2022 Annual Report
there ...
we were there ...
... when the war in Ukraine erupted in February 2022.
Your Federation and global partners Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) immediately mobilized to deliver humanitarian aid to Jews and their neighbors in Ukraine, and those fleeing the country. This includes securing evacuations, providing housing, clothing, medication, and so much more.
One year into the crisis, this lifesaving care continues. Our ability to mobilize quickly is based on our vast, preexisting social service and Jewish community infrastructure in Ukraine, professionals and local volunteer corps, and partnerships with local European Jewish communities. To date, more than 500,000 people have received humanitarian relief.
We are taught that we are responsible for one another (Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh) – that when one Jew suffers, all Jews suffer. Jewish Cleveland’s ongoing support of Ukraine continues our community’s tradition of being HERE FOR GOOD whenever and wherever conflict arises.
65,000 people were supported in making aliyah.
500,000+ Ukrainian refugees received vital necessities such as food, medicine, and shelter.
$5.6 million raised from Cleveland’s Ukraine Ethiopia Emergency Rescue Fund.
we were there ...
... when research showed a definitive increase in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Started in 2019, Caregiving with Confidence is a program that supports affected families by providing wrap-around services through Jewish Family Service Association (JFSA) – including care navigation, training and support for caregivers, and access to a dedicated geriatrician. This program helps caregivers like Ben* care for his 84-year old mother Martha,* a Holocaust Survivor who has dementia.
After noticing signs of memory loss and other symptoms, Ben called Federation’s Access Jewish Cleveland service, which connected him with JFSA. Martha and her family met with a care navigator, who listened to Martha’s concerns about losing her independence. Although she agreed to “try out” the services to make her family happy, Martha warmed to the home health aide. Through this relationship, Martha now has home cleaning services, home delivered meals, a medical alert system, transportation services, and a geriatrician – all while fulfilling her wish to stay in her home.
*name has been changed for confidentiality
200+ individuals with dementia and their families are being helped through the Caregiving with Confidence program.
600+ Holocaust Survivors are living in Jewish Cleveland and nearly 100 now receive homecare services.
33% increase in individuals who visited Access Jewish Cleveland website from 2021 to 2022.
we were there ...
... when Jews around the world needed help.
When Ethiopian Jews were finally able to make aliyah – after decades of waiting – we were there alongside the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Israeli government to help them make the journey and get settled in their new home. In total, over 92,000 Ethiopian Jews are now living in Israel. At the same time, there are approximately 13,000 people living in what is referred to as Ethiopia’s “community in waiting.”
In 2022 we were still there helping approximately 3,000 more Ethiopian Jews reunite with relatives in Israel.
Once in Israel, the new immigrants (olim) enter absorption centers as they transition to Israeli society. They are aided by the Israeli government and our partners at the Jewish Agency, as well as through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s Parents and Children Together literacy program, first funded by the Cleveland Federation.
3,000 Ethiopian Jews were reunited with relatives in Israel last year.
29 absorption centers helped set up Israel’s newest citizens for success.
145,000+ first- and second-generation Ethiopian Jews now live in Israel.
we were there ...
... when the earliest signs of a resurgence in antisemitism appeared.
Since launching in 2013, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and its security provider –
JFC Security, LLC – have been working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement to help keep Jewish Cleveland safe, open, and welcoming in the face of rising antisemitism.
Over the years, JFC Security has become a nationally recognized leader in communal security – known for its forward-thinking approach to safety protocols for synagogues, schools, and other Jewish organizations; community training; coordination with law enforcement; and implementing state-of-the-art technology.
In 2022, JFC Security launched a new, technology-based community monitoring system that is directly linked to a 24-hour emergency communications center. The system, the first of its kind in the United States for a faith-based community, utilizes more than 1,100 sophisticated, 360-degree view security cameras and 26 automated license plate readers to provide a live feed to the communications center, where trained security personnel watch for suspicious behavior or anomalies to typical day-to-day activities.
