Bobby Goldberg looked out at the crowd – 400-plus, many streaming out of the Mandel Jewish Community Center’s Stonehill Auditorium, some still dancing to lively Israeli music – as the Jewish Federation of Cleveland celebrated 20 years of friendship and partnership with Beit Shean.

Jim Hartnett, director of community-wide security for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, said attending the first Secure Community Network Mission to Israel was a valuable experience for him.

They say a pen is mightier than the sword - a sentiment that couldn’t be more true for the sharp wordsmith, Allison Dettelbach, seventh-grader at The Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School (Mandel JDS). Dettelbach recently qualified for the statewide Power of the Pen Finals after competing in district and regional tournaments over the course of the year.

A total of 12 Mandel JDS students competed at this year’s NEOSEF Science Fair, with each student placing overall in the tournament. The twelve students are comprised of ten current students and two alumni.

In 1995, a small group of people associated with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland went on a scouting mission to Israel. That weeklong trip turned into a 20-year partnership with Beit Shean and Valley of Springs, resulting in numerous new programs and initiatives and impacting thousands of people.

Life in Israel is more than what you read in the news. This time of year, Jews all over Israel are getting ready to celebrate Purim! Bags of pre-packaged mishloach manot filled with oznei Haman (hamentashen), candy, games, drinks, masks and more have been on sale in the supermarkets for weeks. Costumes of all sizes and funny hats are sold in small stores on almost every block. Children, teens and even adults appear on the streets in costumes, hats or bits of make-up. Jerusalem billboards announce a myriad of upcoming parties all over the city. Even during the Jerusalem Marathon this past Friday, there was a festive atmosphere as the city’s residents came out en masse to cheer 25,000 friends and relatives.

The Hidden Gems photography exhibit celebrates our 20-year partnership with Beit Shean and Valley of Springs, Cleveland's sister city in Israel,. View the photos captured by our community's established, emerging, and amateur photographers.

Joseph C. Mandel, business leader, philanthropist, co-founder of the Premier Industrial Corp., Parkwood LLC, and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, died March 22 in Palm Beach, Fla. He was 102.

Gayle Simon, co-chair of the third annual Women Leaning In event, said it from the start: “Tonight, we’re going to tackle hard-hitting gender issues.” That’s exactly what occurred as 200-plus women filled a ballroom at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Mandel Building in Beachwood to discuss how to balance family and work.

An evening of inspiration! Community leaders, elected officials, and special guests from across our Cleveland community joined together to discuss an issue important to all of us: education equity and civil rights. Together, we are all partners in ensuring a strong future for Cleveland children.