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.

Being part of Jewish Cleveland is special. It’s like nowhere else. No matter what stage of life you’re in, the Federation is here to support you. And I’m not just saying that, I speak from personal experience.

Two weeks ago I was sitting in the Yom Hazikaron memorial ceremony for Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. As I contemplated the lives lost my thoughts dwelled on the steep price that was paid for Jewish freedom and the price of young lives still lost each year in defense of Israel. And then I thought about the price of freedom that has been paid by so many to defend our way of life in America.

Hi, my name is Kerry Kertesz and Jewish Cleveland is my home. I grew up here, attending Camp Wise and going to Hebrew school at Park Synagogue. These childhood experiences helped me build my identity, and here–in Jewish Cleveland–I learned to be proud of who I was and my Jewish heritage.

On Sunday, April 10th, the 2015-2016 Saltzman Youth Panel had its last session. Although a meeting of reflection, from the moment we cracked open the first box of pizza to the final minutes sharing our take-aways, the panel was collectively passionate, driving to achieve a common goal. Throughout the meeting, I was constantly reminded of the high quality of leadership on the Saltzman Youth Panel. With complete confidence I can say I learned something new every time a fellow panelist spoke. This was exciting, as well as something that speaks volumes about who and what make up the Saltzman Youth Panel.

This past week I had the honor of traveling with 70 members of The Jewish Federations of North America's (JFNA) National Young Leadership Cabinet on a mission to Berlin and Israel. Together we learned about the past, present and plans for the future of their local Jewish communities and also saw first-hand where our Federation dollars go.href="http://www.jewishcleveland.org/news/blog/inspiring_stories_kick_off_JFNA_GA/">General Assembly.

For many of the children attending a recent PJ Library gathering, the Chagrin Falls Fire Station was the most exciting destination they could imagine. Some came dressed in their red firefighter' s costumes, complete with helmets, coats and boots, while others were happy to put on firefighter helmets given to them by the fire station. They watched carefully as firefighter Tim Alder demonstrated how to put on gear to fight fires. They also loved the fire trucks tour.

Fifteen Jewish Clevelanders are beginning an unforgettable two-week volunteer experience in Cleveland’s sister city, Beit Shean.