Rabbi Avrohom Adler led a tour of the Cleveland Chesed Center on July 30 for a 16-member Israeli delegation of young professionals, with Ariel Garfinkel providing Hebrew translation throughout the visit.

Coming to Cleveland is a double dousing of special for James Snyder. Not only are there personal roots established in the community – his wife, Tina, is a born-and-bred Clevelander with family still very present – but the area’s vibrancy in the Jewish arts and cultural world is of special interest to the director of The Jewish Museum in New York City.

The Cleveland Jewish community has been instrumental in bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel, and our support does not end there. Cleveland's sister communities of Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs are home to Beit Alfa absorption center.

As Lydia Yomtovian Frankel watched thousands of athletes march into Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem sporting their country’s colors, listened to several Israeli artists perform on stage and was dazzled by the fireworks and pyrotechnics that accompanied the opening of the Maccabiah Games on July 1, she felt a variety of emotions coursing through her.

Sirens, uncertainty, and constant updates became the backdrop of what was supposed to be a 10-day educational journey across Israel. Last June, 26 Cleveland Jewish teens traveled to Israel with israel.cleveland.next (icnext), but on June 13, as fighting escalated across multiple fronts, their experience shifted dramatically. Bringing them home immediately became the top priority. While awaiting evacuation, icnext staff and chaperones created engaging programming and provided support to keep teens calm amid the backdrop of war.

May is filled with opportunities to learn, celebrate, and connect – from insightful briefings on the U.S.-Israel relationship to family-friendly holiday fun and inspiring conversations with community leaders. Join us throughout the month for meaningful gatherings that highlight the strength, creativity, and impact of Jewish Cleveland.

Attendees donned blue-and-white clothing, wore beaded necklaces, sported headbands with a pair of Israeli flags waving from the top and had their cheeks dabbled with face paint as they celebrated Israel’s 78th Independence Day on April 22 at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division, in partnership with the Israeli American Council, hosted its third annual Mimouna Celebration on April 12 at the Federation’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building in Beachwood.

Some who took to the podium shared a personal anecdote, while others recited poetry. A few sang somber, reflective Israeli songs.

Cleveland's community shlicha (Israeli emissary), Ella, shared the following reflection at our Yom Hazikaron commemoration on April 20, 2026.