03/30/2026
Aaron Gross Receives the Yanowitz Award
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that Aaron Gross has been awarded the 2025 Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award, which recognizes and honors an outstanding young individual who has demonstrated commitment, involvement, and leadership within Cleveland’s Jewish community. He received the award at the Federation’s Board of Trustees meeting on March 26.
A respected leader, Gross has been deeply involved in the Cleveland Jewish community through his service on multiple boards and committees. He currently serves on the board of trustees at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and as vice president of Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School, where he also served as building co-chair during a transformative capital renovation project. Under his oversight, the renovations were completed largely while school was in session, on time, and under budget – a testament to his strategic vision and collaborative leadership.
Gross is also a trustee of the Chelm Family Foundation and contributes to synagogue leadership through the B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Capital Campaign steering committee. Through his unwavering commitment to community, Aaron Gross exemplifies the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity that the Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Young Leadership Award celebrates.
“Aaron Gross embodies the vision, dedication, and leadership this award was created to honor,” said Jeffrey J. Wild, Federation board chair. “His outstanding commitment to our community reflects both his deep passion for Jewish Cleveland and his exceptional ability to lead with purpose and impact.”
Gross, 36, is a partner at Gross Residential, overseeing the construction and development department. The Yanowitz Award has been given annually since the early 1960s. As recipient of the award, Gross is invited to join the Cleveland delegation to a General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America.
