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!

Dan Zelman, general chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs, couldn’t hide his excitement as he prepared to announce the total amount raised in the campaign.

Hi, my name is Ally and I have been going to Camp Wise for 5 years. The first time I came to camp I went for 2 weeks and the only thing I remember thinking the entire time was “wow, I wish I could go for a whole month,” but soon, that month turned into my whole summer. I have made lifelong friends with my cabin mates, fellow villagers, counselors, and really the entire camp.

Dan Zelman considers himself fortunate to have what he believes is one of the best volunteer roles in the Cleveland Jewish community.

Dan Zelman, general chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs, is looking forward to closing the campaign on a high note.

The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, which begins this Sunday evening (Dec. 6) will be brighter for more than 80 families in financial need through a special program directed by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.