Local Jewish attorneys included in this section completed a questionnaire that was emailed to attorneys and/or firms. The Q&A form was also available at cjn.org and was included in the Boker Tov e-newsletter. Some opted not to answer all questions and some answers were edited for clarity and brevity. To view the list of Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys online, including attorneys added after deadline, visit issuu.com/cjpc. Attorneys did not pay to be included in this directory. Compiled by Lydia Kacala.
Jack W. Abel
Law firm: Abel & Zocolo
Co., LPA
Age: 76
Residence: Beachwood
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University
Law school: University of North Carolina School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism’s emphasis on education and learning has given me the spark to first become a lawyer and secondly the curiosity to continue to learn and grow. How do you unwind when not working: Golf and fly fishing.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Always be curious.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians (even though they changed names)
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father, of course.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant
What was your first part-time job growing up: Shoveling snow and cutting lawns.
Fred J. Arnoff
Law firm: Weston Hurd LLP
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: The University of Akron School of Law
Rachel Bagnolo
Law firm: Gallagher
Sharp, LLP
Age: 32
Residence: Westlake
Undergraduate university: West Liberty University
Law school: The University of Akron School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has taught me the importance of kindness, integrity and compassion.
How do you unwind when not working: I
read, and spend
What is your favorite sports team: Tottenham Hotspurs
What is your favorite local restaurant: Ginko in Tremont
What was your first part-time job growing up: Babysitter
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been lucky enough to travel to Israel in 2018, 2019, and was supposed to go again in 2024. Some of the most meaningful moments of my life were spent in Israel.
Josh Bass
Law firm: Taft
Age: 31
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan
Law school: Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The emphasis on lifelong learning in Judaism has had a profound impact on my career. Whether it’s through studying the law or learning from mentors and colleagues, I see every opportunity as a chance to grow. This mindset has helped me approach complex legal issues with curiosity and humility.
How do you unwind when not working: I exercise, meditate, put on tefillin and say prayers every morning to take care of myself. I also spend time with my wife, our Bulldog and family, closely follow all Cleveland and University of Michigan sports, read books obsessively and enjoy finding hidden gem restaurants and wines. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Read “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi as soon as you can. It is very heavy, but when I found it in my 20s it changed my outlook on the essence and fragility of life.
What is your favorite sports team: Tough call. I love the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns, Guardians and Michigan football equally. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Jesse Itzler. His unique approach to life “combining entrepreneurship, extreme endurance challenges, and a
commitment to personal growth” is truly inspiring. I’d love to discuss how he balances creativity and discipline, what he’s learned from the incredible people he’s surrounded himself with, and how he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible both personally and professionally. His ability to think big, live fully and stay authentic resonates deeply with me. What is your favorite local restaurant: L’Albatros. Zack and Julian are the best in the business.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Waterway Carwash
Do you have an Israel experience: My most memorable Israel experience was participating in a Birthright trip. Walking through the ancient streets of Jerusalem, floating in the Dead Sea, and standing at the Western Wall were powerful moments that connected me deeply to my Jewish heritage. The trip gave me a profound appreciation for Israel’s history, resilience and vibrant culture. It wasn’t just a journey through a country, it was a journey into my identity.
Joshua Berggrun
Hugh Berkson
Law firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold Age: 33
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Freshman year of college is coming sooner than you think. Take it seriously. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns (though they’re certainly doing everything within their power to lose that status).
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Presuming my wife was unavailable, I’d enjoy one last meal with my late father. I can’t get enough of the family stories and sage advice for any particular situation.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Han Chinese Kabob & Grill
What was your first part-time job growing up: Minion at Chick-Fil-A
Howard Bobrow
Law firm: Taft Law Firm
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: University of Texas at Austin Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has provided a strong foundation for a calm, measured approach to a stressful job.
How do you unwind when not working: Family, cycling, hiking and music.
Law firm: Gallagher
Sharp LLP
Age: 44
Residence: Orange
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish upbringing emphasized the value of community, and in my industry, establishing connections, and providing support to one another is critical. How do you unwind when not working: Coaching my kids’ sports teams, working out, and hanging out with family and friends.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns
What is your favorite local restaurant: ML Tavern
What was your first part-time job growing up: Maintenance manager at the Beachwood outdoor pool. The skimmer and
play soccer,
time exploring Cleveland’s restaurant scene with loved ones.
Rob Boroff
plunger were my best friends those summers.
Do you have an Israel experience: I had my bar mitzvah at the Western Wall in 1994. Both sets of grandparents, my parents, my sister and cousins who lived in Israel all attended. My family and I traveled all throughout Israel for two weeks. It was an amazing experience.
Bobby Botnick
Law firm: The Botnick Law Firm, LLC
Age: 47
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: B’nai
Jeshurun Congregation
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Studying Talmud in my youth helped me in learning how issues can be seen and interpreted from different viewpoints. This practice laid a foundation for me to debate with opposing counsel and advocate our clients’ positions in court and in negotiations.
How do you unwind when not working: I really enjoy grabbing my camera bag and going for a hike along the amazing trails we have throughout Northeast Ohio. It allows me to combine my love of tech and nature and provides a nice separation from work. Unwinding to a 30-minute Phish jam will also do the trick.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t procrastinate and get your work out of the way. Develop solid habits for setting and completing tasks. Once your work is done, then you get to go have fun as your reward.
What is your favorite sports team: Oh, come on ... go Cleveland Guardians. What is your favorite local restaurant: Diamond Grill
What was your first part-time job growing up: Bar Mmtzvah tutor
Do you have an Israel experience: Back in 2006, I proposed to my girlfriend along the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv ... and now she’s my wife and law partner.
Herbert Braverman
Law firm: Braverman and Associates
Age: 77
Residence: Aurora
Synagogue: Temple Emanu El
Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania in
Philadelphia Law school: Harvard Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My religion has been the basis and guide for all that I do. Our home site was Jewish, then AZA, B’nai B’rith, temples and synagogues, UJA National Young Leader, supporting many Jewish organizations – all were parts of me and all contributed to my career.
How do you unwind when not working: I read a lot of nonfiction and walk about. I gave up golf when I had my hips replaced. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Study and get a solid education, work hard in all you do and have lots of friends find your passion and seek it.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Benjamin Franklin because he is such an interesting person.
What is your favorite local restaurant: I have several, but I do find myself often at Pinstripes at Pinecrest in Orange. What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a carry boy in Martin’s Market, a local Jewish kosher grocery in Columbus. Do you have an Israel experience: I traveled to Israel four times so far – once with my wife and children, once with my wife and twice with UJA Young Leadership Groups. Each trip was enriching in many ways.
Adam Michael Brown
Law firm: Zukerman, Lear, Murray & Brown Co., LPA
Age: 35
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Gym, golf, volleyball, watching sports, spending time with family and removing Goldendoodle hair from all of my clothing and possessions
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Save money, travel, work hard, and don’t be afraid to fail ... and buy Amazon and Tesla stock.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Indians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My mother. Why? Because it would make her happy.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Momocho
What was your first part-time job growing up: Freeway Lanes of Solon. I was a porter
and helped out with children’s birthday parties.
James Mitchell Brown
Law firm: James Mitchell Brown
Age: 78
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Central Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Social justice has been an important part of my religious life. By representing the disabled I have continued performing mitzvot in helping people in need.
How do you unwind when not working: Read and take walks.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Have a life where you wake up before your alarm goes off. That is the best way to know you are doing what is right for yourself.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My wife.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Abundance Culinary
What was your first part-time job growing up: Working for my father at Avalon Cleaners. Spending time with him was invaluable in creating my work and business acumen.
Do you have an Israel experience: When visiting Israel we spent a day at the John Demjanjuk trial.
Lori Brown
Law firm: Gallagher
Sharp LLP
Residence: Orange
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has instilled in me a sense of justice, and honesty and to treat my clients and opposing parties and counsel with respect. How do you unwind when not working: Spending time with my family and friends and taking long walks.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: To learn more outside of the classroom, get out of your comfort zone and embrace experiences more. And your
parents were usually right.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers (and U of Michigan Football)
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My maternal grandmother who I never got to meet.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Zhug
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked at a clothing store at Beachwood Place.
Do you have an Israel experience: I traveled to Israel the spring after my junior year of college while studying abroad. It was an amazing experience and I hope to go back with my family on day. I still remember camping out on the beach by the Dead Sea and hiking Masada.
Morgan R. Caruso
Law firm: Caruso Law Offices, LLC
Age: 39
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Solon
Chabad
Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How do you unwind when not working: I love to travel and explore the world. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: You can do anything you put your mind to and work hard for.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My dad, he’s one of my biggest supporters in life and pretty cool.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse with my husband.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Elk & Elk
Do you have an Israel experience: I’ve had the privilege to visit Israel twice, with the great programs of Birthright and then Honeymoon Israel. Climbing Mount Masada at sunrise was incredible and so spiritually special.
David R. Cohen
Law firm: David R Cohen Co., LPA
Age: 65
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan
SUPER ATTORNEYS
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: On my office wall hangs a painting of a scale, underneath which it says, “Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof” (Deuteronomy 16:20). In English, “Justice, Justice, Thou Shalt Pursue.” It’s a good thing to read every day to remind me what my goal should be.
Deborah A. Coleman
Law firm: Coleman Law
LLC
Age: 73
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue:
Congregation Shaarey Tikvah
Undergraduate university: Harvard University
Law school: Harvard Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am inspired by two sayings from Pirkei Avot: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If only for myself, what am I? and if not now, when?” (Pirkei Avot 1:14) and “It is not yours to complete the work; neither are you free to neglect it.” (Pirkei Avot 2:16).
How do you unwind when not working: Bicycling and other outdoor activities
What is your favorite local restaurant: SASA, Anatolia Cafe and Batuqui What was your first part-time job growing up: Other than babysitting, my first part time job was as a “candy stripe” volunteer delivering flowers and teaching patients how to knit.
Do you have an Israel experience: Just after graduating college, I spent the summer working on kibbutz Mashabei Sadeh, in the Negev. I picked and packed peaches, as well as worked in the communal kitchen and laundry. Those “inside” jobs were the best, since I got to work with members of the kibbutz and do my best to communicate in a stew of Hebrew, Spanish and English.
Brandon Collier
Law firm: Collier & Associates Co., L.P.A Age: 52
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law; Masters of Tax at
New York University School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Playing pickleball, tennis, guitar, and spending time with my family. What is your favorite local restaurant: Doug Katz’s restaurants
Sharon Comet-Epstein
Law firm: CometEpstein Law & Mediation Residence: Beachwood Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Master of Science, doctoral degree and Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish values of fairness, justice, integrity and compassion guide my family law practice. I even offer terms for a get in every divorce case with Jewish spouses since you never know who you may want to marry in the future, and you don’t want to have to chase an ex-spouse who may not be cooperative or easy to locate. My clients also appreciate my responsiveness, care and attention to detail.
How do you unwind when not working: I enjoy recharging with brisk walking/ exercising, playing pickleball, hula hooping, having fun with family and friends, and binging mystery thrillers on TV. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I’m a second career attorney. My advice would be to stay strong against peer pressure. Get more sleep, maintain a better school/work/life balance and enjoy healthy eating and exercising habits to stay fit and energetic! Follow your heart and start your no-court divorce practice sooner. I’d also tell her she will be marrying and working with a wonderful man!
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I’d love to dine with my amazing dad, Sol Comet “z”l”. We were one another’s biggest fans. He was a successful businessman, mensch, and role model. I miss his hugs, great smile, clever puns, wisdom, and positive attitude. A masterful salesman, trainer, and lifelong learner and educator, he taught me the key to success is our positive attitude and concern for others. I still strive to make him and my family proud.
Gary Cowan
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Residence: Ottawa, Canada
Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami
Undergraduate university: University of Ottawa
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has made me a more empathetic lawyer and has strengthened my belief in the pursuit of knowledge and justice. How do you unwind when not working: I enjoy cycling, sporting events and traveling.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Keep an open mind to differing views and train hard in whatever you excel in.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Maimonides. He was an intellect, astronomer, philosopher, lawyer, and physician. He grew up in Cordoba, Spain, before fleeing to Morocco and then on to Alexandria, Egypt. He was alive during the Crusades and was a curt physician to Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt, who defeated Richard the Lionheart.
What is your favorite local restaurant: SaSa Restaurant
Do you have an Israel experience: I enjoyed touring the City of David in Jerusalem in 2022 and walking through the 2,700-year-old Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
Marc Dann
Law firm: The Dann Law Firm
Age: 62
Residence: Lakewood
Synagogue: Beth IsraelThe West Temple Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Our whole profession is about right and wrong.
How do you unwind when not working: I’m in an improv troupe at Imposters Theater. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t be afraid to let life lead you to where you are going.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be
and why: Lyndon Johnson
What is your favorite local restaurant: Larder Delicatessen and Bakery
What was your first part-time job growing up: Cheese World at Van Aken District and Cedar Center
Robert “Kip” Danzinger
Law firm: Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA
Age: 58
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Growing up in a Jewish household, I was taught the importance of working hard, being honest and ethical, and treating people with respect. During my 30 yeas in practice, I have strived to maintain these basic tenants of Judaism in all aspects of my career
How do you unwind when not working: Lots of exercise and dreaming about being a professional athlete. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t wear baseball caps everyday. ... You’ll end up bald.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Mark Cuban. He’s a wildly successful in business, owns a professional sports team, and stars on “Shark Tank.” That’s a trifecta in my book.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Guidos
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a busboy after school at The Restaurant in Moreland Hills. Unfortunately, I was fired for dropping a bowl of barbecue sauce on a customer. Do you have an Israel experience: In 2016, my wife and three children vacationed in Israel all for the first time. The experience was amazing. We hired a tour guide who taught us so much about the history, culture, and religion of this beautiful country. Truly a memorable trip.
Gary S. Desberg
Law firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A.
Age: 64
Residence: Orange Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Michael H. Diamant
Law firm: Taft Law Firm
Age: 78
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Case Institute of Technology, now Case Western Reserve University Law school: Harvard Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: To do justly, seek the truth and act with decency.
How do you unwind when not working: Reading, watching English mysteries, woodworking and walking.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
What was your first part-time job growing up: Nature helper at Red Wing Day Camp
Do you have an Israel experience: Hebrew University Parents Tour and Wexner Leadership Mission
David L. Drechsler
Law firm: McDonald Hopkins, LLC
Age: 61
Residence: Orange
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am more sympathetic to oppressed parties and clients.
How do you unwind when not working: Exercise, and being with family and friends. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Slow down and don’t sweat the small stuff.
What is your favorite sports team: OSU football and all Cleveland teams, despite how bad the Browns are.
If you could have dinner with any one
person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Moses, to see what really happened.
What is your favorite local restaurant: ML Tavern
What was your first part-time job growing up: Bus boy at Saucy Crepe in Beachwood Place at age 15.
Do you have an Israel experience: We have family there and have been to weddings –fantastic events and very different than ours.
Stanley M. Dub
Law firm: Law Office of Stanley M. Dub
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: I play in bridge tournaments. I also chair an online bridge league involving several world champions and 300 players from 27 states. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Elie Wiesel. I’d like to know how he maintained his generally optimistic outlook after his horrible Holocaust experiences.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivering the Sun Press at age 8.
