Dear Friends,

As we look back on 2021, it’s hard not to be incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. Weaved throughout this report are merely a sample of the many ways Jewish Clevelanders continued to help change and improve lives here and around the world.

Through concerted efforts and small acts of kindness, Cleveland showed why it is one of the most caring and vibrant Jewish communities anywhere. We’re so blessed to be Clevelanders. There’s something unique and special here. It’s easy to see an incredibly exciting future.

This is not to suggest 2022 will be without its challenges. Far from it. The war in Ukraine has created a massive humanitarian crisis. We face significant physical, emotional, psychological, and financial trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic. Antisemitism continues to spread at an alarming rate – a stark reminder that we are Jews first to those who hate. Similarly, anti-Israel rhetoric is growing louder and more caustic.

But the lessons we’ve learned over the past year will serve us well moving forward. For example, listening to each other allows us to harness the power of Jewish Cleveland. Maklokhet l’shem shemayim – a constructive disagreement for the sake of heaven – is not about winning an argument, but understanding each other.

We learned that technology can create even more inclusive experiences, but it only complements a strong community. It cannot replicate it. Personal phone calls and letters, outdoor get-togethers, and special deliveries are key to combating isolation and loneliness.

And, perhaps most importantly, we learned that there is a deep sense of responsibility for one another (Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh) that pulses throughout our diverse Jewish community in Cleveland – which is home to Jews of different races, backgrounds, and experiences – and radiates to our sister communities in Beit Shean/Valley of Springs, Israel, and St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as to wherever Jews are in need.

For these and many other reasons, Jewish Cleveland is strong and growing – and our future is truly bright.

Thank you to the healthcare professionals for keeping us informed and healthy throughout the various twists and turns of the pandemic. Thank you to the local law enforcement officers – including our security provider JFC Security, LLC – for ensuring hate has no home in Northeast Ohio. Thank you to our beneficiary agencies and local day schools for their tireless and heroic efforts in support of our community. And, most importantly, thank you for all you do to make Jewish Cleveland special. Together, we are – and will continue to be – HERE FOR GOOD.