18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 1
DIFFERENCE MAKERS 2017 2017 Class
cjn.org/differencemakers
Lifetime Achievement Award
Norma Geller
Civic Leadership Award
Generation Award
Dr. Jeffrey Ponsky, Dr. Lee Ponsky, Zachary Ponsky
Barbara Bellin Janovitz
Gregg Eisenberg
Francine B. Goldberg
Michael Jacobson
Suellen Kadis
Joshua Kramer
Ken Liffman
Harvey Siegel
Scott Simon
Eleanor Steigman
Darrell A. Young
Sheryl Hirsh
Debbie Hoffmann
Marc B. Merklin
Barbara R. Miller
Marla Petti
Roni Wallace
Sandra Zieve
Ida and Irwin Haber
DM 2 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
BUSINESS CHANGES RAPIDLY.
Get ahead of the curve. Build superior management expertise and approach problems from all angles at Weatherhead School of Management. Enroll in a Weatherhead degree or certificate program where you’ll experience: •
A team approach to learning
• •
Expert and engaged faculty Internships and corporate connections
Learn how you can change the world through business at weatherhead.case.edu.
Full-time MBA | Part-time MBA | Executive MBA | Specialty Masters | Doctorate Programs | Executive Education
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 3
Difference Makers inspire, motivate at right time KEVIN S. ADELSTEIN kevin@cjn.org
With national tragedies dominating the news and reports of anti-Semitism on the rise, it’s fair to say the world is in need of repairing. Thankfully for Northeast Ohio, there are people in our community – friends, neighbors, colleagues, congregants and relatives – whose lives personify tikkun olam. At the Cleveland Jewish News, we call them Difference Makers, and it’s my privilege to acquaint you with the 2017 class. Like the Difference Makers before them, they help form the fabric of our community. Whatever their role – doctor, lawyer, judge, educator, business owner, board member, realtor, marketer, advocate or financial planner – they embody qualities such as leadership and compassion, often
With national tragedies dominating the news and reports of anti-Semitism on the rise, it’s fair to say the world is in need of repairing. selflessly giving of their time, treasure and talent to better society. The CJN is proud to present just a fraction of what impels this year’s 18 Difference Makers to give back and do good. Inspiring? Motivating? Generous? Action-oriented?
You bet they are! We’ll honor them, along with our Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Norma Geller; our Civic Leadership Honoree, Darrell A. Young; and our Generation Award Honorees, Drs. Jeffrey and Lee Ponsky and Zachary Ponsky. We’ll hear their stories, and it’s my hope that each of them will prompt each of us to do our part to repair the world – our world – and leave things better than we found them for future generations.
Kevin S. Adelstein Kevin S. Adelstein is publisher and CEO of the Cleveland Jewish News and president of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company.
18 Difference Maker photo credits: Gregg Eisenberg: Benesch | Dr. Jeffrey Ponsky, Dr. Lee Ponsky and Zachary Ponsky: Kim Ponsky Photography/Kim Ponsky Sable | All others: Pollack Studio/Joe Pollack
DM 4 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/differencemakers
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Lifetime Achievement Award More about ... NORMA GELLER
Age: 84 Family: Husband: Albert; children: Howard, Robin Diamond and twins, Dr. David and Daniel. She also has 11 grandchildren ages 17 to 29. Residence: Pepper Pike. She also has a home in Delray Beach, Fla. Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation In the community: Served on the board of trustees at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Medworks and Friendship Circle of Cleveland, among others Favorite vacation: She has visited all seven continents, which includes an around-the-world trip in 2008, among highlights. What do you do in your spare time? Plays mahjong and attends events at hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. First job as a teenager: She served bar mitzvah boys milk and cookies at Temple on the Heights while a student at the former Roosevelt Junior High School in Cleveland Heights. “I think I charged them a little bit, but that was my job,” she said. Favorite TV show: “CNN junkie” Favorite movie: “Doctor Zhivago”
From helping the less fortunate to aiding those with medical needs, tikkun olam, or repairing the world, has been an integral part of Norma Geller’s life. Those who’ve benefited from her compassion, selflessness and generosity are connected to institutions such as B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, John Carroll University, The Gathering Place, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Those qualities and efforts to better the community are just some of the many reasons why she’s being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2017 at the third annual Cleveland Jewish News Difference Makers on Nov. 19 at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights. At the root of Geller’s philanthropic ways is a modest upbringing. She grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Cleveland Heights, and following World War II, she and her husband, Albert, received a helping hand to get started in life. “Al and I both came from humble beginnings,” said Geller, who will turn 85 in December. “When we came back from the army, we had $300 to our name. My fatherin-law lent us some money to buy a little house in South Euclid. “(Today,) I drive a 1991 Buick Riviera with 34,000 miles and I have an old flip phone. These shiny new cars and all kinds of fancy gadgets really don’t make any difference to me. I’d rather help people.” And help people she has. Geller, who left The Ohio State University in Columbus after one quarter, returned to college in 1978 as a 45-year-old freshman at John Carroll University in University Heights. “My first day on campus, I said, ‘Am I crazy? What am I doing?’ A 45-year-old Jewish woman starting my education. (But) I never left the university.” In fact, her involvement evolved over the years. Today, JCU’s department of sociology and criminology hosts the annual Albert I. and Norma C. Geller Lecture Series, and in 2015, she was awarded JCU’s Alumni Medal, which recognizes an individual’s accomplishments in their profession, contributions to their community and dedicated service to the school post-graduation. She’s also involved with Jesuit university’s Labre Project, which is named for Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, the patron
saint of homeless people. “I feed the homeless with the students on their Labre Project and I’m the oldest person,” she said. “One of their greatest needs was for boots. I gave them funds so that no homeless person we come in contact with should be cold, and I’ve seen them in new boots – they call them ‘Norma boots.’” Geller graduated from JCU after nine years, and after one year off, she enrolled at the Case Western Reserve University Mandel School of Applied Social Science. She became an oncology social worker, and in 1991, she became a social worker in the former Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland in radiation therapy. That same year, her life changed forever. By participating in a study, she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. “It was a fluke,” she said. “So, it took me on a new journey.” Geller had surgery at a Pittsburgh hospital where her son, David, works, but she credits Dr. Aric Greenfield, who gave her chemotherapy 26 years ago at the thenIreland Cancer Center (now UH Seidman Cancer Center) and helped save her life. “Everyone dies from ovarian cancer,” Geller said. “I feel so blessed that G-d kept me alive. I’ve always felt His plan for me was to stay alive to take care of Al, and that’s what I’m doing.” That’s why she endows the Norma C. and Albert I. Geller Designated Professor of Ovarian Cancer Research at CWRU School of Medicine, as well as transportation funds at UH, and is working on endowing one at the Clinic. “No cancer patient should have to worry about getting treatment,” she said. “When I volunteered at UH for 20 years, some people weren’t showing up (for appointments), and with radiation therapy, you have to go every day for five or six
weeks. (If) you don’t have anybody who can drive you, and if you have to stand around waiting for a bus in the winter, you’re not going to do it when you don’t feel good.” The transportation funds are used to provide taxis, Provide-A-Ride and parking. “They have to pay for parking every day,” she said of cancer patients going to the hospitals for treatment. “People can’t afford parking every day.” Geller and her husband also left their mark on the Jewish community at CWRU when they made the lead gift for the Albert and Norma Geller Hillel Student Center. “The commitment that Norma and Albert Geller made to name the Hillel Student Center made that project possible,” CWRU President Barbara R. Snyder said. “Their generosity helped demonstrate the importance of a prominent, modern space for a Hillel on our campus and others throughout Greater Cleveland. Their leadership helped persuade others to give and transform an appealing concept into a thriving reality. “Norma Geller exemplifies the concept of a ‘Difference Maker.’ Her studies for her master’s degree at our Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences gave her specific knowledge and tools to help others, but she already possessed the most important qualities – empathy, compassion and a desire to contribute. “Norma Geller’s courage in defeating ovarian cancer is itself inspiring,” Snyder said. “Also impressive is her gift, with her husband, Albert, to create an endowed professorship at Case Western Reserve to support ovarian cancer research to help spare other women from the consequences of this often-lethal disease.” The Gellers have been married for 64 years and once owned Fish Furniture (their son, Daniel, owns it now). Geller,
“Norma Geller exemplifies the concept of a ‘Difference Maker.’” Barbara R. Snyder President, Case Western Reserve University who has visited Israel seven times, is also a Lion of Judah in Florida, where she and her husband have had a home since the early 1980s, and the couple received the George W. Crile Sr. Award from Cleveland Clinic. On top of all she continues to contribute to our society, she also manages the declining health of Albert. “Al and I have always been a team,” Geller said. “I worked once a week at Fish Furniture for many years doing clerical work, and helped plan our travels over many years. We alternated picking trips each time we traveled, so that we each got to visit a place that was of interest to one of us. We have been to all seven continents. Since his retirement I have looked after him, making sure he is safe, content as much as possible, and that he remains proud of his accomplishments. I will always be there for him no matter what his declining health presents.” With everything that Geller has faced and accomplished, how does she want to be remembered? “As somebody who cares deeply about my family, my friends, the world and our community – not just our Jewish community but the global community as well,” she said. – Bob Jacob
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 5
Congratulations to Marla Petti and all of the Difference Makers honorees.Your contributions to our community are invaluable. Marla, here’s what you mean to us:
Mensch A ctivist extraordinaire Resourceful visionary L oyal friend and colleague A ccomplished professional
MARLA K. PETTI, CPA/PFS, AEP® Director of Financial Planning Services
Celebrating Over 15 Years of Financial Planning Excellence Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.