Do you have an Israel experience: I’ve been there many times and traveled around the country extensively. My parents are buried there and my son and his family now live there. Visiting my son and grandchildren is always the highlight of my time there.
Marcel Duhamel
Law firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Age: 56
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: The University of Chicago Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I apply my Jewish values to my practice, in the way I interact with my colleagues, my clients, and my opposing counsel.
How do you unwind when not working: I’m an avid cyclist.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Worry less; play more. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Julia Child, eating something she cooked and listening to her stories about her remarkable life.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Cordelia
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked at McDonald’s.
Daniel S. Ehrenreich
Law firm: Ehrenreich & Associates
Age: 51
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Green Road
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Yeshiva University
Law school: Yeshiva
University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I pursue justice like you wouldn’t believe.
How do you unwind when not working: I hunt great white sharks off of the Great Barrier Reef.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Buy Apple (stock).
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Why would I want to have dinner with a dead person?
What is your favorite local restaurant: Jade Chinese Kitchen
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivering newspapers for the Sun Press. It was weird. No one subscribed to it, so you kind of just hoped they would pay.
Leonard Ehrenreich
Law firm: Ehrenreich & Associates
Age: 77
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Green Road
Synagogue
Undergraduate
university: The University of Akron
Law school: Case
Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism shows us the way to elevate ourselves in the service of the Almighty. Two pathways to obtaining that goal are by seeking and by doing acts of kindness, particularly to the less fortunate
among us. My practice allows me to walk both of these paths.
How do you unwind when not working: I watch “Jeopardy.”
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Become a doctor.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Benjamin Nethanyahu because of his great achievements for Israel and for the Jewish people.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Fiamma by Mendel
What was your first part-time job growing up: Selling lemonade at a home stand. Do you have an Israel experience: Seeing a boxcar at Yad V’Shem that had transported Jews to Auschwitz. This reminded me why we have the state of Israel.
Rochelle Prashker Ehrenreich
Law firm: Ehrenreich & Associates
Age: 73
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Green Road
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Brooklyn College
Law school: Fordham University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism dictates the path I must follow in all of my dealings.
How do you unwind when not working: I love to cook, and I do needlepoint.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t think you have all of the answers, yet.
What is your favorite sports team: The Cleveland Guardians, of course.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Still President Donald J. Trump. What is your favorite local restaurant: Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ
What was your first part-time job growing up: Junior accountant
Do you have an Israel experience: I started visiting Israel at the age of 12. I’ve had many wonderful experiences there. I remember that when I first saw the signs to “Miklat” – a public shelter, I thought that Israel still used the Miklat Cities or Cities of Refuge which are mentioned in the Bible.
SUPER ATTORNEYS
Rachel Kabb Effron
Law firm: Kabb Law Firm
Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati
How do you unwind when not working: I attend improv classes and participate in the Choral Arts Cleveland. What is your favorite local restaurant: EDWINS
What was your first part-time job growing up: Working at LaRich’s Pizza as a salad girl
Brian Eisen
Law firm: The Eisen Law Firm Age: 58
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: Harvard College
Law school: Harvard Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My entire professional life has been devoted to helping people whose lives have been shattered by catastrophic injuries. I try to listen to every potential client and offer what help I can, even when the circumstances cannot justify a lawsuit. This is consistent with the Jewish value of chesed, meaning caring for others and helping people in need. My Jewish values are in the background of all the professional decisions I make. How do you unwind when not working: Riding my Harley, bird-watching, and nearconstant reading.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Buy Bitcoin even earlier and do whatever it takes to stop the Cleveland Browns from signing Deshaun Watson. As for career advice, just keep doing what you’re doing.
What is your favorite sports team: I love all the small market teams. Give me the underdog every time. As a medical malpractice attorney, I am always the underdog, fighting folks with unlimited budgets and access to the best experts money can buy. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I want to say Hippocrates because I’d like to know his thoughts about the corporatization of modern medicine, but the truth is, I’d rather eat with Larry David.
What is your favorite local restaurant: I have been vegan for many years. I enjoy exploring the Cleveland food scene to scout out good vegan options. Zhug, Amba, Tommy’s Restaurant and Cleveland Vegan offer many great options. I am thrilled when I find some good vegan food, anywhere.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I delivered the Sun Press on Thursday mornings. I may or may not have bent the truth about my age to get the job. I took pride in delivering each paper to the door, not just flinging it in the general vicinity of the driveway.
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel with my family. Our trip covered essentially the entire country. It was probably the best trip we have ever taken together.
Michael L. Eisner
Law firm: The Law Offices of Michael L Eisner, LLC
Age: 56
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate university: Hobart College
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: As Jewish people, we have a strong sense of justice and fighting for what is right. My Jewish background helps me explore the morals and ethics of each case as I choose whom to represent and help secure that justice. How do you unwind when not working: I spend time with my family, play baseball in the summer and ski in the winter. I enjoy a yoga and meditation practice which helps keep me grounded. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self: Stop trying to please everyone. You know who you are so follow your intuition and don’t compromise who you are and what you stand for because of peer pressure. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Anthony Bourdain. His passion for life and exploration in combination with his sense of social justice would make the meal and discussion enthralling.
What is your favorite local restaurant: It changes regularly, but I love what EDWINS stands for in helping those with troubled pasts get back on their feet. What was your first part-time job
growing up: I was a bus boy at Hunter’s Hollow restaurant in Chagrin Falls
Arthur Elk
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: Cleveland
State University College of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Spending time with my family, riding motorcycles, driving sports cars and engaging in outdoor activities. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self: Follow your passions with dedication, face challenges with determination, and always prioritize safety, family, and balance to achieve true fulfillment.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers and The Ohio State Buckeyes - why choose just one?
What is your favorite local restaurant: Crumb & Spigot
What was your first part-time job growing up: Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in junior high school, detailing cars and even making a few sales.
David Elk
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, daughters and grandchildren, whether it’s at home or on family vacations. My grandchildren bring me immense joy, and being around them is the best way to relax. I also enjoy staying active and keeping up with my hobbies, like baseball, which has been a lifelong passion of mine. Family and simple, meaningful moments are how I unwind.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Always stay true to the values of hard work and honesty, as they will guide you through every challenge. Trust your instincts when it comes to helping others, and never underestimate the importance of building meaningful relationships, both
personally and professionally. Also, cherish your time with family and always make them a priority, they are your foundation and greatest source of joy.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
What is your favorite local restaurant: The Reserve (formerly Umami)
Mindy Elk
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Residence: Beachwood
Undergraduate university: Arizona
State University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I believe it has played a part in my work ethic as well as how to properly balance work and family.
How do you unwind when not working: Shopping with my daughters, crafting or puzzles.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Learn as much as you can and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My great-grandmother, Jenny, who my mother adored so that she could tell me stories about the earlier generations of my family.
What is your favorite local restaurant: The new French brasserie, La Ville Lumiere on Clifton is a bit of a drive but well worth it.
Aaron Evenchik
Law firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
Age: 48
Residence: University
Heights
Synagogue: Bais Dovid
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism is central to everything I do.
How do you unwind when not working: I am trying to work out more to feel energized and healthy. Beyond that, I love spending time with my family and my small rescue dog.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: My 14-year-old self did a good job having fun, getting involved with music, and had good friends. I would tell myself to really enjoy that time.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers and The Ohio State University Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Joseph. He went from being thrown in a pit by his brothers, to being seduced by his boss’s wife, to being elevated to viceroy of Egypt. He told his brothers not to be upset because he was not sold, but sent by G-d.
What is your favorite local restaurant: I am thrilled that Mendel Seigel has opened two fancy kosher restaurants – Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ and Fiamma by Mendel. Both finally permit me to bring clients to meals.
What was your first part-time job growing up: My first job was as a camp counselor for Hiram House. It was an amazing experience being outside. I loved being a counselor and continued to do so in other camps including Camp Anisfield, where I met my wife, Courtney.
Do you have an Israel experience: I was happy to take my family to Israel in 2023. It was amazing to see Israel through my children’s eyes. We had an amazing tour guide who brought Israel and Jewish history to life for all of us.
Bryan Farkas
Law firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Age: 52
Residence: University Heights
Synagogue: Kollel Yad Chaim Mordechai Beachwood-University Heights Kollel Undergraduate university: University of California, San Diego
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Lee Fisher
Law firm: Dean of Cleveland State University College of Law
Age: 73
Residence: Cleveland Heights
Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami
Undergraduate university: Oberlin College
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The tenets and teachings of Judaism, particularly tikun olam, have guided my public, private, nonprofit and academic careers.
How do you unwind when not working: I love the quiet of an evening reading a book or watching a movie with my wife, Peggy. I also love to jet ski, swim, run and do pilates.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Try as many new things as you can. Take risks. Savor moments and memories with family. Stay in touch with friends. Call your mother every week after college.
What is your favorite sports team: It’s a tie between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Guardians.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: There are many historical figures like Golda Meir, Nelson Mandela or John F. Kennedy who I’d be honored to meet. But if I could only have dinner with one person, it would be my mother who died much too young and who I miss every day.
What is your favorite local restaurant: The Fairmount
What was your first part-time job growing up: Lifeguard. I didn’t save any lives, but I did save a Sunday New York Times from getting in the water.
Do you have an Israel experience: favorite trip to Israel was years ago as a member of the United Jewish Appeal National Young Leadership Cabinet. Being in Israel with other young Jewish leaders from throughout the country was inspiring and stays with me to this day.
Mark Samuel Frank
Law firm:
Attorney at Law, LLC Age: 68 Residence: Undergraduate university: of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
Geraci’s Restaurant
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked with my father and brother in our family carpet cleaning, carpet installation and dry cleaning business. Do you have an Israel experience: I went to Israel with the Cleveland Bureau of Jewish Education and Buddy Margolis. I spent seven weeks in Israel, touring, learning Hebrew, experiencing the people of Israel and their spirit.
Dov Frankel
Law firm: Taft Law Firm Undergraduate university: University of Maryland and Ner Israel Rabbinical College Law school: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Adam M. Fried
Law firm: The Law
Offices of Adam M. Fried, LLC
Age: 55
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me fairness, honesty, integrity and compassion. How do you unwind when not working: Spending time with family, children grandchildren and wife, Dori. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Pay attention to everything. It all matters.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: John F. Kennedy, what a great man with great ideas and great accomplishments, a true mensch. What is your favorite local restaurant: Wolf Pack Chorus Bar & Restaurant, Batuqui, Astoria Cafe & Wine Market and
Law firm: Roetzel & Andress, LPA Age: 57
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate university: The University of Chicago Law school: University of Michigan Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: No matter how busy, no work on Shabbat. Try to raise my kids and future grandkids Jewish.
How do you unwind when not working: Work out, watch sports or tinker on cars and other mechanical tasks. Shoot my firearms.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Chill. Pressure comes and goes. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns, as painful as it is.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Winston Churchill
What is your favorite local restaurant: Taza | A Lebanese Grill
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivering The Plain Dealer from fourth through seventh grades.
Do you have an Israel experience: Went on a bonds trip in late 2003. Ran into Natalie Portman (sans entourage), had dinner with Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and sat behind Shimon Peres for a group photo. I said my wife could have pinched Peres she was so close.
How has Judaism played a role in your career: At the heart of Jewish law is the idea of pursuing justice. Lawyers are encouraged to be fair and equitable in their work, always standing up for what’s right. How do you unwind when not working: I lead a very social life and find great opportunities to unwind by spending time with family and friends. Even when I am at the office, I unwind in the same way whether in communications with colleagues or enjoying the back and forth give and take communications with counsel and courts. Having fun, while at home, work or elsewhere, is the key for me to unwind. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I made finding a path to success more difficult than it needed to be by wasting opportunities to learn and grow. Poor grades were not caused by lack of understanding, but by lack of effort. I would tell my 14-yearold self, that which my mom tried to convey when I did a (poor) job washing the windows: if you are going to do it at all, do it well. What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My wife Sheri. Because she is the person with whom I most like to dine. What is your favorite local restaurant: Sheri and I like to go to Imperial Wok in Solon. We just walk in and grab a seat at the sushi bar.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Plain Dealer delivery boy.
Do you have an Israel experience: Visiting Israel was incredibly meaningful to me. Standing on the soil, I felt a draw, like I was supposed to be there, and was impressed by the history of things and events, over time, existing in the same time and place.
Heidi B. (Goldstein) Friedman
Law firm: Thompson Hine LLP
Residence: Cleveland Heights
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve
SUPER ATTORNEYS
University School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Yoga, puzzles and bad reality TV. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: It’s OK to not go hard every minute of every day. Take time to relax and recharge. You will get there.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Ruth Bader Ginsburg – she has always been my idol (small Jewish juror). What is your favorite local restaurant: Gigi’s On Fairmount
What was your first part-time job growing up: Camp counselor
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes, I went on a professional women’s mission to Israel.
Ian Friedman
Law firm: Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, LLC
Age: 54
Residence: Chagrin Falls
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or and Chabad Jewish Center of Chagrin Falls
Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The principles of fundamental fairness and equity are the guideposts that have motivated me throughout my entire career. I’ve never been willing to accept the status quo if it allowed for disparate and harmful treatment of those in need. The betterment of society is at the heart of Judaic teaching. A criminal defense lawyer works toward this lofty goal on a daily basis by helping others and acting with integrity within the criminal justice system. How do you unwind when not working: The high level of difficulty and energy required by practicing as a criminal defense lawyer causes me to “shutdown” when the day ends. My profession takes a heavy toll on those committed to giving their all to each case and every client. Fully extricating myself at times is absolutely necessary if I am to have longevity and remain most effective in my daily professional tasks. This usually involves the couch and a long nap. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Of course, always work hard and leave no stone unturned. Once you have given your best though, let it go and just trust that the result is meant to be. You do not need to be so hard on yourself by rehashing every decision. The combination of your ability, your intention and maximum
preparation in every matter will ensure that you are doing exactly how you are supposed to.
What is your favorite sports team: In addition to the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers, I am a big fan of the Columbus Crew.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would have dinner with my great-grandmother. With age has come many questions about family members who are no longer with us. I would love to know more about them and the history of my family.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Hako – Sushi in Lakewood, Wonton Gourmet & BBQ in Cleveland
What was your first part-time job growing up: I grew up working in the steel yards where I did everything from sorting metals to packaging the product to literally digging ditches.
Do you have an Israel experience: One of my greatest life experiences was traveling with my sixteen year old daughter to Israel in March of 2023. We spent almost two weeks touring the entire country. There are no words that can capture the impact that Israel had on us. It was beyond expectation and imagination. Sharing each moment with my daughter has given us incredible memories that we will forever reflect upon.
Josh A. Friedman
Law firm: Frantz Ward
LLP
Age: 28
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism provides a set of values and guidelines for treating others ethically. It also made the legal community more accessible by providing great networking opportunities.
How do you unwind when not working: I am a new addition to a group of guys who have been playing basketball together for 50-plus years.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Always give your best effort even on small things that seem inconsequential in the moment.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
What is your favorite local restaurant: Soho Chicken + Whiskey in Ohio City What was your first part-time job growing up: Camp counselor at the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland Day Camp
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes – I have been twice.
Josh Friedman
Law firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Age: 43
Residence: Shaker Heights
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Growing up as part of the Cleveland Jewish community has given me a wealth of friends and experiences that still shape my life today.
