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Directors Report March 2013

March 13, 2013

2 Nisan 5773

Dear Friends,

With Pesach approaching in less than two weeks, we are about to celebrate the Holiday that celebrates our freedom from slavery and our becoming a Nation.  One of the most important tasks each of us has is taking part in “nation building” helping to make our Jewish People into a vibrant and inclusive community based on our heritage and constantly renewing ourselves.  But how do we do this and does it involve all of us? This has been an issue since our ancestors left Egypt.  The Torah tells us of the Exodus of our People from slavery in Egypt.  The Rabbis in the Talmud however explain that 80% of the Children of Israel were killed in Egypt during the plaque of darkness so when the Torah states in Exodus that the Jews left Egypt “Chamushim” (Chapter 13, Verse 18) they say this means that only one fifth left.  According to the Rabbis the rest were killed because they had assimilated.  Assimilation and anti-Semitism have been a constant issue for our People ever since and many people born as Jews have chosen to leave throughout history.

We now live in a world where young Jews can choose freely if they want to be Jewish or not.  Our role is to offer reasons that people should stay Jewish through celebrating all that is special about us, developing pride in what we have accomplished, and educating our young People so they will be knowledgeable and active Jews.  It is likely that not all of them will stay Jewish, but I think more will stay Jewish by choice in this generation than by force in previous generations.  To be successful in reaching this goal we need good role models; individuals who know how to interact with this generation and have the content to lead, as well as people who have the ability to support this renaissance of Jewish life.

In my opinion Hillel in general and Cleveland Hillel in particular serves our People by offering young Jews opportunities to develop their own Jewish journey and by stimulating their interest in making a life-long commitment to Judaism.  This is the wider role of Hillel.  Our agenda is focused on working with Jewish undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and their peers.  We offer them opportunities to strengthen their Jewish identity, their connection to the Jewish community, the State of Israel, our People and our traditions.  In this way they will become better Jews and noble citizens of the world.

In order to accomplish this we have recently refreshed our mission statement which now reads “Engage and empower Jewish young adults through exceptional programming and experiences that foster active Jewish life on and off campus and in the Cleveland Jewish community.

This can occur in an environment where we are supportive of one another and agree that there is no one specific way to be Jewish but a mosaic of approaches.  By working together we will be successful.  A friend of mine recently sent me this story of Rabbi Avraham Isaac Kook, the first modern Chief Rabbi of Palestine/Erertz Yisrael

One Tu B’Shvat Rav Kook visited a kindergarten. The teacher took the children out into the adjoining field, and brought a chair for the Rabbi to sit in and observe. He watched as the youngsters, each having been given a small plant, dug holes in the dirt and lovingly planted their seedlings in the earth.  Suddenly, Rav Kook began to cry. “What is the matter?” asked the
shocked teacher.  Rav Kook replied, “Everyone has something to plant, but I have nothing!”

The teacher was taken aback. “But we didn’t think the great rabbi would want to get his hands dirty,” she said.  Rav Kook then bent down upon the ground and helped one of the children smooth out the ground and carefully place the seedling. “If you want to build a country,” said Rav Kook, looking up at the teacher, “then you had better be prepared to get off your chair, and get your hands dirty.”

Let us together get off our chairs and get our hands dirty.  Nation building is the opportunity and privilege we have every day in our work.  As I have previously mentioned, this is “holy work” and because of the work of our Hillel and hundreds of other Hillels throughout the world, as well as all who offer Jewish opportunities based on our heritage, pluralism, and respect of other ideas, we are assuring a better more vibrant Jewish future.

As always I am interested in hearing your comments and ideas.  I can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 216-231-0040.

With Blessings,

Gary Coleman

Executive Director

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our five program divisions.

Annually we serve over 2500 different young adults through more than 300 programs across our various campuses and divisions. Through Cleveland Hillel, students and young adults connect, experience, lead, celebrate, learn, travel, and give back while developing a dynamic, meaningful, and pluralistic community.

Annual Meeting April 17

You are all invited to our 66th Annual Meeting on Wednesday April 17 at the Hillel Building.  In addition to election of officers and members of the board, celebrating student achievements, thanking outgoing board members, and honoring Glenn Nicholls CWRU retiring Vice President of Student Affairs, the meeting will feature a dialogue with Ari Maron and Peter Rubin about their developments in our neighborhood and how they are answering the needs of students and young professionals

Linked here http://clevelandhillel.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Annual-Meeting-2013-Invite.pdf  is more information about our Annual Meeting.  Please reserve your space by contacting Kathleen McCarthy [email protected] 216-231-0040/10

Oberlin

As you probably know there were a string of racist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic incidents at Oberlin during February, culminating, we thought, in swastikas that appeared in the music conservatory Tuesday night or Wednesday February 26-27.

Then early the next Monday morning, March 4, a student reported seeing a person in KKK dress and the College canceled classes that day, for a day of dialogue.  Our Hillel staff was very involved throughout this difficult time in working with students and colleagues at Oberlin.  They informed me that the day of dialogue on Monday was very important for the student body to support one another and Jewish students played an important role.  Articles on line at CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/04/us/ohio-oberlin-hate-incidents/index.html?iref=allsearch  and the paper Forward.com

http://blogs.forward.com/forward-thinking/172310/oberlins-teachable-moment/ give more information about what occurred on Monday and mentions the work of our Hillel staff and students.  Our staff and students also organized a gathering of Jewish students when classes resumed and a special Oneg this past Friday night after Shabbat dinner to give students the opportunity to talk and support one another.

I want to thank our staff at Oberlin for the important work that they are doing.  Their work, along with the work all of our program and administrative staff, makes a difference daily and should always be recognized, but it is often only during unique circumstances that it is done.

Spring semester at Oberlin is in full swing.  Among the programs during the last month are:

  • Weekly Hillel student meetings including a talk by Professor Roger Selya spoke about “Who are American Jews and Do they have a Future?
  • Regular movies including the screening of “Crime After Crime”
  • Weekly Friday night services followed by Shabbat dinner for over 200 students, followed by an Oneg at a student or staff person house
  • Challah A Capella group continues auditions and rehearsals
  • Poet and translator Rachel Tzvia Back was a guest of Hillel along with Judaic Studies, English, and Creative Writing
  • The annual “Ring mini-Course”  on “Jewish Values, the Environment, and Social Responsibility” was taught by Professor Jeremy Benstein
  • Jewish students gathered to discuss and voice reactions to the hate speech on campus and the events of the last month

More information about other Oberlin programs including Shabbat is available at http://obiejews.com/

Purim

The Holiday of Purim was celebrated by hundreds of students (almost one thousand) through multiple programs on many campuses and in the community.  These included

  • Making Hamentashen at the Cleveland Hillel building and Oberlin
  • Distributing  Mishloach Manot at CWRU, CSU, and Oberlin
  • Shabbat dinners at Oberlin, the Cleveland Hillel building, and a graduate student’s apartment
  • “Purimgras” event at John Carroll
  • Parshat Zachor reading at Oberlin
  • Hundreds celebrate at JCLE Masquerade and Oberlin Purim party
  • Megilla reading with sushi and chocolate at Oberlin
  • Cleveland Metro intergenerational carnival with Megilla reading at a local senior citizen facility
  • Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA) Purim Party

Israel on campus

We continue to organize and sponsor educational and cultural programs about Israel.  Included in this are:

  • Students registered for a May birthright trip
  • Idan Raichel appeared in Cleveland.  Students who went to see the show had the opportunity for a meet and greet after they show
  • In preparation for the concert students and community members learned the lyrics to his songs at Cleveland Hillel
  • Special Seudat Shlishit and Havdala at the building prior to the Idan Raichel concert
  • Our Israel Fellow educates students about Israel and helps them develop advocacy skills
  • Israel movie night every Thursday at the Hillel building

More information about other Israel programs and travel possibilities are at http://clevelandhillel.org/undergradisraelbright.htm

Cleveland Metro

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @JCU

The dynamic programming is continuing.  There is a significant increase not only in the numbers of programs, but also in the program quality, the level of participation, and the student leadership.  Besides the programs listed above regarding Purim and Israel, these are some of the highlights of the last month:

  • Weekly lunch and learn and “schmoozeday Tuesday” at CSU
  • Soups on Monday, café schmooze Tuesday, and Israel movie Thursday at Cleveland Hillel building
  • Shabbat programming including weekly services followed by dinner at Hillel, monthly Shabbat lunch in the community, and themed Shabbat dinners
  • Students attend Cleveland Cavaliars game as part of Jewish Community Night at the Q
  • Students form Hillel Relay for Life team at CWRU
  • Leadership students meet regularly
  • African American cultural night, with a kosher flavor at the building
  • Going away party for Hillary Hirsch so students could thank her and wish her success in her new job

More information about other Cleveland Metro programs is available on our website www.clevelandhillel.org Photos from programs are located (Facebook link)

JCLE/Graduate Students

The types of programs being offered by JCLE/Graduate student division continues to grow.  Recently this included:

  • JLSA Faculty student luncheon at the law school
  • This month’s civic engagement initiative was at the Cleveland Food Bank
  • Shabbat dinners every other Friday night at graduate student apartments
  • JLSA and JMSA leadership meet regularly
  • JLSA Purim party in the law school
  • JCLE “Masquerade” brought together over 200 “twenty-somethings” for an evening of partying and enjoyment
  • JLSA at CSU Torah study

A new short video explaining the importance of JCLE from the perspective of participants can be viewed at http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  It is the first video on the page.

More information about other JCLE Programming is available www.jclecity.org

Summer Internship Program

The application deadline was last month, and earlier this month applicants had access to the website of job descriptions to pick the jobs that interest them.  This is the start of the matching process between interns and jobs as we move closer to the June 2 start of the program.  This coming summer is shaping up to be another great experience with a number of changes being made to continually improve the program.

We are planning to celebrate the five year anniversary of the Summer Internship Program this spring.  The program has 187 alumni and of the 89 who graduated university as of May 2012, 24 are living in Cleveland.  The Program has successfully connected university students to Cleveland and its Jewish community.

We want to thank our funders, especially the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (Let My People Know Cleveland) for the support and the help to significantly increase the number of interns and placements.