STEPHEN L. RUDOLPH, MBA, CPA, AIF® President
STANLEY J. MAJKRZAK, CFP®, AIF®, CPA Managing Director
CRAIG S. PETTI, RFC® AIF® Principal
ANDREW J. MARUSIC, AIF® Financial Advisor
DM 6 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/differencemakers
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
Civic Leadership Award DARRELL A. YOUNG
When Darrell A. Young talks about his civic engagement, he constantly references his family, friends, colleagues and local institutional leaders who helped pave the way for his own leadership, as well as his good fortune throughout his life. “It is just too easy to sit back and enjoy whatever your lot in life is,” he said. “I think everyone has a responsibility to leave what we were given in a better place and (in) better conditions.” Growing up in Beachwood, Young said his first associations with the Jewish community were hearing his parents discuss giving to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. In high school, he helped with the Federation’s Campaign for Jewish Needs, where he identified high schoolers who may want to be involved, demonstrating early leadership skills. Then, when Young returned to the Cleveland-area after graduating from The Ohio State University in Columbus and began his real estate career, he jumped back into volunteering with the Federation, which led to further involvement with other local organizations. Fast forward to now, Young’s community leadership involvement is extensive. He’s past board chair of the Mandel Jewish Community Center in
Beachwood, and chairs its facilities committee; a past board chair of both the Montefiore Housing Corp. and the Montefiore Foundation in Beachwood; among other Federation roles, immediate past chair of its properties committee; a board member and former chair of the real estate committee of the Playhouse Square Foundation and he’s board chair of Ohio City Improvement Corp’s special improvement district’s board. He’s also hoping to begin serving on University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center’s leadership committee soon. Specific to the Jewish community, Young said chairing the Federation’s allocations committee, which divvies up each year’s campaign funds to various local, national and international agencies, years ago helped him develop an insider’s view of the different programs in Jewish Cleveland and the impact they make, even if funding is limited. “You sort of have to be very cold to not want to say, ‘let’s make this better,’” he said, adding that agency leaders’ passion for their causes also make giving back “contagious.” Looking beyond the Jewish community, Young also has a stake in improving the greater Cleveland community. He said while the positive attention Cleveland’s received recently for its dominant sports teams is important, it’s also essential to recognize the role of its top-tier hospitals and arts institutions, and the hard-working people behind them, in building the city that’s come so far. He said such people inspire him to do more, and he’s gravitated toward friends who fall into that category. “If I sit at a table at dinner, or look at the people I travel with, or the people I talk to who I call my closest friends, if you look at how they spend their time, all these people in their own ways have contributed to making our community better,” he said. Moreover, while Young said he’s equally passionate about all the Jewish institutions he’s involved with, among non-Jewish institutions, he’s particularly fond of Playhouse Square.
“What Playhouse Square has meant to Cleveland, Greater Cleveland and the leadership, is just so incredibly special,” he said. “Those are people who made an incredible difference in my life.” One may also wonder how Young finds time to serve in so many leadership roles. There, he credits his family, friends and coworkers who inspire him and are willing to “cover” for him when he’s doing his community deeds. “The truth is, I need those three things to make it all work,” he said, adding that his job as CEO at Darrell A. Young Enterprises LLC, a real estate, construction management and consulting organization, allows him to merge some aspects of his volunteer and work life together. His work has benefitted organizations like Montefiore, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, the Federation, the Mandel JCC and Hillel. For those looking to build their civic leadership skills, Young said it’s important to not be intimidated – send that email, make that phone call, or join that committee that interests you. He said often, people are intimidated by financial commitments associated with such positions, and while such commitments exist, they aren’t as prohibitive as some might imagine and agency leaders are always looking for interested people. “Not to say there won’t be financial commitments, but don’t be intimidated,” he said. “These people, they get it – they
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS “Darrell Young builds community. He preserves the heart of the organization and enhances the pride of those who serve and use it. The beneficiaries of his wisdom and generosity are the people of the Cleveland Jewish and general communities. That legacy will continue to strengthen our communities for years to come.” – From the nomination form are wonderful people, and they are looking for people who are willing to give themselves and their time.” Thus far, Young knows he’s tried to do his part, but knows it’s always possible to do more – given the resources and time, of course. “I would certainly like to have more financial resources, because if I had them, I’d give my money away,” he said. It’s this and so much more of what he contributes to our civic community, why Darrell A. Young is the 2017 Civic Leadership Award recipient. – Amanda Koehn
More about ... Age: 68 Profession: CEO at Darrell A. Young Enterprises LLC Family: Wife: Andria; children: Spencer and Jordan Residence: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple In the community: Past board chair and current chair of facilities committee at the Mandel Jewish Community Center, past board chair of Montefiore Foundation and housing, immediate past chair of properties committee at Jewish Federation of Cleveland, board member and former chair of real estate committee of Playhouse Square Foundation, board chair of special improvement district of Ohio City Improvement Corp. Favorite hobbies: Jewish motorcycle group Shul Boys, going to the theater and movies, and traveling. First job after college? Managed real estate with his uncle in a now-defunct family construction business. Most gratifying job and why? Outside of working for himself, being president of Figgie Properties, a division of Figgie International. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Study harder.” What did you want to be when you grew up? To work in the real estate and construction business with his father.
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 7
The board, students and staff of Cleveland Hillel are delighted to honor our dear friend
Norma Geller,
recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award Congratulations and best wishes are also extended to this year’s Difference Makers
Harvey Siegel and
Darrell A. Young Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of Cleveland Hillel May you all continue to be a source of strength to the Jewish community, from generation to generation
לדור ודור
Albert & Norma Geller Hillel Student Center @ Case Western Reserve University
www.clevelandhillel.org
DM 8 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
GENERATION AWARD
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
DR. JEFFREY, DR. LEE AND ZACHARY PONSKY Zachary Ponsky is a partner with Midwest Development Partners, and is the founder and board president of Medworks, which helps the underserved access health care in the region and provides pop-up free clinics. He was also the first volunteer for MedWish International, a nonprofit that repurposes discarded medical supplies and equipment in developing countries, when he was in high school. His brother, Dr. Lee Ponsky, is chief of urologic oncology and professor of urology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and is the founder and board president of MedWish. Their father, Dr. Jeffery Ponsky, professor of surgery and director of developmental endoscopy at Cleveland Clinic, is on the board of directors at Medworks and volunteers with MedWish. Dr. Jeffery Ponsky said his sons never needed any prodding from him to do the right thing. “They didn’t need any encouragement,” he said. “They picked up the bit and took it in their mouth and ran with it, so to speak. They saw the need and filled it – I was happy to assist in any way, but it was their vision.” Zachary Ponsky echoed his father’s sentiments when asked what advice he would give to others looking to make an impact. “Find a need and fill it,” he said, adding that people need to open their eyes to find where there are needs in the community. Though each of the Ponskys has his own focus in the community, all three – along with Dr. Jeffery Ponsky’s wife and the sons’ mother, Jackie, whom Dr. Lee Ponsky described as “the glue and grounded-ness” that allowed such values to pass through the family – have been by each other’s sides throughout all endeavors. However, Dr. Lee Ponsky said they don’t stop to congratulate themselves on the work they do. “We never step back and pat ourselves on the back,” he said. “We have people ask us if we can believe what we’re doing or what we have accomplished, and we never do that, we always ask ‘what else can we be doing?’ “I’m proud of the fact that we grew up in a community that’s supported our efforts, and now that I have children, I’m glad that we grew up in a family with values of taking action and helping other people. It’s about giving back, not just financially but in our actions, and I’m proud to see our future generations – our kids have a desire to continue that. I think that’s the best gift we can give, and I think our children will be proud of the legacy we have continued,
In selecting Jeffrey, Lee and Zachary Ponsky for the Generation Award, the committee identified the humanitarian work established by Lee and Zachary with their separate organizations and the impact it has on the global society, coupled with the example and influence established by dad, Jeffrey. going back to my grandmother.” Dr. Jeffery Ponsky said many good people helped him make a difference in the community. “I’ve had a lot of good people around me,” he said, specifically citing his father-in-law, Leo Goldberg, and his brother-in-law, Bobby Goldberg. “A lot of good role models.” Zachary Ponsky also credited his mother and grandmother for instilling in him his sense of tikkun olam, but wasn’t satisfied to rest on his laurels. “Success for me is a never-ending journey,” he said. “It’s still a work in progress.” – Ed Carroll
More about ... Ages: Jeffrey, 71; Lee, 46; and Zachary, 41 Professions: Jeffrey – professor of surgery and director of developmental endoscopy at Cleveland Clinic; Lee – chief of urologic oncology and professor of urology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Zachary – partner at Midwest Development Partners Families: Jeffrey – wife: Jackie; children: Lee, Todd, Zachary and Kim; Lee – wife: Monica; children: Ilan, 20, Eric, 18, Maiya, 15; Zachary – wife: Taryn; children: Austin, 6, and Jake, 8 Residences: Jeffrey, Hunting Valley; Lee, Moreland Hills; Zachary, Cleveland Heights Synagogues: Jeffrey, Park Synagogue; Lee, Park Synagogue; Zachary, Solon Chabad and Park Synagogue In the community: Jeffrey – board member and volunteer for Medworks; volunteer, MedWish International; Lee – president and founder, MedWish International; founding board member, Medworks; Zachary – founder, co-president of the board and volunteer, Medworks and Mobile Med One; board member, Medwish International More about Jeffrey Favorite vacation: Dude Ranch visit in Jackson, Wyo. What do you do in your spare time: Horseback riding, motorcycle riding, playing with grandchildren Favorite movie: “Cast a Giant Shadow” Most gratifying job and why: Surgeon, “because I get to take care of people.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Doctor More about Lee Favorite vacation: “It wasn’t a vacation, but spent a year sabbatical in Australia. Favorite actual vacation is probably Greece.” Favorite hobby: Just this week he got a salt water aquarium and is a novice learner, but is “cautiously optimistic and excited. Most of my other hobbies are business oriented.” Most gratifying job and why: Being a parent Advice you would give your 14-year-old self: “Just ask her out, she might say yes.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Doctor More about Zachary Favorite vacation: Glen Arbor, Mich. What you do in your spare time: “Right now it’s all about my wife and kids.” First job after college: Trammell Crow Company Favorite TV show: “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” Most gratifying job and why: Current job, “as a developer in Cleveland, I get to take part in the resurgence of this city.”
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 9
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but neither are you free to absolve yourself from it…
Harvey Siegel & Darrell Young
- Ethics of the Fathers 2:16
Thank You
for Making Such a Big Difference at the Mandel JCC!
Alan B. Semel Board Chair
Michael G. Hyman President & CEO
Mandel Jewish Community Center
Dear Josh,
You continue to care and do for so many. It’s no surprise to us that you are a true ‘Difference Maker.’ With countless love and admiration, The Adelman, Evans, Kramer, Malcmacher & Roseman Families
Joshua L. Kramer,
2017 Class/CJN Difference Makers
Congratulations to the 2017 Class of 18 Difference Makers
With special mention to our Managing Principal Kenneth B. Liffman. We thank you all for your dedication and commitment to the community.
SM
Trusted Advisors. Respected Advocates. www.mccarthylebit.com
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
DM 10 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
BARBARA BELLIN JANOVITZ
More about ...
Giving back to the community has always been important to Barbara Bellin Janovitz.