How do you unwind when not working: Playing games with my family, dinners and shows with my wife, Laura, gardening and going out with friends.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Buy as much bitcoin as you can in 2010.
What is your favorite sports team: The Cleveland Browns, sadly.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Alexander Hamilton. I would love to pick his brain, hear what he thinks of the state of things today, and maybe tell him not to duel.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Cordelia
What was your first part-time job growing up: The U.S. Census Bureau
Do you have an Israel experience: I’ve been three times: 1991 (family), 1996 (School - The Agnon School/Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School), 1998 (March of the Living).
Susan Friedman
Fuchs
I guess lefty?
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Hold on tight. Things are about to get exciting.
What is your favorite sports team: Friends O’Clyde
Sarah Gabinet
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson & Krantz
Age: 70
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan
Or
Undergraduate university: Oberlin College
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am guided by the principle of doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
How do you unwind when not working: Ballroom dancing, swimming, reading and spending time with my granddaughters –not in that order.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t take yourself so seriously. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My mom – she died too young and didn’t get to see her great-grandchildren. What is your favorite local restaurant: Gigi’s on Fairmount
What was your first part-time job growing up: Waitressing at Manners Big Boy. Do you have an Israel experience: Many –I’ve been to Israel eight times. The times I’ve spent at Kfar Haruv in the Golan Heights and seeing the Israeli Supreme Court in action stand out.
Danielle Garson
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson & Krantz
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Washington University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Law firm: The Moskowitz Firm
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
How do you unwind when not working: “Righty tighty, lefty loosey,” as they say, so
Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
Age: 40
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: University of Maryland
Law school: University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The teachings and values of Judaism have been a cornerstone in my development as a legal professional, including both my approach to the law and my commitment to ethical practice. How do you unwind when not working: The best way to relax is spending time with my
Joshua
family, enjoying a good book – preferably historical fiction – or watching mindless reality TV shows.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: You can’t have it all, and that’s OK. Life isn’t about perfection or checking every box – it’s about doing your best with what you have and embracing the journey. Prioritize what truly matters and give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Growth takes time and balance is just as important as ambition.
What is your favorite sports team: My daughter’s third grade basketball and soccer teams, and my son’s swim team. Cheering them on is my favorite weekend activity.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would have dinner with my Oma – my paternal grandmother. She was forced from her home in Austria and built a life in Cleveland. She was truly ahead of her time – a woman of remarkable kindness and wisdom. I’d love the chance to hear more of her stories, learn from her experiences and tell her how much her courage and values have shaped my life.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Zhug or GINKO Restaurant are tied for my favorite restaurants.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I babysat throughout high school and also worked as a camp counselor during the summers.
Do you have an Israel experience: I spent 10 days on a birthright trip after college. It was a wonderful experience and I hope to be able to go back one day with my children.
Anna Gecht
Law firm: Tucker Ellis LLP
Age: 34
Residence: Orange
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How do you unwind when not working: When I’m not practicing law, I’m a mom to my 2-year-old daughter, Danielle, and Cavapoo, Ruthie. My husband and I have a son on the way, so life is busy right now (in the best possible way). When I’m not lawyering and “mommy-ing,” I enjoy the occasional Netflix binge (hello Severance Season 2) and exercising. I used to row with the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and look forward to getting back into that soon. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one
person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What is your favorite local restaurant: Antica Italian Beachwood
What was your first part-time job growing up: Hebrew school tutor
Mitch Gecht
Law firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Age: 37
Residence: Orange
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It’s the foundation of my personal and professional community.
How do you unwind when not working: Spend time with family, cook and play golf. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Bo Schembechler
What is your favorite local restaurant: Peppermint
Do you have an Israel experience: I was bar mitzvahed there and then studied abroad at Hebrew University of Jerusalem in college.
Alex Gertsburg
Law firm: Gertsburg Licata Co., LPA Age: 49
Residence: Hudson Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It’s provided an anchor to my heritage and a channel to the infinite wisdom of my incredible ancestors. It’s provided warmth, family, tradition and essence in a world often filled with the opposites.
How do you unwind when not working: I exercise, read, play with my kids, write on my blog and do what I can to make people smile and feel good about this amazing life most of us have.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Love yourself and all people without too much judgment; be present; trust that it will all turn out fine; be authentic.
What is your favorite sports team: Whichever one my kids are playing on. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be
and why: Viktor Frankl – I’d love to take his brilliance and apply it better in my life, and learn to help other people apply it in theirs. What is your favorite local restaurant: Whichever one I’m having dinner with my family in, at that meal.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Paper boy in South Euclid for Sun Newspapers.
Do you have an Israel experience: I came to the U.S. at age 4 from Moldova. My dad’s family all went to Israel, so I spent my entire childhood traveling to Israel every other year to visit them. I connected to the joys and culture and fears of my Israeli friends and family and learned to be both passionate and logical about helping them from afar.
Steven Gill
Law firm: Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA
Age: 58
Residence: Mayfield Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My connection to the Jewish community is an important part of my everyday life and career in Cleveland. Our firm assists most of the Jewish organizations and assist them in securing their tax exemptions. Because of my connection, it is important to give back whenever possible.
How do you unwind when not working: Exercise, sporting events and movies help me unwind.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Focus on education and the rest will take care of itself.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians. I love attending games.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandmother, who is no longer with us. I miss her every day.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Superior Pho. Best soup anywhere. What was your first part-time job growing up: Busboy at The Restaurant. I took the bus at age 14 up Chagrin Boulevard to Lander Road.
Do you have an Israel experience: Not yet, but I will. I need to visit my relatives that live there.
Rob Gilmore
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson & Krantz
Age: 63
Residence: University
Heights
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The pursuit of justice is central to Judaism and played a large part in my wanting to be a lawyer in the first place. I have also tried to treat others in my profession with civility, honesty and kindness – things that are important to Judaism.
How do you unwind when not working: I love to play tennis and try to play at skating club twice a week. I also love to watch movies, especially great old movies on TCM. I am an avid reader, with history and spy novels at the top of my list. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Have faith — your sports teams will eventually give you some championships! (Cavs, Buckeyes … ?)
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians. (The Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State University Buckeyes are close behind)
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandfather, Abraham Adelstein, a renowned lawyer in Cleveland and an Orthodox Jew, who was instrumental in the creation of Telshe Yeshiva. He is an inspiration to me and I would love to have known him better (he died when I was 12).
What is your favorite local restaurant: Cru Uncorked. Amazing food, great service and beautiful ambiance.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Bus boy at the Golden Dragon at Brainard Place. I was there on the day Danny Greene was blown up in the parking lot.
Do you have an Israel experience: No, but hope to get there soon.
Adam Glassman
Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
Age: 31
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Cleveland State University College
SUPER ATTORNEYS
of Law
What is your favorite sports team: The Cavaliers have always been a favorite, and their domination this season has been especially entertaining.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Shuhei Restaurant is my go to spot for Japanese and sushi.
Rob Glickman
Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
Age: 58
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami
Undergraduate university: The University of North Carolina
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism teaches resiliency. One of the more important traits for a trial attorney.
How do you unwind when not working: Working out, golf and cocktails. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Think like a client, not a lawyer. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns – unfortunately.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Magic Johnson – one of the best athletes in the world who succeeded after his retirement in a number of fields while living with significant health issues. What is your favorite local restaurant: Johnny’s Bar on Fulton Avenue
What was your first part-time job growing up: Assistant tennis professional
Do you have an Israel experience: Unfortunately, no.
Ira S. Goffman
Law firm: Rolf Goffman
Martin Lang LLP
Age: 68
Residence: Orange
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: State University of New York at Binghamton Law school: The University of Toledo College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has played a critical role in my legal career. Ethics and morality are central tenants of Judaism which supported me in helping me work with clients to better understand fairness, justice and the rule of law.
How do you unwind when not working: I still love to play basketball and other sports or visiting and being a part of my grandchildren’s lives.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Continue your education both in school and in life, by being able to work with people. Put yourself in the shoes of the people you are dealing with. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: David Ben-Gurion, founder of the state of Israel. He was inspirational and so determined to create a Jewish state. I would love to hear him talk about the problems of that time and how he strategized to solve them.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Lockkeepers
What was your first part-time job growing up: In high school, I worked at Mom’s Bagels making and selling bagels in Lawrence, N.Y.
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel several times with my family and been able to experience walking up Masada in the summer and having one of my daughter’s bat mitzvah at the top of Masada.
Michael J. Goldberg
Law firm: Goldberg Dowell & Associates, LLC
Age: 61
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience and Congregation Shaarey Tikvah
Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Ethical principals taught throughout Judaism are constantly applicable in the legal profession. Also, in my particular field trying to appreciate the client’s life experience and perspective without personal judgment seems a very Jewish value.
How do you unwind when not working: My son, Noah, who has special needs, loves any sports on TV. So watching obscure teams playing obscure sports is a great diversion.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: You have really good parents for you, don’t be so hard on them. What is your favorite sports team: Beachwood Bison
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be
and why: Thomas Jefferson. I would love to do a “Finding Your Roots” episode with Henry Louis Gates Jr. only focusing on his descendants.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ
What was your first part-time job growing up: Pizza Maker at Cipi and Mo’s at The Van Aken District.
Do you have an Israel experience: I was there the first week of November this year. I had an opportunity to visit the South and speak with people who were first hand witnesses. I also got a chance to spend quality time with soldiers both on base and in the hospital. The Jewish people should be immensely proud of the young people –and some not so young – defending Israel and all her citizens 24/7.
Law firm: Goldberg Legal Co., LPA Age: 62
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: Arizona State University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The connection between my faith and my work is like adding a secret ingredient to my professional life that makes each day more than just a to-do list. Being guided by the ethical teachings and communal values of Judaism reminds me that my work serves a greater purpose beyond just getting things done. It’s about building trust, promoting justice, and looking out for the well-being of the community.
How do you unwind when not working: When I’m not working, I like to keep active and spend quality time with my family. I’ve been dedicated to a fitness routine that includes weights and cardio for years, it’s a great way to stay healthy and clear my mind. On weekends, I enjoy shooting sporting clays, which is both challenging and relaxing. Additionally, attending concerts with my girls is something we all love. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and create lasting memories together. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Focus on developing resilience and empathy. Life and your career will present many challenges, being able to bounce back and keep pushing forward is crucial. Don’t forget to nurture your empathy. As a trial lawyer, it’s essential to understand where people are coming from and how they’re feeling, not just with clients and juries but in all areas of life. Stay curious,
never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to stand up for your beliefs. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns, Guardians and Cavaliers If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: If I could have dinner with one person, it would be my father. He was the last tough guy I ever met. He embodied courage, integrity, and honor, and he had a profound love for family and nature. Every moment with him was a lesson in living authentically and boldly. I miss his presence immensely; a meal together would be a cherished opportunity to reconnect and draw from his strength and wisdom once more.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Giovanni’s
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked for my father’s construction company as a laborer.
Do you have an Israel experience: Like many Jews, I feel a strong connection to Israel, especially since Oct. 7. Our shared history and heritage bring us together worldwide. Recent events have only strengthened these ties, reminding us of our unwavering bond with Israel and its people, as well as the challenges they endure. “Never again” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a promise I stand by.
Andy Goldwasser
Law firm: Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP
Residence: Beachwood
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has kept me centered and at peace. How do you unwind when not working: Backpacking, hiking and boating. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Chill the heck out.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Justice Robert Jackson – I would love to hear about the Nuremberg trial. As a trial lawyer, Justice Jackson’s opening statement at the Nuremberg trial remains one of the most influential oratories in the history of international law. What is your favorite local restaurant: Nothing compares to mom’s cooking. Do you have an Israel experience: Yes. Best trip ever.
Steven M. Goldberg
Michael Goler
Law firm: Buckley King LPA
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Union College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I try to let the golden rule apply in all dealings.
How do you unwind when not working: Reading, music, walking
What advice would you give your 14-year-old self: Keep your mind open to possibilities.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My maternal grandfather. He lived through the entire 20th century and saw so much both in the U.S. and in Russia. I would love to discuss how he adapted through all those changes.
What is your favorite local restaurant: EDWINS
What was your first part-time job growing up: Library page at the Shaker Heights Public Library
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes. I was there in 2008 as part of a conference, before and after which we had the opportunity to travel a fair portion of the country, including going to Bethlehem.
Madelyn Grant
Law firm: Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant
L.L.C.
Age: 32
Residence: Tremont
Synagogue:
Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism to me is just as much about family and tradition as it is about religion. I draw from the traditions of my family and the lessons they have taught me, including compassion, inclusion and honesty, when counseling my clients through some of the toughest moments of their lives. Being able to rely on those key tenants of Judaism in those moments is critical.
How do you unwind when not working: I love a good workout and try to get to F45 Training downtown Cleveland as often as I can. I also look forward to long walks after
work with my dog, Sloane.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Pay attention to the political landscape now, start organizing and advocating for your rights and the rights of those around you now. Time is of the essence.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What is your favorite local restaurant: Cent’s Pizza in Ohio City
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivering the Sun Messenger and working at the Beachwood Family Aquatic Center snack bar.
Do you have an Israel experience: I’ve had the opportunity to visit Israel several times through Birthright, an internship with CAMERA in college, and with my family. It’s a beautiful place with amazing and resilient people. I will never forget my trips there and look forward to visiting again in the future.
Jennifer Gray
Law firm: Flannery | Georgalis, LLC
Age: 43
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Berklee College of Music Law school: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism’s emphasis on moral law and order had a significant influence on the first decade or so of my career, when I worked as an assistant district attorney in Bronx County, N.Y. In addition, the strong Jewish tradition of storytelling has shaped my current practice. I’m honored to have developed a niche telling people’s stories and helping the court, a board, or a jury see the full picture.
How do you unwind when not working: I spend my down time taking walks with my dog, a 9-year-old rescue pup named Charles, or hanging out with my extended family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: You are beautiful, you are worthy and you have time to do all that you intend. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Could it be a dinner party? Me, and Fanny Brice and Lucille Ball? What is your favorite local restaurant: This depends on the occasion. Steak Restaurant in Tremont, Jukebox in Ohio
City, and Yours Truly are high on my list.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I scooped ice cream at Tillie’s Treats in Bainbridge Township.
Do you have an Israel experience: Not yet.
Brian Green
Law firm: Shapero & Green LLC
Age: 55
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience
Undergraduate university: Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Law school: Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The study of parsha requires thought and analysis as does the law. Having that part of Judaism in my life is helpful in the practice of law. How do you unwind when not working: This is still a work in progress.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: The only thing you can never get back is time. I wish I would have listened just a bit better.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My maternal grandmother, Rosiland Shapero. She would be so proud of her family, and I wish I could share that with her.
What is your favorite local restaurant: LockKeepers
What was your first part-time job growing up: A janitor at the old Park East Racquet Club.
Do you have an Israel experience: My last trip was in 2014 on a JFX family trip and the memories are all so vivid.
Bradley L. Greene
Law firm: The Life Care Planning Law Offices of Bradley L. Greene Age: 61
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience
Undergraduate university: Bowling Green State University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism is all about being a good person, which has guided my entire life. We are taught early on that nothing is more important than learning, doing the right thing, and helping others. As a Jewish elder
law attorney, I get to help others honor their parents and get to be a true kiddush hashem (bringing honor to the Jewish people).
How do you unwind when not working: I play pickleball, work out, read, and enjoy watching movies and playing mahjong with my wife and kids.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: When you turn 21 do not grow a mustache.