80+ locations across the Greater Cleveland Jewish community currently receive security coverage.
1,500+ community members have received security training.
50+ highly trained, licensed JFC Security officers help watch over Jewish Cleveland.
... because
you are
here.
Dear Friends,
Thank you.
Because of you and your steadfast commitment to each other, our community, and our people, we were there to help.
From the humanitarian crisis in Europe caused by the war in Ukraine to the growing concerns about the mental health of our teens here at home. From rampant antisemitism and growing violence towards Jews across North America to increasing tensions surrounding Israel.
From educating the next generation to caring for those who came before us. From celebrating our traditions and culture to helping to keep Jewish Cleveland safe and strong. And so much more!
Whenever and wherever needed, we were there – because you are here. You are the constant that enables us to address immediate needs and longer-term opportunities year after year after year.
Throughout this report you will find different examples of the many ways you are helping make life better in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world. Together, we are truly HERE FOR GOOD.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the professional staff of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, we want to express our deepest appreciation to local law enforcement – and our security provider JFC Security, LLC – for all they do to help keep our Northeast Ohio community safe. We also are forever indebted to our beneficiary agencies and local day schools for their tireless commitment to serving our community. Again, thank you for all you do to make Jewish Cleveland so special.
Board Chair
President
impact
at a glance
700,000 meals were distributed during the crisis in Ukraine through our international partners.
300+ local Holocaust Survivors received home delivered meals, holiday food cards, and other types of assistance through JFSA.
$3.3M were secured for Jewish agencies through federal and state nonprofit security grants.
17 Cleveland artists participated in Culture Fix CLE, a Cleveland Israel Arts Connection initiative, aimed to help heal the local arts community after years of hardship amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
259 Cleveland young adults traveled to Israel through Federation-supported programs.
32 Cleveland civic leaders participated in the 2022 Adler Civic Leaders Israel Mission, exposing leadership from across Cleveland to Israel’s complexities, and its innovative approaches to economic and community development, education, and support of at-risk and disadvantaged populations.
3,000+ students in Cleveland’s sister community of Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs now participate in STEM programming with our support.
275+ people from across the Jewish and secular Cleveland community came together for SHINE A LIGHT on Antisemitism, a special menorah lighting bringing people of all faiths and bring attention to rising antisemitism.
6,230
children and family members have received crisis intervention, parent education, and school-based counseling through Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), a program of Bellefaire JCB, a Federation beneficiary agency.
298,405
books have been shipped to 6,692 children through PJ Library® Cleveland to date.
450+
events have been hosted by Cleveland Hillel and Hillel at Kent State University to strengthen the Jewish community on local college campuses.
4,942
youth and young adults in Israel were served through Federation supported youth at-risk initiatives.
29+
programs have been funded by the YLD Microgrant Program to date, encouraging young leaders to identify a problem, challenge, or need in Jewish Cleveland; then, help find a solution using YLD Microgrant funding.
78,000
impoverished Jewish seniors in the Former Soviet Union received care and support through our partner JDC.
53
college students participated in the inaugural class of Mandel Myers Fellows, receiving college scholarship and professional development while working at Jewish summer camps.
595
volunteers participated in Jewish Volunteer Network programs to help those in need in Cleveland’s Jewish and general communities.
3,417
interfaith families received holiday and other Jewish resources, clergy referrals, workshops, and more through jHUB.
Campaign for Jewish Needs
Every dollar makes a huge difference
$34,870,821
12,178
8,890
1,896
We greatly appreciate the support of Brunswick Companies and KeyBank for the matching gift incentives they provided during the Campaign.
