08/18/2026
Campaign for Jewish Needs Super Sunday Aug. 30
A flipbook of information on Super Sunday Kickoff sits on a table near volunteers. CJN Photo
Article reprinted with permission from Cleveland Jewish News
by Casey Swinarski
Nisenboum
Looking to top its record-breaking $39 million Campaign for Jewish Needs in 2026, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland will kickoff the 2027 campaign with Super Sunday on Aug. 30, bringing together community members with a lineup of activities that will both engage donors and raise critical dollars for the next year.
“Super Sunday Kickoff is an exciting way to launch our 2027 Campaign for Jewish Needs and bring our community together,” Jeffrey Wild, Jewish Federation of Cleveland board chair, said in a statement to the Cleveland Jewish News. “The Campaign supports programs and services that keep Jewish Cleveland strong and vibrant, as well as supports the people of Israel and Jews around the world. We all have a role to play, and every gift makes a difference in helping ensure our community remains here for good.”
Wild
The event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 25701 Science Park Drive in Beachwood, is expected to bring hundreds together through programming and accessible options so that all ages can participate in both soliciting donations and enjoying family-friendly activities.
Last year, $1,700,298 was raised from 1,275 donors.
“The Super Sunday Kickoff will bring hundreds of Jewish Clevelanders together to launch the 2027 Campaign for Jewish Needs and raise critical dollars to the community,” Jono Nisenboum, co-chair of the event alongside his wife, Alix, told the CJN. “What’s really exciting this year is that there’s going to be something for everyone throughout the day.”
Following kickoff and training at 10 a.m., volunteers will initiate telephone calls to prospective donors through 4 p.m., with a kosher lunch served at noon.
“The Federation building will have the inside open all day for those that would prefer to be inside,” Nisenboum said. “Throughout the day, there will be training to teach members of the community how to raise funds, make calls and access the portal where all of their solicitation members are, so that will be going on inside throughout the day as well.”
A father of two, Nisenboum said that he is personally looking forward to welcoming families, especially those with young children like himself, who are looking to participate. New this year, children in attendance who are entering grades K-6 can attend a J-Day Camps “Camp for Good” at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., presented by the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland.
At 1:15 p.m., students entering eighth through 12th grade can participate in a three-on-three basketball tournament presented by ONR BBYO’s Cleveland Jewish Basketball League. Additional children’s activities, including a bounce house, magician, face painting and ice cream, will be available from 1 to 4 p.m.
“We want families to be able to attend and to be able to have that family feeling of tzedakah and giving back, and teaching children what that means,” Nisenboum said. “We wanted to make sure that families felt that they could not only attend, but really enjoy themselves and give back.”
Super Sunday will also offer two match opportunities for donors. Through the KeyBank match, all new or increased pledges made during the Super Sunday Kickoff will be matched dollar for dollar. Donors can also participate in the Mandel Match supported by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, which will provide a dollar for dollar match on any donation increase that is increased by 10% or more from previous years, as well as a dollar for dollar match on all new gifts. The Mandel Match, now in its third consecutive year, will support applicable gifts that are made by Nov. 1.
“Super Sunday is a great opportunity to make your gift to the campaign,” Nisenboum said. “If you’re a new gift giver, it’s a great day to give because your dollars will go to even more use with the two matches.”
The event will culminate with a grand total announcement and celebration at 4 p.m., and while it will mark the end of the day, Nisenboum wants to remind community members that Super Sunday is only a jumping off point – one that he hopes will build excitement and momentum that will carry through the rest of the campaign.
“Cleveland punches well above its weight in terms of raising money for the community, and what we do as a community is truly incredible,” he said. “The amount of support that we give, both locally and abroad, is unmatched, and so getting people excited and getting people together to feel that excitement and to be educated on where the dollars are going, while doing it as a community and as a family, helps drive a successful campaign.”
To register for the event, J-Day Camps or basketball tournament, visit shorturl.at/Lowp9.
The CJN will send a Breaking News Alert when the Super Sunday final amount is announced. To sign up for the alert, email cjn.org/breakingnews.