Interns and their supervisors were addressed at their thank you lunch in August 2012 on the future growth of industry and tourism in the Cleveland area.  They also heard from student speakers including Laura Henkin who was placed at Sherwin Williams.  Her talk was adapted for an article that was recently published in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/community/article_a04ca420-2f63-11e2-9842-001a4bcf887a.html

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements/Upcoming

CLEVELAND HILLEL MISSION STATEMENT

Engage and empower Jewish young adults through exceptional programming and experiences that foster active Jewish life on and off campus and in the Cleveland Jewish community

CLEVELAND HILLEL VISION STATEMENT

Every Jewish young adult aspires to lifelong Jewish identity and commitment to Jewish life and community

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line at (Network for Good) or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help from our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf

Thank Gd there have been hundreds of donors during the first half of this fiscal year and we wanted to find a way to thank you here, but we decided the best professional way of doing this is through the Annual Report which is ready in October of every year and includes the donors of the previous fiscal year (July 1, – June 30).

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...

Directors Report January 2013

February 13, 2013

3 Adar 5773

Dear Friends,

Spring semester is in full swing on all the campuses we serve, (Oberlin started classes last week) and as you read in the other part of this e-report/blog there continues to be a lot of outstanding programming.

We are in the midst of reading the Book of Exodus (Sefer Shmot) and I want to comment on two themes in this sefer that affect our work.  It is interesting that in the second chapter of Shmot which tells of the birth and naming of Moses (Moshe) his parents are not named and he is named by his adoptive mother.  This should cause us to question why, especially since Moshe is our greatest historical leader.  I believe the text is teaching us that leadership is not dependent on where you come from or your family background.  Each of us has the abilities to make a difference and also use our skills the best we can.

Later in the Sefer there are a number of times where immediately after a miracle the people complain.  This is most apparent in Chapter 15, verse 22 .  Three days after the People cross the Reed Sea that was split and see the Egyptians drown, they complain about a lack of water.  What is going on?  Hadn’t B’nei Yisrael (The children of Israel) witnessed during the previous year the 10 plagues that “hit” the Egyptians, their escape from slavery, and the death of the Egyptians at the sea as they walked to freedom?

There are a number of explanations, and I want to focus on one viewpoint.  It is what we call in education the “Wow factor”.  When we work with students we often ask if they had a “wow experience” in any of the events we sponsor.  Trips to Israel and alternative winter or spring breaks often are viewed in this way.  But sometimes a wow event can be at an ice cream social where a student meets someone and talks long into the night.  What we do know from the example in Sefer Shmot is that wow experiences are not necessarily game changers.  They are inspirational, maybe even memorable, but without follow up they do not necessarily create transformational change.  Change occurs from continuous experiences and involvement.  It might have started because of a wow event, but it is only sustainable if there is significant follow up.  This may not be exciting, but consistency is important.  And I believe for it to be sustainable, the person must take ownership of the process, by placing his or her own personal stamp on it.

So these are some of the keys for our Hillel work if we are to be successful in making an impact and difference in the lives of students.  We must accept every Jewish student no matter what their background as each of them has something to offer.  We should offer “wow experiences” but we need to know how to follow up these experiences by offering ongoing engaging programs and opportunities.  This is effective when it leads to the student “owning” her or his Jewish journey, which makes Jewish life and connecting to the Jewish People personal.

This is the opportunity and privilege we have every day in our work.  In my opinion this is “holy work” and because of the work of our Hillel and hundreds of other Hillels throughout the world, as well as all who offer Jewish opportunities based on our heritage, pluralism, and respect of other ideas, we are assuring a better more vibrant Jewish future.

As always I am interested in hearing your comments and ideas.  I can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 216-231-0040.

With Blessings,

Gary Coleman

Executive Director

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

Alternative Winter Break Joplin Missouri

A group of eight students from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University along with a Cleveland Hillel staff person spent a week in Joplin Missouri during winter break assisting the community there to rebuild homes destroyed by the 2011 tornado.  The Jewish Disaster Response Corp helped organize the week and we were able to support it with the help of a number of funds including the Irving Sunshine Trust.  Students told us that it was both a meaningful and transformative trip.  In the words of one of the participants Vashti Aguilar:

“I recently visited Joplin, Missouri to build homes with nine students from Cleveland Hillel and the Jewish Disaster Response Corps.  A year and a half ago Joplin experienced a stage five tornado, the highest stage a tornado can reach. 161 people died and many more were wounded and left homeless. During our week of service, the students and I worked on a family’s home.  Our service entailed more than painting the house’s walls and putting in floors. We heard survivors’ stories, and each story moved us deeply. We discussed our identities and what being Jewish meant to each of us.

In the evenings we talked about what our ‘service’ meant in Joplin. It takes awareness of others and selflessness to identify what can be improved in a community and then to act upon that. Being in Joplin made me think about being Jewish and a volunteer and how natural disaster can happen anywhere to anyone. I believe we all have the responsibility to help better the world.  The Hebrew term for this is Tikkun Olam. Many religions and cultures across the world also practice and believe in Tikkun Olam, and being on this trip provoked thoughts about how our humanness connects us all. I experienced this by connecting with my peers on the trip and the survivors in Joplin. The kindness we experienced was astounding, and the energy we came back to Cleveland with is everlasting.”

Vashti wrote an essay on her experience for CWRU entitled “Between the Lines of Natural Disaster”.  It can be viewed at http://jdrcorps.org/press/between-the-lines-of-natural-disaster/

Pictures from the trip can be viewed on our website at https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandHillel/photos_stream

Israel on campus

With the start of the spring semester we continue to organize and sponsor educational and cultural programs about Israel.  Included in this are:

  • Birthright registration opens today for our May trip for undergraduates.  Staff and students have been busy reaching out to eligible students
  • Israel movie night every Thursday at the Hillel building.  This included a screening of “Yes Commander” about women commanders of Israeli soldiers who come from difficult backgrounds.  The audience included our regulars from CWRU and CSU, students from MSASS the School of Social Work at CWRU, students from Womens Studies, the ROTC at CWRU, and the Israel club from Kent State Hillel.  Two IDF women officers joined us and led a discussion after the film
  • Our Israel Fellow took students to an Israel Advocacy weekend in Pittsburgh where they met students from other universities and as one of the students stated,

“The Israel advocacy skills I learned are sure to be useful in my impact on campus.”

  • Tu B’Shvat Shabbat had an Israel educational flavor
  • The 10 year anniversary of the space shuttle disaster that killed Ilan Ramon was remembered
  • “Watch party” and discussion of the results of the Israel elections
  • Middle Eastern Cultural Night at CSU – Hillel@CSU organized the evening that was co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Association and African Student Organization.  It brought over 100 students and gave them a taste of Middle East food, clothing, music, and geography.

Students will be attending the Idan Raichel concert this weekend and have a meet and greet with him after his performance.   In preparation they will learn about his songs.

More information about other Israel programs and travel possibilities are at http://clevelandhillel.org/undergradisraelbright.htm

 

Cleveland Metro

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @JCU

As the semester began we are continuing the dynamic programming from the fall semester where the staff and students organized almost 100 different programs on the campuses served by Cleveland Metro.  There is a significant increase not only in the numbers of programs, but also in the program quality, the level of participation, and the student leadership.  Besides the programs listed above regarding the alternative winter break and Israel, these are some of the highlights of the last month:

  • Welcome Back “Chili” night at the Cleveland Hillel building
  • Co-sponsored the MLK Essay contest at CWRU
  • Weekly lunch and learn and café schmooze at CSU
  • Soups on Monday and Israel movie Thursday at Cleveland Hillel building
  • Participate in multi faith event on the legacy of Martin Luther King at CWRU
  • “ChillFest” at CSU included being part of the Information Fair
  • Shabbat programming including weekly services followed by dinner at Hillel, monthly Shabbat lunch in the community, and themed Shabbat dinners
  • Plan semester programs at JCU.  David Markovich our student leader there received the “Student Leader of the Year Award”.  It is the highest honor a student leader can receive on behalf of Student Activities and the Student Union. The winning student has exemplified what it means to be “Men and Women for Others” through their actions, leadership, events, and presence on campus.  We are very proud of David and all he has accomplished
  • Students attend a Lake Erie Monster hockey game
  • Students form Hillel Relay for Life team at CWRU
  • JDC global opportunities are presented to interested students
  • Leadership students meet regularly and attended the board retreat that discussed refreshing mission and vision

More information about other Cleveland Metro programs is available on our website www.clevelandhillel.org Photos from programs are located (Facebook link)

JCLE/Graduate Students

The types of programs being offered by JCLE/Graduate student division continues to grow.  Recently this included:

  • JCLE co-sponsored the Snow Ball at the end of December with FIDF and YLD
  • Graduate Students and JCLE’rs went on a birthright trip sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland
  • An evening of bowling brought over 60 participants together on a recent Thursday evening
  • This month’s civic engagement initiative was at the Friendship Circle where we interacted with children on a hands on pottery event
  • Shabbat dinners continue every other Friday night at graduate student apartments
  • JLSA and JMSA leadership is meeting regularly
  • Grad student Happy Hour brought together students as the semester started
  • Helping recruit candidates for Moishe House in Cleveland
  • JLSA bagel brunch at CWRU Law School
  • The quarterly focus group met and its feedback helps develop the ongoing JCLE program

Later this month is the “Masquerade” which promises to be a very special event

A new short video explaining the importance of JCLE from the perspective of participants can be viewed at http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  It is the first video on the page.

More information about other JCLE Programming is available www.jclecity.org

Oberlin

Spring semester started last week.  During winter term in January the Hillel staff had the opportunity to work with students on a number of special projects including arts projects, Challah, the new A cappella group, and Jewish learning.  Hillel at Oberlin continues to amaze as each semester improves on the previous one.  The wealth of programming is astounding and is a testimony to the great staff/student partnership there.

Winter term Programming included:

  • Arts projects
  • Challah, the Jewish A cappella group
  • Jewish learning
  • Shabbat dinners
  • Kosher/Halal co-op

More information about other Oberlin programs including Shabbat is available at http://obiejews.com/

Summer Internship Program 

The deadline for applications is February 15, later this week.  This coming summer is shaping up to be another great experience with a number of changes being made to continually improve the program.  We are also planning a fifth year anniversary celebration of the Summer Internship Program for May 21.  The program has 187 alumni and of the 89 who graduated university as of May 2012, 24 are living in Cleveland.  The Program has connected university students to Cleveland and its Jewish community.

We want to thank our funders, especially the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (Let My People Know Cleveland) for the support and the help to significantly increase the number of interns and placements.

Interns and their supervisors were addressed at their thank you lunch in August 2012 on the future growth of industry and tourism in the Cleveland area.  They also heard from student speakers including Laura Henkin who was placed at Sherwin Williams.  Her talk was adapted for an article that was recently published in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/community/article_a04ca420-2f63-11e2-9842-001a4bcf887a.html

Video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at the 2011 luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the third video and Josh Davidson is the fourth video.

