Shavuot, which begins on the evening of May 23, is also known as Chag HaBikkurim, which celebrates the season’s harvest of its first and best fruits. In ancient times, farmers would tie reeds around the first ripening fruits and grains in their fields. The designated produce, called bikkurim, was harvested upon ripening. Following harvest, the farmers made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem for Shavuot where each farmer presented his bikkurim to a priest. During the presentation ceremony the farmer thanked G-d for his sustenance provided by nature.

A night to remember! Thousands of community members celebrated Israel's 67th birthday, big and loud. 

My name is Major Rushdi Bader, and I am an officer in the Israel Defense Forces. I want to tell you about my brother, Zedan, while I am here in Cleveland and far away from our holy country.

The entire Cleveland Delegation of March of the Living is sending wishes for Israel’s 67th Yom Ha’atzmaut from Jerusalem! Wishing everyone here a joyous celebration!

Shalom (Hello). My name is Kobi Dostakam, and I am proud to be a Colonel in the IDF and head of the 2015 IDF delegation to Cleveland. I am married to Marina, have four children and have been serving in the IDF for 26 years. Tonight, we mark Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel.

It really is no secret that observing the dietary laws of Passover in the United States is somewhat of a chore and not exactly easy. Passover in Israel is a completely different story. For the most part, the grocery stores and restaurants do all the work for you and it is much harder to break the laws of Passover in Israel than it is to keep them.

Mabel spent most of her life donating her time to charity. She volunteered with a variety of organizations, in Cleveland and beyond. At 75, she had slowed down a bit but her interest in doing good never changed.