08/01/2017
YLD Beautifies Hebrew Cultural Garden
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In 1926, the Hebrew Cultural Garden was dedicated as part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Nearly 100 years later, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland proudly supports and manages this historic garden and maintains its landscape. “This is all thanks to the generosity of many people in our community," said Donna Yanowitz, Chair of Federation's Hebrew Cultural Garden committee. “We all care about maintaining such an important landmark in the city of Cleveland.”
The Federation’s Young Leadership Division (YLD) got their hands dirty at the Garden during YLDay of Caring, a series of volunteer opportunities for young leaders. “Our mission is to give back to the community,” said Josh Acks, Co-Chair for YLDay of Caring. “Keeping our young leaders involved is very important. We have a very rich Jewish culture here in Cleveland that our ancestors built. The beauty here is to bring everyone together and bridge that gap from what was laid and what can be continued of the ground work and what can be formulated together.”
Twenty-five young adults came out to remove weeds, plant flowers, and remove any trash on the property of the Garden. “It's really meaningful to us that we get the opportunity to come out here and work on this space that's been around for so long,” said Ari Milgrom, a YLDay of Caring volunteer. “It's important to us that this space be around for future generations.”
“It's been great to be out here together,” said YLDay of Caring volunteer, Hannah Rosen. “We've met new people, new neighbors, and new folks who have moved to the area. We know how much of an honor it is to preserve the beauty of the Garden.”
A new addition to the Hebrew Cultural Garden this year – five perennials donated by Beachwood resident, Shirley Lieberman who dedicated them in memory of her family.
“This is what YLDay of Caring is about,” added Milgrom. “We’re Jewish young professionals working together to do maintenance and restoration on a Jewish landmark in the city of Cleveland. We’re making sure it looks as beautiful as it should.”
For more information on YLDay of Caring, contact Leah Markowicz at lmarkowicz@jcfcleve.org or 216-593-2905.
