Two weeks ago I was sitting in the Yom Hazikaron memorial ceremony for Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. As I contemplated the lives lost my thoughts dwelled on the steep price that was paid for Jewish freedom and the price of young lives still lost each year in defense of Israel. And then I thought about the price of freedom that has been paid by so many to defend our way of life in America.

Hi, my name is Kerry Kertesz and Jewish Cleveland is my home. I grew up here, attending Camp Wise and going to Hebrew school at Park Synagogue. These childhood experiences helped me build my identity, and here–in Jewish Cleveland–I learned to be proud of who I was and my Jewish heritage.

On Sunday, April 10th, the 2015-2016 Saltzman Youth Panel had its last session. Although a meeting of reflection, from the moment we cracked open the first box of pizza to the final minutes sharing our take-aways, the panel was collectively passionate, driving to achieve a common goal. Throughout the meeting, I was constantly reminded of the high quality of leadership on the Saltzman Youth Panel. With complete confidence I can say I learned something new every time a fellow panelist spoke. This was exciting, as well as something that speaks volumes about who and what make up the Saltzman Youth Panel.

This past week I had the honor of traveling with 70 members of The Jewish Federations of North America's (JFNA) National Young Leadership Cabinet on a mission to Berlin and Israel. Together we learned about the past, present and plans for the future of their local Jewish communities and also saw first-hand where our Federation dollars go.href="http://www.jewishcleveland.org/news/blog/inspiring_stories_kick_off_JFNA_GA/">General Assembly.

The Annual AIPAC Policy Conference is where thousands of pro-Israel activists from around the country come together to influence policy, strengthen the bond between the United States and Israel, and ensure that Israel remains strong and secure. Hear from Clevelanders, as they share their experiences from the 2016 AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.

For many of the children attending a recent PJ Library gathering, the Chagrin Falls Fire Station was the most exciting destination they could imagine. Some came dressed in their red firefighter' s costumes, complete with helmets, coats and boots, while others were happy to put on firefighter helmets given to them by the fire station. They watched carefully as firefighter Tim Alder demonstrated how to put on gear to fight fires. They also loved the fire trucks tour.

Fifteen Jewish Clevelanders are beginning an unforgettable two-week volunteer experience in Cleveland’s sister city, Beit Shean.

Saltzman Youth Panel is a truly unique experience. Working as a group, Jewish Cleveland teens are given the opportunity to allocate funds to the Jewish community and beyond. Recently, my fellow panelists and I were truly able to experience this unique aspect of Saltzman.

When I reflect back on my earliest childhood memories, I ALWAYS remember feeling extremely proud of my Jewish heritage and identity. I derive immense pleasure celebrating the rituals and life cycle events of our faith and relish in preparing a holiday meal for a houseful of family and friends. To my husband Randy and me, raising our two children (Natalie, age 16 and Quinn, age 12) with strong Jewish values is the most important endeavor we have undertaken as parents. Yet, for both of us, Judaism is not something that happens exclusively in the confines of our home or synagogue. Being a part of a global Jewish community has compelled us both to engage in Jewish philanthropy and acts of chesed (acts of kindness), and more importantly pass the importance of giving to others onto our children. “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh.” ALL Jews (or all the people of Israel) are responsible for one another.