“It’s a valuable life lesson that was instilled at me at a very young age,” said Janovitz, a partner at Reminger Co., and a councilwoman for the city of Beachwood. “My parents really encouraged us, not just by talking about it but by leading by example. My father, who was a guidance counselor, supervised cleanup programs. He also would accompany me and my sister in picking up trash along Chester Avenue. My mother was a social worker, who helped people deal with the challenges in their day-to-day lives. It was always impressed upon us early on that this was part of what you do. Be grateful to have what you have, and if you have the ability to help others, then do it. My community involvement is so gratifying because the people I work with are amazing. By working on boards and volunteering, you meet other people that think the way you do.” Janovitz said she wanted to follow her parents’ lead, and raise children who walked the walk, and didn’t just talk the talk. “It’s a generational thing, passed down from my parents and now from me,” she
said. “I didn’t want to just tell them, I wanted to show them. I wanted to raise children who were socially responsible, who helped others, who were thankful for what they had and willing to help others. I wanted to show them by my actions, not just my words, how important that was.” Outside of her career in estate planning, Janovitz makes her top priority her position as a member of the Beachwood City Council, because it is an elected, rather than volunteer position. Even then, she still finds time to volunteer elsewhere
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces - Ohio Chapter Congratulate
IDA & IRWIN HABER on their well-deserved honor receiving the 2017 Difference Makers Award
Age: 59 Profession: Partner at Reminger Co., LPA and Beachwood city councilwoman Family: Husband: Lee; children: Jenny, and twin sons, Steven and Scott Residence: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue In the community: Board of The Center for Community Solutions; board of Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging; board of Rose Center for Aging Well; board of the Montefiore Foundation Favorite vacation: “Went to Paris and Amsterdam with my daughter for a mother-daughter vacation.” Favorite hobby: Reading What do you do in your spare time? “Assuming I have any, I love walking in the neighborhood with my husband and our dog, picking up neighbors along the way with their dogs. I love to read, and always have a stack of books. I like to watch HGTV, ‘House Hunters’ and ‘House Hunters International.’ Every once in a while, I like to read People magazine and watch the ‘Housewives’ show – mindless fun.” What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Probably not to take myself so seriously, same advice I’m giving my 59-year-old self.” What did you want to be when you grew up? A lawyer at a local level, because being able to see the results firsthand is very satisfying. “I really enjoy getting positive feedback and seeing the changes that I’m able to make by the work I do,” she said. She said she joined the board of Rose Centers for Aging Well because she wanted to help organizations that weren’t huge, and wanted to volunteer somewhere in which her actions could make a difference. Janovitz added that often when someone battles an illness, such as cancer, that person is motivated after their illness to work with a foundation and help others in similar situations. Although this was not the case with Janovitz and the Rose Centers, she was impressed with the meal delivery and other services for seniors that the organization provides. “Rose Centers is an agency where it is hard to get people involved, because no one sees themselves in that situation,” she said. “But Rose Centers takes care of people who don’t have anybody to help them.” She said this is why being on the board of Rose Centers for Aging Well remains close to her heart, due to the impact on the
We Salute You!
– From the nomination form lives of the seniors that she knows Rose Centers has. “I’ve been on that board for more than 15 years,” she said. “That board is nearest and dearest to me for that reason. It is an essential service that the seniors genuinely appreciate, which is why it is so rewarding.” -Ed Carroll
OF E E G C A N EF
Friends of the IDF - Ohio Chapter’s Board of Directors Tamir Oppenheim, Executive Director, Midwest Region Lane Schlessel, Director, Ohio Chapter Friends of the IDF - Ohio Chapter’s Staff
TH
November 19, 2017
THEIR JOB IS TO LOOK AFTER ISRAEL. OURS IS TO LOOK AFTER THEM.
“One of Barb’s greatest strengths is her passion for encouraging others to join her in efforts to benefit those in need by giving of their time, talent and finances.”
T
A F H C O
E C A F HE
N A
E G
National Council of Jewish Women/ Cleveland congratulates Difference Maker Debbie Hoffmann, one of our own!
H C
Be the Change
www.ncjwcleveland.org 216.378.2204
“I speak out with National Council of
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 11
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
GREGG EISENBERG Gregg Eisenberg said he does his volunteerism “under the radar.” Although he named volunteering with Friends of Israel Defense Forces, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and some charter schools in Cleveland, he said he’s been on so many boards that he’s actually lost track. “I typically spend a couple years on those boards and then rotate and give somebody else the opportunity,” he said. “You make your most impact right away.” Despite a busy work life as managing partner at Benesch Attorneys at Law in Cleveland, where he focuses on corporate law and mergers and acquisitions, Eisenberg said he’s been motivated to give back by learning about organizations and developing a passion for them, as well as by his own good fortunate thus far in life. “You learn about an organization and if you can give to that organization, not just your money, but you can make an organization better, it’s very rewarding,” he said. “I just feel very fortunate, so when you are fortunate you should give back.” With FIDF, Eisenberg said it was meaningful to him to help with a program that sponsors IDF soldiers’ college education. He said his attachment to Israel has grown throughout his life, and it’s connected to his pride for his Jewish heritage. Moreover, his wife once lived there and he plans to visit for his son’s bar mitzvah in a few years. “(That’s) what I think Jews should do for each other, so that’s why I do it,” he said. Eisenberg also chose to become involved with Cleveland charter schools because he said how valuable education is in our society and said he wants it to be more accessible to kids who are less fortunate. Moreover, when he reaches a point in life where he is less busy – maybe when his children are older – Eisenberg hopes to become involved with more organizations
Jewish Federation OF CLEVELAND
“One of Gregg’s personal driving forces is the desire to give back to Cleveland’s Jewish community and he has gotten Benesch very involved in doing so.” – From the nomination form he’s already interested in. What should others looking to get involved do? Eisenberg said it’s important they find something they are passionate about before committing to the work. “I think people realize that if you’re not passionate about the organization, and you are there to network or what have you, you are there for the wrong reasons,” he said. “Find things you truly believe in or are passionate about, and you will be a better contributor.” – Amanda Koehn
More about ... Age: 45 Profession: Managing partner at Benesch Attorneys at Law and member of the firm’s executive committee Family: Wife: Regina; children: Sophia, 9, and Max, 11 Residence: Pepper Pike Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel In the community: Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Cleveland charter schools Favorite vacation: France with son and father this past summer Favorite hobby: Golf Favorite movie: Star Wars movies What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Work hard. I always ask my kids, ‘who works harder than us?’ And it should be nobody.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Professional football player, a sport he played in high school and college. “I’m 5-foot-9, so it didn’t work out.”
Mazel Tov! TO ALL THE
DIFFERENCE MAKERS BECAUSE OF YOU, THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE
YOU INSPIRE 2018 CAMPAIGN FOR JEWISH NEEDS @JewishCleveland | #jewishcleveland
www.jewishcleveland.org
DM 12 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/differencemakers
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
JUDGE FRANCINE B. GOLDBERG Judge Francine B. Goldberg said being a judge in Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court is not a job, but a mission.
“I have invested in family issues my entire career, and now I strive to assist in creating long-term solutions for families in crisis,” she said. “Making a difference for a family or a child is incredibly impactful. I meet with many families, and have learned each one has distinct issues that must be resolved uniquely to ensure the future integrity of that family. Everything emanates from the foundation of the family and it is of vital importance to preserve and promote family stability.”
“Judge Goldberg’s mission is to improve our community, one family at a time. She is respectful and compassionate and has engaged rabbis, schools and Jewish community organizations to ensure that families are provided with the resources to ensure long term stability.” – From the nomination form
Mazel Tov to our dear friend
Josh Kramer
You make us all very proud! Mitchell Balk Estee & Willie Balk Dena Balk & Judd Cohen Caitlin & Ben Ford Ellie Shoag & Sam Hoenig Suzy & Arnie Kaufman Rachel Kominsky Mandy & Ben Kwait Hedy & Michael Milgrom
Hannah Rosen & Ari Milgrom Kate & Natan Milgrom Betsy Moss Emily Muskin Seth Shapiro Rachel & Adam Sternfeld Michele & Tom Sudow Leah Kasmenn & Ben Taylor Beth & Sandy Timen
As a judge, Goldberg is involved with Ohio Judicial Conference, Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges, Association of Family & Conciliation Courts Ohio Chapter, American Inns of Court, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and West Shore Bar Association. She also speaks to schools and organizations throughout the county about the responsibilities of her court. “The organizations that I am most passionate about focus on those that benefit children – our most vulnerable community members,” she said. “We must always vigorously advocate for these children who need to be protected. Within this context, we need to recognize and appreciate the work done by Friendship Circle and the Domestic Violence Child Advocacy Center.” Goldberg said, “My family always emphasized giving back to the community and feeling that sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better. As a result, from the time I was a teenager, I was involved with B’nai B’rith Youth Organiza-
tion, Beachwood High School Student Council, AIPAC in college, and I saw first-hand that taking an active role in the community could impact change in a positive way.” “It is important to promote and maintain my culture and traditions. It has given me a sense of identity and I have never taken my Jewish heritage for granted. As others have said, ‘We all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. And those who come after us, will stand upon our shoulders.’ We have a responsibility to live up to the legacy of our ancestors and be role models for the younger generation in our community.” Goldberg also noted that focusing on that heritage and giving back are part of who she is. “My commitment and passion are part of the essence of who I am. I was taught that with hard work, perseverance and dedication that anything is possible and you can make a difference.” – Amanda Koehn
More about ... Age: 53 Profession: Judge, Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court Family: Husband: David; children: Noah (Hillela), Orly, Koby and Sophie Residence: University Heights Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue In the community: Ohio Judicial Conference; Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges; Association of Family & Conciliation Courts Ohio Chapter; American Inns of Court; Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association; West Shore Bar Association; Ohio High School Mock Trial Competition; Project Love board member Favorite movie: “Wonder Woman” Favorite vacation: Visiting family in Israel What do you do in your spare time? Running, walking in the Cleveland Metroparks, reading, listening to country music, having Shabbos dinner with family Favorite TV show: “Shark Tank” What you would tell your 14-year-old self: “Always strive to possess qualities of joy, resilience, awe and gratitude. Find a cause that you are passionate about and devote your talent, time and energy – and you too can make a difference.”
Congratulations and Thank You to Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging Board Member Barbara Bellin Janovitz, MythBuster Eleanor Steigman and all of the 2017 Difference Makers!
