From June 9 to Aug. 3, 36 Jewish college students or recent graduates from or living in Greater Cleveland ventured to Tel Aviv through Onward Israel’s partnership with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland in Beachwood.

Applications are now open for the 2021-2022 Saltzman Youth Panel.

41 Jewish high school juniors and seniors from public and private high schools across Cleveland have come together to recommend grants totaling $40,000 to 14 organizations for crucial programs in the Jewish and general community through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2020-2021 Maurice Saltzman Youth Panel.

If I could choose one word to characterize life for young adults right now, it would be uncertain. Being a college student is always uncertain; there is so much up in the air about our futures at all times. Living through a global pandemic only adds to the stress and uncertainty of exams, finding job opportunities, keeping on top of tasks, and just navigating life as a student.

There isn’t one person who hasn’t been affected by the stress of the past year. Whether it’s been challenges relating to health, finances, family – or any combination of the three – this year has carried a heavy burden for everyone in one way or another. As we move into this new year, finding ways to reduce stress and strengthen your physical and mental well-being isn’t just important, it’s vital.

Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Weekly Wellness series provides programming for every member of our community. We are excited to offer free access to Health Journeys' guided meditation audio offerings, meant to support your mind, body, and spirit during this time of physical distancing.

Two things Cleveland is known for is our long winters and our strong Jewish community. This year, the winter months seem to hang over our heads a little more than usual as we continue to live physically distanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coping mechanisms we used in the warmer months like walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities, are not as feasible for many of us.

The world of education changed overnight with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic – and synagogue educational programs were not immune. Thanks to the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland (JEC), a Federation beneficiary agency, students in Cleveland and across the country were able to continue their studies through a new and innovative learning approach.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Saltzman Youth Panel program educates Jewish Cleveland students about the philanthropic process. The panelists, made up of high school juniors and seniors, work together to understand various community needs and then make a formal recommendation to the Federation’s Board of Trustees on how to distribute up to $50,000 in grant funding. Through this program, participants develop their leadership and group consensus building skills as they learn about the community decision-making and most importantly, tzedakah.

At the beginning of his sophomore year in high school, a local teen began to notice his motivation for school was not as it once was. He knew his grades were slipping because of this change but he could not break the pattern. Fortunately, the Social Advocates for Youth Program (SAY) of Bellefaire JCB, a Federation beneficiary agency, was there for him and so many other teens in crisis.