Like most college freshmen, Alejandra Fishman arrived on the campus of Kent State University feeling equal parts excited and nervous. The native of Puerto Rico chose Kent State University to study at the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising. Moving to Northeast Ohio for college was a change for her, but it felt like home immediately after stepping on campus.

A true demonstration of “The Impact of Together!” Over 10,000 community members raised more than $32.7 million to help care for one another, prepare for the future, share our perspectives, and repair our world.

I first heard about the Masa Israel Teaching Fellowship (MITF) just before I graduated from Ohio University. Joining Hillel on campus was my first real Jewish experience; I felt a new sense of pride in myself and my heritage. That also pushed me onto the path I am now. After graduating, I reached out to the Federation and they encouraged me to participate in the program in Beit Shean, Cleveland’s sister city. I am so happy I did! It’s such a unique experience and to be able to live in Beit Shean – not many people get to do that.

Molly Kazan has always treasured her Jewishness. Born in Cincinnati, Molly moved to Cleveland during middle school and attended Agnon (now Mandel JDS), a Federation beneficiary agency. That time in her life is something she’ll never forget. “My time in Cleveland was very formative,” Molly said. “Agnon instilled in me such a passion and such a drive to understand my Jewish identity and serve within the Jewish community and really helped me be excited about who I am.”

An extra special Sunday morning! More than 100 bubbes and zaydes, savtas and sabas, grandmothers and grandfathers, and their grandchildren joined us at the PJ Library Grandparents’ Rockin’ Brunch!

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division (YLD) has just completed its sixth cohort for its flagship program, LEADS. The program is designed to introduce young professionals between the ages of 21-45 to YLD, the Federation and the greater Jewish community.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced today its third cohort of Young Leadership Division (YLD) Microgrant Program recipients. With the YLD Microgrant Program, YLD hopes to create a thriving, vibrant Jewish Cleveland young adult community by empowering individuals or groups to create, plan, and host experiences for Jewish Clevelanders (ages 22-45).

I recently traveled down to Fort Lauderdale for an inspiring week at JFNA's National Young Leadership Cabinet Retreat. For some background, NYL Cabinet is a philanthropic program designed for men and women, ages 30 to 45, from across the U.S. and Canada who are deeply committed to building a strong, vibrant future for the Jewish people. There are roughly 350 members in Cabinet.

Meet the Lehava Young Leadership Group from St. Petersburg, Russia.

On July 12, volunteers from the Jewish community and the African-American community came together to beautify the Hebrew and African American Cultural Gardens as part of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Young Leadership Division’s YLDay of Caring.