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.

One of my first memorable Federation experiences was when I went on a young adult mission to Israel 11 years ago. I’d never been to Israel. I was hesitant to leave my children but something in me said “just go, it will be worth it.” And, it was! Israel was simply beautiful. It moved me.

Sometimes, you just need to leave your city to understand the place it occupies in your heart.

Did you know? Three #JewishCleveland moms are making it easy for new moms and all kinds of Jewish families in Twinsburg, Aurora, and Chagrin Falls to connect to each other and kid-friendly Cleveland. They are the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s PJ Library Engagement Ambassadors, and they can’t wait to get to know you. Meet them here.

Hi, my name is Ruthy, and I am from Cleveland, Ohio. After years of Jewish Day School and summers at Camp Yavneh I have grown to have a deep passion for Israel.

A reunion! Our Public Education Initiative (PEI) Fellows help oversee the largest literacy tutoring program in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) schools, helping more than 300 K-12 students in eight Cleveland schools learn how to read and write each year.

My name is Tyler Moses and I am 13 years old. I live in Orange Village and go to the University School (US).

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:

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.

Have you ever taken the time to reflect on your primary educational journey? How about the fact that you can read this sentence? Being able to read, write, and comprehend are invaluable skills, and often taken for granted once they are mastered. The aim of the Public Education Initiative is to do just that; bolster the literacy of children in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), through individualized sessions with our team of dedicated volunteer tutors, and I am elated to be a part of the magic!