217.791.8000 www.benrose.org
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
CJN.ORG/differencemakers | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 13
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
IDA AND IRWIN HABER Ida and Irwin Haber have been married for 37 years. Like most things in their life, they look at philanthropy as something they have taken on together. Irwin Haber said the two have been active in the community since their 30s. “This was something that we took on together,” Irwin Haber said. “We encouraged each other as the years went on to continue to become more and more involved. We wanted to be a role model for our children, to demonstrate that it is important to give back to the community in whatever way you can.” Ida Haber said she doesn’t do things expecting to get something in return. “When I do things, I don’t do them thinking ‘what’s in it for me?’” she said. “You do it and you walk away being gratified that you did something good for either the community or a person. You do it because it’s the right thing to do and it feels right.” Irwin Haber said he and Ida aren’t active in the community for the recognition, but for the “emotional compensation, which is priceless.” He said that for both of them, giving back is a team effort. “It has been absolutely a team effort, in everything we’ve done,” he said, and Ida agreed. “Sometimes Ida is in the forefront of things and other times I’m in the forefront of things but it really has been an absolute partnership.” Ida said,“Sometimes behind closed doors, I go up to Irwin and say ‘Irwin, I’d like to get involved in this,’ and Irwin might say ‘You know, Ida, that’s not my cup of tea but whatever you want to do, I’ll support you,’ and then, if I go do it, he’s right there. It becomes his cup of tea. Or, he’ll say to me, ‘Ida, I want to do this,’ and I’m thinking ‘Oh, really, I’m not so sure, but if you want to do it, go ahead,’ and then he does it and I become part of it. So, we might have different interests at a certain moment in time, but we always end up together, on the same interests.” The Habers said their faith has played an important part in their lives. “My faith has guided me to par-
“Irwin and Ida Haber are a dynamic team that are involved in all aspects of the Jewish community in Northeast Ohio. Over the years they have both given very freely of their time to any number of Jewish organizations.”
More about ... Ages: Ida, 60, and Irwin, 61 Professions: Irwin is CEO and executive vice president of The PDI Group Family: Children: Nathan (Yana), Ryan and Rena Residence: Solon Synagogues: Chabad of Solon and B’nai Jeshurun Congregation In the community: Ida – leadership council at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center; wellness board at Cleveland Clinic; chair of the annual Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Ohio chapter dinner; Irwin – board of directors and finance committee at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center; Ohio chapter FIDF chair; national FIDF board of directors; permanent board member of the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School Favorite hobbies: Ida – Dancing, spending time with children and grandchildren, traveling, entertaining family and friends, attempting to play mah-jongg and reading; Irwin – Reading, exercising, golf and spending time with kids, grandkids and wife. First jobs after college: Ida – was a court stenographer in Columbus; Irwin –working at a CPA firm in Columbus. Most gratifying jobs and why: Ida – “To really make other people happy and being with my grandchildren and children.” Irwin – “Building a company and watching people grow in their own ways and excel.” What advice would you give your 14-year-old selves? Ida – “To have more patience with your parents when they get older, stay true to your values and moral compass, give yourself a hug every day, know you’re loved by G-d and everyone else who is in your life, and follow your path of knowledge and dreams.” Irwin – “My advice would be clearly follow your dream and learn to be candid with people.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Ida – teacher, actress or talk show host; Irwin –FBI agent
– From the nomination form ticipate in many Jewish organizations, which is ingrained in my being, but I’ve also migrated out of the Jewish organizations into health care and other institutions in the area,” Irwin Haber said. “And while faith is important to me, it’s not the ultimate driver for me.” However, for Ida Haber, faith was everything to her. “My entire being is because of my faith in G-d. I’m not being cliché about this. I wake up every morning thanking Him, I live every day under His watch and I go to bed at night thanking Him.”
Mazel Tov to the honorees!
– Ed Carroll
Joan and Chuck Whitehill
DM 14 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
SHERYL HIRSH had of her to change. It took me a while to admit how she died, because I was afraid people’s perception of her would change.” In the end, Hirsh said no one changed their opinion about her daughter – and the support she received fueled her passion to help families suffering in the same way. In 2014, Cleveland Magazine reached out to her to do an article about her experience, which propelled her into the public eye. In doing so, it began Hirsh’s volunteer life. “After the article came out, my boss, Brian Amkraut, said to me that (Siegal) is an adult education program and if I’d like to develop a series… and that’s how it really began,” she said. “I’m so thankful for the people that I work with for having faith in me and giving me that kind of support. I’m a behind the scenes person, so the thought of speaking out and building a program is not something I had ever done before. Everyone involved with fighting this epidemic is so passionate – and now I just realize how blessed I am to have met so many great people.” Hirsh believes her motivation to volunteer was always there – she just hadn’t found the cause that fueled her
Sheryl Hirsh said her life changed when her daughter Melissa passed away from a drug overdose in 2013. She was 24 years old. It took Hirsh about a year for her to find a way to talk about Melissa’s death, specifically how it happened. “I didn’t want anyone to think of her as a street junkie,” she said. “She was really sweet, beautiful and smart – I just didn’t want that thought that everyone
Mazel Tov to all the 2018 Difference Makers! v
We are proud of your many accomplishments – each of you inspire us all! A special shout-out to past Montefiore Board Chair Darrell Young on receiving the Civic Leadership Award and to current Montefiore board members Barbara Bellin Janovitz, Marla Petti and Harvey Siegel! Your colleagues and friends from
montefiorecare.org
theweils.org A Montefiore Senior Community
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
More about ... Age: 60 Profession: Assistant director of Siegal Lifelong Learning at Case Western Reserve University Family: Husband: Denny; children: Bret and Danny Residence: Lyndhurst Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel In the community: Member of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s opioid epidemic working group; member of the Heroin and Opioid Action Plan Committee at the U.S. Attorney’s Office; member of the Opiate Task Force at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health; MetroHealth Infant Comforter volunteer at MetroHealth’s neo-natal intensive care unit; and the MetroHealth Maternal Opiate Medical Support Program Favorite vacation: “One of my favorite vacations, and it was more of an educational experience, was my first and only trip to Israel. It grounded me in my Judaism, and it made a huge impact on me. I also love cruising – one of my favorites was traveling with my daughter when she was 16 to the Caribbean. That holds special memories.” What do you do in your spare time? “I sleep when I have free time, but don’t feel there is much of it. Work takes up most of my time, and most people at Siegal would tell you I’m there 24/7. The volunteer work I do takes up plenty of my free time, but I wouldn’t give that up. I love spending time with my husband, family and my dog, Mallow.” First job after college? “I never went to college. I know it’s crazy, but I didn’t like being a student. I was a hairdresser for 10 years before I got into office work in New York.” Favorite TV shows: “NCIS,” “Will and Grace” and “Madam Secretary” Favorite musical artist? Adam Levine (Maroon 5) fire. But once you find that, she said you can’t help but want to get involved. “Once you realize the fulfillment that it gives you emotionally, to be helping others, it’s an amazing spark that ignites your mind and you just want to keep going,” she said. “It’s almost hard for you to say no. There is no way to put into words how great it makes you feel. “It really doesn’t take a lot to get involved. Once you find that one thing you’re passionate about, you start to learn about the agencies and the volunteer opportunities available. Definitely that spark ignites – but it’s the people who support you that make you feel like you are really accomplishing something.” As for the future, Hirsh said, she started thinking about retirement – but
she doesn’t have any intention of ending her involvement with Siegal or her volunteer work with the organizations she is now committed to. “I want to get more involved with working with children and helping people understand what certain drugs can do to you,” she said. “Not every child gets addicted. But I’ve talked to recovering addicts, and they can remember the first time a medication had an effect on them. That’s how the addiction begins – and it’s something I will speak out about as long as it’s an issue. The crisis we have now is out of hand and needs a lot more help and money before we see it end.” -Becky Raspe
“Sheryl has turned the tragedy of her daughter’s death due to an accidental heroin overdose into a positive effort to educate law enforcement, the medical community, lay leaders and common people in both the Jewish community and citizens of the state of Ohio.” – From the nomination form
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
CJN.ORG/differencemakers | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 15
DEBBIE HOFFMANN
When Debbie Hoffmann’s children were young and she decided to stop working, she began to feel a need to give back. Being “the kind of person who is all in,” after a couple decades of hard work for several community and activist groups, most namely the National Council of Jewish Women, she became the national president of that group in 2014. “I knew that it was something that I could do, and I knew I could do a good job, and luckily I had the opportunity,” she said. NCJW, which also has a Cleveland chapter, advocates for social change and works on issues such as reproductive
justice, civil rights, Israeli women’s issues, sex trafficking and violence prevention. During Hoffmann’s three-year tenure as president, along with having opportunities to visit and work at the White House and with other organizations to create change, she also said it was important for her to reclaim the Jewish values piece of her organization. “For a long time the Jewish-ness of NCJW was kind of on the backburner, we didn’t really talk about it,” she said. “Of course, we’ve always talked about giving back, tikkun olam ... but it’s about more than that. Our values are based on the concept from the Torah that education is crucial and that everyone should be respected. “For me, that is what makes NCJW so unique and why we are so effective.” While president, Hoffmann said the organization worked toward a forwardthinking strategic plan and revamping its messaging. She said former President Barack Obama also allowed the group to be influential during his – and Hoffmann’s – terms, as part of a women’s council. Hoffmann, who has a master’s degree in learning disabilities, also is board emeritus and a past board chair of Council Gardens, past chair of the now-defunct Diabetes Partnership of Greater Cleveland and a former member of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, as well as vice president of the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation Board
More about ... Age: 63 Profession: Professional volunteer Family: Husband: Andrew; children: Carly Hoffmann; Aaron (Jessi) Hoffmann; and Ruth Berry Residence: Beachwood In the community: Board emeritus and past board chair of Council Gardens, former chair of Diabetes Partnership of Greater Cleveland, former member of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, vice president of the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation Board of Directors Favorite vacation: North Carolina Outer Banks beach with her family Favorite hobby: Tennis First job after college? Worked with a University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital neonatologist on a longitudinal study of premature babies Most gratifying job and why? President of NCJW, “because it is a very powerful organization that has had so much impact across the United States and in Israel. We have over 90,000 members and supporters in communities across the U.S making a difference in the lives of women, children and families. (And) of course, being a grandmother to Asher, which isn’t a job but an incredible privilege, is the best job so far.” What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Don’t be afraid, have more confidence in yourself. I think for girls in particular, it’s so important to not think twice – don’t be afraid, just go for it. And at 14, stop worrying about what other people are saying.”
of Directors. However, after finishing her term as NCJW president in March, Hoffmann said she’s still “looking for her next thing,” adding that she sees so much that needs to be done both in the community, and on a national scale. When asked if she has advice for others looking to get involved, she simply said, “just go out there, be out there, do something.”
“As president of NCJW, Debbie Hoffmann’s advocacy efforts have benefited Jews both nationally and locally.” – From the nomination form
– Amanda Koehn
Mazel tov on being honored as a Difference Maker and making a difference in our congregation as well!