What is your favorite sports team: Right now, it’s the OSU Buckeyes, but in any other year it would have been the Cleveland Browns.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My wife’s father, David Feinberg, because I never got to meet him. He died at 50, shortly before we met.
What is your favorite local restaurant: L’Albatros in University Circle. They have an amazing outdoor patio.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Kentucky Fried Chicken in high school. Do you have an Israel experience: Getting my baby name, Baruch Leib, my first time there on the JFX men’s trip in 2009, since I didn’t grow up with much religion and didn’t have a Hebrew name.
Todd Gurney
Law firm: The Eisen Law Firm
Age: 45
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Indiana University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My career is guided by the Jewish concept of tikkun olam. My entire practice is devoted to helping people and families repair their lives after they have suffered a devastating loss.
How do you unwind when not working: Golf or pickleball, a nap on the couch in front of the TV, and drinks or dinner with family or friends.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Follow your dreams, and hard work pays off.
What is your favorite sports team: Shaker Heights High School’s freshman basketball team – my son is the backup point guard. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My paternal grandfather –Edward, my middle name – passed away before I was born. I’ve seen photos and listened to stories about him, but I’ve never
SUPER ATTORNEYS
heard the sound of his voice. I’d love to talk to him over dinner – with my wife there, too.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Gigi’s on Fairmount. It’s a family-owned, local restaurant with a warm vibe, delicious drinks and food, and the service is exceptional – especially the hostess, my 17-year-old daughter.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Camp counselor
Do you have an Israel experience: No, but I want to visit soon.
Barry Guttman
Law firm: Benesch
Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 38
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Green Road
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: New York University
Law school: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Spending time with my wife and two sons. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Anne Frank, because if she could maintain her optimism, then how can’t we?
What is your favorite local restaurant: Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ
Rubin Guttman
Law firm: Rubin Guttman & Associates, LPA
Age: 72
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Green Road
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Brooklyn College
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has helped form my values and strengthened my work – life balance, as Shabbat and the Chagim created many opportunities for family time together. My communal life has given me much satisfaction and been richly rewarding. Most rewarding is seeing my children follow in the same path as they build their families and our community.
How do you unwind when not working: Traveling, playing with our grandchildren, working on my model trains, reading history and studying Torah, written large. What advice would you give your 14-year-
old self: Never forget to take care of your family and your community.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: David Ben Gurion or Chaim Weismann
What is your favorite local restaurant: Fiamma By Mendel
What was your first part-time job growing up: Working in my father’s small children’s shoe store in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Do you have an Israel experience: Many, including in the Golan Heights in 1967, shortly after the Six-Day War.
Lynn Lebit Hardacre
Company: University Hospitals Health System
Residence: Chagrin Falls
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan and The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The basic values and beliefs that I was taught by both my family and my synagogue have informed many personal choices and ethical decisions that I have made throughout my career. University Hospitals has strong connections to the Jewish community through employees, patients and our donors, and I am privileged to support and be a part of this remarkable institution.
How do you unwind when not working: I love to read, spend time in northern Michigan, travel, spend time with friends and shop online.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Try “all the things” and explore all the opportunities, even if they are scary and out of your comfort zone. Timing is never perfect, but experiences always are. Also, please don’t get that haircut that was feathered in the front and curly in the back.
What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father. I’d love to be able to see how he would react to the path my life has taken. I am sure he would be amused and shocked that I am part of a profession that I told him was so boring and one I would never pursue.
What is your favorite local restaurant: For breakfast, Washington Street Diner. For dinner, still Shuhei Restaurant and Johnny’s Bar on Fulton after all these years.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Throughout my teen and young adult
years, I was a performer and model with David and Lee Model Management. It got me my Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists card. My first retail job was at Naturalizer Shoes at Beachwood Place. I was more than happy to move on to The Beverly Hills Cafe. Loved that job.
Jill Friedman Helfman
Law firm: Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Age: 62
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism continues to help me find my moral compass and to provide my clients with thoughtful, considerate advice. How do you unwind when not working: My favorite way to unwind is to spend time with family and friends, and especially with our dog, Chip – the sweetest dog on earth! What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself, and who do not encourage drama in your life. Put this advice on repeat throughout your personal and professional life.
What is your favorite sports team: The University of Michigan football team. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would love to have regular dinners with my father, who I followed into the practice of law. He expressed such pleasure in my successes, and I admired his 50-plus-year legal career and the professional and ethical career he built. What is your favorite local restaurant: The Last Page – what a great place to go with a group of friends.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a counselor in training at the Akron Jewish Center day camp, where I had a fabulous experience and earned a whopping $60 for my eight weeks of work. Do you have an Israel experience: My three trips to Israel have provided me with three separate but amazing experiences. Visiting the country with our children (and other families) was incredible as I was able to view the experience through their eyes.
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: I cannot sit still so I like to exercise, cook for my family, and coach/watch my kids’ sports teams.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: The only critic that matters is the person you see in the mirror.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
What is your favorite local restaurant: Mia Bella Restaurant
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a dishwasher then calzone maker at Pizzazz on the Circle in Fairmount Circle when I was 14.
Nicole Heller
Law firm: Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC Age: 28
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Bachelor of Arts from University of Westminster and Master of Arts from Florida International University Law school: New York Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Being Jewish means coming from a family of immigrants, my grandparents fled Poland during World War II and arrived in Ecuador with nothing, not even knowing the language. Thanks to the efforts of people who advocate for immigrants, they were able to start their lives again and build a future. This has driven my passion for immigration law, and I want to help others find opportunities and security, just as my grandparents once did.
How do you unwind when not working: When I am not working, I like to unwind by exercising and cooking pizza with my husband.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Always be kind and help people in need, no matter how small the gesture may seem. The world can be tough, and kindness goes a long way in making it better. Work hard and be patient. Stay focused, trust the process, and believe in yourself even when things get tough. Every challenge you face will shape you into a
stronger, wiser person.
What is your favorite sports team: New York Yankees
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: If I could have dinner with anyone it would be with Queen Elizabeth II. She was a witness to many historical events and significant changes through her reign, from world wars to technological advancements and cultural shifts. I would love to hear her insights into all those historical events she experienced firsthand What is your favorite local restaurant: Amba
What was your first part-time job growing up: My first job growing up was working with my dad at his food restaurant. I spent time in the kitchen, learning the entire process of his business from start to finish. Do you have an Israel experience: When I graduated from high school, my classmates and I traveled to Israel as part of a school trip. We visited different cities by bus and had incredible experiences, such as sleeping in the desert and swimming in the Dead Sea. As one of the few Jewish girls on the trip, it was especially meaningful for me to share Israel with my friends and show them its culture and history
Evan Hirsch
Law firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A.
Age: 43
Residence: Orange
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate university: Boston University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Mostly in the lens of trying to live a righteous life and doing the right things. How do you unwind when not working: Getting beaten by my son in pingpong. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Buy Apple and Amazon stock –with real money.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians, Cavaliers and Browns and The Ohio State University Buckeyes If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Benjamin Franklin. He would probably be fascinated by the modern times.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Ninja Sushi and Hibachi in Mentor
What was your first part-time job growing up: Junior camp counselor at Park Day Camp
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes, I
attended the Federation Young Leadership Division mission in 2008.
Alan Hocheiser
Law firm: Maurice Wutscher LLP Age: 61
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: State University of New York at Albany
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has shaped my values of helping others and partaking in pro bono work.
How do you unwind when not working: Playing tennis
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Seek the advice of your elders and mentors. You are continually learning in life, and you need to constantly seek input from others.
What is your favorite sports team: New York Giants
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Willie Mays. He was my idol growing up. He had faced a lot through his life and gave back to his community.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Shuehi Restaurant
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivery and stock boy for Center Drug
Benjamin Hoen
Law firm: Weltman
Weinberg & Reis Co LPA
Age: 48
Residence: Cleveland Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Tzemach Tzedek
Undergraduate university: Central
Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Overall, Judaism has influenced me to be committed to community welfare and my commitment to upholding moral and ethical standards within my practice.
Michael Hoenig
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson & Krantz
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: New York University College of Arts and Science
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Deborah Hoffman
Law firm: Cleveland State University College of Law
Age: 54
Hometown: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan
Law school: Albany Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has profoundly shaped my values, guiding me in building meaningful alliances and addressing issues important to the Jewish community. It has inspired me as both a mentor and mentee, reinforced my leadership roles, and helped me stay focused on matters that are deeply tied to my Jewish identity and purpose. How do you unwind when not working: I am intentional about balancing hard work with relaxation and joy. Cycling and yoga are integral to my weekly routine, helping me stay grounded. I also prioritize fun and connection by attending concerts and planning meaningful moments with friends and family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Stay positive in the face of life’s challenges. Most frustrations will pass and pale in significance over time. Remember that the connections you make, even as a teenager, can have a lasting impact.
Be mindful of the impressions you leave, strive to build positive relationships and avoid burning bridges. These will become invaluable in the years to come.
What is your favorite sports team: As a newcomer to Cleveland, I’ve enjoyed supporting local teams like the Cavaliers and Guardians. While I appreciate the camaraderie and excitement of sports, my focus often gravitates toward building connections within my community and engaging in cultural experiences.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandparents. As an adult, I now have a deeper understanding of their history and resilience, and I would treasure the chance to have meaningful conversations with them from this more mature perspective. Spending time with
them would be incredibly special. What is your favorite local restaurant: As someone new to Cleveland, I’ve relished exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Sarita a restaurant in Lakewood has quickly become a standout favorite, offering a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional dining experience.
What was your first part-time job growing up: My first job was as a reporter for the Penny Saver, where I covered a weekly beat on local school news. My grandfather, Irving, found the advertisement for the role, and I earned $10 a week for my column. It was a great early lesson in responsibility and storytelling.
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes. After the Gulf War in the summer of 1991, I attended a summer program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, studying the Arab-Israeli conflict and archaeology. Later, in the summer of 1995, while in law school, I participated in Sar-El, or Volunteers for Israel, where I worked on an army base assisting soldiers in a warehouse for uniforms. The location was classified, but the experience was extraordinary and deeply impactful.
Gary Hoffman
Law firm: Gary H. Hoffman Law Office Age: 73
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me to treat all people with dignity and respect.
How do you unwind when not working: Spending time with family and friends, swimming and tennis.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Go for it. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams.
What is your favorite sports team: All Cleveland teams.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Peppermint Thai
What was your first part-time job growing up: Cleveland Press paper boy
Do you have an Israel experience: I climbed Mount Sinai.
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Ari H. Jaffe
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson & Krantz
Age: 64
Residence: University
Heights
Synagogue: Green Road
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Brandeis
University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My faith and my optimism for Judaism and humanity are at the core of my career.
How do you unwind when not working: Family, community and public service are very important to me. I am a terrible golfer, a mediocre skier and a slightly above beginner glass blower. On the other hand, I am a decent cook, a dedicated volunteer teacher, a genius at sorting through large amounts of data and an excellent shoeshopper for all of our grandchildren. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Creativity and curiosity are keys to life. Friends and family are keys to the world. What is your favorite sports team: The Browns, before we ever heard of the Ravens. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My wife Marlyn, of course. What is your favorite local restaurant: I love all of the kosher restaurants in Cleveland, especially Nubeigel first thing in the morning. I will also give a shout-out to Red Eagle Distillery on a quiet fall afternoon. What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a waiter for Davis Caterers and worked primarily for events at Taylor Road Synagogue and the Davis Hall. It was great fun and organized chaos with Moishe Davis, Sid Davis and many friends from school. Do you have an Israel experience: Our son, Ben, and his family live in Carmei Gat. Our daughter, Leora, and her family live in Modiin. We love the time we spend in Israel with them, especially this past Pesach when our daughter, Sarah, and her family also joined us to celebrate a wonderful chag together in Jerusalem.
Law firm: Reminger Co., LPA
Age: 66
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University
Law school: New York University School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Reading
What was your first part-time job growing up: Plain Dealer carrier in elementary school
Matthew Kadish
Law firm: Frantz Ward LLP
Age: 62
Residence: Hudson
Undergraduate university: Williams College
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Values and community
How do you unwind when not working: Playing guitar
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: You’re on the right track. What is your favorite sports team: Any Cleveland team.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Pizza delivery at Singing Sam’s in Kent.
Doron Kalir
Law firm: Cleveland State University College of Law, Appellate Practice Clinic
Residence: Pepper Pike
Undergraduate university: Hebrew University of Jerusalem Law school: Columbia Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has much to say about the law. I’ve studied Jewish Law for four years at the Hebrew U. Law School. Later, as a professor, I published a long article about same-sex marriage and Jewish Law. I think that, primarily, the notion that every person was created in the image of God has left a huge impression on my legal thinking. How do you unwind when not working: Yoga, classical music (mainly Beethoven), and, of course, the Mandel Jewish Community Center gym.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: It is a cliche, but “follow your heart.” You hear so much advice when you’re young – “do this; don’t do that; this is best for you; this is worst” – and you’re not sure where to go. Your heart is often your best compass.
What is your favorite sports team: Maccabi Tel Aviv (basketball); and now, that my son Gabi is at OSU – the new national champs in college football. But I mostly follow tennis, which is an individual sport.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Probably Isaac Newton (I’m not sure I’d be able to follow my dear Albert). I would ask him what was it like to discover the three laws that govern the Universe ... and also some questions about his religious belief, which came dangerously close to Judaism. What is your favorite local restaurant: Doug Katz’s Kiln.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Tennis instructor. Still, perhaps the most satisfying job I’ve ever had – you see the clients – both kids and adults much older than me - turn into enthusiastic tennis players in front of your eyes.
Do you have an Israel experience: I was born, raised, educated and served a full military service in Israel. I still have many family members and friends in Israel. I’m headed there in one week. Israel is – and will always be – a huge part of me.
Charles Kampinski
Law firm: Kampinski & Roberts, LPA Age: 77
Residence: Moreland Hills
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has made me want to fight for the underdog.
How do you unwind when not working: Play golf
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Stand up for what you believe. What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Albert Einstein, to learn more about the universe.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Hyde Park
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivering The Plain Dealer
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes, I have two sisters and 12 nephews that live there and I have visited multiple times.
Svetlana Kats
Law firm: The Law Office of Svetlana Kats
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Oheb Zedek
Cedar Sinai Synagogue Undergraduate university: Kharkov Law Academy Law school: Case
Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Its influenced me by shaping my values such as justice, ethics, pursuit of fairness which are core principles of Judaism.
How do you unwind when not working: I do yoga, running, travel, socialize with friends. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Study, work hard, be compassionate and curious.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My mom – she passed 10 years ago. She is my hero.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Lab assistant at the forensic lab.
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes, my cousin and many other relatives live in Israel. I often go to Israel to visit.
Grant Keating
Law firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA Age: 45
Residence: Solon
Undergraduate university: Ithaca College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The emphasis on ethical conduct and the pursuit of justice have profoundly shaped my legal career. Embracing these principles, I strive to uphold integrity in the legal system and protect the rights of my clients.
How do you unwind when not working: I try to spend all of my free time with family and friends. Whether it’s sharing a meal, engaging in meaningful conversations, or sitting around a table playing cards, it’s the time I spend with loved ones that brings joy and balance to my life.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Stay focused and disciplined with your studies now, because the effort you put in today will open doors to endless opportunities in the future.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns (sadly)
What is your favorite local restaurant: Zhug
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a gas station clerk at the BP at state Routes 306 and 422.
