Tu B’Shevat is around the corner. As 10-year-old Gabe says, it’s hard to celebrate the “festival of trees” in Cleveland this time of year when the ground is covered in snow. Youngsters like Gabe understand the importance of this holiday through Federation-supported programs like PJ Our Way and our Community Relations Committee’s (CRC) Interfaith Tu B’Shevat Seder. Read how Gabe learned about the values of Tu B’Shevat right here in snowy Cleveland:

Ruth Begun was no ordinary woman.

The best part of being born and raised in Cleveland is my deep sense of generational attachment to the Jewish community. My parents and grandparents set an example for me to give generously of time, talent, and resources. My commitment of giving back to the community is what motivates me to be a Jewish philanthropist.

Being a part of the Jewish Cleveland community is extremely important to me. My house has always been in suburban Cleveland, but the Jewish community has helped make this area my home. It has given me a sense of belonging to something much greater than my family alone.

Donor Advised Funds at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland have historically provided individuals with a near-perfect tool for effective, efficient philanthropic grant making as well as maximizing tax advantages. Donors may not realize, however, that creating a donor advised fund may also be a first step in engaging family members in the philanthropic process

Today's Jewish camper is tomorrow's Jewish leader, which is why philanthropists Michael and Anita Siegal are investing in the next generation and endowing a Jewish summer camp program: it's important to the future of the Jewish community.

For generations, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have served as an effective and efficient tool for philanthropic grant making with tax advantages. And for generations the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has been helping donors put the tool to work for them — in fact, we help manage nearly 800 DAFs each and every day.

92-year-old Stanley Blum is creating his Jewish legacy every day and is having the time of his life doing it.

You probably didn’t know Harry Blum z”l.

While we have been fortunate so far this season, let’s get real, it’s going to snow at some point in the near future. It is December in Northeast Ohio, after all.