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements/Upcoming

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line at (Network for Good) or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help from our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf

Thank Gd there have been hundreds of donors during the first half of this fiscal year and we wanted to find a way to thank you here, but we decided the best professional way of doing this is through the Annual Report which is ready in October of every year and includes the donors of the previous fiscal year (July 1, – June 30).

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...

Directors Report December 2012

December 19, 2012

6 Tevet 5773

Dear Friends,

This past Friday I took a day off.  It was the 6th day of Chanukah and Rosh Chodesh.  I needed to take care of a few things with my children (who had a vacation day from school), run some errands, and since it was Friday help at home to get ready for Shabbat.  As I was driving between errands in the late morning hours, I heard the early reports of the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown Connecticut.

Now a few days later with the opportunity to learn more about the tragedy, hear about some of the heroic acts, and listen to reactions, I know that there are a number of ways I am impacted, our work is affected, and the world changes.   As I wrote our staff earlier in the week I wish I had the words and ability to make sense of what happened and assure that things like this do not happen again. I do not have that ability, but I do think our history has taught us some possible ways to react.

As I have written in the past we live in a world where there is plenty of good, but the evil that occurs can block this out.  Our challenge is to find ways to focus on the good while recognizing that there is also evil.  Maybe the paradigm for this is to educate people to be realistic idealists.  This seeming contradiction in terms resonates in the real world where we live.  We want things to be good for everyone, but we know that will never be.  We strive for perfection, but never get there.  We need to respond to evil, but sometimes ask if it worth it.  The answer is yes, not because we are going to solve everything, but because it is the best answer we have.

Maybe this is where the Chanukah story can help.  There are two narratives that are important here.  As you know each of the nights of the Holiday we add a candle to the Chanukia/Menorah, so on the eighth night the entire Menorah is lit up.  In our work we are privileged to add light to the world through the students we work with every day.  This light becomes brighter over time when we allow the good that is done to shine bright.  So on this Holiday that rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem let us rededicate ourselves to our important and holy work – helping a new generation of people become leaders and advocates for a brighter Jewish community and a better world.

But we know it is not so simple.  Within a few generations after Chanukah most of Yehuda HaMacabi’s descendants were no longer Jewish.  They had assimilated into the Greek culture.  But there were others committed to continuing the Jewish People.  Similar scenarios have been part of our history and continue to this day.  It can be very frustrating as we do not know who will be affected by our work.  But we do know that there will be students influenced and that there will be those who continue to assure a strong and dynamic Jewish world.

Maybe this is our answer to the tragedy of what happened at Sandy Hook.  Ideally we want to say that tragedy will not occur again, but the reality is that it probably will.  Our duty is to make sure we do the best we can to make the world a better place (with all the warts the world has), to let the light shine in.  Let us help the students, and our fellow men and women, become realistic idealists.

As always I am interested in hearing your comments and ideas.  I can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 216-231-0040.

With Blessings,

Gary Coleman

Executive Director

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

Chanukah Roundup

During Chanukah we had multiple programs on many of the campuses we serve.  In addition to nightly candle lighting and Shabbat dinner at both the Cleveland Hillel building adjacent to CWRU and Oberlin these include:

  • End of semester Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) study over with Chanukah theme,
  • Monday Chanukah dinner, and Latkepalooza (make your own latke toping) at Cleveland Hillel building
  • Campus Chanukah party, Menorah making workshops, and latke making programs in the dorms at Oberlin
  • John Carroll University Hillel hosted a Latkepalooza event in their student union atrium
  • Commuter students had a Chanukah party in the eastern suburbs

Israel on campus

Last month I reported on our educational activities in response to Israel defending herself because of the increased shelling of Israeli civilians from Gaza.  We were able to bring a pro-Israel message to students at CWRU, Cleveland State (CSU), John Carroll, and Oberlin.  A pro-Palestinian speaker appeared at three of those campuses later in November and we responded.  Our staff and student leaders monitored the situation, our Israel Fellow had the opportunity to challenge the speaker’s assertions in a public forum and change the audiences view, and he is invited to speak in a number of classes next semester.

Other programs over the past few weeks included:

  • Israel Trivia night at the Jolly Scholar on CWRU campus
  • Israel culture and cooking class at Cleveland Hillel building
  • A session on the Israeli legal system at CSU
  • Speaking to a class at CWRU on Israeli society
  • Shulchan Ivrit at Oberlin
  • Peace vigil and poetry reading at Oberlin
  • Regular screening of Israeli movies both at CWRU and Oberlin

More information about other Israel programs and travel possibilities are at http://clevelandhillel.org/undergradisraelbright.htm

Special at Oberlin

With finals concluding this week, Hillel at Oberlin has had another wonderful semester of programming.  The wealth of programming continues to astound and is a testimony to the great staff/student partnership there.  In addition to what has been written about Chanukah and Israel programming other highlights of the past month include:

  • Yiddish folk concert and discussion on Yiddish culture co-sponsored by German House
  • Challah, the new Jewish A cappella group, is rehearsing multiple times weekly
  • TV clips and conversation on Humor and Jews in the Media
  • Shabbat services followed by themed Shabbat dinners including Queer Shabbat, Middle East Shabbat, and Chanukah Shabbat

More information about other Oberlin programs including Shabbat is available at http://obiejews.com/

Cleveland Hillel Metro

         Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @JCU

During the fall semester the staff and students organized almost 100 different programs on the campuses served by Cleveland Metro.  There was a significant increase not only in the numbers of programs, but also in the program quality, the level of participation, and the student leadership.  Besides the programs listed above regarding Chanuka and Israel, these are some of the highlights of the last month:

  • Weekly lunch and learn, café schmooze, and wake up at CSU
  • CSU professor Samantha Baskind discusses Jews in comics
  • Soups on Monday and Israel movie Thursday at Cleveland Hillel building
  • Shabbat programming including weekly services followed by dinner at Hillel, monthly Shabbat lunch in the community, involvement in high school youth group Shabbatonim, and themed Shabbat dinners like BRINNER
  • Orientation for Alternative Winter Break trip to Joplin, MO

More information about other Cleveland Metro programs is available on our website www.clevelandhillel.org Photos from programs are located (Facebook link)

JCLE/Graduate Students

The types of programs being offered by JCLE/Graduate student division continues to grow.  During the last month this includes:

  • JCLE Black and White party brought over one hundred attendees together for a night of enjoyment
  • JCLE’s monthly Civic Engagement Initiative volunteered at the Make a Wish Foundation in early December
  • An Israeli law professor spoke about the Israeli legal system at Cleveland Marshall
  • Shabbat dinners at graduate student apartments

Upcoming in the next week:

  • JCLE is co-sponsoring the Snow Ball with FIDF and YLD
  • Graduate Students and JCLE participants will be going on a birthright trip sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland

A new 5 minute video explaining the importance of JCLE from the perspective of participants can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t92vY6tdmK8&feature=youtu.be

More information about other JCLE Programming is available www.jclecity.org

Summer Internship Program

The 2013 program will be ten weeks from June 3 – August 9, 2013.  A number of changes have been made as we continue to improve the program and make it the summer program of choice for Cleveland based Jewish undergraduate students who will be entering their junior or senior year.  To learn more about the program http://clevelandhillel.org/overview.htm or to apply please go to  http://clevelandhillel.org/howtoapply.htm

A number of recruiting efforts are occurring including info nights, mailings, contacting campus Hillels, and advertisements in the media.

To learn more about becoming an employer please visit http://clevelandhillel.org/employers.htm

A night for seniors, graduating in May 2013, so they can learn about job and living opportunities in Cleveland took place earlier this week.  It was planned with the help of Summer Internship Program alum living in Cleveland and co-sponsored with Let My People Know Cleveland and Global Cleveland.

We want to thank our funders, especially the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (Let My People Know Cleveland) for the support and the help to significantly increase the number of interns and placements.

Interns and their supervisors were addressed at their thank you lunch in August 2012 on the future growth of industry and tourism in the Cleveland area.  They also heard from student speakers including Laura Henkin who was placed at Sherwin Williams.  Her talk was adapted for an article that was recently published in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/community/article_a04ca420-2f63-11e2-9842-001a4bcf887a.html

Video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at the 2011 luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements/Upcoming

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line at (Network for Good) or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help from our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...

Directors Report November 2012

Dear Friends,

The last month of programming on all of our campuses and in the community has been phenomenal, but my first duty as I write this is to express my concern about the security situation in Israel.  As you know rockets have been firing into Israel from Gaza in increasing numbers and they are now reaching the center of the country.  Over the last few days Israel has responded with air strikes on strategic locations in Gaza and has mobilized soldiers on its border with Gaza.  We know that the first duty of Israel, as all countries, is the protection of her citizens and to assure that they live in security.  As we are currently being reminded, this has never been as simple to do as it should be.

In order to live in peace with your neighbors they much recognize your right to exist, and Israel is still waiting for most Arab States to recognize its right to exist as a Jewish State.  This is the basic right that all nation states have and we need to support Israel as it continues to demand that it thrive in security and peace along-side its neighbors.

I want to suggest that a paradigm we can use to better understand the issues and also help us educate our students and the campus community can be learned by looking at the text of the weekly Torah portion we read this past Shabbat.  In Toldot (Genesis Chapter 26 versus 13-33) we read about the relationship between Yitzchak and Avimelach.  Within the narrative of wells being dug and Yitzchak digging anew and renaming the wells with the names his father gave them, we learn about three specific wells.  When these wells were dug the first two were argued over by the shepherds of Yitzchak and Avimelach and they were called dispute (Esek) and hindrance (Sitnah). Then a third well was dug and it was called “Rechovot” wide to signify that there is enough room for both Peoples and that all can be fruitful in the land.

I think we can learn from this that first of all we need to be clear about our rights, but to also be willing to recognize that there are others who may also have rights.  The land becomes wide enough for all of us only if all of us are willing to live there in peace and security.  This has not yet happened so Israel must continue to be diligent while also offering its neighbors the opportunity to prosper together.

So as we work with students and together create programs to learn more about Israel and many other Jewish topics, we are privileged to offer them opportunities to connect to our rich tradition, to be proud of their Jewish heritage, and to decide how they want to add their personal commitment as we strengthen our People, assure a better Jewish future, and an improved world.

This is our important goal as we strive to educate a new generation of young Jews, inspire them to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, and enrich their lives so they may enrich the Jewish People and the world.  We will be more successful in achieving this if we become more literate with our heritage and use the lessons we learn to build a strong and diverse Jewish community.