Barbara Bellin Janovitz
Ester Khaykin
Law firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 28
Residence: Mayfield
Heights
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I would love to learn more about her life and story. Her grit, dedication and passion for the law and justice inspire me to this day.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Marble Room Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Richard Koblentz
Law firm: Koblentz, Penvose & Froning, LLC
Age: 74
Residence: Solon
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
Sarah Kolick
Law firm: Minc Law
Synagogue: Beth El-The Heights Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Smith College
Law school: George Washington University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: As a Jew by choice, I have learned to embrace a pluralistic worldview while still upholding a personal code of morality. I am better able to provide judgment free services to my clients because I believe that my moral standards are to judge my life by and are not to be weaponized to stigmatize and shame others. This has challenged me to become more tolerant, more inclusive and less judgmental.
How do you unwind when not working: Playing my harp, enjoying a spin class and reading feminist classics
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Life’s too short, have more fun. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Gloria Steinem, so that I could thank her for empowering 11-year-old me
to dress up as her as my famous Ohioan project for my fifth grade class. Because of Gloria Steinem’s feminist activism, I was able to grow up playing sports and attend law school where my feminine presence was not openly questioned. Gloria Steinem inspires me to continue the Feminist fight for women and people of all marginalized genders.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Westlake Safety Town
Lee Korland
Law firm: Benesch
Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Residence: Orange
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Brandeis University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me the importance of justice, fairness, lifelong learning and giving back to the community. These are core beliefs I’ve strived to incorporate into my practice.
How do you unwind when not working: I enjoy yoga, hiking, rooting for my favorite Cleveland teams, and traveling the world with my family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t sweat the small stuff – and maybe consider investing in Apple stock.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
What is your favorite local restaurant: Brassica Sandwiches & Salads
What was your first part-time job growing up: Bagging groceries
Brett S. Krantz
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson and Krantz
Age: 61
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: Dartmouth College
Law school: The University of Chicago Law School
Law firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 28
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: The Ohio
State University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns
What is your favorite local restaurant: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar in Cleveland
Do you have an Israel experience: I’ve been to Israel four times – once with my eighth grade class at the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School, twice in high school with Diller AFU and Write on For Israel, and once in college on Birthright. I loved every single second of my time spent in Israel and look forward to going back.
Kenneth M. Lapine
Law firm: Buckley King
LPA
Age: 82
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Suburban Temple Kol-Ami
Undergraduate university: Dartmouth College
Law school: University of Michigan Law School
How do you unwind when not working: I spend time with friends and family. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Continue to focus on your studies and your athletic activities.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandfather, Joseph Rabinowitz, to learn how he got the courage in the early 1900s to emigrate to the United States.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Giovanni’s
What was your first part-time job growing up: Working summers at Bobbie Brooks. Do you have an Israel experience: I visited Israel in July 2022 – in the throes of a heat wave – and had a guide who grew up in Cleveland Heights, moved to Israel 40 years ago as a lawyer but decided to be a tour guide. It was a thoroughly delightful experience.
Jordan Lebovitz
Law firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, Co. L.P.A.
Age: 37
Residence: Moreland
Hills
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan
Law school: Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law
How do you unwind when not working: When I’m not working, I am spending every spare moment with my wife, our two boys and our dog.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Try not to sweat the small stuff. What is your favorite local restaurant: Vero Pizza
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a valet at a local restaurant. Do you have an Israel experience: My family took a life-changing trip to Israel more than 10 years ago. I’ll never forget the feeling of the early morning hike up Masada. I cannot wait to take my children there one day.
Jeffrey Leikin
Law firm: Jeffrey Leikin, Esq., LLC
Age: 65
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of Colorado
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish studies has provided a solid foundation to my work as an attorney. Teachings from the Torah formulate the basis to my commitment to help others and fulfill my obligations as a Jew.
How do you unwind when not working: Relaxing at home and rooting for our home teams – the Cleveland Browns, Guardians and Cavaliers.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Interesting question as we all want to go back older and wiser than we were before. Probably the best advice would be to be a good listener. Listening affords the time to be patient, the time to think things over and the time to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
What is your favorite sports team: The 1964 Cleveland Browns.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father. So much more I wanted
Hannah Kraus
SUPER ATTORNEYS
to learn from him and talk about. Although our adult time was short, I am so thankful for the time we had together.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Probably Lago in the Flats.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Cleaning restrooms, floors and the service department of my dad’s buildings. Do you have an Israel experience: My parents took the family when I was 9 years old, and my wife and I took our family the summer before the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish I had traveled to Israel more often, but the comparison over the years was great and the experience was even better.
Kevin Lenson
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Residence: Moreland Hills
Undergraduate university: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Law school: University of Toledo College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Growing up attending Sunday school, Hebrew school and being bar mitzvah helped lay the foundation for how I practice law. Listen, fight for your beliefs, and help those that need your counsel during difficult times.
How do you unwind when not working: I work out almost daily and play basketball once a week.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Take your parents’ advice, they were mostly correct.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Sports teams and University of Wisconsin - Madison’s Badgers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Abraham Lincoln. I have read several books about Lincoln. He was a self-taught lawyer who rose to be probably the greatest president in the history of this country.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Crumb and Spigot
David W. Leopold
Law firm: UB
Greensfelder LLP
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Undergraduate university: University of Michigan
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has informed my passion for legal
ethics, social justice and reverence for the rule of law.
Rebecca Kopp Levine
Law firm: Porter Wright
Morris & Arthur LLP
Age: 49
Residence: Westlake
Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami
Undergraduate university: Purdue University
Law school: Temple University Beasley School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: I listen to podcasts and ride my Peloton. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I would suggest to myself that I should be present as much as possible, and to remain authentic to myself. Hard work is important, but so is enjoying the moment.
What is your favorite sports team: U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
What is your favorite local restaurant: Wild Mango
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked as a tour guide for the Wright Brothers’ third airplane at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton.
Kenneth B. Liffman
Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
Age: 70
Residence: Mayfield Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The foundation of my career has been rooted in education, as is Judaism. If I didn’t believe in education and if I hadn’t been educated, I wouldn’t be where I am today. In both my professional and philanthropic endeavors, my engagement has been motivated by the principle of tikkun olam.
How do you unwind when not working: I like to golf, read, work out and spend time with my family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Remember to pick a profession that aspires you to help others while providing for family.
What is your favorite sports team: The Cleveland Cavaliers or the Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be
and why: I would like to have dinner with my parents. Since they have been gone, I have another 30 years of life experiences to discuss with them.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Flour for lunch and Giovanni’s for dinner (sea bass or veal Milanese).
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was proud to work at my father’s furniture store. As a small child, he had given me the title of Vice President of Toilet Paper. It taught me the importance that every detail mattered to someone. Do you have an Israel experience: When we traveled to Israel, I was most impressed by the switchover from their Memorial Day to Independence Day. Israelis go from remembering all of those who had fallen to the joy of celebrating the birth of a nation.
Eric F. Long
Law firm: Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, LLC
Age: 41
Residence: Rocky River Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism and the values that were instilled in me by my family form the basis of my sense of justice and desire to fight for what is right on behalf of my clients. How do you unwind when not working: I spend time with my family and enjoy traveling.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: You do not need to have your life planned out. You will change and grow and your path will emerge. Also, relationships are worth the investment. Be a good and loyal friend and family member. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns, despite the psychological torment.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My paternal grandparents, who passed away before I was born. Having that opportunity would be incredibly special. What is your favorite local restaurant: It’s impossible to pick a favorite in a city with such tremendous culinary institutions. What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a dishwasher at Alfredo’s at the Inn.
Do you have an Israel experience: I went to Israel with my extended family when I was about 10. Seeing the rich history and culture has stuck with me throughout my life. Our tour guide tricking me into eating
a raw olive has led to a lifelong disdain for the nasty pitted fruit.
Michael Makofsky
Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
Age: 50
Residence: Solon
Undergraduate university: University of Connecticut Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has helped me to cultivate empathy and appreciate the gift of resilience in the face of adversity. Given the struggles of the Jewish people in our history, as well as ongoing concerns as a minority group, I really try to understand and empathize with a person’s unique situation.
How do you unwind when not working: Being outside helps me to unwind and relax so that may include going to a beach or hiking. I make it a priority to walk outside every day, even if the weather is not ideal. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I like the expression “this too shall pass”. When you’re 14, events can feel overwhelming so I think that statement helps put situations into perspective. What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked at Baskin-Robbins.
Franklin C. Malemud
Law firm: McDonald Hopkins, LLC
Age: 52
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Kol HaLev
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has provided a useful moral compass in practicing law. How do you unwind when not working: Exercise, listen to music, read books and make art.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: See as much of the world as you can as soon as you can.
What is your favorite sports team: Tie: The Ohio State University football team and Cleveland Cavaliers.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Kurt Vonnegut is my favorite author. It would be fascinating to talk with Kurt who, despite having been witness
to immense human tragedy, remained endlessly empathetic, creative, witty, interesting, hilarious and entertaining. What is your favorite local restaurant: Amba
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked at Kids Center, an after-school day care at the Mayfield Road JCC.
Do you have an Israel experience: I traveled in 2005 with other professionals on a Jewish Federation of Cleveland sponsored trip.
Jack S. Malkin
Law firm: Jack S.
Malkin, Esq.
Age: 69
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: The University of Akron School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Overcoming the stereotype. How do you unwind when not working: Golf, tennis, working out
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Do something else.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Indians/Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Saul Goodman – my legal idol and mentor.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Diamond Grille in Akron
What was your first part-time job growing up: Camp counselor
Do you have an Israel experience: Not yet.
Ellen S. Mandell
Law firm: Law Office of Ellen S. Mandell
Residence: Beachwood
Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish education has taught me to do justice. I try to see issues from all sides and to approach my cases from that perspective, while achieving my clients’ goals.
How do you unwind when not working: I recently learned to play mahjong and canasta. I play with my dog. I spend time with high school classmates I reconnected with when planning our Beachwood High
School reunion. I like movies. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Have the courage to do what you believe needs to be done. Believe in yourself.
What is your favorite sports team: It used to be the Browns, and I hope someday that team will be my favorite again. But for now, The Ohio State University Buckeyes football team is my favorite.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Ruth Bader Ginsburg because she embodied the courage to stand for justice and equality, and the grace to forgive those who do not.
What is your favorite local restaurant: L’Albatros for special occasions. Jack’s Deli and Restaurant if I want breakfast. What was your first part-time job growing up: My first job was babysitting. I’m still stunned when I encounter, as a lawyer, the kids I used to babysit.
Dale Howard Markowitz
Law firm: Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan
Age: 74
Residence: Pepper Pike Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Golf
What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: John F. Kennedy to discuss what he expected to accomplish for the rest of his term(s) as President.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Deep Springs Trout Club
What was your first part-time job growing up: Baskin-Robbins
Do you have an Israel experience: Went to Israel on a Jewish Federation of Cleveland sponsored trip the week after Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, it was a very worrisome time for most Israelis we talked to.
Joel W. Meskin
Law firm: McGowan Program Administrators
Age: 66
Residence: Beachwood Undergraduate university: University of California, Los Angeles Law school: Southwestern University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My parents created a home that was imbued with Judaism, Judaica and the importance of Judaism in your life. This carried over into own family life and law practice and my Insurance Industry Practice. It instilled in me the importance of empathy, civility and treating clients and opposition attorneys as I would want to be treated. How do you unwind when not working: Family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Listen to yourself and listen to those whom you respect. Soak up as much of the world you can before you develop your own passion. You are often presented with the best career for you where you least expect it and that may not appear to be on your list of careers you think you want. Avoid assumptions and find one or more mentors. What is your favorite sports team: University of California, Los Angeles’s basketball, Indiana Fever and The Ohio State University football.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: David Ben Gurion. He accomplished what no one thought could be accomplished, but he went and accomplished it anyway. He had a passion that few could emulate, and most would not try. Finally, he had a strong vision that most people could not understand. I would want to listen to him share his journey.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Breakfast at the Village Diner
What was your first part-time job growing up: My first job was actually two. First, after returning from Tel Aviv University for my second year of university, I returned to Los Angeles and taught in a special program through the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education. Concurrently with that, I was a baker my last two years on campus at UCLA.
Do you have an Israel experience: My first trip to Israel was in 1974 when I went on an ulpan teenage trip where we were based for the summer at Mosad Harei Ephraim. We studied, worked and traveled. My next experience in Israel was when I attended Tel Aviv University in 1976 and 1977. In 1979 I returned to Kibbutz Sde Boker as part of a Garin for a summer. Since then it has been family visits.
Donald Messinger
Law firm: Thompson Hine LLP
Age: 81
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate
university: Colgate University
Law school: Duke University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish values are I’m reliable –I do what I say I’ll do, honest – I don’t deceive or cheat, and respectful – I treat others with respect.
How do you unwind when not working: I watch Cleveland sports on TV. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Take dancing lessons.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My wife’s late father, who died too young and who I never had the chance to meet.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Nighttown (formerly)
What was your first part-time job growing up: Selling door-to-door Heluva Good Cheese, which was originated by my grandfather.
Do you have an Israel experience: No, but it’s on my “bucket list.”
Jonathan Mester
Law firm: Nurenberg
Paris Injury Lawyers
Age: 54
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Syracuse University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Deborah J. Michelson
Law firm: Buckley King Undergraduate university: Northwestern University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Steven J. Miller
Law firm: Buckley King
LPA
Age: 68
Residence: Shaker
Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: Brown University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your
SUPER ATTORNEYS
career: I enjoy being part of a terrific subset within the profession: Jewish lawyers.
How do you unwind when not working: Family, family, family (and I miss the late family dog).
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: So, you want to be a lawyer when you grow up? Do it.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers. All In.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandfather, exterminated at Auschwitz, whom I of course never got to meet or know.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Zhug
What was your first part-time job growing up: Newspaper carrier and tennis court attendant.
Do you have an Israel experience: I just returned from a truly extraordinary non-tourist visit, complete with a few days of Reform kibbutz-life and desert exploring in the Arava, overnight missile-warning sirens and safe-room bomb shelters near Tel Aviv, the first night of Chanukah with a Reform Israeli family the second night of Chanukah with an ultra-Orthodox Israeli family in Jerusalem, and finding my grandfather’s listing in the Book of Names at Yad Vashem.
Aaron Minc
Law firm: Minc Law Age: 40
Residence: Moreland Hills
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I take days off on Jewish holidays. How do you unwind when not working: I play tennis, enjoy skiing, vacationing, exercising and spending time with my kids. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: You can never be beaten if you never give up.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: LeBron James. Because we are from the same hometown and he’s awesome.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Swenson’s Drive-In
What was your first part-time job growing up: Counselor-in-training at the
Shaw Jewish Community Center of Akron summer camp.
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes. I loved it.
