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.

I had the pleasure of spending my junior year of college at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. One of the perks of that year was meeting and growing close with my cousin Ziva, who happened to work at Hadassah Hospital across the street from my dorm. We spent a lot of time together and she invited me to spend many Shabbatot and holidays with her family. In addition to being hilariously funny, warm and nurturing, Ziva had another talent, as well: She was, and remains, an amazing cook. I am excited to share one of her recipes with you below, which I hope will make your preparations for Passover a bit easier.

For his mitzvah project, a Beachwood boy enlists help of local sports teams to cheer and support at-risk