There is no greater mitzvah (good deed) than caring for those who came before us.

Where once lay the battered husk of an abandoned army base in the heart of Beit Shean, Israel, now grows a beautiful community garden for all to enjoy. This physical transformation is a perfect representation of the Jewish Federation’s lasting impact on its sister community in Israel. It had become an eye-sore for the beautiful neighborhood across the street, ignored by the residents of the community.

Lions of Judah, women who make an individual gift of $5,000 or more to the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, will come together on August 21 at the Lion of Judah Summer Social to celebrate philanthropy and the meaningful difference women create through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

The third cohort of Coaching Circles concluded in July. Over a six month period, 36 women were divided into “circles” of six people to discuss topics around building trust, leadership, communication and its impact, asking powerful questions, emotional self-awareness, and assessing, reflecting and prioritizing various aspects of life (e.g. family, community, work, religion, money, health, and personal growth).

Birthright is a free 10-day trip for Jewish Clevelanders ages 22-26 to explore Israel’s most remarkable tourist destinations. Check out a few trip highlights below.

One of the first things Lisa and Josh Mayers of Beachwood did when they returned to Cleveland 16 years ago was get involved with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. They joined Young Leadership Division’s LEADS (Leadership Education Development Series) program, as well as various committees at Federation. They’ve also become invested in other agencies and organizations in and around the community and were looking for a more efficient way to support all of them.

After raising a record $32.7 million in its 2018 Campaign for Jewish Needs last fall, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s board of trustees unanimously approved allocation of those funds and more to a range of international, national and local Jewish causes June 27.

Israel at 70 is a community-wide celebration to mark Israel’s 70th birthday. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, together with local synagogues, agencies, and organizations, are bringing Israel to Cleveland through a variety of arts, cultural, and educational events for all ages.