As always I am interested in hearing your comments and ideas,

With Blessings,

Gary Coleman

Executive Director

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions. 

Israel on campus at CWRU, CSU, Oberlin, JCU

During the past few days we were at Cleveland State University tabling for Israel during CSU’s International Day, and reaching out to dozens of Jewish and non-Jewish students.  At CSU we also talked with Israelis via Skype during a “lunch & learn” so students could receive an Israel Update.  At Case Western Reserve University and at the Hillel building we had an Israeli cultural night that brought students together and also became a forum for an Israel update.  Information packets about the situation were also put together so students could take them with them after Shabbat dinner and as a means for discussion.  At John Carroll University many students signing a poster supporting Israel’s right to defend itself at a table set up in the student union.  And at Oberlin College the students used their weekly Israel meeting to learn more about the events in Israel.

Our Israel Fellow organized the screening of the movie Voices from El-Sayed about a Bedouin village in the Negev with a high percentage of deaf people.  The movie screening was co-sponsored by MECA (Middle East Cultural Association) student group and the Cleveland Speech and Hearing Center.  After the screening the film’s director led a discussion on how different cultures relate to deafness and whether it should be viewed as a disability.

Other programs over the past few weeks included:

  • Cafe Ivrit
  • Conversation with Mr. Yaron Sideman the new Consul General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region stationed in Philadelphia
  • A dialogue with Yoram Ettinger
  • Participate in the Magen David Adom walk/run
  • Shulchan Ivrit at Oberlin
  • Regular screening of Israeli movies both at CWRU and Oberlin

More information about other Israel programs and travel possibilities are at http://clevelandhillel.org/undergradisraelbright.htm

Mayim Bialik Hosted by Cleveland Hillel at CWRU and in the community

On Thursday evening November 1 Mayim Bialik of the Big Bang Theory who has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience spoke to almost 600 current college and university students on the Case Western Reserve University campus on “Neuroscience and Acting:  How I Stay Sane in Hollywood”.   The event was preceded by dinner with about 70 student leaders where she spoke about her Jewish journey.  Following the talk Ms. Bialik returned to the Hillel building where almost 200 students waited in line for a meet and greet.  The evening was reported in articles both in the CJN and the CWRU Observer.

http://www.thecwruobserver.com/star-from-the-big-bang-theory-speaks-to-cwru-students-on-her-jewish-faith-acting-career/

http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/community/article_ef0796f8-29c1-11e2-a02b-001a4bcf887a.html

The general response to Mayim at CWRU was “what a phenomenal program”.

On Friday November 2 over 120 community members came for “Breakfast with Mayim Bialik ” at the Mandel JCC .  She spoke about her acting career, her academic decisions, her Jewish journey, and the important role Hillel played in her life.

Again, Mayim received rave reviews for both her inspiring talk and her down to earth personality.

Special at Oberlin

Oberlin Hillel hosted Mark Potok, Senior Fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center, who spoke about The State of Hate:  The Rise of Extremism in America on November 1.  His talk to a few hundred students sensitized them to the growth of hate groups in the United States.  Two weeks after his talk Oberlin Hillel organized a panel discussion of three professors on “Freedom of Speech and the Denigration of Religion” to discuss whether freedom of speech should allow one to denigrate the religion of others .

The new Jewish A capella group Challah was formed and is rehearsing weekly

Caroline Stoessinger spent a day at Oberlin and spoke about her work with Holocaust survivor Alice Herz-Sommer.  She talked about the book she wrote, “A Century of Wisdom: Lessons from the Life of Alice Herz-Sommer within the framework of Transcending Tragedy; Music, Forgiveness, and Alice.

More information about other Oberlin programs including Shabbat dinners and Tzedek Programming is available at http://obiejews.com/

Trip to United States Holocaust Museum

Thirty Seven students (Jewish and non-Jewish) from CWRU, CSU, and CIM plus 2 staff people spent a day in Washington DC at the Holocaust Memorial Museum.  They toured the permanent exhibit, met with a Holocaust survivor, and spoke about “From Memory to Action: Meeting the Challenge of Genocide and A Dangerous Lie”.  The day was very meaningful and included an exchange between one of our students originally from Germany who apologized in the name of his people to the survivor.  Student comments included:

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how overwhelmingly grateful I am for having had the opportunity to join this trip to D.C. …  I cannot thank you, Hillel, and our sponsors enough for putting this trip together for us.  The museum was absolutely incredible, and speaking to the interns regarding their take on the Holocaust, the museum and their interning experience has really opened my mind up as to how I can approach exposing my own students effectively once I finish my degree in Art Education this summer.  I will forever remember this experience and am appreciative to the point of a loss for words.

My favorite part was the permanent exhibit, like most other people you know about the Holocaust, some more than others. However, seeing the suit cases and pictures at that scale and so on were very eye opening and quite an experience. Also hearing from the survivor was touching as well. Once again, thanking you for opening up the invite to us! I greatly appreciate the chance to engage with others in such an educational and emotional experience.

More information about other Cleveland Metro programs including Shabbat dinners and Social Programming is available www.clevelandhillel.org   Photos from programs are at https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandHillel/photos_albums

JCLE/Graduate Students

  • JCLE Civic Engagement Program brought a carnival to young people at Bellefaire
  • Mark Potok spoke at CWRU Law School about hate groups in America
  • Shabbat dinners at graduate student apartments
  • JCLE Dodgeball tournament and after party
  • Participate in Jewish Federation of Cleveland Super Sunday

More information about other JCLE Programming is available www.jclecity.org

Summer Internship Program

The 2013 program will be ten weeks from June 3 – August 9, 2013.  A number of changes have been made as we continue to improve the program and make it the summer program of choice for Cleveland based Jewish undergraduate students who will be entering their junior or senior year.  To learn more about the program http://clevelandhillel.org/overview.htm or to apply please go to  http://clevelandhillel.org/howtoapply.htm

To learn more about becoming an employer please visit http://clevelandhillel.org/employers.htm

We want to thank our funders, and especially the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (Let My People Know Cleveland) for the support and the help to significantly increase the number of interns and placements.

Interns and their supervisors were addressed at their thank you lunch on the future growth of industry and tourism in the Cleveland area.  They also heard from student speakers including Laura Henkin who was placed at Sherwin Williams.  You can read her talk here http://clevelandhillel.org/summer-testimonials.htm    Her remarks are the first testimonial on the page.

Her talk was adapted for an article that was recently published in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/community/article_a04ca420-2f63-11e2-9842-001a4bcf887a.html

Video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at the 2011 luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements/Upcoming

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line through our website www.clevelandhillel.org or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help from our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...

Director’s Report October 2012

Dear Friends,

 

I hope this finds you well.  Wow!  It has already been a month since Rosh Hashanah.  Our work on campus and in the community is keeping us very busy as we are working with a growing population of Jewish students attending the 11 colleges and universities we serve.  I will report on some of these program developments in the other part of this report as well as mentioning some upcoming special events.

 

Simchat Torah which we celebrated at the end of the Tishrei Holidays is the time we finish reading the Torah and start the cycle again with Breishit (Genesis).  This is a favorite time for me as Genesis is my favorite book of the Torah.  I love reading the text which always enlightens me on the complexities of life.  Adam and Chava, their children, Noah and his generation, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’acov, and his children present us with real life dilemmas.  And as people, not stereotypes, we read about their triumphs and their mistakes.  We read about how Gd is so pleased with his creation on day 6 when he creates Man, that he says “everything Gd made is very good” and a few chapters later he is ready to throw in the towel stating ”I will wipe out Man that I created” totally frustrated with Man’s actions.  What happened?

 

Maybe an answer is hinted at in the two creation stories that appear in the first two chapters of Genesis.  In the first one Man is created in Gd’s image while in the second one Gd forms Man from the dust of the earth.  So are we Gd like or are we just another living thing?  The answer might be that potentially we could be either and the gift we have of free will should help us decide to be Gd like.  To me this means doing our best to make the world a better place.

 

For me, the choice of taking it upon ourselves to improve society is the message of our Torah and especially the Book of Genesis.  Before being taught the commandments we learn that life is full of challenges.  Our ancestors are not perfect.  While there is a lot of good and many examples of compassion and justice, there are also mistakes, evil, killings, rebellion, …   The Torah is a book for grown-ups and we should relate to it in this way.  The lessons we can learn from it should guide us as we decide how we want to live our lives.

 

This is critical for us to understand as we strive to educate a new generation of young Jews, inspire them to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, and enrich their lives so they may enrich the Jewish People and the world.  We will be more successful in achieving this if we become more literate with our heritage and use the lessons we learn to build a strong and diverse Jewish community.

 

As always I am interested in hearing your comments and ideas,

 

With Blessings,

 

 

Gary Coleman

Executive Director

 

If you have the opportunity please join us on Sunday October 21 for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s annual Super Sunday at the Federation building anytime between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.  Information available at https://secure.ujcfederations.org/ft2/form.html?__id=25685

 

Special Upcoming Programs

 

Mayim Bialik is coming to Cleveland November 1-2

 

November 1-2 promises to be a special time for the Cleveland Hillel Foundation.  On Thursday evening November 1 Mayim Bialik of the Big Bang Theory who has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience will be speaking to current college and university students on the Case Western Reserve University campus on “Neuroscience and Acting:  How I Stay Sane in Hollywood”.   The event is being supported by a number of CWRU academic divisions and student organizations including the College of Arts and Sciences – The Office of the Provost – Division of Student Affairs – Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence, USG and UPB, as well as community partners including Louis E. Emsheimer Hillel Arts Memorial Fund, Gretel B. Bloch Charitable Trust, Jules and Fran Belkin, and Adam and Nancy K. Levin.

