ED WITTENBERG CJN Staff Reporter Rita, a native of Iran who is one of Israel’s most famous female singers, is trying to create a bond between Iranians and Israelis through her music.

8th Graders at Mandel Jewish Day School are embarking on an Israel journey – read about their experience here!

On the last Friday before Spring Break, the 8th grade class of Mandel JDS (along with their parents, and the entire school) stood proudly in front of the Israeli flag, singing Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. This tradition, commemorating the eighth grade’s upcoming voyage to Israel, has been around for nearly as long as the annual pilgrimage itself.

Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism will be honored at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Yom Hazikaron ceremony at 7 p.m. May 10 at the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood.

When former board chairman Michael Siegal of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland asked Erica Starrfield to lead the organization’s marketing and communications committee in 2011, she initially needed some time to think about it.

We are saddened to inform you that Joyce Garver Keller, retired Director of Ohio Jewish Communities (OJC) who has served our community for more than 25 years, unexpectedly passed away in her sleep last night. Till the very end Joyce was mentor to so many and a tireless advocate on behalf of our community here in Ohio, nationally, in Israel, and around the world.

PJ Library has a new partner: Yehuda Matzos, an Israeli company touting the Jewish literacy program this Passover season.

Our recent Population Study showed that 19% of Cleveland Jewish households live at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Based on this research, the Federation founded a Task Force on Financial Distress, chaired by Bruce Goodman. Their recommendation: Establish a Chesed Center. Chesed, for kindness.