Jonah Platt will discuss his Jewish identity at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division Big Event, the signature fundraising event for the division, from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 14 at Congregation Mishkan Or at 26000 Shaker Blvd. in Beachwood.

We hope to see you at our November events. This month, we are hosting an open house for our latest gallery exhibit, bringing together our Young Leadership Division for a night of philanthropy, and hosting Jewish Cleveland women for a special annual Campaign event.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that Beth Rosenberg is the 2024 recipient of the Gries Family Award in recognition of her lasting impact in Cleveland’s Jewish and general communities. For more than 25 years, the Gries Family Award has honored individuals who have demonstrated extensive top leadership in Federation and other local Jewish organization activities, as well as significant leadership in Greater Cleveland’s general community. Rosenberg, co-founder of Front Door Consulting, was presented the award at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Board of Trustees meeting on October 15.

Caring for each other and planning for the future has always been an essential aspect of Jewish life. This sentiment is captured in the Talmudic story of Honi haMa’aggel, who in his travels saw an old man planting a tree. When asked when it would bear fruit, the old man answered, in 70 years. When asked if he expected to eat that fruit, the old man responded that just as the generation before him planted before he was born, so too does he plant for those who will come after him.

More than 2,500 community members came together to remember all those who were lost or stolen a year ago, demand the release of the hostages, and pray for the day when neighbors can live side by side in peace.

Please join our community to recharge with these "Healing Through Chesed" events. These opportunities showcase the ways in which Jewish Cleveland cares for one another through hands-on activities and opportunities for our community to come together in mind, body and spirit.

The times in which we live are critical and constantly changing around us. In the past few years, we have faced a global pandemic and a war in Ukraine. Over the last 12 months, Israel has been drawn into a war with Hamas while defending itself from other terrorist groups. At the same time, the Jewish people have been targeted with a level of hatred and violence not seen in generations.

More than 2,500 people united in solidarity to show their support with the state of Israel at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 10-7-23 Commemoration on Oct. 7 outside its Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building in Beachwood.

Combating the hatred faced by the Jewish people has always been a top priority for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. In the months following the October 7th attacks on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas, antisemitic incidents surged by 388%, making Federation’s mission even more critical. From advocating against discriminatory resolution proposals at council meetings across Northeast Ohio to ensuring Jewish college students are getting the support they need from school administrators to empowering our community to combat online hate and more, Federation has been a driving force in the ongoing fight against antisemitism.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Hamas' attacks on Israel that resulted in the killing of more Jews in a single day since the Holocaust.