Check out our upcoming events, including two ways to celebrate Israel's Independence Day, unique commemorations for Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron for Jewish Clevelanders in their 20s and 30s, and our 117th annual meeting.

As a child, I would look forward to Memorial Day – Yom Hazikaron, but not like waiting for a birthday or a holiday. It’s another feeling like a heavy weight sitting on your heart. It's like a sense of anticipation when you know something bad's going to happen.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division will digitize its annual Yom Hashoah event that brings Holocaust survivors and small groups of participants together from 8 to 9 p.m. April 5.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration – a festival celebrating Israel’s 73rd Independence Day – on Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 – 6:45 pm. It is free and open to the community.

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.

Justin Kadis has been awarded the 2020 Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. The award recognizes and honors an outstanding young individual who has demonstrated commitment, involvement, and leadership within Cleveland’s Jewish community. He received the award at the Federation’s virtual Board of Trustees meeting on February 16.

I wanted to start off by saying that I am grateful to the Jewish Federation for hosting the YLD One-Click Trips. These three events allowed me and other Clevelanders to talk to and connect with people from around the world.

COVID-19 brought the world to a screeching halt in 2020, but on top of closed businesses, digitized schools and canceled trips, the virus also impacted college students’ education.