As Thanksgiving approaches, we not only take stock in everything we are thankful for, but we also remember those in need. Right here in Cleveland, thousands struggle all year just to obtain basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter.

Mazel tov to Dassi Shtern for receiving the 2024 Irene Zehman Volunteer Award for her outstanding volunteer efforts with Chaviva High School.

Nearly 3,000 Jewish leaders across the country gathered for the Jewish Federation of North America’s General Assembly from Nov. 10 to Nov. 12 in Washington, D.C., where all 146 Jewish federations around the country, other organizations and smaller communities that don’t have a Jewish federation address pressing issues facing the Jewish community in the wake of heightened antisemitism and the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.

In response to the increasingly aggressive threats to the Jewish community and most recently, the Neo-Nazis marching in Columbus, Ohio, Jewish Federation of Cleveland is asking for your help.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland hosted its Young Leadership Division Big Event featuring multiplatform creator, performer and actor Jonah Platt on Nov. 14 at Congregation Mishkan Or in Beachwood, where he discussed his career, his fight against anti-Jewish hate and his role as a global advocate in the entertainment industry.

In July 2023, JFSA opened The Kindness Center, which houses three of the Federation beneficiary's most unique programs - PLAN, Horvitz YouthAbility, and Adult Day Support - for at-risk youth and individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

“Art + Activism” at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Roe Green Gallery and “Degenerate! Hitler’s War on Modern Art” at the Maltz Museum are two exhibits on view this fall and through the winter set to give visitors a thought-provoking experience.

Adeena Sussman, chef, author and advocate for Israel, will make an appearance in Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Women IN Philanthropy MaIN Event, named to reference inclusivity, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 at Green Road Synagogue at 2437 S. Green Road in Beachwood.

We traveled to Israel last month with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland on a Solidarity Mission alongside 16 fellow community members. Although this was Michael’s third visit since Oct. 7, 2023, Raquel wanted to bear witness to this “pogrom” on the ground in Israel as well. We wanted to understand the existing state of affairs in our homeland both physically and figuratively.

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.