There isn’t one person who hasn’t been affected by the stress of the past year. Whether it’s been challenges relating to health, finances, family – or any combination of the three – this year has carried a heavy burden for everyone in one way or another. As we move into this new year, finding ways to reduce stress and strengthen your physical and mental well-being isn’t just important, it’s vital.

Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Weekly Wellness series provides programming for every member of our community. We are excited to offer free access to Health Journeys' guided meditation audio offerings, meant to support your mind, body, and spirit during this time of physical distancing.

Two things Cleveland is known for is our long winters and our strong Jewish community. This year, the winter months seem to hang over our heads a little more than usual as we continue to live physically distanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coping mechanisms we used in the warmer months like walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities, are not as feasible for many of us.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland held the Women IN Philanthropy MaIN Event, a special opportunity to come together, leverage our collective strength, and ensure our community is “Here for Good.”

Women IN Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland held its first virtual campaign event Oct. 28 to celebrate women making a difference, where about 300 people attended the featured conversation between GOJO Executive Chair Marcella Kanfer Rolnick and Jewish Federation of Cleveland President Erika B. Rudin-Luria.

Mariely Luengo is the 2020 recipient of the Irene Zehman Volunteer Award. Each year, the Federation recognizes an unsung Jewish woman or group of women who demonstrate the highest ideals and practices of volunteer service on behalf of the Jewish and/or general community.

Women IN Philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its first virtual campaign soiree, “The MaIN Event,” that will feature a conversation with GOJO Executive Chair Marcella Kanfer Rolnick, honoring of the 2020 Irene Zehman Volunteer Award recipient, Mariely Luengo, and the chance for guests to connect over their passion of making a difference 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 28.

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.

Following encouraged viewing of “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” the newly released 1971-era documentary showcasing a New York summer camp for free spirited, disabled teenagers and their fight for disability rights and accessibility legislation, Clevelanders turned off Netflix for an in-depth look inside the film without leaving the couch.

Women IN Philanthropy hosted a panel discussion on the award-winning film Crip Camp, where they talked about the movie, the American Disabilities Act, and how our Cleveland Jewish community is helping to continue this important work.