Jewish high school juniors and seniors interested in strengthening the Jewish community and making the world a better place are encouraged to apply for the 2016-2017 Maurice Saltzman Youth Panel, a program of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. As a group, panelists recommend how to distribute up to $50,000 to programs in the Jewish and general communities. Participants will develop their leadership and group consensus skills as they learn about the philanthropic process and responding to community needs.

Check out what the Cleveland Community Birthright trip has been doing during their trip to Israel this summer!

Sammy and Raz. Two girls, two different parts of the world. And this year, they met here in Cleveland for the first time and formed an unbreakable bond for life. All because of Israel.Cleveland.Next (icnext), a Federation-supported initiative.

40 high school juniors and seniors representing public and private high schools and 12 different synagogues have come together to recommend grants totaling $40,000 to 11 organizations for crucial programs in the Jewish and general communities through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s 2015-2016 Maurice Saltzman Youth Panel.

Celebrate Israel's 68th Independence Day on May 12 with Rita in concert!

We recognize this year's Creative Arts Contest Winners, whose essays and works of art commemorate the Holocaust and heroism. Students' works portray this year's theme, "Out of the Darkness: Into a New Life."

Check out what the 8th Graders at Gross Schechter Day School have been doing during their trip to Israel!

8th Graders at Mandel Jewish Day School are embarking on an Israel journey – read about their experience here!

On the last Friday before Spring Break, the 8th grade class of Mandel JDS (along with their parents, and the entire school) stood proudly in front of the Israeli flag, singing Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. This tradition, commemorating the eighth grade’s upcoming voyage to Israel, has been around for nearly as long as the annual pilgrimage itself.

On Sunday, April 10th, the 2015-2016 Saltzman Youth Panel had its last session. Although a meeting of reflection, from the moment we cracked open the first box of pizza to the final minutes sharing our take-aways, the panel was collectively passionate, driving to achieve a common goal. Throughout the meeting, I was constantly reminded of the high quality of leadership on the Saltzman Youth Panel. With complete confidence I can say I learned something new every time a fellow panelist spoke. This was exciting, as well as something that speaks volumes about who and what make up the Saltzman Youth Panel.