"Today I have courage,” Sima Goldrich told me. She is an ultra-Orthodox (haaredi) woman who is learning about women’s health – her own health – through a program funded by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Campaign for Jewish Needs.

In the early 20th century my great-great grandfather Ya’akov Kopleman left Lithuania for the Promised Land and became one of Israel’s first settlers.

Meet Becky and Daniel. They are emerging leaders in our Jewish community. We thank them for speaking out for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. They are building Jewish identity, and it’s more important than ever.

I am for my beloved and my beloved is for me (Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li). Some Jews are familiar with this phrase from Song of Songs. It is recited at weddings and inscribed on jewelry.

Thursday, September 10, 2015 marks the launch of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs, which is the annual fundraising Campaign that supports our community’s vitality and vibrancy in the year ahead. The event is open to the public. Doors open 7:00 p.m. on September 10, 2015 at the Mandel Jewish Community Center (26001 S. Woodland Road in Beachwood).

Just a year ago, Marci and Mark were busy young parents whose days revolved around their kids. Then the unexpected happened. Marci and her two boys returned from the park to find Mark unconscious. He had suffered a pulmonary embolism, and died 72 hours later.

Meet Alyssa. She’s been to Israel before, but she’s ready to go back again – this time, for the entire summer! Alyssa is a participant with Onward Israel Cleveland, an 8-week program where students ages 20-25 live and intern in Tel Aviv. Follow Alyssa’s journey on this blog each week, and to learn more about all Israel opportunities, visit our I-Connect Page.