During the High Holiday season, we talk about teshuva or repentance. But what is it exactly? Teshuva actually means "return" in the context of returning from doing wrong.

I am the new Young Family Engagement Manager at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. I am a mom of two amazing daughters. We have lived a few places, including Israel and I’m excited to now be in Cleveland. I’m looking forward to connecting with other young Jewish Cleveland families!

Shari S. Perlmuter of Pepper Pike has been named the 2016 recipient of the Ruby Bass Award, honoring her volunteerism and dedication to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Perlmuter was presented with the award at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Women’s Philanthropy Signature Event on September 27.

We are inspired! Lion of Judah, Pomegranate, and Ben-Gurion Society Donors filled the beautifully renovated Temple-Tifereth Israel to celebrate philanthropy and the power of women to make a difference through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

We did it! Thank you to the 1,000+ volunteers and 1,600+ donors who collectively raised nearly $1.1 million at Super Sunday – Jewish Cleveland's single largest one-day giveathon of the year!

Shari Perlmuter grew up in Jewish Cleveland and has spent a lifetime not only giving her time and money to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland but her heart as well. In recognition of that lifelong commitment and passion for the Federation and the Jewish community, Shari is receiving this year’s Ruby Bass Award. Shari hopes her legacy of tikkun olam (repairing the world) lives on for years to come.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is proud to announce that Reneé Chelm of Pepper Pike was honored yesterday by The Jewish Federations of North America’s National Women’s Philanthropy with its prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. The award was announced at the 2016 International Lion of Judah Conference (ILOJC), being held Sept. 11-13 in Washington, D.C.

About a year ago, I found myself reflecting on the things that most mattered to me in my life. That’s when I attended a professional women’s networking breakfast at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland with Heidi Goldstein Friedman, partner at Thompson Hine and founder of its Firmwide Women’s Initiative. Among the many inspiring mantras she shared with us that day, she said this: “Partner with those who move you forward. Every woman has her own superpowers to be celebrated.”

In July, I had the pleasure of traveling on the Campaign Chairs and Directors Mission (CCD) with our international partner, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). The purpose of the CCD Mission is to give local Federation lay leaders an opportunity to see the work JFNA does overseas and bring back stories to share with donors of where campaign dollars are being utilized and how they are assisting Jews in need around the globe. This year's trip began in Paris and ended in Israel.

In January, Women’s Philanthropy launched Coaching Circles, a leadership development program aimed to offer women a supportive and motivating environment to connect through meaningful conversations and peer coaching. Coaching Circles was created to give participants an opportunity to work with seasoned lay leaders to help enhance leadership skills and talents. This program has enabled women to establish new relationships, learn skills related to leadership, develop in an area that is a current challenge related to a career or community volunteerism, and learn about the Federation.