My husband and I took a weekend getaway to Toronto. Crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada, it struck me how only one lane was allowing entry into the United States, while several lanes were entering Canada. I wondered, “How welcoming does it feel to those who wish to enter the United States?”

During the High Holiday season, we talk about teshuva or repentance. But what is it exactly? Teshuva actually means "return" in the context of returning from doing wrong.

I am the new Young Family Engagement Manager at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. I am a mom of two amazing daughters. We have lived a few places, including Israel and I’m excited to now be in Cleveland. I’m looking forward to connecting with other young Jewish Cleveland families!

I feel a little anxiety. A little sadness. I’m excited, but also a little helpless. For the first time, my kids don’t want me to drive them to school. I expect this from my middle schooler, but my 9 year old? When did he stop needing me?

It was mid-morning on a Wednesday. I was serving as visiting faculty at our regional Reform Jewish overnight camp and was sitting with 50 high school age campers when Hitler started speaking. I had to resist the urge to leave the room when I heard that voice and its inflammatory speech. I listened uncomfortably to those hate-filled words, but what came next was inspiring. This program was part of a regularly scheduled daily shiur (educational lesson).

Sammy and Raz. Two girls, two different parts of the world. And this year, they met here in Cleveland for the first time and formed an unbreakable bond for life. All because of Israel.Cleveland.Next (icnext), a Federation-supported initiative.

Meet Cathy. A business-owner, dedicated volunteer, and proud Jewish Clevelander. She is a busy person, who always finds time to help others. When she started working as a literacy tutor when her own children were learning to read, she found a passion. And now, Cathy volunteers with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Public Education Initiative (PEI).

Ariella Payne of Lakewood found jHUB’s Seder in a Box so helpful last year, she requested More Seder in a Box for Passover this year.

An evening of inspiration! Community leaders, elected officials, and special guests from across our Cleveland community joined together to discuss an issue important to all of us: education equity and civil rights. Together, we are all partners in ensuring a strong future for Cleveland children.

Eric Gordon, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, joined us at our 69th Annual Meeting of the Community Relations Committee to discuss seven principle issues of education. Hear his remarks now: