Mitzvah Minutes are a Super Sunday favorite, where volunteers take a one minute break to hear messages from local rabbis and community leaders throughout the day.

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.

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.

Here in Jerusalem, the conditions are all too familiar with people expressing gratitude for my coming despite the current situation. I have been here many times during terrorist attacks. This time, however, feels a bit different because the terror is coming from seemingly random attackers, unorganized, but deadly just the same. People continue to go about their business but look around more carefully as they walk on the street, changing familiar routes.