Tuesday, August 30, 2016 marks the launch of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2017 Campaign for Jewish Needs, which is the annual fundraising Campaign that supports our community’s vitality and vibrancy in the year ahead. The Campaign Launch Event is open to the public on August 30 at 7 p.m. at Park Synagogue East (27500 Shaker Blvd in Pepper Pike).

About a year ago, I found myself reflecting on the things that most mattered to me in my life. That’s when I attended a professional women’s networking breakfast at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland with Heidi Goldstein Friedman, partner at Thompson Hine and founder of its Firmwide Women’s Initiative. Among the many inspiring mantras she shared with us that day, she said this: “Partner with those who move you forward. Every woman has her own superpowers to be celebrated.”

In July, I had the pleasure of traveling on the Campaign Chairs and Directors Mission (CCD) with our international partner, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). The purpose of the CCD Mission is to give local Federation lay leaders an opportunity to see the work JFNA does overseas and bring back stories to share with donors of where campaign dollars are being utilized and how they are assisting Jews in need around the globe. This year's trip began in Paris and ended in Israel.

In January, Women’s Philanthropy launched Coaching Circles, a leadership development program aimed to offer women a supportive and motivating environment to connect through meaningful conversations and peer coaching. Coaching Circles was created to give participants an opportunity to work with seasoned lay leaders to help enhance leadership skills and talents. This program has enabled women to establish new relationships, learn skills related to leadership, develop in an area that is a current challenge related to a career or community volunteerism, and learn about the Federation.

The Street Team (Raquel and Seth) met Brian Horowitz and Matt Stahm, the founders of Cleveland’s own “One948,” an Israeli themed apparel company, to hear what it is like to have a start-up in #JewishCleveland!

The 20 young adults who gathered at Adcom Cleveland July 26 were perhaps no different than the young professionals who filter through the modern, stylish downtown office every day.

The Hebrew Shelter Home has become an important part of Lois Davis’s life.

We at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland were deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of former Congressman Steve LaTourette.