35
IN CLEVELAND
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
Menorah Park
Yeshiva Derech Hatorah
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Anti Defamation League
B’nai B’rith/BBYO
Hadassah
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
Hillel at Miami University
Hillel at Ohio University
Hillel Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
JCC Association
Israel Action Network (Program of JFNA)
Jewish Telegraphic Agency (70 Faces Media)
Jewish War Veterans
Network for Jewish Human Service Agencies (formerly AJFCA)
AROUND THE GLOBE
Distribution Committee (JDC)
Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)
Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)
Overseas Connections Committee, Jewish Federation of Cleveland
World ORT
Ethiopian National Project
ADDITIONAL FEDERATION SUPPORT
No Cleveland organization
impacts more Jewish lives
$109,543,442
$2,368,209
$111,911,651
Josh & Daniella Botnick
Barrett & Joyce A. Brown
Jessie Bruder & Aaron Tevlowitz
Jennifer E. Cohen
Buddy Dworkin
Drs. Sharon & Bennett Fagin
Jonathan Freilich
Ann G. Freimuth
Susan L. Friedman
Jenny & David Gottesman
Samantha & Barry Guttman
Ari & Marlyn Jaffe
Steven S. Kaufman
Rachel & Justin Lappen
Rabbi Alan and Jean Lettofsky
Joseph Littman
Paul & Leah Markowicz
Anna A. Novik
Irving & Dr. Nancy Oleinick
Rabbi Jeremy and Abbie Pappas
Margo Roth
Drs. Daniel Simon and Marcy Schwartz
Michele Ungar
Anonymous (4)
TOTAL GRANTMAKING & PROGRAM EXPENSES
LOCAL AGENCIES AND SERVICES
OVERSEAS AGENCIES AND SERVICES
NATIONAL AGENCIES
OTHER GRANTS
$31,426,522 (3)
$ 111,911,651
GRAND TOTAL
$143,338,173
TOTAL GRANT MAKING BY CATEGORY
SOURCE OF GRANTS
Our endowment funds, donor advised funds, and supporting foundations, combined with the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs and Centennial Initiative for Jewish Cleveland fundraising, make the Federation one of Ohio’s largest grantmaking organizations — with over $140 million allocated from all sources in the 2022 fiscal year.
194 donors established 261 new legacy commitments estimated at over $15 million through Jewish Cleveland’s LIFE & LEGACY initiative.
These generous donors have made a LIFE & LEGACY gift to the community in the past year
- Bellefaire JCB
- Cleveland Hillel
- Fuchs Mizrachi School
- Gross Schechter Day School
- Hebrew Academy of Cleveland
- Hillel at Kent State University
- Jewish Education Center of Cleveland
- Jewish Family Service Association
- Jewish Federation of Cleveland
- Maltz Museum
- Mandel Jewish Community Center
- Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School (formerly Agnon School)
- Menorah Park
- Yeshiva Derech Hatorah
Board of Trustees & Committees
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Executive Committee: Beth Wain Brandon • Reneé Chelm* • Jennifer E. Cohen • Grant N. Dinner • Robert Goldberg* • Lynn-Ann Gries • Gary L. Gross* • Harley I. Gross* • Rochelle Gross • J. David Heller* • Michelle Hirsch • Shoshana Dessler Jacobs • Ira Kaplan • Ilana Isakov Katz • Erica Lazzaro • Gregg A. Levine • Ryan G. Levine • Amy Morgenstern • Albert B. Ratner* • Chuck Horowitz Ratner* • Sharon Rosenbaum • Enid Rosenberg • Bradley J. Schlang • Michael D. Siegal* • Scott M. Simon • Michal Soclof • Richard P. Stovsky • Stephen J. Weinberg* • Sally H. Wertheim* • Morris Wheeler • Danielle Wild • Nancy G. Wolf • Timothy F. Wuliger*
TRUSTEES
EMERITUS
STANDING COMMITTEES (as of September 30, 2022)
Distributes resources from the Campaign for Jewish Needs, balancing local, national, and overseas needs; helps to identify immediate and long-term issues which the community and/or individual agencies need to address; helps ensure that funds from the Campaign for Jewish Needs are used effectively and efficiently