Sam Mintzer
Law firm: Benesch
Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 33
Residence: Gates Mills
Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah
Undergraduate
university: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Howard Mishkind
Law firm: Mishkind
Kulwicki Law
Age: 69
Undergraduate
university: University of Cincinnati
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Spending time with my family and grandchildren. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
Suzann Moskowitz
Law firm: The Moskowitz Firm
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Cornell University
Law school: Stanford Law School
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Relax. The extra credit is optional. What is your favorite sports team: Beachwood Bison soccer
What is your favorite local restaurant: My kitchen.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Ice cream scooper at Menorah Park
Susannah Muskovitz
Law firm: Lemmerbrock & Boron, LLC
Age: 65
Residence: Shaker
Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate
university: McGill University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: At the end of 2024, after more than 40 years of representing labor unions, I have retired from the practice of law. My goal is to retire when I am young enough to enjoy retirement, while finding new ways to give back to the community. I have found myself looking to Jewish thinkers to help me navigate this new phase in my life. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: The best advice for my 14-yearold self is knowing that “One Plans; God Laughs.” Dream big, but always remember that life is full of twists and turns and those twists and turns should be turned into opportunities. And never lose your sense of humor.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would have dinner with Nelson Mandela. He understood that anger only hurts the angry. Move forward and fix the things that need fixing.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Mallorca
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked as a receptionist in a doctor’s office when I was in high school. I learned a lot about the importance of taking care of oneself and one’s family.
Do you have an Israel experience: My most memorable time in Israel is when our youngest son became a bar mitzvah at Kehilat Har-El in Jerusalem, which is the founding congregation of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism.
Richard Naegele
Law firm: Wickens
Herzer Panza Age: 73
Residence: Huron
Synagogue: Agudath
B’nai Israel Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The concept of tikkum olam encourages me to try to improve the world. How do you unwind when not working: Exercise, read and travel with my wife, Jori. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Study, work hard and travel. What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Socrates, to discuss the examined life.
What is your favorite local restaurant: The Wine Vault in Vermilion
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked in a grocery store.
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel three times. In 2011, we flew from Cairo to Tel Aviv the night before the Arab Spring erupted in Egypt.
Steven M. Nobil
Law firm: Fisher & Phillips
Residence: Aurora
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate university: Baldwin Wallace University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How do you unwind when not working: I unwind by working out, playing the piano and golf and watching our local professional sports teams.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Learn from your mistakes, plan for your future and work like hell to make your dreams become your future.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father and/or my mother so that I could let them know how much I loved them and thank them for giving me the strength, beliefs and fortitude that have made me who I am.
What is your favorite local restaurant: There are far too many great restaurants in the Cleveland area for me to make that choice
What was your first part-time job growing up: Early morning paper delivery, mowing grass and shoveling snow for the neighborhood
Tod Northman
Law firm: Tucker Ellis
LLP
Age: 58
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Green Road
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Portland
State Unviersity
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The Torah has given me principles and beliefs to center my practice around. The observance of Shabbat has provided a weekly break, which has helped me stay refreshed.
How do you unwind when not working: I
exercise – especially cycling in the summer. Also, I love to see movies in theaters and travel.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Cultivate your inner score –nothing matters as much as staying true to what you know to be important.
What is your favorite sports team: Oregon Ducks
What is your favorite local restaurant: Fiamma by Mendel
What was your first part-time job growing up: Mowing lawns
Do you have an Israel experience: I’ve traveled to Israel a number of times, but the high point was the two months I spent in Yeshiva as a middle-aged adult. Having the opportunity to learn full time after working for two decades sharpened my appreciation for the opportunity.
Jill G. Okun
Law firm: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Residence: Orange
Undergraduate university: Tufts University
Law school: Boston College Law School
How do you unwind when not working: I like to read and work out to unwind.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I would tell myself to be confident and take risks.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked as a camp counselor and in telephone solicitation as well.
Do you have an Israel experience: I spent a week in Israel on a wonderful tour, but I would love to go back again and visit an ORT school.
Abbie
R. Pappas
Law firm: UB Greensfelder LLP
Age: 36
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Columbia Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My involvement in the Jewish community has helped me develop a client base and a specialization in halachic estate planning.
How do you unwind when not working: Spending time with my husband, two sons, and our extended family and friends.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t worry, no one else has it all
figured out either.
What is your favorite sports team: The Pittsburgh Steelers – I don’t really care much about sports, but my husband and son are obsessed with the Steelers, and when they’re happy, I’m happy.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: J.K. Rowling
What is your favorite local restaurant: Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ
What was your first part-time job growing up: Working at Haagen-Daaz at Legacy Village – it is long gone.
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel many times, but my best memories there are visiting with our family who live in Gush Etzion and outside Tel Aviv.
Joshua D. Payne
Law firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Co., LPA
Residence: Willoughby
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: The College of Wooster
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has instilled in me a profound duty to champion fairness, compassion and social responsibility. Guided by these core principles, I firmly believe that individual actions, both inside and outside the courtroom, have the power to create meaningful change, contributing to a safer and more just world.
How do you unwind when not working: Hiking and keeping up with my 6-monthold.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Winston Churchill
What is your favorite local restaurant: Yours Truly Restaurant
Maxwell Peltz
Law firm: Zukerman, Lear, Murray & Brown Co., LPA Age: 30
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: University of Akron School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: In 2014, I was arrested for standing up to antisemitism. The charges were ultimately dismissed. However, the arrest and subsequent court hearings helped me figure out that I wanted to be a lawyer one day. And I actually work for the firm that represented me.
How do you unwind when not working: I like to play basketball, dubbing the nickname “The Jewish Jordan.” I also like to do jigsaw puzzles, cook and try new restaurants, and spend time with my wife and family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Start playing golf and/or start taking basketball seriously so you could go pro.
What is your favorite sports team: The Cleveland Browns, unfortunately. I am also a fan of the Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Cavaliers.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My best friend, Daniel Livshin, who passed away seven years ago. What was your first part-time job growing up: Kredo Hardware
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel on four occasions. Once as a participant on birthright, I have led two birthright trips and I went on Onward Israel.
Elizabeth L. Perla
Law firm: The Perla Law Firm, LLC Age: 43 Residence: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: In my career, and every facet of my life, I aspire to have good middot – to be kind, compassionate and honest. How do you unwind when not working: I enjoy exercising, spending time with my family and the company of a good book.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would have dinner with my grandma. I would love to see her smile, make her laugh and get one more great hug. What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked as a swim instructor for toddlers.
Do you have an Israel experience: After my husband and I were married, we traveled to Israel together. It was my first time. We ran into so many Clevelanders near the Western Wall. It reinforced the idea of how interconnected the Jewish world is.
Katherine Poldneff
Law firm: UB
Greensfelder LLP
Age: 45
Residence: Broadview
Heights
Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid
Undergraduate university: Vanderbilt University
Law school: New York University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: There is an unspoken kinship between many Jewish attorneys, which I very much appreciate. In addition, participating in BBYO in my youth has led to many connections in the Northeast Ohio Jewish community that have had an impact on my career. Many people in that community, whether it be employers, clients, or colleagues, know you or know someone who does, and that is always a positive.
How do you unwind when not working: Hiking in the national park with my dog, Bentley, reading a good book, or trying out a new recipe. I also love to travel and plan vacations.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Do what you love and don’t be afraid to take risks.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Maybe Charlotte Bronte. After reading hundreds of novels, Jane Eyre is still my favorite. Even in the context of a Gothic Victorian novel, the internal world and emotions of the heroine still feel authentic and relatable to this day, no matter how many times I read it. Bronte rose above difficult personal circumstances to do what she loved and present the world with a revolutionary feminist novel that has stood the test of time.
What is your favorite local restaurant: L’Albatros
What was your first part-time job growing up: Camp counselor
Matt Pollack
Law firm: McDonald Hopkins
Age: 46
Residence: Highland Heights
Synagogue: Temple Emanu El
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
SUPER ATTORNEYS
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism may not necessarily play an active role in my career day to day, but it is there in the naunces. I work with a fairly Jewish firm, and actually went to Israel on a Honeymoon Israel trip with one of the partners and our wives. Judaism is what connects all of us.
How do you unwind when not working: Cleveland sports, and spending time with the family, and our two Shih Tzus. My 6-year-old son and I have rediscovered a love of 1980s video games.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: It may not get easier but it will be worth it in the end. Keep your head up and keep working hard, but do not forget to take time to have fun.
What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Art Modell – I’d like to ask him what exactly he was thinking when he sold the Browns to Baltimore.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Burgers 2 Beer or Panini’s Bar & Grill –tough choice.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Golf Galaxy
Do you have an Israel experience: I went in 2018, it was my first time. I went on the Honeymoon Israel trip. There are not enough words to describe how the trip changed me, changed me and my wife’s relationship with each other and with Judaism. Everything feels more powerful and meaningful there. It was truly a trip of a lifetime. I cannot wait to bring our kids back there.
Cynthia Port
Law firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz, Co., L.P.A.
Age: 55
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of Maryland Law school: American University Washington College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism informs my values, which informs everything I do in and outside of work.
How do you unwind when not working: I bake a lot. I also like meeting up with friends for coffee or lunch to keep connected to my life outside of work and kids.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Having your mother do highlights on your hair is a terrible idea. Go to a
professional.
What is your favorite sports team: I plead the fifth.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My husband’s maternal grandfather. He was one of those larger than life people that everyone still talks about. He died many years before I met my husband and I think I would have loved knowing him.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Grumpy’s Cafe
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked in a small, privately-owned drug store behind the counter and as a pharmacy technician.
Do you have an Israel experience: I’ve only been once, on a women’s mission trip in 2013. I’d really like to get back there soon.
Richard Rabb
Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
Age: 61
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Connections to other lawyers and people in the community that have allowed me to develop my business. How do you unwind when not working: Turn off my phone and leave the house for a hike in the park.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Focus on relationships. Stay tight with your family. Stay in touch, even if you are the one that has to initiate the communication. Although you should enjoy, remember that you should have a good mix of enjoyment and work focus.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Theodore Roosevelt. He founded the National Park System. I like what he stood for and how he defended our country. What is your favorite local restaurant: Johnny’s Bar on Fulton
What was your first part-time job growing up: Counselor-in-training at Red Raider Camp
Do you have an Israel experience: I went with my then girlfriend for a month staying at youth hostels and a shoe-string budget, climbing Masada at 5 a.m. and watching the sun rise.
Julie Rabin
Law firm: Rabin & Rabin
Co., L.P.A.
Age: 68
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: Northwestern University
Law school: New York University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I try to incorporate the moral principles of fair dealing in my practice. How do you unwind when not working: I study Hebrew and play the piano. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Frizzy hair is not the end of the world. Don’t give up – keep moving forward. In time, you will find your time and place. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would have dinner with my now deceased parents – just because. What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a camp counselor at a day camp.
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes – I graduated high school six months early and lived on a kibbutz. I also spent my junior year of college at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I have been to Israel other times as well.
Julia German Radefeld
Law firm: The Belles Group, P.C. Residence: Hudson
Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: University of Akron School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Snowboarding in the winter, biking and wake surfing in the summer with my family.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Paul Rudd. I think he’s hilarious. What is your favorite local restaurant: Red, the Steakhouse
What was your first part-time job growing up: Transporter in a hospital.
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes, my brother is currently in the IDF there, another brother had his bar mitzvah there, and our synagogue had a mission trip there when I was a kid.
Alan Rauss
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson & Krantz
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Law school: The University of Michigan Law School
Carole S. Rendon
Law firm: BakerHostetler
Age: 62
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Northwestern University
Law school: Northwestern University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I was taught that the foundation of Judaism is tikkun olam - the obligation we each have to repair the world. Using that as a guidepost, I have spent my career seeking justice for the community, victims of crime and my clients, because it is only when justice prevails and the rule of law is strong and protected that our democracy can flourish. That is how I have tried to help repair the world.
How do you unwind when not working: Walking in the Cleveland MetroParks. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Tomorrow is not promised, so be grateful and kind and look for joy in each day.
What is your favorite sports team:The Cleveland Cavaliers - they are a joy to watch.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My poppie, Sanford Schwartz. He died before I finished law school. I would love to tell him how his influence shaped my career and my life.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Three Palms in Hudson.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Helping at my Grandmother’s Jelly Factory - Hexter Foods.
Do you have an Israel experience: Most recently a fabulous trip in the summer of 2014 with my family and a group of fellow congregants led by Rabbi Skoff and Ilana Hoffer Skoff. I also spent my junior year of college at Tel Aviv University and my last semester of high school attending high school in Israel.
Stephen D. Richman
Law firm: Kohrman
Jackson & Krantz
Age: 67
Residence: Moreland Hills
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan
Or Undergraduate university: University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla.
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism, and its core principle of mitzvot was at the heart of my choosing the legal profession for my career. Whether mitzvot is defined literally, as commandments by G-d, or figuratively, as voluntary good deeds. I have always been committed to give back, “pay it forward” and serve others. The legal profession provides the perfect avenue to do just that. How do you unwind when not working: A combination of quality family time, volunteering, working out at The J, reading and collecting cool stuff.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: The same advice I gave to my kids, which is a combination of life lessons from Disney’s “Lion King,” a Nike commercial and Star Wars Jedi Mind Trick: “Remember who you are; just do it, and you will be fine.” In other words, always keep in mind your strengths, don’t stress about it and reassure yourself whenever facing perceived obstacles.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Gandhi. M.K. Gandhi was initially just an Indian lawyer, taking a train to South Africa for a case. His being thrown off the train because he was sitting in the “whites only” section fueled his destiny to combat British imperialism, poverty and discrimination through non-violent protest. I would ask him how we can be the change we want to see in the world, now.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Tommy’s Restaurant
What was your first part-time job growing up: Making pizzas at Alesci’s at Village Square in Woodmere.
Do you have an Israel experience: No, but I am hoping to visit sometime soon.
Robert Charles
Rosenfeld
Law firm: Robert C. Rosenfeld Attorney at Law
Age: 75
Residence: Beachwood
Undergraduate university: Kent State University
Law school: Cleveland
State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: As one of two Jewish attorneys in Medina County, I was faced with subtle antisemitism which manifested itself as a positive in my commercial collection practice. When I did estate planning in northwestern Ohio, I had prospective clients refuse to meet with me because I was a Jew; and, saw evidence of the latent influence of the KKK.
Law firm: Bruce S. Rutsky, Esq.
Age: 67
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Undergraduate university: Indiana University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me to be humble, grounded and treat people with respect.
How do you unwind when not working: Exercise, family, watching and/or attending the Guardians, Cavs, The Ohio State University wrestling and football, and travel
only help you as you get older. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers – we are season ticket holders.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would love to have dinner with my parents again – I think of them often. What is your favorite local restaurant: We love eating out, so it is hard to pick just one.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I picked up golf balls on the driving range at Highlander Golf & Tennis. We had to finish fast before the range opened and we became target practice.
Do you have an Israel experience: At 15, I went to Israel on a USY pilgrimage for six weeks - it was a fantastic experience.
How do you unwind when not working: Reading; going to Akron RubberDucks games
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Work hard in high school. Work harder in college as an undergraduate; as you can’t rely on test scores to get admitted anymore
What is your favorite sports team: Akron Rubber Ducks – partial season ticket holder
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father – I never had the opportunity to talk to him about his World War II service in Europe; his experience liberating a concentration camp.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Taste of Kerala
What was your first part-time job growing up: Usher, Shaker Theater – lasted one week.
Do you have an Israel experience: No, but my three children have.
Eugene Roytberg
Law firm: Taft Law Firm
Age: 39
Residence: Solon
Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns
What is your favorite local restaurant: Thai Story Restaurant
What was your first part-time job growing up: Donatos Pizza
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Enjoy the ride. (Most) Everything in moderation. Treat people the way you want to be treated.