 

On Friday November 2 community members are invited to join us for “Breakfast with Mayim Bialik ” 8:00-9:30 A.M. at the Mandel JCC . Her talk “My Jewish Journey-How I Got to Where I am Today While Staying Sane” will focus on how she balances her Jewish values with life as a famous actress. Kosher breakfast, presentation, and Q & A. If you are interested in coming you need to register by October 29, 2012 at http://breakfastwithmayimbialik.eventbrite.com

With support from Louis E. Emsheimer Hillel Arts Memorial Fund and CWRU Jewish Alumni Network

 

Mark Potok is coming to Oberlin November 1

 

Thursday afternoon November 1 Mark Potok, Senior Fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center, will be giving a talk at 4:30pm in King 306. The talk is titled “State of Hate” and he will be discussing both political and religious extremism in the US today. The talk is being co-sponsored by a number of academic departments and student organizations at Oberlin including the Multicultural Resource Center, History Department, Law and Society, and the Politics Department

 

 

Recent Program Highlights

 

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

 

Cleveland Metro Undergraduate

 

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @ John Carroll

 

  • • Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were observed with meals and services at the Cleveland Hillel building and through home hospitality at community member homes and attending services at local synagogues and temples.  Students received special Rosh Hashanah bags wishing them a sweet New Year.
  • • Hillel at John Carroll brought a local Jewish band to play at a “New Years” celebration in the student union atrium and JungleTerry during Sukkot
  • • At CSU students learned about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur during their weekly get togethers
  • • “Celebrate the Jewish New Year” as part of CWRU Friday community hour programming
  • • Participate in student organization information fairs on all campuses
  • • Weekly Shabbat dinners on campus and bi-monthly Shabbat meals in the community
  • • Twice a week programs at CSU, Schmoozing Tuesday and Learning Thursday was expanded to three times a week and includes Wake Up Wednesday
  • • Soups on Monday and Schmoozday Tuesday at Cleveland Hillel building
  • • Weekly Israel movie club every Thursday at the Hillel building
  • • Hillel team of students participated in the annual Labor Day kosher rib burn off
  • • Special programming for Homecoming and Parents Weekend including a Think Forum on the international reach of CWRU with a focus on study in Israel and a special Shabbat dinner.  These events were part of the kickoff of the CWRU Jewish Alumni Network in cooperation with Cleveland Hillel
  • • Sukkot celebrations included Shakshuka in the Sukkah, lunch with Interfaith discussion focusing on the environment, and yoga in the Sukka
  • • Discussion on Jewish Genealogy
  • • Krav Maga program teaching self-defense the Israeli style

 

Oberlin

 

  • • Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were observed with services in the student union building and meals at the Kosher-Halal coop.  There were also Tashlich services.  Other events during the week included informational tables on the Holiday and apple picking
  • • Shabbat services and dinner reach hundreds of students weekly
  • • Students develop oneg Shabbat program to socialize after Shabbat dinner
  • • Torah study and lunch Shabbat afternoon
  • • Special Labor Day weekend events including Jewish Muslim community barbecue
  • • Ice cream social to celebrate first day of classes
  • • Folk music concert with Sheldon Low at college coffee house
  • • Participate in student group organization fairs
  • • Weekly “Shulchan Ivrit”, practicing speaking Hebrew over lunch
  • • Israeli dancing
  • • Student led discussions about Israel, the peace process, and a two state solution
  • • Hookah in the Sukkah with Middle Eastern pastries
  • • Simchat Torah services followed by party with sushi and chocolate desserts
  • • First year students go ice skating
  • • Israeli soldiers speak about their army service
  • • Challah a new Acapella group has auditions
  • • Discuss Jewish identity at Oberlin at weekly Hillel meeting

 

JCLE/Graduate Student Programming

  • • Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were observed with meals and services at the Cleveland Hillel building and through home hospitality at community member homes and attending services at local synagogues and temples.
  • • Rosh Hashanah party in the law school at CWRU and CSU
  • • Bi-weekly Shabbat dinners at graduate student apartments
  • • Sushi in the Sukkah
  • • Participate in info fairs at a number of graduate schools
  • • Organizing new Jewish graduate student group as part of CWRU Graduate Student Senate in addition to JLSA and JMSA
  • • Student lounge in building is used as study center
  • • Weekly happy hour for graduate student on campus
  • • JCLE focus groups help develop new ideas
  • • JLSA bagel breakfast
  • • JCLE planning for December and March parties and sports programs
  • • JCLE “Civic Engagement Initiative”, a new monthly program brought a group of graduate students and JCLE participants to volunteer opportunities throughout the community

 

Summer Internship Program

We are starting to plan for the summer 2013 program.  The program will now be ten weeks from June 3 – August 9, 2013.  A number of other changes are being finalized as we continue to improve the program and make it the summer program of choice for Cleveland based Jewish undergraduate students who will be entering their junior or senior year.  We will be announcing these changes shortly,  In the meantime if you have ideas please contact Ilana Mandel the director of the Summer Internship Program [email protected]

 

The past summer was the fifth year of our Summer Internship Program.  Sixty interns were placed at businesses and non-profits.  We want to thank all the businesses and non-profits who hosted students.  The list of employers and students is here http://clevelandhillel.org/employers.htm   We also want to thank our funders, and especially the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (Let My People Know Cleveland) for the support and the help to significantly increase the number of interns and placements for this summer.

 

Interns and their supervisors were addressed at their thank you lunch on the future growth of industry and tourism in the Cleveland area.  They also heard from student speakers including Laura Henkin who was placed at Sherwin Williams.  You can read her talk here http://clevelandhillel.org/summer-testimonials.htm   Her remarks are the first testimonial on the page.

 

To understand the impact of the program from the perspective of past participants, please read this article that recently appeared in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/special_sections/education/article_b7bede7a-5278-11e1-84ea-001871e3ce6c.html

 

Also video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at the 2011 luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

 

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements/Upcoming

 

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line through our website www.clevelandhillel.org or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help from our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.  The FY 2012 list will be posted soon.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...

Directors Report – August 2012

August 30, 2012

12 Elul 5772

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well. As I write this the new academic year has started at most of the universities and colleges we work with while a few others begin classes immediately after Labor Day.  It is a very exciting time for us as each of our four program divisions are growing.  We are developing more avenues for Jewish undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and their peers to meet one another and grow as young Jews who are committed both to their People and their fellow man.  Students have taught us that they are passionate about Jewish life, and that their interests include both traditional ways of connecting as well as innovative ones.

I think this is important to reflect on as we are a few weeks away from Rosh Hashanah.  Many pundits tell us that this generation is less connected to their Jewish identity, removed from Israel, and there is much concern about the future of our People.  From our work with students we see it differently.  Students are looking for ways to become involved and we have the privilege to work with them to help them create their own “Jewish Journey” while also creating community.  By becoming active they have the opportunity to develop the world they want to see.

Through our work we have found that these ideas resonate with the students:

  • • The human spirit and ability can be limitless.  It is dependent on each individual and what he or she decides to do with their lives.
  • • None of us have to be “special” to make a difference; we do the right thing by making a difference.  This is the Divine spark in all of us, and together we are making the world a better place
  • • We can discuss issues and learn from one another.  It is also possible to disagree without feeling the need to be disagreeable.  We can respect our differences as there are multiple possibilities and no perfect answers.
  • • The world is inherently good, (much good happens every day) with the caveat that we know that a lot of “crap” also occurs.  Sometimes so much that we forget that there is good.  However, if we are willing to take a step back we do know that there is more good than bad.
  • • Just as our People have survived centuries of exile and have returned to build the State of Israel, there is much that can be done when you set goals, put your mind and passion into attaining them, and accept the responsibility for your actions.
  • • Judaism has a rich history and secure future because we have succeeded in blending our tradition with the modern world.  Learn from our tradition and make it part of your life.  By doing this each of us can enrich the Jewish People and make the world a better place.
  • • As a people and as individuals we should take the long view of history and teach that quick answers and results while tempting often do not work.  We should clearly state that those who try to oversimplify things and teach that the choices are simple, are wrong.  Living a just and good life is not easy, never have been, and probably never will be.  There are many challenges and there will always be unanswered questions.
  • • An answer is to develop leaders who are passionate moderates who think before they act, take in multiple perspectives, and work to develop consensus.  We do this by encouraging students to take charge of their own Jewish journey.  A community where each person is viewed as a welcome addition and we celebrate our commonality while respecting our differences is a Just community.
  • • It is in our hands to make the world better.

We think that these ideas can help improve life.  This is our charge and thinking about how to get there is especially poignant at this time of self-reflection as we approach Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

My next e-report/blog will be sent after Yom Kippur so let me take this opportunity to wish each of you a Happy, Healthy, and Sweet New Year.

I look forward to hearing from you and learning from your comments and perspectives.

Shana Tova,

Gary

Executive Director

Recent Program Highlights

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

Cleveland Metro Undergraduate

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @ John Carroll

Classes started at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and John Carroll University Monday August 27.  We are witness to an increase in the numbers of Jewish students especially at CWRU so there is greater participation in our programming.

The programs we have sponsored during orientation and the first week of class include:

  • • Tens of first year students and their parents visited the building last week as CWRU students arrived on campus for orientation
  • • Over 30 first year students came to learn about travel and study opportunities in Israel
  • • Staff participated in a number of multi faith programs that focused on religious life at CWRU
  • • About 50 students participated in Shabbat services and dinner for first year students.  This is many more than in previous years
  • • Seventy five students (mostly first years) came to a barbecue the day before classes started
  • • Freshman “Speed Meeting” was set up by the Hillel Undergraduate Leadership Council (HULC) so freshman could meet one another and learn how they can become involved in Hillel
  • • A second barbecue occurred during the first week of class for new and returning students
  • • At Cleveland State University students came together for “Café Schmooze”, “Wake Up Wednesday” (a new program), and “Lunch and Learn”.
  • • At John Carroll University leadership students and staff are meeting and receiving support from their university colleagues to develop programming for the semester
  • • On all the campuses we are involved in student organization fairs, multi-faith initiatives, scheduling social events, and planning for the High Holidays
  • • Our Israel Fellow is meeting with students, recruiting for birthright and MASA, and planning upcoming Israel focused programs

Oberlin

  • • Classes start the day after Labor Day and this weekend will be the opening Shabbat dinner on Friday and the opening barbecue on Sunday
  • • Staff is busy meeting students during orientation week programming
  • • The staff worked with the Resident Advisors (RA’s) during their training to inform them about Jewish life on campus
  • • Hillel student leaders are working with the staff to plan the schedule of programs for the semester

JCLE/Graduate Student Programming

  • • Bi-weekly Shabbat dinners at graduate student apartments started earlier this month
  • • Wine tasting event was held at a local venue during the summer
  • • Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA) and Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA) are planning regular activities for the academic year
  • • The Dean of the CWRU law school is having lunch with a number of Jewish law students
  • • The JCLE “Jooz Cruise”, an evening on the Nautica Queen, is happening tonight
  • • JCLE civic engagement program will be starting in September with a day of volunteering

Summer Internship Program

The fifth year of our Summer Internship Program finished earlier this month.  Sixty interns were placed at businesses and non-profits for this eight week program.  We want to thank all the businesses and non-profits who hosted students (a list can be found at), our funders, and especially the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for the support and the help to significantly increase the number of interns and placements for this summer.