Norma Geller
Ida & Irwin Haber • Michael Jacobson Suellen Kadis • Eleanor Steigman
DM 16 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/differencemakers
MICHAEL JACOBSON Michael Jacobson said he volunteers in the Jewish community for two reasons: he loves Israel and he loves Cleveland. As he finds himself in the center of both of these communities, he knows that it’s his duty to express that love by way of giving back.
“Between the two, there are people who give financial support to institutions and there are those who give both
financial support and service within,” he said. “I fit in the second category. I’m not a major donor, but I do support the organizations. And when I do join a board, it’s because I want to be a working member of the board – not for the name recognition.” As for how he got involved in organizations like Jewish National Fund, B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s community relations committee and Hospice of the Western Reserve, Jacobson finds inspiration
To Dad Michael Jacobson most deserved recognition for a lifetime of Difference Making Congrats, Love Barry, Marti and all the kids
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND CONGRATULATES THE
2017 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS 18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS A SPECIAL MAZEL TOV TO JNF’S OWN
Michael Jacobson Ken Liffman Sandy Zieve
jnf.org · 800.JNF.0099
NOVEMBER 17, 2017 in the Cleveland community and the friends he has made along the way. “I attribute volunteering to Cleveland, and to the Jewish community here,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful, vibrant and welcoming community. And then in Israel, I contribute (my inspiration) to my late friend, Moshe Rivlin, who was the KKL/JNF World Chairman. He had a great influence in developing my love for the state of Israel and the Jewish people.” Jacobson said he doesn’t plan to stop volunteering within the community and would like to take on other endeavors. He grew up knowing it was right to give back and that need expands past the Jewish community as well. “I want to continue to support both Israel and Cleveland,” he said. “And not just with Judaism, but all people. I believe very strongly that we need to be involved in our communities. I am involved today, because of the CRC, with the Latino and African-American communities. “It’s rewarding to communicate with them and to create dialogues that can lead to friendships between communities in the future.” As an example of that, Jacobson said one of the most rewarding parts of his volunteer and philanthropic career was an interfaith trip to Israel in July with 30 non-Jewish, non-profit civic leaders from Cleveland. “The Thomas and Joanne Adler Mission to Israel was an example of these
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
friendships,” he said. “The bonds that we developed on that trip are one of the biggest highlights to me.” When asked what he’d say to someone looking to become involved in their community the same way he has, Jacobson said its quite simple. “I would ask them to give their time, and of what they can give in monetary support, to stretch it a little bit,” he said. “Give back to the community. Cleveland has been wonderful to a lot of people, including my family and myself. It’s just a total mitzvah to give back. (The gift) doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whatever it is, choose something that you believe in, so that you can buy into it and give it your 100 percent.” – Becky Raspe
“Michael is a true leader and mostly behind the scenes. He wants others to shine and never takes the accolades he deserves. He cares about the Jewish future of both Cleveland and Israel.” – From the nomination form
More about ... Age: 74 Profession: President of MHJ Consulting Group LLC Family: Wife: Lana; children: Marc (Leigh), Barry (Marti) and Brian (Dr. Rebecca) Residence: Mayfield Heights Synagogues: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation and The Temple-Tifereth Israel In the community: National board of Jewish National Fund of America; immediate past president of Jewish National Fund of Northeast Ohio; past president of B’nai Jeshurun Congregation; Hospice of the Western Reserve board member; and co-chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Community Relations Committee. Favorite vacation: “Any vacation to Israel. I love the Negev and its residents.” Favorite hobby: “Hanging out with my grandchildren. Between all of my business, civic and philanthropic efforts, I just like to spend my time with my grandchildren. I love taking them on little vacations and trips.” First job after college? Packaging with Stephen Gould Corp. Most gratifying job and why? “For 23 years, I’ve had my own sales promotional and marketing agency ADPRO. Being able to work with clients all over the country was fantastic. The interaction with people and the diversification of clients we served was very interesting.” Favorite musical artist? Barbra Streisand
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 17
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
SUELLEN KADIS
More about ...
Suellen Kadis said she has learned a lot about herself through her volunteer work and philanthropy. Time and again she has chosen to give back to communities local, national, and international.
Kadis’ introduction to Jewish volunteering and communal service was through ORT, where she began to tie her lifelong love of education to her Jewish values. She said ORT’s mission, helping people through training and education to achieve self-sufficiency, was a guiding principle in her family and something she always valued growing up. “My mother and father always talked about education as the key to opportunity,” she said. “That’s what drew me to ORT.” “We have a great Jewish community and a strong Jewish Federation,” Kadis said. “I’ve had opportunities to grow and learn, which enabled me to take on new responsibilities.” Kadis’ involvement in a cause starts when she sees a need in the community and believes she has something to offer, she said. She credits her analytical and listening skills, learned from training as an attorney, for a lot of her success as a volunteer. “I come prepared to meetings and listen to what others have to say,” she said. “I try to add value when I’m involved.” “When I take on a job, I follow through, always keeping the goals of the organization in mind. The professional staff and other lay leaders are keys to success in all community efforts. Devoting time and energy has enriched my life, and hopefully benefitted the organizations I am passionate about.” Despite everything Kadis does in the community, she admits there’s still more she wishes she could do to give back and face the challenges she sees ahead. One of the joys that arose out of Kadis’ community involvement was becoming a bat mitzvah at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation four years ago. “The opportunity to read Torah and share a D’var Torah, as an adult, in front of our community, my friends and family, was truly a special moment for me. “As far as obstacles to surpass, I worry about the next generation being involved and having meaningful connections to the State of Israel. Through
“She has played a crucial role in the growth and stability of organizations throughout the Cleveland Jewish community and actively contributes through her activities on committees and boards, by joining task forces, hosting events and more.”
Residence: Moreland Hills Family: Husband: Larry; children: Justin, Alex, Samantha (Jake Szabo) Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Profession: Community Volunteer In the community: Friends of JCC Krakow: founding member, secretary; Jewish Federations of North America: Israel & Overseas Committee, National Women’s Philanthropy; Jewish Council for Public Affairs; 70 Faces Media (formerly JTA); ORT America: National Executive Committee, secretary of Ohio region; Jewish Federation of Cleveland: chair of nominating committee, executive committee, co-chair of Major Gifts Joshua Society, community relations committee, overseas connections committee; Jewish Family Service Association: co-chair leadership committee, executive committee; Gross Schechter Day School; Israel Bonds: 2017 Israel69 Award, Israel Bonds International Prime Minister’s Club Dinner, Women’s Division Greater Cleveland Favorite vacation: Trip to Iceland in summer 2016 with her daughter, Samantha First job after college: Worked at a law firm Favorite movie: “Gone with the Wind” – she was named after Scarlett’s sister Most gratifying job and why? “Helping to establish Friends of JCC Krakow and launching Ride for The Living are so meaningful. We bicycle from Auschwitz to the JCC remembering the horrors of the Holocaust and celebrating Jewish renewal and resilience. In 4 years, the Ride has grown from 15 people to 145, providing essential funding for the activities at JCC Krakow.” What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Work hard and spend your time wisely, have fun doing the things you’re involved in and try to make a difference for yourself and your community.”
– From the nomination form travel to Jewish communities around the world, I’ve had the opportunity to realize we are one Jewish people and responsible for one other. The strength of the Jewish people and our leadership can be seen in our community, and I wonder if the next generation will take on those important leadership roles.” As she encourages others, and particularly young people, to engage their community as she has, Kadis suggests finding an issue or an organization that they are passionate about. “If you show interest and volunteer your time, you’ll enrich your own life as well as the causes you take on,” she said. “And you really just have to stay with it, and offer your time, your talent and your treasure.” – Ed Carroll
THE LUXE AT PEPPER PIKE - NOW LEASING! RESERVE YOURS TODAY FOR EARLY 2018!
216.245.7102 • Pepper Pike’s Newest Luxury Rentals • Community Room & Fitness Center • Maintenance Free Living
• Gated Community • Top Rated Orange Schools • 2 & 3 bedroom Townhomes
LUXEPEPPER.COM | THELUXE@HOWARDHANNA.COM JA Friedman Captial
DM 18 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
JOSHUA KRAMER Joshua Kramer has been volunteering since high school, as Jewish communal participation has always been a big part of who he is. In high school, he found himself spending time with his synagogue’s youth group, and in college, it was Hillel and various young professional groups. After college, Kramer traveled to Afghanistan to teach deployed troops and help them receive higher education while
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS “When Josh perceives a need in our community and a person who can help him address it, he is tireless in his pursuit to care for our community. As the Jewish community raised and nurtured him, he is now returning the favor tenfold.”
serving and in his spare time, he led the Jewish community of Kandahar Airfield NATO base. Soon after he returned to Cleveland, he moved into the Moishe House of Cleveland as a volunteer-resident. “I lived there for two years, with my co-residents Mandy Kwait and Benjamin Sattin,” he said. “We hosted six or more events a month for our peers that were social and religious programs. It was truly a whirlwind of activities.” Kramer said his experience at the Moishe House exposed him to volunteer
Mazel Tov
Barbara Miller
from your Mispacah at Legend Headwear.
opportunities within the community, like the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division board and the Community Relations Committee, the Anti-Defamation League and Kol Israel Foundation’s programming. “I have two grandparents that survived the Holocaust,” he said. “I felt very compelled to serve and it was very rewarding for me to be involved with the young professionals programming for my peers and myself as well. It’s such a vibrant community here for people like me. I felt very happy to do that work and, in turn, felt compelled to help create that community. The CRC work is all about building bridges between the Jewish community and nonJewish community in Northeast Ohio.” As time passed, Kramer found himself volunteering with other young professional groups, as he feels compelled to support the community that has supported him. But as for what motivates him, he said that it’s pretty simple – he would feel guilty if he didn’t volunteer. “I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s what I like to do. Volunteering makes Cleveland a better place to live, and then it makes the Jewish and overall communities richer. But, it’s a lot of guilt. I originally felt compelled out
– From the nomination form of guilt to give back. If I didn’t give back after receiving so much from this community, I would feel bad. It’s only right.” Kramer said he would like to motivate others to get involved in the Jewish Cleveland and Greater Cleveland communities, as so many people benefit from the services and organizations. If he could say one thing to someone considering volunteering, he’d tell them that to volunteer is to enrich one’s own life. “I would just tell them it’s a rewarding, great way to meet new people and to improve life in Cleveland,” he said. Kramer said he hopes to continue to feel pride and satisfaction in the organizations he is involved with and maybe add new projects. “I hope to accomplish continued satisfaction in these parts of the community that I serve,” he said. “I’m pretty organization-ed out right now, but I hope to just continue to evolve personally and as a volunteer as the years go on.” – Becky Raspe
More about ... Custom made Caps in Cleveland
3111 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115
legendheadwear.com
216-534-1541
legendshop1@gmail.com
Age: 29 Profession: Manager of federal advocacy at LNE Group Family: Single Residence: Ohio City neighborhood in Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue In the community: Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Community Relations and Young Leadership committees; Kol Israel Foundation; Anti-Defamation League; AJC Young Professionals; and CJN Tomorrow Favorite vacation: “Went to Italy with my family in 2012. It was so much fun.” Favorite hobby: “Love to explore Cleveland. There are so many things to do, like festivals, cultural programs and museums.” Favorite movie? “‘The Last Laugh,’ a documentary about the taboo subject of comedians joking about the Holocaust.” Most gratifying job and why? Working for Army Education Services in Afghanistan, where troops could obtain higher education while they served overseas. What did you want to be when you grew up? “A dinosaur,” but later a paleontologist
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 19
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
We salute you. Congratulations to Norma on receiving the 2017 Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you for your commitment to our patients and our community.
