At age 77, Teddy won’t give up his fight to live life on his own terms. Although his disabilities have worsened with age, his spirit is just as strong. When he wanted to find a new home where he could live out his final years with as much independence as possible, near the family that means so much to him, Federation was there to help.

Last night, over 170 Lions shared an inspirational evening at the Lion of Judah Annual Dinner, featuring Keynote Speaker Jane Weitzman.

Every year, our community comes together as one to raise money for the Campaign for Jewish Needs: the annual fundraising campaign that ensures our community’s vitality and vibrancy in the year ahead. We work together to make the world better. This year, we need to do a little bit more.

Rebecca Heller of Moreland Hills has been named the 2015 recipient of the Ruby Bass Award, honoring her volunteerism and dedication to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Heller was presented with the award at the Federation’s Lion of Judah Annual Dinner on September 24.

Growing up in Columbus, my family was not nearly as involved in our Jewish community as I am today.

"Today I have courage,” Sima Goldrich told me. She is an ultra-Orthodox (haaredi) woman who is learning about women’s health – her own health – through a program funded by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Campaign for Jewish Needs.

I am Daniel Pearlman and I grew up here, in Solon. From an early age, my identity was shaped by the Jewish Cleveland community. I went to preschool at Jewish Day Nursery, affiliated with Bellefaire, a Federation partner. Of course, I didn’t know that at the time. All I knew was that I loved the environment around me. Even today, I am still close with some of my preschool friends.

In the early 20th century my great-great grandfather Ya’akov Kopleman left Lithuania for the Promised Land and became one of Israel’s first settlers.

Meet Becky and Daniel. They are emerging leaders in our Jewish community. We thank them for speaking out for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. They are building Jewish identity, and it’s more important than ever.