In addition to the internships the participants spent a number of days together to learn more about one another, the City of Cleveland, the Jewish community, professional growth, and the possibilities Cleveland has to offer.  The seminars for the “Cleveland Immersion” piece included:

  • • Evening and day retreat to meet one another, team building, e-mail and wardrobe etiquette, and a call to social action
  • • Learning about different aspects of Cleveland today; law & politics, culinary,

arts & entertainment, and healthcare followed by a discussion on the future of Cleveland

  • • Visit to University Circle and meeting with leadership there
  • • Learning about Cleveland’s Jewish community; history, some of the institutions, and hearing from a variety of denominational Rabbis
  • • Rising seniors attended an evening focused on job and living opportunities in Cleveland
  • • Service day on the West Side of Cleveland and a visit to Gordon Arts district
  • • Professional development day including the uses and misuses of social media and etiquette eating
  • • How the Jewish community can help connect the Summer Internship Program alumni to Cleveland

Interns and their supervisors were addressed at their thank you lunch on the future growth of industry and tourism in the Cleveland area.  They also hear from student speakers including Laura Henkin who was placed at Sherwin Williams.  You can read her talk here http://clevelandhillel.org/summer-testimonials.htm   Her remarks are the first testimonial on the page.

Social Programming for students during the summer was planned and sponsored by both the Cleveland Hillel Foundation and Let My People Know Cleveland of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.  Events included:

  • • Attending Avenue Q
  • • Going to an Indians Game
  • • Shabbat lunch in the community
  • • Party at a bowling alley and other downtown spots
  • • Happy hour at a local restaurant
  • • Pottery program at a local venue
  • • Ice cream social
  • • An evening of sushi
  • • Shabbat dinner outdoors
  • • Restaurant and movie night

We are starting to plan for the summer 2013 program.   If you have ideas please contact Ilana Mandel the director of the Summer Internship Program [email protected]

To understand the impact of the program from the perspective of past participants, please read this article that recently appeared in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/special_sections/education/article_b7bede7a-5278-11e1-84ea-001871e3ce6c.html

Also video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at the 2011 luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements/Upcoming

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line through our website www.clevelandhillel.org or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help of our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

 

read more...

Directors Report – July 2012

July 18, 2012
28 Tammuz 5772
Dear Friends,

In the midst of summer our Jewish calendar focuses on “The Three Weeks” (Ben Hametazrim) the period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av where among other tragedies we remember and mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.  Our tradition informs us that the destruction of the second temple by the Romans on the 9th of Av in 70 C.E. was caused by senseless hatred among our People.  My understanding is that this occurred because of zealots who were convinced their way was the only way.  From this I learn that destruction of society can happen when people think they have the only answer.  The “tikkun” (solution) for this seems to be the willingness to listen to others, to compromise, and build consensus.  Of course problem solving is not that simple.

To understand the complexity we can look at an interesting paradox.  The Torah reading that is usually read on the first Shabbat of the three weeks is Pinchas from the Book of Numbers.  At the beginning of the “parsha” we read that Pinchas is viewed as a hero for being a zealot, taking action to stop a plague by killing two people who were publicly acting in a way that violated the covenant with Gd.  From the text we think that being a zealot is a good thing.  The Rabbis and commentators go to extreme lengths to tell us not to learn from Pinchas.  They tell us that his actions were right, but they should not be copied by others.  Why did the Rabbis feel the necessity to teach this?  Possibly our tradition is telling us not to take the law into our own hands even if an individual is sure that s/he knows what is right.  We have learned the hard way that zealotry can lead to demagoguery and that often leads to destruction.

So what can we learn from this and how does it influence the way we work with students.  We know that we live in a world where too often we look for quick results and want immediate gratification.  This can lead us down the wrong road.  We talk about doing the right thing, but often it is just talk. Results are not immediate and too many “things” get in the way, so we easily get sidetracked.  We know the difference between right and wrong, but …

This is where our calendar and tradition play an important role in giving us direction and help focus us for the work we do with the students.  As a people and as individuals we should take the long view of history and teach that quick answers and results while tempting often do not work.  We should clarify that while there is much to celebrate in Judaism, there have also been tragedies that we need to mourn.  We should clearly state that those who try to oversimplify things and teach that the choices are simple are wrong.  Living a just and good life is not easy, never have been, and probably never will be.  There are many challenges and unanswered questions.  No individual has all the answers and finding the balance is not easy.

This is where we bring added value to students.  An answer to the zealots is to develop leaders who are passionate moderates who think before they act, take in multiple perspectives, and work to develop consensus.  We do this by encouraging students to take charge of their own Jewish journey.  Each student can develop their own unique identity and decide what they want to add to the mosaic that is Jewish life and Jewish community.  By doing this we are also fixing the problem “repenting” for the sin of senseless hatred.  A community where each person is viewed as a welcome addition and we celebrate our commonality while respecting our differences is a just community.  This is the action we should learn from the historic tragedy of the destruction of the Temple.

In an article on Jewish leadership that appeared in the Jerusalem Post on June 14, 2012 Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth concludes by saying “Never in history has there been a better time to be a Jewish leader. However, there is a right way for future Jewish leadership to go, and a wrong way. The wrong way is to emphasize antisemitism and the assaults on Israel, to exaggerate the tensions between the different streams in Jewish life and to bemoan the lack of Jewish leadership. The right way is to make friends within and beyond the Jewish community, to emphasize the ethical and spiritual dimensions of Judaism, to find social action projects we can work on across other divides and to find ways of making Jews feel proud to be Jews.”

It is in our hands to make the world better.

As always I am interested in hearing your comments and ideas,

With Blessings,

Gary Coleman

P.S.  During the summer our work is community focused through the Summer Internship Program and social events we sponsor for the interns, other students, and their peers living or studying in Cleveland

 

Recent Program Highlights

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

Cleveland Metro Undergraduate

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @ John Carroll

Social Programming for students during the summer is being planned and sponsored by both the Cleveland Hillel Foundation and Let My People Know Cleveland of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.  These include:

  • Attending Avenue Q
  • Going to an Indians Game
  • Shabbat lunch in the community
  • Party at a bowling alley and other downtown spots
  • Happy hour at a local restaurant
  • Pottery program at a local venue
  • Ice cream social
  • An evening of sushi

Upcoming summer events include an outside Shabbat dinner, restaurant nights, and movie outings.

In addition the staff is involved in university orientations for incoming students, evaluating last year’s programming, and planning for the fall semester.

Oberlin

Oberlin College graduation was on Memorial Day so since that was also Shavuot there was special programming for Jewish students, parents, alumni, and faculty including learning the Book of Ruth, Tfila, and celebratory meals.

During June the staff reviewed the year and started planning for the Fall.  They are also involved in orientations for first year students that occur at the end of August.

JCLE/Graduate Student Programming

  • Preparations for the Summer Soiree co-sponsored with the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland
  • Farwell Shabbat dinner for our Israel Fellow
  • Happy hour for Street Team involved in the Summer Soiree
  • Summer Soiree event
  • JCLE wine tasting programming

Upcoming events include Shabbat dinners for graduate students, JCLE Jooze Cruise, and the start of the civic engagement initiative.

In addition the staff is involved in university orientations for incoming students, follow up with the participants who were on the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s birthright trip, evaluating last year’s programming, and planning for the fall semester.

Summer Internship Program

We are thrilled to inform you that our Summer Internship Program has 60 interns.  The program began with an orientation is Sunday June 10 and the interns staring at their placements on Monday June 11.  We want to thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and other supporters who have helped us significantly increase the number of interns and placements for this summer.

In addition to the variety of social programs mentioned earlier that the interns can take part in there is also a “Cleveland Immersion” program that we sponsor.  These seminars include:

  • Evening and day retreat that included meeting one another, team building, e-mail and wardrobe etiquette, and a call to social action
  • Learning about different aspects of Cleveland today; law & politics, culinary, arts & entertainment, and healthcare followed by a discussion on the future of Cleveland
  • Visit to University Circle and meeting with leadership there
  • Learning about Cleveland’s Jewish community; history, some of the institutions, and a variety of denominational Rabbis
  • Rising seniors attend an evening focused on job and living opportunities in Cleveland
  • Service day on the West Side of Cleveland and a visit to Gordon Arts district

Future seminars include a professional development day and a reflection on the program that includes a keynote speaker.

We are starting to plan for the summer 2013 program.   If you have ideas please contact Ilana Mandel the director of the Summer Internship Program [email protected]

Also video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at last summer’s luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line through our website www.clevelandhillel.org or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help of our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

 

read more...

Directors Report – May 2012

May 10, 2012
18 Iyar 5772

Dear Friends,

May is college/university graduation month.  We celebrate the accomplishments of the students who are finishing their bachelor’s or advanced degrees.  They are entering a world with both great expectations and much uncertainty.  This seeming contradiction might be caused because on one hand we live in a world of unlimited potential where each of us has the ability to do great things.  Social media has made the world much smaller and makes it easier for each and every one of us to make an impact.  Simultaneously, there is tremendous anxiety because of political and extremist tensions in the world and the difficult economic situation in many countries.

I think our Jewish calendar can help students navigate these complexities.  May is also the month of modern Jewish renewal.  It usually corresponds to the Hebrew month of Iyar where we celebrate both Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day, established in 1948) and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day, the reunification of Jerusalem during the six day war in 1967).  The establishment of the State of Israel is the key event in modern Jewish history.  It is what is known as a “game changer” for everyone.  We are the first Nation to return to our ancestral homeland and bring it back to life.  This modern day miracle is often forgotten because of the everyday tensions that exist, but can be easily seen if we let ourselves look at history and compare the Land of Israel which was barren in 1880 to the beautiful country that we have in 2012.  Even with all the daily difficulties the developments of the last 25 years are astounding.

As mentioned, we know that Israel is faced with many challenges and that there are many troubling aspects to Israel’s society.  These include, but are not limited to, Israel relations with her neighbors, the search for a two state solution, tensions between religious and secular Jews, Ashkenazim and Sefardim, rich and poor, big city and rural, various minority groups, and modern and traditional perspectives.  Without minimizing the importance of dealing with these issues, maybe at this season of Jewish renewal it is significant to remember and unite around the fact that as a People we have a sovereign and successful State.  Not a perfect one, but a State that creates the framework where we can solve the many issues that arise when we become responsible for our own destiny.

