The principle of tzedek is alive and well in Cleveland, where Jewish organizations thrive, improving the city through their philanthropic efforts. As a part of EA University, Executive Arrangements spent a half day in Beachwood, learning about some of the groups driving this change: The Temple Tifereth Israel, Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
Stopping at The Jewish Federation of Cleveland
The Jewish population in Northeast Ohio is well known for their philanthropic efforts. One funding organization, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, aids organizations, programs, and initiatives in Cleveland and beyond. Their local programming focuses heavily on building up young leaders of Cleveland to succeed within the community.
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division creates professional networking opportunities for young adults. jHUB, which also includes many local young professionals, connects interfaith families. Both the Israel Advocacy Fellows Program and Jewish Volunteer Network match individuals to volunteer opportunities, furthering the strong connection to philanthropy in Northeast Ohio.
The Maltz Museum Illuminates Jewish History
With the Cleveland Foundation, the world’s first community foundation, the trend of giving back has been ingrained in every resident. This year’s recipient of the Maltz Heritage Award was Beth Mooney, CEO of KeyCorp, a former “Women of Note Legacy Award” recipient from the Cleveland Foundation. The Maltz Museum, which opened in 2005, has presented this award to notable Cleveland leaders since 2013.
Executive Arrangements’s stop at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage allowed us to further understand Jewish history and culture. Exhibits and tours focus on anti-discrimination, the immigrant experience, and what it means to be Jewish. The ultimate goal is to build bridges of understanding between all museum-goers. The Maltz Museum is a gem in Cleveland, often compared to the to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie, Illinois (just outside Chicago); we are lucky to have it right here in Beachwood!
The Temple Tifereth Israel Gives Back to Cleveland
Also on the east side, The Temple Tifereth Israel, founded in 1850, is one of the leading Jewish Reform congregations in the U.S. The Temple Tifereth Israel has the Israel Early Learning Center, Ganon Gil, as well as The Temple Museum of Jewish of, Religion, and Culture. Ganon Gil features a multi-age playground with a vegetable garden and grape vines (congregants make their own grape juice!) They also have an indoor playroom with a rock wall.
The Temple Museum of Jewish Art, Religion, and Culture, started by Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, is a part of the Temple’s centennial celebration. Over 2,000 pieces are available for visitors to touch and use; the Museum also hosts artists talks, which are open to the public.
The Future of Jewish Cleveland
Cleveland’s rich Jewish history is part of what makes the city so unique. A staple in the community, Jewish newcomers can expect welcoming congregations and a culture of philanthropy that runs deep.