Norma Geller Cleveland Clinic offers same-day appointments.
C 10813-1-CCPHIL-DifferenceMakers.indd 1
JOB NUMBER & COMPONENT
10/16/17 11:36 AM
Prepared by:
10813-1-CCPHIL-DifferenceMakers PUBLICATION or MEDIUM
2658 Scranton Rd., Suite 1 Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland Jewish News – Difference Makers issue INSERTION DATE
Approval
Initials
Date
Copywriter
AEs DELIVERABLES: Laser
CD - Copy
Comp
Designer/AD
CD - Design
PDF (No Slug)
ongrat u l a t i o ns, ongratulations,
11.17.17
Production Notes:
CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Client: Cleveland Clinic Division: RET Project: Flat Size: 0” x 0” Trim Size: 9.75” x 5.25” Live Area: 0” x 0” Bleed: 0” Line Screen: 100
Cleveland Jewish News – Difference Makers issue (commemorative section)
COLOR:
4 Color 2 Color
BW Other
IMAGE:
Low Res Retouched Approved
Hi Res Purchased Retouched Approved
Quality Assurance
JPG
Proofreader
Native Files
Production AE
FINAL APPROVAL
To An Amazing Group Of Difference Makers Who Work Tirelessly To Make Our Community Great!
Norma Geller • Ida & Irwin Haber • Michael Jacobson Barbara Bellin Janovitz • Suellen Kadis • Josh Kramer • Ken Liffman Harvey Siegel • Scott Simon • Darrell A. Young • Sandy Zieve
The Feldman-Wehn Family
Flash
DM 20 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
KEN LIFFMAN Ken Liffman said he’s extremely proud to be Jewish. “I’m amazed that such a small group has survived for 6,000 years,” he said. “I think it’s easy to get involved in the community and I’ve gravitated to both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations. I think, as Jews, we are able to use our power of volunteerism exponentially, not only for our community but for the greater community.” Liffman said he considers hunger issues first and foremost, such as Harvest for Hunger, and also focuses on other essential needs such as shelter, clothing and education. “(The needs are) endless,” he said. “That is Jewish Cleveland, particularly on the East Side (of Cleveland). I’m in the Jewish community here, I live here, and I end up gravitating to like-minded Jewish individuals. Most of the Jews I know have all been taught to get involved and stay involved and to help others. That’s Cleveland. It’s one of the primary reasons I’ve always stayed in Cleveland. I really think we are a great philanthropic community.” Liffman said he gives advice to the young lawyers at McCarthy, Lebit, Crys-
tal and Liffman Co. to become involved for the right reasons. “I tell all the lawyers at my firm, but particularly the younger ones, to get involved in the community, and to do it for the right reasons,” he said. “Don’t do it for exposure or to try and ‘get something out of it.’ Do it because you really believe in it and you like it. You’ll meet wonderful people and you’ll help a good cause. “It’s just like work or anything else – you have to like what you’re doing and
Playhouse Square applauds Darrell A. Young playhousesquare.org
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
More about ... Age: 63 Profession: Managing principal at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal and Liffman Co. Family: Wife: Gail; children: Danielle and Allison Residence: Orange Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple In the community: Board of Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage; chair of the Holocaust Memory Survivor Project; Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Board; Jewish National Fund Board; Executive Committee – CSU-Cleveland Marshall Board of Visitors; American ORT Jurisprudence Dinner; McCarthy, Lebit Foundation – chairman Favorite vacation: In 1995 traveled throughout Italy, from Venice to Florence, Capri and Rome; Jerusaleum for the 60th Anniversary Favorite hobbies: Golf and sports of all kind First job after college? Sold door-to-door to get through college, clerked in law school and has been at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal and Liffman Co. for the past 38 years. Favorite movie? Godfather I and II What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Don’t be so serious, try and learn to relax”
like who you’re doing it with. Believe in the cause and then it won’t seem like it’s such a weight on you. You’ll feel better about it. I’ve met wonderful people on the various boards I’ve been on over the years. At the moment, my favorite is the Maltz (Museum of Jewish Heritage) Board. It’s a very eclectic group. I feel honored to be sitting there amongst so many wonderful people.” One challenge Liffman sees in the community is simply the lack of time to address all of the local, national and international issues presented. “There’s only so many hours in the day,” he said. “It starts with family – my family is growing now, I have two grandchildren, which has been incredibly wonderful – but as you get older, your stamina is not as great. I have hope for the Cleveland community, but I also know some of the giants of the Cleveland community are passing on. “It will be a challenge for us to sustain, certainly financially, those levels of commitment. The number of Jews in Cleveland have stayed pretty much the same, but there has been a shift in population from the post-World War II demographics to the current demo-
“He strives to bring out the best in each person he meets and welcomes new young members of the Jewish community with open arms. If he can enable a young community member and help open a door, he will stop a train to help this person succeed.” – From the nomination form graphics. That will be a challenge for the community. In terms of me, personally, I’m just one guy. But I’m doing the best I can. I do know that, as long as I can, I will continue to try. I do not give up.” – Ed Carroll
Mazel Tov! Francine & Eleanor
Love,
The Rosenblatts and The Cohens
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
MARC B. MERKLIN
As a lawyer, Marc B. Merklin said he feels volunteering is an obligation he has to the community. He said it’s important to create a community where you want your family to grow up and eventually succeed their parents. “It’s the general philosophy that if you don’t do something for others and for the community, what’s the point of all of this?” he said. “It’s nice to accumulate wealth and it’s nice to be in a successful business, but if it doesn’t translate
to something that does something for someone else or makes the community a better place, my own philosophy is, what’s the point?” Merklin began fulfilling his obligation in the general community since the early 1980s, when he began practicing law. It wasn’t until a trip in 1992 to Israel with 80 members of the Akron Jewish community when he reinvigorated his Jewish background and he hasn’t stopped. “Akron is a very small Jewish community and so it’s hard not to be involved if you want to have an active Jewish life here,” he said. “It’s just so small that if you don’t take a position and help, I’m not sure there’s a lot of other people who would step up to the plate and do it.” He’s been able to give much of his time because of his firm’s mission to continue involvement into the community, something he hopes to pass down to new lawyers. “My firm encourages involvement in the community,” he said. “They make time for me to get involved. They certainly had other people here who helped me get involved in the community. And I do the same thing for the young people here, I encourage them to do exactly what I did.” There’s no one organization Merklin cares more about, but he said the Shaw Jewish Community Center of Akron
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 21 holds a soft spot in his heart. “It’s so central to Jewish life in Akron, every aspect of it,” he said. “Whether your interest is religious or cultural or just have the historical or family connection, it’s kind of the central place for all that.” Enhancing Akron’s Jewish community is one of Merklin’s next goals. He said he wants to start by tearing down walls or safeguards around agencies so there is more collaboration through the community to possibly engage more people, more meaningfully. “Our Jewish population here in Akron has grown smaller and smaller and older and older,” he said. “But we’re finally starting to see younger families and that’s
kind of exciting.” For those wanting to become more involved in the community, Merklin said to find a cause he or she is passionate about, but not to make the same mistake he did by overestimating the time he could dedicate. “Don’t do it just to do it, or to be involved in something,” he said. “Get involved and be more focused. One of the mistakes I made was I was doing too much at the same time early in my career and so if I had to do it over again. ... If you focus on a few opportunities, you can probably make a more meaningful impactful.” – Alyssa Schmitt
Cleveland Quality Congratulations to Marla Petti and all the Difference Makers of 2017. Like the CMA collection, Cleveland’s communities are renowned for their superior quality because of individuals like you. Thank you! The Cleveland Museum of Art For the benefit of all the people forever
View of the Cleveland Museum of Art (detail), 1916 Frederick Gottwald. The Cleveland Museum of Art
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
“Marc led a $1.3 million annual campaign for the Jewish Community Board of Akron in the last year. When he considers an action, he not only thinks about how it impacts one organization but rather how it would affect the local Jewish community as well as national or international communities.” – From the nomination form
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS 2017
More about ... Age: 57 Profession: Managing Partner at Brouse McDowell Family: Wife: Sharon; children: Laura, Lisa and Brian Residence: Fairlawn Synagogue: Beth El Congregation In the community: Jewish Community Board of Akron; Shaw Jewish Community Center; Beth El Congregation; United Way of Summit County; Akron Community Foundation; Child Guidance and Family Solutions; Akron Bar Association; Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce; and Jewish Community Center Association Favorite hobby: Collecting signed and autographed sports memorabilia What do you do in your spare time? Attend sporting events, spend time with family and golf Most gratifying job and why? Mentoring and training other lawyers What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? Have more fun. Life’s too short. What did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor
GREGG A. EISENBERG
Benesch congratulates our Managing Partner on this prestigious award. We are fortunate to have such a visionary leader.
www.beneschlaw.com
DM 22 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
BARBARA R. MILLER
Barbara R. Miller isn’t one of those people who always has been involved with a plethora of community service activities since childhood, but rather came to her volunteerism and community leadership on her own. For her, it was seeing her husband, Abraham C. Miller’s family’s investments in starting The Lillian and Betty Ratner School, and then seeing the way
“Barb has been an active participant in Cleveland’s Jewish community for more than 20 years. As The Ratner School board chair, she moved the school to its new building and higher educational level, serving twice the number of children and their families.” – From the nomination form the school impacted her sons when they attended it, that made her and her husband become involved with it on their own. “We just ended up getting involved and sending our kids there when they
Mazal Tov Suellen Kadis
National Board Member, ORT America Vice President, ORT America – Ohio Region
Ken Liffman
ORT America – Ohio Region Jurisprudence Award Planning Committee
Roni Wallace
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
More about ... Age: 62 Profession: Owner of Graffiti Inc. Family: Husband: Abraham C.; children: Max and Jacob Residence: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue In the community: Past board chair at The Lillian and Betty Ratner School, Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage board, Notre Dame College board, Shul Boys, Park Synagogue Favorite hobbies: Yoga and exercise First job: Server at Rick’s Cafe in Chagrin Falls during college Favorite TV show: Sports, particularly baseball and basketball Most gratifying job and why? Her current job at Graffiti Inc. “because I get to work with my husband, Abe, our son, Jake, and wonderful people, and we create very cool products.” What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Trust yourself, and it’s OK to make mistakes.” What did you want to be when you grew up? “I didn’t know, but the path I took was the right path for me because I’m working with people and working with my hands.”