Maybe this is the lesson we should be informing those graduating.  Yes the world is full of challenges.  It is not easy in the “real” world and there are no simple answers.  But just as our People have survived centuries of exile and have returned to build a State of our own, there is much that can be done when you set goals, put your mind and passion into attaining them, and accept the responsibility for your actions.

Judaism has a rich history and secure future because we have succeeded in blending our tradition with the modern world.  This is the ongoing story of the State of Israel and the charge we present to students as they graduate.  Learn from our tradition and make it part of your life.  By doing this each of us can enrich the Jewish People and make the world a better place.

We wish each student graduating much success as you embark on a new stage of your life.  Remember the words of Hillel the Elder; “If I am not for myself, whom am I?  And if I am only for myself, what am I?  And if not know, when?” (Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 1, Saying 14)  May you go out and make your mark on the world, improve the world, and remember where you are from. 

As always I am interested in hearing your comments and ideas,

With Blessings,

Lag B’Omer Sameach,

Gary Coleman

Recent Program Highlights

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

Wayne Firestone addresses Cleveland Hillel Foundation Annual Meeting

Cleveland Hillel held its 65th annual meeting on April 23. Outgoing President Harvey Siegel was honored and incoming president Nancy K. Levin, along with officers and board members were installed. Wayne Firestone, President and CEO of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, was the special guest for the meeting. He spoke about Hillel’s new strategic plan, how to increase the meaningful relationships that Hillel develops with Jewish students on campus, and the need to effectively use social media. He added that the new model that Cleveland Hillel has developed to focus on students both on campus and in the community, through campus programs and new initiatives like the Summer Internship Program and JCLE, are important investments that strengthen the Jewish community. In addition to speaking at the annual meeting, Mr. Firestone met with student leaders, CWRU President Barbara Snyder and some of her top administrators, Cleveland Hillel board members, and other stakeholders and supporters of Hillel and its mission.

Prior to the annual meeting this article appeared in the Cleveland Jewish News

http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local/article_526d6f62-84ac-11e1-8710-0019bb2963f4.html

Cleveland Metro Undergraduate

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @ John Carroll

  • Passover meals at the Hillel building served students and faculty throughout the Holiday
  • Program at John Carroll explained to students the meaning of Passover
  • Participated in the interfaith Holocaust Memorial program “Persistence of the Human Spirit” at Church of the Covenant and annual community Holocaust Remembrance Program at Fairmount Temple
  • Held discussion of the meaning of the Holocaust today at CSU and screened movie Defiance at CWRU (Hillel building) on Yom Hashoah
  • Students at CSU hung educational information about the Holocaust along the Innerlink that connects buildings on campus
  • Weekly Shabbat dinners on campus and bi-monthly in the community
  • Twice a week programs at CSU, Schmoozing Tuesday and Learning Thursday
  • Soups on Monday and movie Thursday at Cleveland Hillel building
  • Hillel Undergraduate Leadership Council (HULC) regular planning meetings at CSU and CWRU.  Elections were held for student leaders for the next academic year
  • Students played Whirleyball at a community venue
  • Dinner and discussion with Wayne Firestone during his visit to Cleveland
  • Yom Haatzmaut was celebrated through a festive lunch at CSU, an Israeli food and facts event at John Carroll, and at IsraelFest, an outdoor event at CWRU
  • Hillel students cosponsored with GELS, a CWRU student group on global ethics, a dinner and discussion to learn about different religious traditions
  • Participated in the “Study Over” at CWRU Thwing Student Center right before finals
  • David Markovich, the student who started the Hillel at John Carroll was named student leader of the year at the John Carroll student leadership event

Oberlin

  • Student led discussions about Israel and the peace process
  • During Passover helped organize Passover food options all over campus
  • Weekly Shabbat services and themed dinners in the Kosher Halal co-op often include Accappela musical performances reach hundreds of students
  • Yom Hashoah Candlelight Vigil brought students to Wilder Bowl. They read poetry, sang songs, and told personal stories.  Earlier in the day they had a discussion about the meaning of Yom Hashoah.  Schindler’s List was screened the following day
  • Oberlin student leader sings at the annual Meeting
  • Elections were held for new student leaders for the next academic year
  • Oneg Shabbat program at student apartments after dinner
  • A Yom Hazikaron memorial was held in Harkness lounge
  • Yom Haatzmaut was celebrated in Wilder Bowl as students stopped by for Israeli food, birthday cake, and Israeli music and dancing
  • Weekly meetings of Hillel leadership students, pro-Israel students, as well as regular meetings of Jewish LGBTQ and Tzedek  Examples include students playing “college bowl” over lunch at a Hillel meeting
  • Lad B’omer picnic brought students to the Kosher-Halal food coop

JCLE/Graduate Student Programming

  • Bi-weekly Shabbat dinners at graduate student apartments
  • Jewish Student Law Association (JLSA) elections for officers for the next academic year
  • Jewish Student Medical Association (JMSA) at CWRU leadership meeting
  • Graduate students participate in dinner with Wayne Firestone and Annual Meeting
  • Law students organized “Sing for the Cure” to raise money for cystic fibrosis
  • Student lounge in building is used as study center before and during finals
  • JCLE planning June Summer Soiree with Cleveland Jewish Federation YLD
  • JCLE organizing “JoozCrise” end of August event
  • Study break at Ahuja College of Business at CSU
  • Weekly happy hour for graduate student on campus

Summer Internship Program

Our Summer Internship Program will be starting in a month, orientation is Sunday June 10 and interns are staring at their placements on Monday June 11.  As I have reported we have been working with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to significantly increase the number of interns and placements for this summer.  Our staff, working with the applicants and the placements, has done a terrific job in growing the program.  We thank Federation and all the other supporters for helping make this happen.

We also organized a workshop for supervisors with the help of NOCHE entitled “What to do with an intern”.

To understand the impact of the program from the perspective of past participants, please read this article that recently appeared in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/special_sections/education/article_b7bede7a-5278-11e1-84ea-001871e3ce6c.html

Also video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at last summer’s luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

Links/Miscellaneous/Announcements

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line through our website www.clevelandhillel.org or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help of our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...

Director’s Report – April 2012

April 11, 2012
19 Nisan 5722

Dear Friends,

I hope you are having a joyous and meaningful Passover/Pesach.  We have been extremely busy on campus with seders both at the Cleveland Hillel building and at Oberlin, Pesach meals for students during the Holiday, and other Passover related programming.  I will report on that, other program highlights, and some agency updates in the other part of this e-report/blog.

Pesach is my favorite Holiday.  No, I am not thrilled with the taste of Matza and I could do without the preparation, but the seder is special.  It is all of our history, our tribulations and our triumphs together.  It helps us focus on what we should be doing and realizes that as much as we strive for perfection we will never get there, but that is okay as long as we continue to strive.  The seder is set up in such a way that dialogue is valued.  We can discuss issues and learn from one another.  It is also possible to disagree without feeling the need to be disagreeable.  We can respect our differences as there are multiple possibilities and no perfect answers.  In many ways this is symbolic of what we do in our work with students and their peers.

This brings me to an idea that has been evolving in my thinking.  As we all know the world is very imperfect and things happen all the time that anger, frustrate, and/or upset us.  I used to say no one expects life to be fair.  We simply have to deal with it.  I think that there needs to be a better answer.  I prefer to view the world as inherently good, (much good happens every day) with the caveat that we know that a lot of crap also occurs.  Sometimes so much that we forget that there is good.  However, if we are willing to take a step back we do know that there is more good than bad.  Otherwise we would not be here.  No, we do not have all the answers, nor will we ever.  I am sure we are all involved in situations that we wish we were not.  But, … and it is a big but, our best choice is to make the best out of where we are and what we are doing.  There are times I have difficulty with this, but as a pragmatist, in addition to what I hope is an idealist, I realize there is no better answer.

Each of us can be a positive force to bring about change.  It is what happened on a grand scale with our People’s freedom from slavery in Egypt, and has happened every day since in one way or another.  This is the message of hope and good that we convey to the students whose life we touch.  None of us have to be “special” to make a difference; we do the right thing by making a difference.  This is the Divine spark in all of us, and together we are making the world a better place.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts,

As always I am interested in hearing from you so please e-mail me at [email protected] or call 216-231-0040

Wishing you a continued wonderful, meaningful, enjoyable, and Matza filled Passover,

Let me know who found the Afikoman,

With Blessings,

Gary Coleman

Program and Agency Highlights

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

Annual Meeting

Our Annual Meeting is set for Monday April 23 at 7:00 P.M. at the Cleveland Hillel Building.  We will be honoring Harvey Siegel our outgoing President and welcoming Nancy Levin our incoming President.  Wayne Firestone, President and CEO of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life will be our special guest.

More information about the meeting including a bio of Wayne Firestone is at  http://clevelandhillel.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Invite-65th-an-meet.pdf

Please RSVP by April 18 by contacting Kathleen at [email protected] or calling 216-231-0040.

Cleveland Hillel Promotional Video

Please take a look at a new 4 minute video on Cleveland Hillel.  It can be viewed at http://player.vimeo.com/video/36924490?portrait=0&color=0026ff   or you can see it on our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm   It is the first video on the website.

