A career in the arts and entertainment industry means giving a performer or artist a platform to share their story, their identity, and their values. But for many Jewish and Israeli artists, that platform often comes with an unwelcomed audience – criticism and backlash.

Members of the Cleveland Jewish community gathered Oct. 7 to commemorate the third anniversary of Hamas’ surprise attacks on Israel, remembering those who lost their lives through prayers, songs and personal stories, while also sharing messages of hope and solidarity.

For the third consecutive summer, teens from Kibbutz Kissufim spent time at Mandel JCC's Camp Wise, Cleveland’s “Home of Happiness,” creating friendships, making memories, and enjoying the chance to simply be kids.

This October, join the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for meaningful opportunities to explore the challenges facing Israeli artists, connect with Israeli educational leaders, and support the 2027 Campaign for Jewish Needs. You can also make a difference in our community by volunteering to help combat food insecurity throughout Cleveland.

“The dividing line for effective foreign policies in this country is not between left and right, between liberal or conservative, or between democrat and republican,” Aaron David Miller explained. “It’s between smart on one hand, and dumb on the other.”

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will bring community members together on Oct. 7 to commemorate three years since the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attacks in Israel by Hamas.

Eran Ben-Ari, business manager of Kibbutz Kissufim in southern Israel, visited the Jewish Federation of Cleveland in Beachwood on Sept. 24 to discuss the kibbutz’s rebuilding efforts and its partnership with Cleveland’s Jewish community.

In Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs, the Teenshinim program for high school students helps develop skills and leadership among the next generation in our sister communities in Israel.

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.