An exceptional afternoon! Thank you to the 450+ community members who joined together for one of our most popular events of the year: The Women’s Philanthropy Spring Luncheon.

Growing up in the Jewish community in Cleveland, I always learned about our awesome partnership region: Beit She’an and the Valley and Springs. In fact, this year marks the 20th anniversary of our partnership together so I was especially eager to spend some quality time there. I have always considered Beit She’an and the surrounding area to be special and beautiful, but I realized that my non-Cleveland friends had no idea that this place even existed. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to bring two friends, one from New Jersey and one from Paris, to this special region in the north to show them what makes Beit She’an and the Valley of Springs so special.

Cleveland Indians owner, chairman and CEO Paul Dolan traveled to Israel the week of April 24 with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Dolan joined about 30 other Jewish and non-Jewish business people who were invited on the trip by the Federation, which partnered with Israel Bonds.

Philanthropy comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be volunteering time with an organization or donating money to a cause. It can be giving items to those in need.

Jewish high school juniors and seniors recommended $42,500 in grants for local community organizations May 4, as part of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Saltzman Youth Panel.

Find out how Dr. Peter Haas of Shaker Heights is making an IMPACT! by volunteering.

In pre-school, we are taught that sharing is caring. While in this context, the advice relates to sharing toys and books. As a Jewish teen, I relate this message to philanthropy.

“If a problem crosses your path, you have the ability to solve it. Nothing should be ignored.”

After relocating from Israel, Ali and Noam Stern of University Heights enjoy the taking walks in the Metroparks with their son, Ori, and spending time together at the Mandel JCC.

Many children will be saying "Shalom Chaverim" or "bye friends!" to their school pals this month, and saying hello to the fun summer days of play. Here are some ways to jump into summer fun while avoiding the "summer slide," as it's called. With these fun tips your kids can easily transition in and out of summer vacation, keep in touch with their buddies, and maintain all of the hard work and learning they did over the school year.