Hi everyone! You probably know my name from writing for the Cleveland Jewish News as a Staff Reporter. What I’m working on now is a little different, because I’m about to go on a Birthright Israel trip.

Birthright is a free 10-day trip for Jewish Clevelanders ages 22-26 to explore Israel’s most remarkable tourist destinations. Check out a few trip highlights below.

Philanthropy comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be volunteering time with an organization or donating money to a cause. It can be giving items to those in need.

Jewish high school juniors and seniors recommended $42,500 in grants for local community organizations May 4, as part of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Saltzman Youth Panel.

In pre-school, we are taught that sharing is caring. While in this context, the advice relates to sharing toys and books. As a Jewish teen, I relate this message to philanthropy.

40 Jewish high school juniors and seniors representing public and private high schools across Cleveland have come together to recommend grants totaling $42,500 to 10 organizations for crucial programs in the Jewish and general community through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2016-2017 Maurice Saltzman Youth Panel.

Jewish Cleveland knows how to party! Nearly 2000 community members joined together to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 69th Independence Day, with a knockout performance by Israeli superstar Idan Raichel.

Celebrate Israel's 69th Independence Day on May 2 with Idan Raichel in concert!

8th Graders at Gross Schechter Day School and Mandel Jewish Day School are embarking on an Israel journey – read about their experience visiting our sister city of Beit Shean here!

As Jews, we are given an awesome gift; Shabbos. Shabbat is the best day of the week. On Shabbos, we get to take a step back from the chaotic, busy lives that we all live and appreciate everything that we have been given.