What is your favorite sports team: The Guardians during baseball season, the Cleveland Cavaliers during basketball season and The Ohio State University Buckeyes during football season. Definitely not the Cleveland Browns.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandfather on my mother’s side. My memories of him are few but strong, he passed away when I was 5 years old.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Geraci’s
What was your first part-time job growing up: Sun Press delivery boy
Do you have an Israel experience: Family Trip with Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple for our youngest son’s bar mitzvah. Priceless.
Kevin Sandel
Law firm: Sandel Law Firm
Age: 55
Residence: Akron
Synagogue: Beth El Congregation
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: The University of Akron School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has provided me with a strong sense of ethics and integrity that has guided me and my work at our law firm. How do you unwind when not working: I enjoy lifting weights for exercise and golf. I am much better at lifting weights.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Start playing golf earlier – it will
Joy B. Savren
Law firm: Law Offices of J.B. Savren
Age: 67
Residence: Cleveland Heights
Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate university: University of Wisconsin
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me to highly value justice, equity and fairness. How do you unwind when not working: I like to walk my dogs in the Cleveland Metroparks. In the summer, I kayak. It’s my zen place.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Believe in yourself, set goals and accomplish them, don’t sweat the small stuff.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would have dinner with my Bubie who died in 1985. I would love to hear what she’s been up to all these years and share my life with her again. My Bubie’s example of kindness, courage, curiosity and passion for learning has always guided me in my own life’s choices.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Bourbon Street Barrel Room
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked at Medical Mutual in customer service.
SUPER ATTORNEYS
Alan E. Schabes
Law firm: Benesch
Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Duquesne University
Law school: Hofstra University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It is the foundation for everything. How do you unwind when not working: Learning Torah and spending time with my family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Be patient and be a good listener because you can learn from everyone. What is your favorite sports team: Any Cleveland team with a winning record. I can’t tolerate mediocrity.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: No question, my wife.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ
What was your first part-time job growing up: Laining the Torah in a small synagogue in Pittsburgh
Do you have an Israel experience: I have had the privilege of being in Israel many times, Each time is special. In Israel, you are living in color, Everywhere else is black and white.
Chuck Schaefer
Law firm: Walter Haverfield Age: 81
Residence: Chagrin Falls
Undergraduate university: Lehigh University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Golfing and reading
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Do not get locked in on the future. Take risks in all phases of life as it passes quicker than you think.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
What is your favorite local restaurant: Ken Stewart’s Lodge
What was your first part-time job growing up: Warehouse worker
William E. Schonberg
Law firm: Benesch
Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 70
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
Patty Shlonsky
Law firm: UB
Greensfelder LLP
Age: 65
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue:
Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It is a key part of my identity. How do you unwind when not working: I am an avid reader and review the books I read on my blog, frombriefstobooks.com. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Every day is better than the day before.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Linda Ronstadt. She is a once in a lifetime talent and inspired so many excellent musicians throughout her career. What is your favorite local restaurant: L’Albatros
What was your first part-time job growing up: Scooping ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. Do you have an Israel experience: I visited for the first and only time in 2017 on an organized tour and saw everything there was to see. I cannot wait to go back and visit more “slowly.”
Brent S. Silverman
Law firm: Ciano & Goldwasser LLP
Age: 58
Residence: Hudson
Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: DePaul University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism emphasizes the importance of justice, responsibility,
philanthropy, and fairness, all of which I have incorporated into my life and law practice.
How do you unwind when not working: By spending time with my family and friends. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Find an area of law that you are passionate about because the practice of law is time-consuming, grueling and can entail sacrifice. But, if you are doing something you love, it will be well worth it. Also, develop and nurture relationships with mentors who can help guide you and then pay it back to young attorneys as you gain experience.
What is your favorite sports team: All Cleveland sports teams, but the Browns are my favorite team despite decades of heartbreak.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: There are too many to limit it to one person. My list would include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, LeBron James, Warren Buffet, Albert Einstein, Prince, Bono, Steve Martin, Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Downtown 140
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivering newspapers for the nowdefunct Cleveland Press
Do you have an Israel experience: Not yet, but it is on my bucket list.
Joseph
Simms
Law firm: Reminger Co., LPA
Age: 53
Residence: Sagamore Hills
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has taught me the importance of empathy, understanding and compassion, while also working hard to achieve my clients’ goals.
How do you unwind when not working: Spend time with my family. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Study to learn, not just pass; work hard and play hard; focus on what is truly important in life – health, happiness and love.
What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father. He passed away when I was still in law school. I would love to talk
to him about my life, family and career. What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked at a dry cleaner.
Eric M. Simon
Law firm: Taft Law Firm
Age: 63
Residence: Bainbridge Township
Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The importance of education in our religion created the pathway to my career as an attorney.
How do you unwind when not working: Reading and photography
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t live to work, work to live. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: President Barack Obama
What is your favorite local restaurant: City Barbecue and Catering
What was your first part-time job growing up: Landscaper
Do you have an Israel experience: Not yet.
Paul J. Singerman
Law firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz, Co., L.P.A.
Age: 66
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid and Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Jewish values guide everything I do in my career. I work very hard to conduct myself ethically and honestly.
How do you unwind when not working: I exercise and spend time with my family. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Work hard in school and life, and find something you are passionate about and good at when deciding what you want to do as an adult.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians at the moment. I love the Cleveland Browns, but it is very hard to be a Browns fan.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father and paternal
grandfather, each of blessed memory. They were the most optimistic people I ever knew and were loved by all that knew them. What is your favorite local restaurant: Giovanni’s
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel four times, and each experience was meaningful. However, the most memorable experiences were my daughter’s bat mitzvah on Masada and the recent Friends of the Israel Defense Forces mission that I went on with my grandson.
Roni Sokol
Law firm: The Sokol Law Firm, LLC Age: 58
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of California, Los Angeles Law school: Southwestern Law School
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t do it.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked at an ice cream shop scooping ice cream. I was told I would lose all desire for ice cream after working there. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen in my case.
Do you have an Israel experience: This past summer I joined a volunteer mission to Israel where I witnessed the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, and also had a chance to work at food banks, army bases and on farms picking vegetables. It was very rewarding.
Robert Somogyi
Law firm: Kuenzi/ Somogyi, Attorneys Age: 57
Residence: Orange
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has taught me to be mindful, respectful and understanding of all beliefs. How do you unwind when not working: Exercising, golf, cooking. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t settle for a career path. Chase the career you desire. What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I need three. My Mount Rushmore dinner party and/or golf foursome would
include Babe Ruth, Abe Lincoln and Woody Hayes. Babe was larger than life and arguably the greatest sports personality of all time. Lincoln, in my mind, was the greatest president who ever lived, the most interesting presidential story and was able to keep this country together in difficult times. Woody – the man was a great motivator who had unreported compassion. What was your first part-time job growing up: Working for my father, who is still the hardest working man that I ever met.
Loren M. Sonkin
Law firm: Law Office of Loren M. Sonkin
Age: 66
Residence: Pepper Pike
Undergraduate university: Purdue University, Case Western Reserve University MBA
Law school: Case Western Reserve School of Law
How do you unwind when not working: Travel, reading, and wine tasting. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Have fun.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
What is your favorite local restaurant: Zhug
What was your first part-time job growing up: Stock boy at Giunta’s
Jeremy Sosin
Law firm: Sosin Law
LLC
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: Indiana University
Law school: Valparaiso University School of Law
What is your favorite local restaurant: Momocho
What was your first part-time job growing up: Camp counselor
Scott Spero
Law firm: Bentoff & Spero Co., LPA Age: 60
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: Indiana University
Law school: Cleveland State University
College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Working hard, being responsible and helping others, all of which are emphasized in Jewish teachings, describe my life as a personal injury attorney. How do you unwind when not working: Swim, bike and run; then eat, read and sleep.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Always be kind. Never hold a grudge. And always apologize when you’re wrong, as your relationships are more important and more valuable than your ego.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I would love to dine with my grandparents, who all left this world when I was too young to appreciate their life stories.
What is your favorite local restaurant: I like all our local restaurants.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a stock boy during the summer months at Friendly Discount Drug store on East 185th Street. A great experience taking the RTA bus to and from work.
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel twice, most recently in 2018 with my wife, Jody, and our sons, Jack and Joe. It was the most memorable experience.
David J. Steiger
Law firm: Karp Steiger
Co LPA
Age: 58
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Always be available to anybody that I can help.
How do you unwind when not working: Exercise, reading and family.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Shuhei
What was your first part-time job growing up: Caddy
Deana S. Stein
university: Boston University
Law school: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism is all about asking good questions to find the right answer. I spend so much of my practice asking myself questions to better understand my client’s position, as well as my opponent’s. And as a litigator, it’s all about the art of asking questions to draw out the information you need to make your case.
How do you unwind when not working: Baking, singing and going to the theatre. I am a member of a few choral ensembles, including the incredible Cleveland Pops Chorus and get the privilege of singing at Severance Hall a few times per year. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Be yourself and don’t be afraid to stand apart from the crowd.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My mom. She passed away six years ago and I would give anything to share a meal or even have a conversation with her again.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar
What was your first part-time job growing up: Selling Cutco Knives
Do you have an Israel experience: I visited Israel in 2000 with my eighth-grade class; then my husband and I returned together in 2013. Both trips were exceptional, and involved community service. I look forward to the day when I can return with my husband and my children.
Laurel G. Stein
Law firm: Nee Law Firm Residence: Shaker Heights
Undergraduate university: Washington University in St. Louis Law school: University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
Law firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Copland & Aronoff LLP
Age: 38
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey
Tikvah
Undergraduate
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me the principle of gemilut hassadim, or acts of loving kindness. I do my best to help out clients that would not normally be able to afford an attorney. I also try to go above and beyond for my clients who are usually going through a very difficult time in their lives.
How do you unwind when not working: My favorite way to unwind is to hang out with my family and binge watch a Netflix series. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I would say that this is just one
SUPER ATTORNEYS
snapshot in time, things will get better, and the best is yet to come.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandparents
What is your favorite local restaurant: ML Tavern
What was your first part-time job growing up: A babysitter
Talia Stewart
Law firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A.
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: University of Maryland Law school: Cleveland
State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has been a guiding force in my career as an estate planning and probate attorney, instilling in me a strong commitment to the importance of legacy, family and ethical considerations in navigating legal matters. I take a valuesdriven approach to assisting clients in planning for their futures.
What is your favorite local restaurant: ML Tavern
What was your first part-time job growing up: Scooping ice cream at Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop.
Do you have an Israel experience: I have been to Israel five times. I am eagerly awaiting the next chance I can visit Israel.
Marc L. Stolarsky
Law firm: Marc L
Stolarsky Law LLC Age: 63
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid
Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It’s my moral base for living. How do you unwind when not working: Watch television with my beautiful wife. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Enjoy your childhood.
What is your favorite sports team: Right now, the Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My wife every day.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Ho
Wah
What was your first part-time job growing up: Washing dishes
Do you have an Israel experience: I lived there for a month in 1979.
Susan Stone
Law firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Age: 58
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Case
Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I was drawn to student defense because of my strong commitment to understanding that forgiveness and starting anew is a central theme during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. How do you unwind when not working: When I am not working, you will either find me in the gym, yoga studio or my kitchen cooking up something for my friends and family.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Know that every day is an opportunity to make a difference. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers, of course.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Ina Garten
What is your favorite local restaurant: Wolf Pack Chorus Bar & Restaurant
What was your first part-time job growing up: Scooping ice cream at Helen Hutchley’s. Best job, ever.
Do you have an Israel experience: In 2011, I went on a women’s mission to Israel that changed my life.
Lexi Stovsky
Law firm: Brown
Immigration Law
Age: 28
Residence: University
Heights
Undergraduate university: Syracuse University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: The major tenants and morals of Judaism such as justice, respect, and tikkun olam, guide the way that I approach the practice of law. In immigration law especially, I am constantly reminded of our history of persecution as Jews and that informs my desire to assist and protect
those who have experienced similar harm. How do you unwind when not working: I spend time with my husband Jake and our dog, Luna.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Tommy’s
Ronald J. Teplitzky
Law firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A.
Age: 63
Residence: Bainbridge Township
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or
Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have always tried to treat others the way that I would want to be treated. Do what is right for your clients, and everything will take care of itself. How do you unwind when not working: I love spending time with my wife, my sons and daughters-in-law, and all of our grandchildren. I love – and often hate –rooting for all of Cleveland’s pro sports teams.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Love what you do for a living and you will never work a day in your life. What is your favorite sports team: My favorite professional sports team would be the Cleveland Guardians. My favorite college team would be my beloved Ohio University Bobcats.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My grandfather, Morris Teplitzky, who passed away in 1984. I would want to thank him for all he did and tell him all about the wonderful family we all created.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Blue Point Grille in Downtown Cleveland
What was your first part-time job growing up: I stocked shelves at Fazio’s grocery store at Cedar and Green, and then at Van Aken District.
Michael S. Tucker
Law firm: UB Greensfelder LLP Age: 63
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Undergraduate university: Miami University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
What is your favorite sports team: Any
softball team that I am playing on.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Geraci’s
What was your first part-time job growing up: Working at Mister Jr. and umpiring for Tris Speaker Baseball League.
Do you have an Israel experience: Not yet, but I hope to get there in 2026.
Michael N. Ungar
Law firm: UB Greensfelder LLP
Residence: Cleveland Heights
Synagogue: Central Synagogue
Undergraduate university: Boston University
Law school: Boston University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Tikkun olam is a part of my DNA. I try to pay it forward and take action in ways that help improve our world. I also try to lead by example.
Mark Wallach
Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
Age: 75
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Wesleyan University
Law school: Harvard Law School
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians. I’ve been an Indians/ Guardians fan since 1959.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Elon Musk. I’d like to try to convince him to focus on his businesses and leave our government alone. What is your favorite local restaurant: Shuhei Restaurant. They are dependably delicious.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Sun Press delivery boy, then Cleveland Press delivery boy.
Michael W. Ward
Law firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 38
Residence: Beachwood
Undergraduate university: Ohio University
Law school: ChicagoKent College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism teaches you to think
critically. Thinking critically is a huge portion of what I do in my day-to-day role. How do you unwind when not working: I unwind by spending time with my family and friends, going to the gym or doing cross-fit, playing golf, playing poker and seeing live music and comedy shows. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Think about your priorities and then put blinders on to achieve your goals. Don’t get distracted by the noise. What is your favorite sports team: I love all Cleveland sports (Cavs, Guardians and Browns). I’m also a big The Ohio State Buckeyes fan. I have a love/hate relationship with the Cleveland Browns (as I’m sure most Clevelanders do), but if they were a winning team, then they may be my favorite. It would certainly be the team I would most like to see win a championship/ Super Bowl.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Winston Churchill. I find World War II to be extremely interesting.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Any of Doug Katz’s restaurants (Kiln, Amba or Zhug). They do a great job and his food is amazing.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Delivering newspapers for the Sun Times.
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes. I traveled there on Birthright and will likely be visiting again soon with Federation.
