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.

I had the pleasure of spending my junior year of college at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. One of the perks of that year was meeting and growing close with my cousin Ziva, who happened to work at Hadassah Hospital across the street from my dorm. We spent a lot of time together and she invited me to spend many Shabbatot and holidays with her family. In addition to being hilariously funny, warm and nurturing, Ziva had another talent, as well: She was, and remains, an amazing cook. I am excited to share one of her recipes with you below, which I hope will make your preparations for Passover a bit easier.

Are you ready for your close up? Come back to school and experience a day in the life of a preschool student at Gross Schechter Day School!

CLEVELAND – An estimated 1,100 Holocaust survivors call Cleveland home. Join our community as we honor these survivors and remember those who perished in the Holocaust at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Kol Israel Foundation’s Yom Hashoah V’Hagvurah on Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00 at Green Road Synagogue, 2437 S. Green Road in Beachwood. This annual event is free and open to the community.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland has named Gary L. Gross Board Chair for the 2016-2019 term. Gross is well-positioned for this prestigious role, continuing the Federation’s 110+ year tradition of strong volunteer leadership. Gross brings significant professional experience as a principal at Gross Builders and many years of extensive volunteer leadership involvement.

View some of our top stories from the year featured in our 2015 Annual Report.

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.

What a night! Over 300 community members joined together to celebrate the strength of a community and the power of a people at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland's 112th Annual Meeting, honoring two of Cleveland's most respected leaders.

A spectacular party for Israel! More than 2,500 community members joined together to celebrate Israel's 68th birthday in style.