191 in support of its 2017 Campaign for Jewish Needs on Super Sunday Sept. 25 at the Federation’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building in Beachwood.

Shari Perlmuter grew up in Jewish Cleveland and has spent a lifetime not only giving her time and money to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland but her heart as well. In recognition of that lifelong commitment and passion for the Federation and the Jewish community, Shari is receiving this year’s Ruby Bass Award. Shari hopes her legacy of tikkun olam (repairing the world) lives on for years to come.

Both Kerry and Daryl Kertesz have been involved with the Federation for most of their lives. This year, Super Sunday will be unforgettable as they will be co-chairing the event supporting the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

It will be a memorable day for Sarah and Scott Zimmerman, co-chairs of this year’s Super Sunday. They will be able to spend the event with their son, Marc, who will be making his debut at the Campaign for Jewish Needs event on September 25.

My friend Heidi was barely Jewish, at least that’s what some people mistakenly thought.