Joseph “Jake” Weinberg
Law firm: McDonald
Hopkins LLC
Age: 36
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Miami School of Law
What is your favorite sports team: The Ohio State University Buckeyes and all Cleveland sports teams.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a busser at the Winking Lizard. Do you have an Israel experience: I attended honeymoon in Israel in 2017 with my wife, Lauren. It was an amazing experience that led to lifelong friendships.
Craig T. Weintraub
Law firm: The Law
Offices of Craig Weintraub Age: 63
Residence: Moreland Hills
Synagogue: Temple Emanu El
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has impacted my daily choices and judgment. I have learned to be patient and understanding of other’s issues. How do you unwind when not working: Working out, yoga, golf, playing with my Bernese mountain dogs
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Have faith in your instincts because everything will work out. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Clarence Darrow. He championed the cause of the underdog.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Jojo’s Bar
What was your first part-time job growing up: Landscaping
Do you have an Israel experience: It is in my future.
Dana Weiss
Law firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 49
Residence: Solon
Undergraduate university: The University of Texas at Austin
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me to seek more knowledge and ask questions, and to also gain understanding of the point of view of the party on the other side of the deal. Doing so enables me to understand my clients’ business objectives and craft better solutions to achieve those objectives.
How do you unwind when not working: I typically unwind by watching police dramas with my son or working out. I love to read as well, but given the profession, I typically only read for pleasure when I am on vacation.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Take more risks and try things
outside your comfort zone – even if they seem intimidating at first. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself when things don’t go perfectly. Mistakes are just part of learning and growing, and you’ll be stronger for them.
What is your favorite sports team: Any Texas Longhorns sports team
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Ann Richards because of her bold and engaging style and her incredible legacy as a trailblazer and champion for justice. As the first female governor of Texas, she was known as a strong leader with a commitment to political equality, individual rights, the rule of law and accountability and transparency. Plus, her wit and sharp sense of humor would make for a memorable and inspiring conversation.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Oliva Steakhouse
What was your first part-time job growing up: Cashier at Gale’s grocery store Do you have an Israel experience: Unfortunately, not yet. I’m looking to change that in the next couple of years.
Jerry Weiss
Law firm: Mediation Inc.
Age: 78
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah
Undergraduate university: Syracuse University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: A large slice of core Jewish values is made up of virtues of fairness, kindness and respect. My work revolves around people in conflict and the most durable resolutions are those that build upon such values.
How do you unwind when not working: Cooking, walking, biking and listening to all kinds of music, especially classical. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Walk through life with your eyes open and never underestimate the power of kindness and its affect on those around you and upon yourself. Be radically kind. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians, with Syracuse lacrosse a close second.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Yitzhak Rabin, a virtuous and courageous leader – in and of itself a scarce commodity – who recognized the horror of war and the power of peace.
What is your favorite local restaurant: I feel a connection to the comfort of Kiln. What was your first part-time job growing up: Working the counter and clean up at a meat purveyor. I had a very kind boss who was more than tolerant of my teenage goofiness.
Do you have an Israel experience: Coming up out of Jericho on a late winter afternoon, toward Jerusalem – in the day when that was still possible – with the hills of Judea on my left and off in the far distance, seeing a few glints of sunlight reflecting of the granite and domes of that beautiful place. I could barely make out the contours of the old city, still miles away. One of those transcendent, eternal and breathtakingly beautiful images.
Scott J. Wilkov
Law firm: Tucker Ellis LLP
Age: 57
Residence: Solon
Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or and Kehilot Har El
Undergraduate university: American University
Law school: University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have always worked in offices with few other Jews. As a result, I have felt a unique responsibility to educate others on our beliefs and practices to the extent I can. Judaism has instilled in me a deep ethical responsibility to practice with honesty and to help the less fortunate through pro bono activities. I do this through community involvement and assisting veterans with applications for disability benefits.
How do you unwind when not working: I have found running to be a healthy habit and stress reliever. I hope to work up to running a 10K. I also enjoy spending time with my family. And, I am a sports fan. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Not to let others’ image of me define who I am or what I think of myself. I have plenty of attributes and strengths which may not have been visible to other adolescents when I was growing up. Since I have not been back to that hometown since I went to college, for those that never really got to know me, it is their loss. What is your favorite sports team: The Cleveland Guardians: I grew up a baseball fan, but am a transplant to Cleveland. I thoroughly appreciate the small-ego, underdog, playing for the fun of the game image which our team projects.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be
SUPER ATTORNEYS
and why: The late Senator Joe Lieberman, who represented my home state. I would be fascinated to learn how he balanced his deeply held Jewish faith with public service and developed such strong personal relationships with others with whose policies he surely disagreed. I suspect he could offer some sound advice concerning how both our country and the Jewish people might navigate these difficult times. What is your favorite local restaurant: Antica – always good food and good service and, during the winter months, I sure do miss their patio.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I was a youth recreation soccer referee. The experience provided me with good exercise and an opportunity to better understand the sport I most enjoyed playing. It also exposed me to different styles of coaching and parenting.
Do you have an Israel experience: I was fortunate to spend the summer I turned 14 with a family in Holon, Israel, that my parents had befriended. They were wonderful hosts who made sure I saw most of the important landmarks. But, more significantly, I had the opportunity to experience Israel through the eyes and activities of Israeli people. The experience allowed me to appreciate relationships among the Israeli people and with the homeland for whose independence their parents fought.
Ryan D. Willen
Law firm: Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC
Age: 28
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Undergraduate university: Washington & Jefferson College
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Be yourself and chase your dreams.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
Do you have an Israel experience: I lived in Tel Aviv for 2 1/2 years working for the Israel Association of Baseball. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel the world representing Israel in international competition as both an athlete and coach in both baseball and softball.
John M. Wirtshafter
Law firm: McDonald
Hopkins Age: 65
Residence: Cleveland
Undergraduate university: Indiana University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have been on Jewish Federation of Cleveland committees and I am a Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland life director; utilizing my legal and business expertise to help the organizations serve the community for the past 25 years. How do you unwind when not working: My favorite fun/relaxation time is any time I get to spend with my family and friends. Ideally, outdoors in nature doing some fun physical activity, such as hiking, kayaking, or bike-riding. I don’t believe there is anything that will unwind you more than a good hearty laugh in the middle of the woods.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I would tell myself that everything is going to turn out just fine for you and to stop concerning yourself about all of the little unimportant things. Take some chances, travel extensively, and live life to the fullest.
What is your favorite sports team: I root for all of the Cleveland teams (yes, even the Cleveland Browns) and all of the Big Ten teams (particularly Indiana University, University of Michigan and The Ohio State University).
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I suppose the right answer would be to go back in time and have dinner with John F. Kennedy. I have always admired him and think he would be a fun and fascinating dinner companion (besides, I would advise him to stay away from Dallas for the time being). However, I’m going with my father who died over 20 years ago. He was an incredibly kind, bright and funny guy and I truly miss him.
What is your favorite local restaurant: I’m a huge fan of Doug Katz. However, the Reserve in Chagrin Falls is my favorite restaurant.
What was your first part-time job growing up: I had between one and three Plain Dealer and New York Times paper routes at all times beginning from the sixth grade through 12th grades.
Do you have an Israel experience: We went to Israel with a group of some of our closest friends (one of whom had lived there for a while). We went to all of the
usual and somewhat usual places while we were there. However, the highlight for me was spending time in some small towns (where he had lived) and being treated like family over several very long Shabbat dinners.
Mitchell J. Yelsky
Law firm: Yelsky & Lonardo, LLC
Age: 63
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Temple
Israel Ner Tamid
Undergraduate university: Arizona
State University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: G-d is sovereign, but we as a community of people are governed by the laws of man, created by our elected officials at the national, state and local level. I am fortunate to have Rabbi Matt Eisenberg lend me his learned opinions when these two sets of laws are in direct opposition.
How do you unwind when not working: Family. Period. Music is my hobby and passion.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t get caught. And if you do get caught, remain silent and do not lie. What is your favorite sports team: My son Jacob’s men’s league ice hockey team in Boston.
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father, Leonard W. Yelsky, who died in 2016 because he was my best friend, he always gave me great advice and I’m curious about his ethereal experience in his next world. He probably would tell me to live a good life now so I can have my best life in my world to come. Like no spoiler alerts from dad. What is your favorite local restaurant: Soho Chicken and Whiskey on West 25th Street, Cordelia on East 4th Street and M Italian in Chagrin Falls
What was your first part-time job growing up: Galloping the yearlings at Thistledown racetrack.. Thoroughbred racetracks are highly regulated, and Thistledown allowed the trainers to have the yearlings galloped for 75 minutes most days. Having grown up on a horse farm, I was hired by a trainer to gallop his yearlings, so he could see the gaits, mechanics, confirmation and athleticism of the yearlings that his owners might best invest in to race at two years of age.
Do you have an Israel experience: Cousins and extended family who live in Israel, and a number of Israeli and Palestinian clients
who live in Northeast Ohio. Striking common ground with my Palestinian clients leaves me hopeful that peace will ultimately be found. How and when is anyone’s guess.
Eric H. Zagrans
Law firm: Zagrans Law Firm LLC
Age: 71
Residence: Powell
Synagogue:
Congregation Tifereth Israel in Columbus
Undergraduate university: University of Notre Dame
Law school: Harvard Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career: By this point in my professional life I hope I have finally acquired a Yiddiske kop.
How do you unwind when not working: Coaching football
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Stop dreaming of being seven feet tall with a 40-inch vertical and playing in the NBA – it’s not going to happen. Learn to play the guitar instead ... it’ll help with the girls.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Indians (I’m sorry, I will never be comfortable calling them the Guardians) If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: It’s a tie: Harpo Marx because I think he would be a sparkling conversationalist, and Moses because I have a few thousand questions I would like to ask.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
What was your first part-time job growing up: Playground supervisor for the city of Elyria Parks & Recreation Department.
Do you have an Israel experience: Sadly not yet, but soon ... G-d willing.
Andrew A. Zashin
Law firm: Zashin Law
Age: 56
Residence: Cleveland
Synagogue: Chabad
Undergraduate university: Brown University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism, and Zionism in particular, has given me the opportunity to travel abroad. That, in turn, gave me a unique opportunity to launch an international family law practice. Now, in addition to our well-known success in family law, our
firm is regarded as one of the premier international family law firms in the U.S. and the world.
How do you unwind when not working: I study trends in family law and have taught at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law for over 20 years. I write about these issues in lay publications, like the CJN, and in academic journals. I passionately follow current events. I play with my giant mastiff, Hugo the Boerboel. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t take things too seriously. Time is short, enjoy each day. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Theodore Herzl. He was a Jewish visionary and he was just plain right. He knew after the Dreyfus Affair in France that the Jews in France and Europe were living on borrowed time, and for the safety of the Jewish people, they needed a home in our ancestral land. He more than anyone else, excuse the pun, put Israel on the map. He predicted that in 50 years Israel would exist. He was exactly right.
What is your favorite local restaurant: That is on a need-to-know basis. What was your first part-time job growing up: I worked with my father, the premier family law attorney of his day, for as long as I can remember. He took me to work with him all the time. I went to his office, to meetings, and he took me to court. In one case, my presence in the courtroom so upset the other side that when the other party lost, one of their grounds on appeal was that I sat through the trial. Do you have an Israel experience: Yes, my family is committed to the state of Israel. Four of my children, and my son-in-law to be, served and are currently serving, in the Israel Defense Forces. Next year, my youngest will also start her service.
Rob Zimmerman
Law firm: Benesch
Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Age: 58
Residence: Shaker Heights
Synagogue: Park
Synagogue
Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: I study Torah with a rabbi and the parallels between Torah and legal study are striking. We parse language looking for deeper meaning and interpretation, all
to better understand the rules to live by and to improve our relationships with each other and society as a whole. How do you unwind when not working: Various exercise routines to improve strength and fitness.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Be patient, you will get through this.
What is your favorite sports team: The national champion, The Ohio State University Buckeyes football team. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Abraham Lincoln. I would want to know how he had the inner fortitude to fight a bloody civil war to keep our union together, and the inspiration to write the two most important speeches in American history – the Gettysburg Address and his second Inauguration address, which described why the union had to survive.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Winking Lizard Beachwood. Great service, popcorn and TV sports.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Summer job at Sea World. Do you have an Israel experience: Have been only once right after law school and look forward to going again with my family.
Jeffrey Zimon
Law firm: Zimon LLC
Age: 60
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Undergraduate university: Brandeis University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Fundamentally, our legal system is derived from the core of Torah principals. From that our values of day-to-day governance is similar to or identical to our Jewish faith. I am guided by my Judaism every day.
How do you unwind when not working: Blues guitar and home improvement What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Be cool. It will all work out.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Other than my wife, Jill, Warren Buffet.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
What was your first part-time job growing up: Hospital tray assembly server. I served patients their meals.
Do you have an Israel experience: Yes.
Most recently, June 2023 in Tel Aviv for the American Jewish Committee Global Forum. It was a wonderful experience and we had time to travel and visit within Israel.
Larry Zukerman
Law firm: Zukerman, Lear and Murray Co., L.P.A.
Age: 64
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Solon Chabad
Undergraduate university: Washington & Jefferson College
Law school: Case Western Reserve
University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: My earliest recollection of growing up in Pittsburgh involves visiting with my grandparents at shul, participating in seders and other religious events with my family. Jewish experience instills the fight to win and be the best and never relent to oppression, tyranny or bullying. Judaism also clarifies that you have to balance this with a fair process yet never succumb in a fight. Criminal defense lawyers are liberty’s last champions.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: I would want my 14-year-old self to meet Menachem Begin to discuss how he led the underground to victory and fought from being a fugitive from justice to the prime minister of Israel.
What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers and Pittsburgh Steelers
What is your favorite local restaurant: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
Ami Zukowsky
Law firm: Zukowsky
Law LLC
Age: 39
Residence: Beachwood
Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla
Undergraduate university: Yeshiva
University
Law school: Yeshiva
University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism plays a role in every aspect of my life. But specifically it is the culture of asking questions, seeking truth and establishing justice that have had the most direct impact.
How do you unwind when not working: I troll the WhatsApp chats for my children’s school classes and I read.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: How many people aren’t going to
write “buy bitcoin?”
What is your favorite sports team: Chicago Bears
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: I have three young kids, so I would choose to have dinner with my wife –and only my wife. And, of course, she would be alive.
What is your favorite local restaurant: Fiamma by Mendel – If you haven’t tried it, you should.
What was your first part-time job growing up: One summer I worked at Donatos Pizza. I had a manager named “Meat.”
Do you have an Israel experience: My paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles all independently moved to Israel by 1980. So I visited a lot. I then lived in Israel for a year-and-a-half after high school. But my favorite trip to Israel was my three-week honeymoon.
Gary Zwick
Law firm: Walter Haverfield
Age: 70
Residence: Bainbridge Township
Undergraduate university: Kent State University Law school: Georgetown University Law Center
How do you unwind when not working: Playing guitar badly.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Don’t change anything, its all going to go fabulously.
What is your favorite sports team: Savannah Bananas
If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Billy Crystal because it is better to look good than to feel good.
What is your favorite local restaurant: It was Corky and Lenny’s Restaurant & Deli. It no longer exists and I can no longer eat out.
What was your first part-time job growing up: Plain Dealer carrier – Stonehaven Road in South Euclid, then fabric cutter at Bobbie Brooks.
Listings compiled by Kirsten Beard, Andy Isaacs and Lydia Kacala
