Nearly 3,000 Jewish leaders across the country gathered for the Jewish Federation of North America’s General Assembly from Nov. 10 to Nov. 12 in Washington, D.C., where all 146 Jewish federations around the country, other organizations and smaller communities that don’t have a Jewish federation address pressing issues facing the Jewish community in the wake of heightened antisemitism and the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.

In response to the increasingly aggressive threats to the Jewish community and most recently, the Neo-Nazis marching in Columbus, Ohio, Jewish Federation of Cleveland is asking for your help.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland hosted its Young Leadership Division Big Event featuring multiplatform creator, performer and actor Jonah Platt on Nov. 14 at Congregation Mishkan Or in Beachwood, where he discussed his career, his fight against anti-Jewish hate and his role as a global advocate in the entertainment industry.

In July 2023, JFSA opened The Kindness Center, which houses three of the Federation beneficiary's most unique programs - PLAN, Horvitz YouthAbility, and Adult Day Support - for at-risk youth and individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

“Art + Activism” at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Roe Green Gallery and “Degenerate! Hitler’s War on Modern Art” at the Maltz Museum are two exhibits on view this fall and through the winter set to give visitors a thought-provoking experience.

Adeena Sussman, chef, author and advocate for Israel, will make an appearance in Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Women IN Philanthropy MaIN Event, named to reference inclusivity, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 at Green Road Synagogue at 2437 S. Green Road in Beachwood.

We traveled to Israel last month with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland on a Solidarity Mission alongside 16 fellow community members. Although this was Michael’s third visit since Oct. 7, 2023, Raquel wanted to bear witness to this “pogrom” on the ground in Israel as well. We wanted to understand the existing state of affairs in our homeland both physically and figuratively.

Jonah Platt will discuss his Jewish identity at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division Big Event, the signature fundraising event for the division, from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 14 at Congregation Mishkan Or at 26000 Shaker Blvd. in Beachwood.

We hope to see you at our November events. This month, we are hosting an open house for our latest gallery exhibit, bringing together our Young Leadership Division for a night of philanthropy, and hosting Jewish Cleveland women for a special annual Campaign event.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that Beth Rosenberg is the 2024 recipient of the Gries Family Award in recognition of her lasting impact in Cleveland’s Jewish and general communities. For more than 25 years, the Gries Family Award has honored individuals who have demonstrated extensive top leadership in Federation and other local Jewish organization activities, as well as significant leadership in Greater Cleveland’s general community. Rosenberg, co-founder of Front Door Consulting, was presented the award at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Board of Trustees meeting on October 15.