Do you remember that year before entering high school? It’s daunting, especially if you feel alone, confused, and unsure of where the next four years will take you. Developmentally, eighth grade students are exploring issues of personal identity and discovering their unique interests, attributes and skills.

I’m a 23-year-old Clevelander; I grew up in Shaker Heights. My mom is from Israel, my dad is from Akron. Judaism has always been important to us, and I love being a part of Jewish Cleveland.

Volunteers are needed for the Annual Fall Cemetery Cleanup hosted by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Jewish Volunteer Network and the Commission on Cemetery Preservation (COCP).

In 1926, the Hebrew Cultural Garden was dedicated as part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Nearly 100 years later, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland proudly supports and manages this historic garden and maintains its landscape. “This is all thanks to the generosity of many people in our community," said Donna Yanowitz, Chair of Federation's Hebrew Cultural Garden committee. “We all care about maintaining such an important landmark in the city of Cleveland.”

IMPACT! Volunteers: Check out these winter volunteer opportunities just for you.

The Cleveland Chesed Center opened in March 2016 in Cleveland Heights to help our local community in need. In the past year, the Chesed Center has provided 1,370 individuals (750 children and 620 adults) with basic necessities including kosher food, personal care items, cleaning supplies, clothing, and furniture thanks to the efforts of Jewish Cleveland and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, in partnership with Gesher Cleveland and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, is holding a free legal clinic on August 27 from 9:30 – 11:30 am at Green Road Synagogue (2437 South Green Road, Beachwood).

Get ready to hit a hole in one with this volunteer opportunity and make sure you have your drivers, irons, woods and putters in order.

IMPACT! Volunteers:Sign up now and get training over the summer for volunteer options that begin after school starts. Most training workshops will take place at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is now seeking participants ages 50 and over for “Volunteer Beit Shean,” a hands-on volunteer experience to Beit Shean, Cleveland’s sister city in Israel. The city is known for its world-class hiking trails, beautiful natural springs, amazing bird watching, and spectacular ancient ruins. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Israeli culture while improving the lives of others.