were younger, and we kind of stayed and never left,” she said of the preschool through eighth grade school that emphasizes diversity and where about half the students are Jewish, and half nonJewish but imparted with the school’s Jewish values. “That helped me evolve with other organizations.” Thus, while Miller was board chair of the school for about 20 years – during which she helped lead the school’s move from Lyndhurst to a larger location in Pepper Pike, and where it is closer to key local Jewish institutions – she also joined the board of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood and the board of Notre Dame College in South Euclid. She’s also involved with Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike, as well as the Shul Boys, a Jewish motorcycle club. “The synagogue’s close to my heart, and you work places close to your heart,” said Miller, who with Abe Miller, received the annual Park Synagogue Centerite Award in 2011 for their contributions. Miller credits her success making a difference and practicing tikkun olam to the inspiration given by friends and
family. Moreover, it seems as though when Miller takes something on, she goes all in. In addition to staying involved with The Ratner School by being on the board, although she is no longer board chair, she is also deeply committed to the company, Graffiti Inc., she owns with her husband. Miller’s company creates custom-made, embroidered baseball caps – it’s something she said they created, “from the ground up.” When asked if she has any goals or challenges in the community she has not been able to address, but hopes to, Miller first replied, “World peace.” Then she laughed, and said maybe she should first set her sights smaller. She said her place is likely in continuing with the volunteer activities she does now, as well as working with the same “wonderful” people she works with now at Graffiti Inc. “You don’t always have to help in big ways,” she said. “Sometimes the smaller gifts or things you do make a bigger difference to people.” – Amanda Koehn
Former Director, ORT America – Ohio Region
on being named to the 2017 Class of Difference Makers.
Mazel Tov
May your support of our community take you from strength to strength.
To our Fairmount Temple Difference Makers!
ORT America ORT America – Ohio Region
Ken Liffman and Darrell Young Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk Rabbi Joshua Caruso Cantor Sarah Sager Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
CJN.ORG/differencemakers | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 23
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
MARLA PETTI
More about ... Age: 46 Profession: Director of Financial Planning Services at HW Financial Advisors Family: Husband: Craig; children: Carly, 15, and Jack, 13 Residence: Beachwood In the community: Executive board member, treasurer at HFLA of Northeast Ohio; Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Women’s Philanthropy Division; Montefiore board of directors; Beachwood Athletic Boosters board of directors; secretary and Cleveland Museum of Art planned giving advisory committee Favorite vacation: “A week at home with nothing to do.” Favorite hobby: Reading First job after college? Worked at HW&Co., in the tax department as a staff accountant Favorite musical artist? Bob Seger What did you want to be when you grew up? Gym teacher
Marla Petti always thought if you give someone the chance to succeed, he or she will. Using this notion, Petti has lived her philanthropic life as a support system for others.
With her involvement in organizations like HFLA of Northeast Ohio, Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Cleveland Museum of Art, Petti works to use her financial skills to “contribute to the economic development of the community.” “(Helping others) is something I enjoy doing,” she said. “There are so many incredible causes and opportunities to help.” Petti said her involvement in other organizations like the Montefiore Board and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Women’s Philanthropy Division is because she is passionate about the community she lives in and loves. “I’m involved with (the Federation) because I am passionate about connecting with women in the Jewish community and being a part of the amazing work that they do,” she said. “At HFLA, we offer deserving people an opportunity that they otherwise wouldn’t have.” Volunteering and civic engagement in Cleveland weren’t always on Petti’s radar. But now, she finds if everybody contributes what they can, great things can happen in the community she has received much from. “We could make a big impact collectively,” she said. “I’m motivated by my love of the community and the connection that we have. I feel like it is really a blessing that I am able to give back. I want to add value to whatever organization I am devoting my time and resources to.” Not only was volunteering in Cleveland not on her radar growing up, but
Mazel tov Michael Jacobson volunteering in general wasn’t something Petti thought about until her kids got older and she had more free time to explore opportunities. “I wanted to set an example for (my kids) – volunteering is something I get a lot out of as well,” she said. “I enjoy being involved. I’m helping a charity, but the experience is good for me too.” To inspire others to become involved in the community, she said her best piece of advice would be to tell them to find their passion and go from there. “If you’re passionate about something, it’s easy to give back,” she said. “Give your time and resources to something you care about.” And as for what inspired her in the first place to become involved in the community, Petti said, “I think what inspired me was that there is so much opportunity to help people and there are so many great causes. There are just so many ways to go out there and make a difference. I cared about my community, so I just wanted to help.”
We’re so proud of your many accomplishments. Shirley and Bill Haas Over 60 years of insuring what matters most.
Eltech Bldg., #135 • 100 Seventh Avenue • Chardon, OH • 44024 • P: 440.286.1263
CONGRATULATIONS BARB MILLER on your well-deserved recognition as a 2017 Difference Maker!
– Becky Raspe
“Marla believes that connecting like-minded women who believe in practicing Jewish values through tzedakah is critical to making the world a better place today and for future generations.” – From the nomination form With love and deep appreciation for the difference you have made in the lives of the students, teachers and parents of The Ratner School.
DM 24 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
HARVEY SIEGEL Harvey Siegel said his involvement in the community evolved from his interest in business and helping aging family members. Years ago, he participated in the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Mandel Course for Advanced Leadership and also participated in a leadership program through the United Way of Greater Cleveland. After participating in these programs, he realized it’s possible to have a non-profit volunteer career within the Jewish community and the general community. “After graduating from the Mandel program, my first (volunteer) choice at the time was the Jewish Vocational Services. That then led to other opportunities in the community,” he said. “Besides having an interest in business, I had an interest in our communities aging population, which led to my involvement at Montefiore.” At Case Western Reserve University Hillel, Siegel said his involvement came because of the loss of young talented people from our community to other cities. “Working with Hillel came about because I saw that there was a need at
our local Hillel that needed to grow and become a community leader” he said. “It had facility issues and participation issues when I was asked to be involved. I thought I could contribute. And it has been a wonderful experience – to help increase the Jewish student population at CWRU and to help build the new facility. With the environment today and the stresses that Jewish students have experienced, I am glad that I was able to help in both areas.” As for what keeps him motivated to volunteer, Siegel said it’s because he
The partners and staff of Bober Markey Fedorovich,
CONGRATULATE
marc merklin
2017 Difference Maker
Congratulations to
Eleanor Steigman
STC’s first Honorary Lifetime Director You make a difference in the lives of older adults.
www.ridestc.org • (216) 265-1489
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
More about ... Age: 72 Profession: President of COIT Family: Wife: Adrienne; children: Adam (Caryn) and Robyn Residence: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue In the community: Life trustee and past board chairman and foundation board member at Montefiore; life trustee and past board president at the Case Western Reserve University Hillel; member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company’s Board of Directors; board member at the Mandel Jewish Community Center; board member at the Chesed Center; and co-founder of Cleveland Israel Bonds New Leadership Division Favorite vacation: “A year ago, I was in South Africa and it was one of the most wonderful trips to see a different part of the world and to see all of the sights and history that Africa is about.” What do you do in your spare time? Read First job after college? “At the family business, my family owned dry cleaning stores. I wound up in the business, which now evolved into COIT Cleaning and Restoration Services.” Favorite musical artist? “Elton John, we saw him in Las Vegas in October.” What did you want to be when you grew up? “I don’t know if I truly knew. At some point I just assumed I’d go into the family business.” feels a responsibility to make a difference in the community. “Giving back becomes part of your DNA,” he said. “A number of years ago, the (Federation) had a campaign referred to as Growing and Strengthening Jewish Cleveland. I so embraced that concept, as I still do. We have to keep our young adults here in Cleveland, which led to my involvement at Hillel. We need to grow and support the community. I grew up here and graduated from Cleveland Heights High, so except for going away to college, my entire life has been spent here in Cleveland.” Siegel noted it’s not difficult to get involved and motivate yourself when you see the needs of the community. “Find a cause that motivates you,” he said. “Get involved in the community and don’t sit back and let things come to you. Be active and proactive, and try to
put yourself in situations where you can make a difference.” Siegel said he hopes to remain involved in the organizations he cares about, such as Montefiore, Hillel, the Mandel JCC and the Chesed Center. “I want to maintain the viability and growth of these agencies,” he said. “I just want to try to add whatever experiences that I’ve had in my business and community life to make these agencies better. “I recently had the opportunity to mentor some new, younger board members at Hillel. I am thoroughly enjoying being involved with the next generation of leadership. I would like to see how this type of mentorship program can be structured and expanded in the community. “ – Becky Raspe
“He never says no, he is always willing to lend his expertise to any request, and more importantly, his time, to a multitude of Jewish causes. His work in helping build and complete the Al and Norma Geller Hillel building at Case Western Reserve University will impact our community for generations to come.” – From the nomination form
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 25
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2017 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
We are proud to support the Cleveland Jewish News and share in the celebration for all the 2017 Honorees Partners Gabe Adler Robin Baum Howard Kass Susan Krantz Brett Neate
Audit &&Assurance | Tax | | Tax Management ConsultancyConsultancy Audit Assurance | Management
zinnerco.com zinnerco.com
Irwin and Ida Haber
Scott Simon
Mandel JDS Alumni Parents and Past President
Mandel JDS Alumni Parent and Past Board Member
Mazal Tov to Our Mandel JDS Difference Makers!
Start your child on the path to becoming a Difference Maker! Call for a tour today. 216.464.4055
26500 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood Difference Makers 2017.indd 1
11/15/2017 10:51:17 AM
DM 26 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
SCOTT SIMON Growing up, Scott Simon was shy. It was difficult for him to do anything in a public way, but on the plane to Israel at 21 years old, that all changed. He just finished college and told himself he was going to say ‘yes’ to everything he deemed an opportunity. He hasn’t stopped since.