Cleveland Metro Undergraduate

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @ John Carroll

  • Sponsored Passover seders at the Cleveland Hillel building
  • Organized Passover meals with Bon Apetit for students during                       Chol Hamoed/Intermediate Days of the Holiday.  Info about it was in the

Case Daily http://thedaily.case.edu/news/?p=6353

  • Passover information program at John Carroll.  Information about the Holiday was listed at the university.  It can be seen here
  • Multi-faith lounge was opened at Cleveland State University to serve Jewish, Christian, and Muslim students there.  It is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave for Jewish students.  An article about the opening appeared in The Cauldron”  http://www.csucauldron.com/news/new-center-is-for-faithful-faithless-1.2838586#.T30ovfAV2rk
  • Purim Seuda/meal for students at CSU for lunch and at CWRU for dinner
  • Weekly Shabbat dinners on campus and bi-monthly in the community
  • Twice a week programs at CSU, Schmoozing Tuesday and Learning Thursday
  • Soups on Monday and movie Thursday at Cleveland Hillel building for CWRU students
  • Sharon Singer of the Consulate General of Israel in Philadelphia spoke about gays in the Israel Defense Forces at CSU and CWRU.  Info about this appeared in the Case Daily http://thedaily.case.edu/news/?p=6180
  • Krav Maga (Israel self-defense) program for women at Cleveland State cosponsored by many groups on campus
  • Hillel Undergraduate Leadership Council (HULC) regular planning meetings at CSU and CWRU
  • HULC held elections for student leaders for the next academic year
  • Students participated in special Dialathon for Jewish Federation of Cleveland Annual Campaign
  • Students raised money for the Hillel Relay for Life team

Oberlin

  • Passover seders at multiple sites reached a few hundred students
  • Kosher Halal co-op hosts Passover meals
  • Beatbox and Vocal Magician Yuri Lane presented “From Tel Aviv to Ramallah”, a hip-hop travelogue of peace
  • Over 300 students attended the Dance Marathon to see Oberlin student bands perform and raise $1000 for the Lorain County Rape Crisis Center
  • Purim events included a Megillah reading, Seuda, and delivery of Mishloach Manot packages and Purim poems to faculty and allies on campus
  • Ring Family mini–course brought Rabbi Steve Greenberg on Jewish sources on sexuality
  • Students travelled to the J Street Conference
  • Weekly Shabbat services and themed dinners in the Kosher Halal co-op
  • Oneg Shabbat program at student apartments after dinner
  • Weekly meetings of Hillel leadership students, pro-Israel students, as well as regular meetings of Jewish LGBTQ and Tzedek

JCLE/Graduate Student Programming

  • Many graduate students joined seders at their professors homes or other community hosts
  • Graduate students joined us for Passover meals during Chol Hamoed
  • Jewish Student Law Association (JLSA) Megilla reading and Purim party
  • Bi-weekly Shabbat dinners at graduate student apartments
  • JCLE Masquerade party brought almost 200 graduate students and young professionals together for a night of fun and socializing
  • JCLE attended a Circque du Soleil performance
  • JLSA held elections for new officers for the next academic year
  • JCLE “JEWP it up” 3×3 basketball tournament involved 11 teams in a morning of friendly competition followed by a Happy Hour
  • JCLE steering committee met
  • Weekly happy hour for graduate student on campus

Summer Internship Program

During March the staff interviewed applicants and matched them with potential employers.  We also organized a workshop for supervisors with the help of NOCHE entitled “What to do with an intern”.  The 2012 Summer Internship Program, its fifth year, will begin on June 11.

We have been working with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to significantly increase the number of interns and placements for this coming summer.  If you are interested in more information about the program please contact Ilana Mandel director of the Summer Internship Program at [email protected]   Information about the program is on our website http://clevelandhillel.org

An article on the importance of Summer Internship Program from the perspective of past participants recently appeared in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/special_sections/education/article_b7bede7a-5278-11e1-84ea-001871e3ce6c.html

Also video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at last summer’s luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

Upcoming/Miscellaneous/Announcements

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Normally I ask that you to consider partnering with us by making a donation on line through our website www.clevelandhillel.org or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 44106

Since this is the blackout period for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s annual campaign (through May 8) and we receive over 50% of our budget from the Federation I ask you support their campaign at this time http://www.jewishcleveland.org/

After the Federation campaign is over, if you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help of our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...

Director’s Report – March 2012

March 6, 2012

12 Adar 5772

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well.  These last five weeks of programming on campus and in the community have been exhilarating.  You can read highlights in this e-report/blog, but I must proudly state that the breadth and depth of the programming recently is phenomenal and I want to salute the staff, students, partners, and supporters for all that they continue to do, as their working together is the key to our success.

This Wednesday night and Thursday we will be celebrating Purim.  Purim is unique among our Holidays as there is no apparent miracle that occurred.  The story seems very unexceptional, except that the Jews are threatened with annihilation by Haman.  With the intervention of Esther and Mordechai the hopes of Haman to destroy the Jewish People are defeated.  The “story” we read in the Book of Esther is full of what seems like “keystone cop” episodes that are just silly and the King seems to be a fool.  We can often ask rhetorically if anyone is in charge and does anyone care?  Of course there is some purpose, otherwise why would the story be in our Bible and why would we be celebrating, but it is not readily apparent

Writing about this a week after the tragedy in the Cleveland suburb of Chardon where three teenagers were killed by a fellow teenager in a school cafeteria, makes the Purim story even more poignant.  The fact is that life is uncertain and we often do not know why things occur the way they do.  We hope and pray for the best, but our hopes and prayers are often unanswered.  And another thought that went through my mind is that if I am honest with myself there is no way I can be sure that a similar tragedy will not happen to or by my children.  As much as we educate to do good and be good, none of us are perfect and we do not know how a mistake or imperfection will be understood when it happens.

All of this can be very disheartening.  But I think we can find an answer and a direction in the Purim story that will help us understand everyday life and make it special.  We know that being from a “good” family or from a “wealthy” family does not assure one continuing in that direction.  We also know that people born in to poverty or who come from a broken home are able to do much good and achieve greatness.  The human spirit and ability can be limitless.  It is dependent on each individual and what he or she decides to do with their lives.

This is what happened at Purim and happens every day.  Individuals take it upon themselves to make things better, to be agents of change.  Esther did it in the Purim story when she went to King Achashverus to lobby for her People.  There are people like Esther who make a difference every day.  There were many in Chardon on February 27.  They do not necessarily view themselves as heroes; they simply do what is right.  These are the people who we want to learn from and educate about.  These are the people who put the divine spirit in everyday life and teach us that we do not need to see “miracles”, there are wonderful things that happen (miracles) all the time because people care about one another and do good.

This is the message of hope and good that we convey to the students whose life we touch.  None of us have to be “special” to make a difference; we do the right thing by making a difference.  This is the Divine spark in all of us, and together we are making the world a better place.

As always I am interested in hearing from you so please e-mail me at [email protected] or call 216-231-0040

Please take a look at a new 4 minute video on Cleveland Hillel.  It can be viewed at http://player.vimeo.com/video/36924490?portrait=0&color=0026ff   or you can see it on our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm   It is the first video on the website.

Wishing you a Joyous and fun filled Purim (Pesach/Passover is just a month away),

With Blessings,

Gary Coleman

Recent Program Highlights

Cleveland Hillel Foundation programs reach hundreds of students, their peers, and others monthly through a wide variety of programs in our four program divisions.

Cleveland Metro Undergraduate

Hillel @ CWRU, Hillel @ CSU, Hillel @ John Carroll

  • Sponsored a Purim carnival for residents of Montefiore Home
  • Organized special Shabbat service and dinner at Cleveland Hillel where Jewish students invited students of other faiths interested in learning about Shabbat  Info about it was in the Case Daily http://thedaily.case.edu/news/?p=5852
  • Participated in campus wide “Bake-Off” at CSU
  • Sponsored Gift of Life swab at CWRU It was promoted in Case Daily http://thedaily.case.edu/news/?p=5813
  • Weekly Shabbat dinners on campus and bi-monthly in the community
  • Twice a week programs at CSU, Schmoozing Tuesday and Learning Thursday
  • Soups on Monday and movie Thursday at Cleveland Hillel building
  • Tu B’Shvat celebrated at John Carroll, Cleveland State and Case Western Reserve
  • Bar Ilan University professor Noa Efron spoke about the social protest movement in Israel at CSU, and CWRU (at Oberlin too)
  • Krav Maga (Israel self-defense) program at Cleveland Hillel
  • Birthright recruitment for undergraduate May trip
  • Hillel Undergraduate Leadership Council (HULC) regular planning meetings at CSU and CWRU
  • “Senior Prom” at senior center in Gates Mills
  • Music of Israel educational program at Cleveland Hillel building

Oberlin

  • Ring Family mini–course brought Rabbi Steve Greenberg on Judaism and LGBT
  • Weekly Shabbat services and dinners in the Kosher Halal co-op
  • Oneg Shabbat program at student apartments after dinner
  • Special Mideast Shabbat dinner with authentic Middle Eastern food
  • Sunday Middle Eastern pastry workshop followed by desserts and a musical performance
  • Big Galut(e) Klezmer Band performed “Music in the Jewish Diaspora” in the first annual Ring Family Artist Series
  • Noa Efron of Bar-Ilan University spoke about the Israel social protest movement The Oberlin review covered the talk at http://oberlinreview.org/article/efron-speaks-israeli-protestors-social-justice/
  • Rabbi Levi Lauer spoke about the new laws enacted in Israel to stop human trafficking and modern slavery
  • Weekly meetings of Hillel leadership students, pro-Israel students, as well as regular meetings of Jewish LGBTQ and Tzedek

JCLE/Graduate Student Programming

  • JCLE Chocolate happy hour at local bar
  • Bi-weekly Shabbat dinners at graduate student apartments
  • “What are you Afraid of” at the Great Lakes Science Center brought health profession students, faculty, and professionals together for an evening of education and networking
  • Jewish Student Law Association (JLSA) and Jewish Student Medical Association (JMSA) at CWRU leadership transition meeting
  • JLSA Faculty/Student luncheon at CWRU Law School
  • JCLE steering committee planning committee
  • Weekly happy hour for graduate student on campus

Summer Internship Program

With the deadline for student applications to the program over, the staff has started interviewing the applicants.  This will occur throughout March and then students accepted to the program will be matched with potential employers.  The 2012 Summer Internship Program, its fifth year, will begin on June 11.

We have been working with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to significantly increase the number of interns and placements with a goal of doubling the program this coming summer.  We are still looking for a number of new internship job placements.  If you are interested in hiring an intern please contact Ilana Mandel director of the Summer Internship Program at [email protected]   More information for employers is at http://clevelandhillel.org/employers.htm

An article on the importance of Summer Internship Program from the perspective of past participants recently appeared in the CJN.  It can be read here http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/special_sections/education/article_b7bede7a-5278-11e1-84ea-001871e3ce6c.html

Also video of Summer Internship Program participants speaking at last summer’s luncheon finale can be viewed at our website http://clevelandhillel.org/videos.htm  Molly Rzepka speaking is the second video and Josh Davidson is the third video

Upcoming/Miscellaneous/Announcements

Fundraising Request, Thank you, and Donor Recognition

Please consider partnering with us by making a donation on line through our website www.clevelandhillel.org or by mailing a check to:

Cleveland Hillel Foundation
11291 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland OH 441

If you are interested in learning about special funding opportunities please look at our web site or contact Harriet Mann at [email protected]

We thank the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their annual allocation.  In addition to the help of our donors, funders, and stakeholders, this level of support enables us to staff and continue to grow our programming.

With the help of all of you we are able to continue bringing quality programs to the students at the universities we serve and “twenty something” young professionals as we assure a brighter Jewish future

A list of donors from July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 is posted on our website at http://clevelandhillel.org/pdf/donor.pdf.

Linked here is a short video thank you from our students for all the support we receive from our donors And now, a few words from our friends at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation

read more...
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