My dad is Jewish and my mom is Catholic. I went to Catholic school from Pre-K through 12th grade. We hardly ever went to synagogue growing up. However, I started attending Shabbat services with my dad during high school and began to feel an extra sense of fulfillment.

Here are just a few reasons why we love Birthright – and you should, too!

– Do you know a Jewish Clevelander, ages 22 to 26, who is ready for a travel experience unlike any other? If so, they might be eligible for Birthright Israel, a free 10-day trip to Israel for Cleveland residents from June 18 – June 28, 2017. Learn more at www.ClevelandBirthrightIsrael.com.

Through Masa Israel, a program funded through I-Connect, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, young adults like Mara are able to pick their perfect Israel travel experience.

"Israel is my home, but for the next two years I am happy to call Cleveland my home!"

Having an Onward Israel experience on your resume will jump off the page for future employers. Check out these 3 ways that Onward Israel boosts your resume.

Applications are now open for Onward Israel, a prestigious eight-week summer internship program in Tel Aviv for Jewish Cleveland young adults. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, in partnership with Masa Israel Journey and The Jewish Agency for Israel, are now selecting college juniors, seniors and recent college graduates to live and intern in Tel Aviv from June 15 – August 10, 2017.

I was home in Cleveland for winter break; that’s when I made a decision that would change my life forever. I applied for Onward Israel, an internship program, supported by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

Shalom (Hello) to Itamar Meromi, Michal Katzman, Ziv Birenzwige, and Orel Regev.

According to Karen McHenry, program manager for homeless and missing youth at Bellefaire JCB, only 25 percent of missing children are reported missing.