The success of community development initiatives has long been measured at the end of a program, through outcomes and statistics. But a new tool being piloted in five Cleveland neighborhoods looks to evaluate progress along the way.

One of my first memorable Federation experiences was when I went on a young adult mission to Israel 11 years ago. I’d never been to Israel. I was hesitant to leave my children but something in me said “just go, it will be worth it.” And, it was! Israel was simply beautiful. It moved me.

Sometimes, you just need to leave your city to understand the place it occupies in your heart.

Over sixty young adults, ages 20-40, including Birthright and Onward Israel alumni, connected over an evening of fun at Trivia Night at Negative Space Gallery in downtown Cleveland.

Hi, my name is Ruthy, and I am from Cleveland, Ohio. After years of Jewish Day School and summers at Camp Yavneh I have grown to have a deep passion for Israel.

CLEVELAND – Established, emerging and amateur photographers are invited to submit photos that capture the people and places of Beit Shean, Cleveland’s sister city in Israel. Winning submissions will be featured in an upcoming exhibit hosted by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Mandel Jewish Community Center. The exhibit, “Hidden Gems” is part of a series of events celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cleveland and Beit Shean’s partnership.

Do you know a Jewish Clevelander, ages 22 to 26, who is ready for a travel experience unlike any other? If so, send them to www.clevelandbirthrightisrael.com to pre-register for the Cleveland Summer 2016 Birthright Israel Trip. Thanks to a partnership of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Birthright Israel, and Israel Outdoors, Cleveland residents can embark on a free 10-day trip to Israel from June 20 – June 30, 2016.

CLEVELAND – Applications are now open for Onward Israel, an eight week summer internship program in Tel Aviv for Jewish Cleveland young adults, ages 20-25. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, in partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel, are now selecting a small group of college juniors, seniors, and recent college graduates from Cleveland to live and intern in Tel Aviv from June 8 – August 3, 2016.

In Israel: Beachwood High School 2011 graduate Monica Arkin, 22, is currently living in Jerusalem and participating in Masa Israel's Career Israel program.

CLEVELAND – The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announces a groundbreaking collaboration between its sister city of Beit Shean, Israel and five local Cleveland communities. This cross-cultural exchange will influence how community development corporations (CDCs) measure success through the use of a new tool called the GEAR.