Each year brings its own challenges and opportunities, moments of uncertainty alongside reasons for hope. Throughout the 2025 Annual Report, you will find stories that speak to the enduring strength of our Jewish Cleveland community – how we move forward together, grounded in our values, deeply connected to one another, and fortified by a shared resilience that empowers us to meet whatever lies ahead.
We are proud to be a strong community. Our strength is not something we diminish or apologize for – it is something we have built together through generations of leadership, generosity, and a deep commitment to Jewish life and responsibility for one another. That strength allows us to act with compassion, urgency, and purpose when our local and global Jewish community needs us most.
That same spirit was powerfully reflected in this year’s Campaign for Jewish Needs when our community came together to raise a record-breaking $39,035,018 by 9,036 gifts representing 12,094 donors. This extraordinary generosity will help change and save tens of thousands of lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world – and ensures we can respond immediately in moments of profound need.
For example, October 2025 marked two years since the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Since that devastating day, we have gathered to remember the lives lost, stand in steadfast solidarity with the people of Israel, and support those still living with trauma. As a ceasefire took hold, we also heard deeply troubling accounts of abuse, starvation, and torture endured by civilian hostages. Though this chapter has come to a close and the situation continues to evolve, our commitment to remember and bear witness will never fade.
Closer to home, when unexpected disruptions to SNAP benefits put additional strain on vulnerable families, we responded quickly by launching an Emergency Food Assistance Grant. This effort ensured that individuals and families facing sudden food insecurity received the support they needed – another example of how our community’s strength translates into immediate, meaningful action.
Our commitment to thoughtful planning and long-term impact also guided several important initiatives this year. We released the findings of our latest population study, providing a comprehensive look at the size, diversity, challenges, and strengths of Jewish Cleveland. Insights from this data are woven throughout the pages of this report and will continue to serve as a roadmap for building a Jewish Cleveland that is stronger, more inclusive, and more connected than ever. In addition, the Federation’s Older Adult Task Force completed its work, offering recommendations to help ensure that older adults in our community can age with dignity, connection, and care in 2025 and for many years to come.
We continue to see our community come together for volunteer opportunities, meaningful events, and celebrations – reflecting the extraordinary commitment of Jewish Clevelanders in 2025.
A Message of Thanks
We are deeply grateful to outgoing Board Chair Daniel N. Zelman, who concluded his three-year term in 2025, for his dedicated leadership, clear vision, and steady guidance. His commitment has strengthened our organization and helped position our community for continued success in the years ahead.
On behalf of your Federation’s Board of Trustees and the professional staff, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners who help keep our community safe and strong, including local law enforcement, JFC Security, LLC, our agencies, schools, and synagogues. Your vigilance, collaboration, and commitment make it possible for Jewish life to thrive in Cleveland.
In every season – through challenge and celebration – our strength comes from one another. Thank you for being part of a community that shows up, stands together, and continues to be HERE FOR GOOD.
Jeffrey J. Wild
Board Chair
Erika B. Rudin-Luria
President
60
area schools
81
college students
2,024
subscribers
379
Ethiopian olim
25,785
students
153,000
hours
and school districts engage through initiatives such as the Education Leaders Summit, Cleveland Jewish Teachers Summit, and Cleveland Jewish Teachers Network.
receive PJ Library® books, building Jewish libraries for young families in Cleveland.
receive STEM education in Israel because of our Federation programming.
participate in the 2025 Mandel Myers Fellows cohort, receiving college scholarships and professional development while working at Jewish overnight camps.
came through the Beit Alfa Absorption Center in Cleveland’s sister communities of Beit Shean/the Valley of Springs.
of home care services were provided to Holocaust survivors through JFSA.
in east side suburban schools participate in prevention programs through Bellefaire JCB’s Social Advocates for Youth (SAY).
have participated in the Adler Civic Leaders Mission, the vast majority of whom are non-Jewish and had never previously been to Israel.
to explore the Roe Green Gallery, including attendees of Cleveland-Israel Arts Connection-specific events and visitors to the Federation’s Ratner Miller Shafran Families Conference Center.
to the Mandel JCC to experience wellness programs, fitness amenities, arts and culture, and more.
receive basic necessities including food, household supplies, and clothing through the Cleveland Chesed Center.
are enrolled in a Jewish Education Center-supported early childhood program, day school, or congregational program.
engage in the Maltz Museum’s Stop the Hate® program, using essays, poetry, and songwriting to promote respect across Northeast Ohio schools and communities.
affected by the trauma of war participate in group rehabilitation programs through JAFI.
vulnerable Jews in Ukraine receive assistance since the start of the crisis through JDC.
participate in overnight camp sessions hosted by JAFI, engaging in immersive Jewish learning and community-building.
that help tens of thousands of people in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world
We sincerely thank the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation for creating a special matching gift program to inspire new and increased Campaign gifts this year.
We greatly appreciate the support of Brunswick Companies and KeyBank for the matching gift incentives they provided during the Campaign.
We thank Campaign Chair Amir Jaffa for his leadership.
@Akiva High School, Bellefaire JCB, Cleveland Hillel Foundation, Fuchs Mizrachi School, Gross Schechter Day School, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, Hebrew Shelter Home, Hillel at Kent State University, Jewish Community Security, Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, Jewish Family Service Association, Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School, Maltz Museum, Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland, Yeshiva Derech Hatorah
American Jewish Committee, Anti Defamation League, BBYO, Hadassah, HIAS, Hillel at Miami University, Hillel at Ohio University, Hillel International, JCC Association of North America, JFNA Community Relations, Jewish Telegraphic Agency (70 Faces Media), Jewish War Veterans, Network for Jewish Human Service Agencies, Ohio Jewish Communities
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Overseas Connections Committee - Jewish Federation of Cleveland, World ORT
$144,927,852
$69,980,556
$34,653,829
The Day School Transformation Campaign reflects what is possible when a community comes together around a bold vision for its future. In just its first year, what began as an ambitious effort has already become a model for Jewish communities across the country, demonstrating Cleveland’s leadership and deep commitment to Jewish education. Thanks to the generosity of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation, and the partnership of Federation, the Jewish Education Center, and our five Jewish day schools, this initiative is already creating meaningful momentum.
With more than $48 million matched to date and additional gifts in process, this campaign is inspiring philanthropy at a level that once felt out of reach. More importantly, it is laying the foundation for lasting impact – strengthening school endowments, supporting capital improvements, and helping to ensure that future generations of students receive an outstanding dual curriculum rooted in both Jewish values and academic excellence. With the campaign continuing through December 2026, there is strong momentum ahead, and this effort is already proving to be truly transformational for our Jewish Cleveland community.
$1,967,691
JFC Security, LLC
$2,840,604
(Ongoing efforts to support victims of terror, economic recovery, and community resilience)
$6,618,415
(Emergency Rescue from Ukraine, Aliyah Support for Ethiopian Jews, Onward Israel, Birthright Israel, Israel.Cleveland.Next, Kibbutz Kissufim, and Youth Futures)
$4,947,850
(Cleveland Israel Arts Connection, Cemetery Preservation, Additional Support for Agencies)
Fiscal year ending June 30, 2025
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s activities are conducted by committees of volunteers in partnership with professional staff. Committee and subcommittee chairs are listed below. Please contact them or the Federation for more information about participating in Federation activities or other volunteer opportunities at affiliated organizations.
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