Michelle Hirsch, Chair · Jared S. Miller, Chair, Subcommittee on Human Services · Loree E. Potash, Chair, Subcommittee on Overseas · Elisabeth W. Sherman, Chair, Subcommittee on Education Agencies · Barry S. Feldman, National Agencies Liaison Team ·
COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Studies and plans for community needs
Peter Meisel, Chair
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Oversees all fundraising activities
Enid Rosenberg, Chair · Beth Wain Brandon, General Chair, 2023 Campaign for Jewish Needs · Jennifer E. Cohen, Chair, Women IN Philanthropy · Ryan G. Levine, Chair, Young Leadership Division · Elaine B. Eisner, Chair, Professional Advisory Council · Jules Belkin, Keith Libman, Shari S. Perlmuter, Danielle Wild, Co-Chairs, LIFE & LEGACY
ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE
Recommends funding for community programming and emergency needs
Grant N. Dinner, Chair · Matthew F. Kadish, Chair, Donor Advised Fund Advisory Committee · Alan E. Yanowitz, Chair, Foundation Advisory Council ·
FINANCE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Manages investment of endowment and capital funds
Morris Wheeler, Chair
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Provides guidance and oversight of the recruitment, development, and placement of qualified professional and lay leadership
Lynn-Ann Gries, Chair · Susan R. Hurwitz, Chair, ALeRT (Agency Leadership Roundtable) · Marcia Levine, Chair, Gries Award Committee · Bruce H. Goodman, Beth Rosenberg, Co-Chairs, Mandel Course for Advanced Leadership
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Establishes marketing agenda and oversees communications activities
lana I. Katz, Chair · Marc Blaushild, Sherri Blaushild, Co-Chairs, Annual Meeting
OVERSEAS CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE
Conceives and manages projects that connect Jews in Cleveland with Jews in Israel and around the world
Scott M. Simon, Chair · Mark Holz, Chair, Cleveland/Beit Shean Partnership Subcommittee · Barry S. Feldman, Chair, Cleveland/St. Petersburg Partnership Subcommittee · Scott J. Spiegle, Chair, IDF Education Corps Subcommittee · Dan A. Polster, Chair, Jordan/Cross-Border Initiative Subcommittee · Michael D. Stovsky, Chair, STEM Subcommittee
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE
Responsible for the creation, implementation, oversight, and revision of the Strategic Plan
Danielle Wild, Chair
ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES (as of September 30, 2022)
Idelle K. Wolf, Chair
AUDIT
Richard P. Stovsky, Chair
AWARDS
Daniel N. Zelman, Chair
CASH COLLECTION
Ronald S. Gross, Chair
CHARLES EISENMAN AWARD
Daniel N. Zelman, Chair
COMMISSION ON CEMETERY PRESERVATION
David B. Shifrin, President
EXECUTIVE
Daniel N. Zelman, Chair
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bradley J. Schlang, Chair
JEWISH COMMUNITY HOUSING
Adam H. Gimbel. President · Mark H. Doris, Vice President
JEWISH VOLUNTEER NETWORK
Martin R. Shankle, Chair
NOMINATING
Michal Soclof, Chair
PROPERTIES
Susan S. Frankel, Chair
RETIREMENT FUND
Raymond Rund, Chair
RISK MANAGEMENT
Todd Stein, Chair
SECURITY
Keith Libman, Chair
TECHNOLOGY
Robert D. Marks, Chair
* *Trustees for Life, z”l Of Blessed Memory
2022 Volunteer LeadershipAward Winners
RACHEL GLICKMAN
Amb. Milton A. and Roslyn Z. Wolf Young Campaigner of the Year Award
HALLIE BRAM KOGELSCHATZ
Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Young Leadership Award
MITCHELL C. SCHNEIDER
Gries Family Award for
Community Leadership
HEATHER SCHLANG
Irene Zehman Volunteer Award
MICHELLE HIRSCH
Ruby Bass Challenge Award
RENEÉ
CHELM
Charles Eisenman Award
Thank you to our sponsors.
Our community is stronger because of your support.
For more information on corporate sponsorship opportunities at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland contact Shelley Milin Marcus at 216-593-2900 x273 or smarcus@jewishcleveland.org.
