With the Mandel JCC’s popular children’s overnight and day camps canceled during summer 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, support from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland was critical in allowing the Mandel JCC to provide alternative programming. JCC staff developed an exciting lineup of Camp Wise Outdoor Fun Day programs. These unique offerings provide families and groups an opportunity to experience the magic of Camp Wise – the Home of Happiness for generations of Greater Cleveland children – while social distancing in the great outdoors.

COVID-19 on student learning is one of the biggest challenges of this pandemic. Students have had to adjust to a completely new way of learning at a rapid speed. For children with special needs and their families, this has meant even more hurdles to overcome.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this summer was not like others for thousands of kids who were planning to go to Camp Wise – the ‘Home of Happiness’ – and other Jewish summer overnight camps.

In its first virtual Super Sunday, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland raised $979,315 from 900 gifts for its Campaign for Jewish Needs on Oct. 18.

Thirty nine Jewish high school juniors and seniors representing public and private high schools across Cleveland have come together to recommend grants totaling $43,000 to 13 organizations for crucial programs in the Jewish and general community through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2019-2020 Maurice Saltzman Youth Panel.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Saltzman Youth Panel program educates Jewish Cleveland students about the philanthropic process and responding to Jewish and general community needs.

If you are a young Jewish Clevelander interested in Israel travel experiences, we have 3 great ways to get you to Israel this summer. Applications are being accepted now. Join us!

Brett and his younger brother, Aaron, attend a local Jewish Day School. For the past two years the boys have been living with their grandmother who became their guardian following domestic violence in their home. At just 10 years of age, Brett struggles with his conflicted feelings for both of his parents. He very much loves his father, yet he worries about his mother’s safety and her own substance abuse issues.

Since its inception, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has taken a holistic approach to increasing the quality education in the low socio-economic areas in Israel’s periphery. From Parents and Children Together (PACT), designed to close the education gaps between Israelis and Ethiopians who came to Israel in the 1980s, to Youth Futures, which helps at-risk children and their families, Federation has been addressing the myriad of factors that can influence a child’s ability to learn.