“It was the best year of my entire life,” he said. “The ability to push through my comfort zone and put myself out there was a turning point for me. Being in Israel and being in the Jewish homeland and opening myself up ... was something that defined me from that point forward.” His year of saying yes created a whole new life for him. It solidified his Jewishness and put his new-found energy into the Cleveland Jewish community upon his return. The personal growth he experienced since Israel along with his desire to better himself each day keeps him motivated, which he combines with his Jewish upbringing that taught him the importance of giving back. “I believe that Jews don’t sit back and
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and Dean Lee Fisher congratulate
Kenneth B. Liffman C|M|LAW ’79
& Judge Francine B. Goldberg
let things happen to us,” he said. “It is our birthright to strive and work and to make things better for our families, our communities and our world. I think it is in our cultural DNA as Jews to do that. I think it’s not even a thought, it’s literally in our DNA to do that and I don’t argue with DNA” Being a son of Jewish parents and a father of Jewish children strengthens Simon’s identity as a Jew, which in turn keeps him involved in strengthening the Jewish community.
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
More about ... Age: 48 Professions: President, North Pointe Realty; Founder, Scare Your Soul Family: Children: Noah, 16, and Teilah, 15 Residence: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience In the community: Shoes and Clothes for Kids, immediate past board chair and life trustee; Mt. Sinai Healthcare Foundation, board of trustees; Robert and Susan R. Hurwitz Foundation, trustee; National Center for Non-Profit Enterprise, board of trustees What do you do in your spare time? “Box, practice power yoga, spend time with my amazing kids.” First job after college? Camelot Records at Golden Gate Plaza Favorite movie? “Iron Man” What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Stop worrying. It’s all going to work out.” What did you want to be when you grew up? “So many things; it changed every year.”
“To me, I feel most at home and I feel I’m creating the most meaning to me when I’m involved in Jewish causes,” he said. “There is something so special about being involved in the Jewish community because it’s who I am.” He credits his success to his ability of being a connector, he said, whether it’s connecting people to other people, to philanthropy or to a specific cause. It strengthens the community and creates an unending link between community members and organizations. “I think if I have been successful it’s been because I’ve been able to connect people to what is important in our community,” he said. “That means at the board level, at the solicitation level and that sense of connecting people to
what’s important.” After inspiring himself to push his comfort zone, he’s helped others through his movement named Scare Your Soul which seeks to inspire people to engage in repeated small acts of courage and connect them to a like-minded community. He’s helped create change in people’s everyday lives but would like to help people change how they speak to each other. Being in a “polarized world,” Simon said there is bias in everyday conversations and would like to help individuals communicate on a people-topeople level. – Alyssa Schmitt
“In addition to being a great Jewish community leader, Scott has touched countless lives through his Thrive and Scare Your Soul initiatives, which empower people to be happier and more courageous in their own lives.” – From the nomination form
C|M|LAW ’90
on your induction into this distinguished class of Cleveland Jewish News Difference Makers!
LEARN LAW. LIVE JUSTICE.
Zac Zacand andfamily, family, colleagues, Your Yourpartners, partners, colleagues, and congratulate youyou andfriends friends congratulate and forfor this andyour yourfamily family this well honor and welldeserved deserved honor and want you to know how proud want you to know how proud we are to spend every day we are to spend every day working with you.
working with you.
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 27
On behalf of the patients, families, Directors, staff and volunteers of Hospice of the Western Reserve,
WE OFFER SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BOARD MEMBER, MICHAEL H. JACOBSON, on being named a 2017 DIFFERENCE MAKER.
It takes courage for a man to listen to his own goodness and act on it. — Norman Cousins
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, creativity and energy! For questions or referrals call 800.707.8922 or visit hospicewr.org
INSIST ON HOSPICE OF THE WESTERN RESERVE.
We congratulate the Case Western Reserve University Alumni and Staff among the 2017 Cleveland Jewish News Difference Makers
Norma Geller Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Jeffrey Ponsky, MD ■
Lee Ponsky, MD
Generation Award Recipients
Debbie Hoffmann ■ Suellen Kadis ■ Marc Merklin ■ Scott Simon Sheryl Hirsh, Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University Difference Maker Recipients case.edu
DM 28 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/differencemakers
Eleanor Steigman Growing up, Eleanor Steigman didn’t have a babysitter, so she followed her mother from one volunteer event to the next.
It was around that time she said she wouldn’t become a volunteer, but that all changed when she received a call from the National Council of Jewish Women/ Cleveland. “I had never belonged to an organization,” she said. “They had a training course for volunteers, which I took, and I got very involved in that organization ... Whatever organization I got involved with, I truly remained a very major part of it.” Since then, Steigman has been active in the community for more than 60 years with a range of organizations such as the Jewish Family Service Association, Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging and United Way of Greater Cleveland because of the example her mother set. “You’re working with a lot of people of great diversity and you’re working for very vulnerable populations,” she said. “When you’re in position to have good health and good fortune to be able to do that, that’s what you do. That’s the way I was brought up. My parents were both very active volunteers.”
Steigman said she’s been active in Jewish Cleveland because it’s crucial to sustain its large, helpful and beneficial presence. It helped her to become more active in the Jewish community as well as the community at large, an opportunity she wants to preserve for the next generation. “(Volunteering) introduced me to service agencies and persons who serve those who need assistance in their personal lives,” she said. “It afforded me the opportunity to be of service as well.” But Steigman doesn’t just get in-
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
More about ... Age: 94 Profession: Community volunteer Residence: Shaker Heights Family: Husband: Askol; children: Miriam Steigman, Faye Rickoff and Marvin Steigman Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation In the community: Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging; Jewish Family Services Association; NCJW/Cleveland; Jewish Community Housing; and Senior Transportation Connection Favorite hobby: Needlepoint First job after high school? Reserved Knitting Mills secretary and model Favorite TV show: Old westerns and “Star Trek” Most gratifying job and why? “I guess being able to build senior housing with Council Gardens and Jewish Community Housing.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Geologist
volved to improve others’ lives, she does it to improve her own as well. “I just don’t go to go,” she said. “I go to learn, I go to participate, I go to give whatever advice I can because of all my participation. I wasn’t born with all this knowledge of volunteering and the needs of the community, that all came from working in the community.” Although aging and senior advocacy are at the top of her list, after volunteering for various organizations, she sees them all as equal. “It’s a diverse background that I have,” she said. “I’m a senior advocate but I would say there’s not one organization that’s more important than another
because they all in their own field do excellent work.” She encourages anyone thinking about volunteering to take the time and sign up for a cause they believe in to improve others’ lives, but to also gain a better understanding of their community. “It enriches your life,” she said. “You gain an understanding of social consciousness, of values in the community and community needs. You have an opportunity to meet persons of all walks of lives and appreciate who you are.” Everything she’s learned through her
STEIGMAN | DM 29
Mazel Tov Marc Merklin Thank you for making a difference in our community.
Schultz Campus for Jewish Life • 750 White Pond Drive • Akron, OH • 330-867-7850 • JewishAkron.org
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
RONI WALLACE Roni Wallace doesn’t sit on the sidelines. Since she was a young girl, she always was signing up for clubs and organizations, a habit that led her to become involved in ORT, where she worked for more than 30 years until retiring at the end of 2016.
“I just really always believed in giving back to the community,” the Beachwood resident said. “I’ve been very fortunate, I’ve had a lot of opportunities and it’s that wanting to give back to the community – at the risk of sounding cliché – to make a difference.” Wallace moved back to Cleveland at the end of 1977 and wanted to connect with others in the community. After attending a meeting of Women’s American ORT with her neighbor, she quickly began volunteering, five years later she started working at the organization and later became the director of ORT Ohio. Volunteering runs in her family. She saw the value of it when her mother volunteered with her sisterhood and synagogue even though she had little free time. To Wallace, she said it’s about being a good citizen as well as a member of the community. Now on the board of directors, she sees firsthand the impact ORT makes in schools through Argentina and Israel with technology training. ORT introduced computers in the classroom in the late 1990s through a partnership with the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland. The initiative led to the development of technology education through the local day schools. “There’s a real need and an ability to fill the need and it’s a matter of stepping forward,” Wallace said. “In my case, pro-
viding leadership and direction to raise the money that needs to be done to make these things happen. It’s just responding to a real need and not waiting for somebody else.” There were always tests through Wallace’s career, namely the finite pool of leaders and funds in the community. “Everybody is doing the same thing with the same people, so there’s always a challenge,” she said. She encourages people to get involved early in life to find their spot in the community even if it means finding a few hours a month to engage in their community. If they find they want to add more time to that cause, then they find a cause that speaks to them and they should build off of it. “I understand that young adults in their late 20s and 30s are building their careers and building families, so their time may be more limited but it’s so important for them to find something,” she said. ORT always will hold a special place in her heart, but now in retirement, Wallace said she wants to get involved in
STEIGMAN | DM 28 years of volunteering, she said she was able to provide more for others, especially with the support of her family. “There’s always something to learn and there’s always something to contribute because of what I have learned,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband and children, they really gave me an opportunity to expand on myself.” – Alyssa Schmitt
“In a 2004 Cleveland Jewish News interview, she explained ‘I was raised in an Orthodox household and the lessons of tikkun olam and tzedakah that I learned from my parents have stayed with me all my life.’” – From the nomination form
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 29
More about ... Age: 66 Profession: Community volunteer Family: Husband: Ben; children: Jacob and Sara Residence: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla In the community: ORT Ohio Favorite hobby: Scrapbooking What do you do in your spare time? Exercise at the Mandel Jewish Community Center and learning mah-jongg First job after college? Community Mental Health Center What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “It gets better.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Doctor
“Roni’s passion, dedication and commitment have enabled ORT to provide the tools necessary for countless students to achieve success. During her tenure, she devoted herself selflessly to the success of ORT and ORT students in Israel, the former Soviet Union, and around the world.” – From the nomination form other organizations she thinks are doing incredible work like Cleveland Food Bank and Cleveland’s Kids Book Bank. “I feel good about what I’ve accom-
plished at this point and the next chapter is really left to be written,” she said. – Alyssa Schmitt
CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS’ 2017 “DIFFERENCE MAKERS”
Congrats
Michael Jacobson Y O U R F R I E N D S AT L A N D E R H AV E N
440.449.0700 L A N D E R H AV E N . C O M
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
DM 30 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS
SANDRA ZIEVE Sandra Zieve wasn’t always active in the community. She felt something was missing in her life when a close friend helped her realize the importance of giving back. She started volunteering periodically through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, but really started to see the impact once she set up funds at Montefiore in Beachwood for a specific unit, Mandel 3 and the state tested nursing assistants. “One of the things I try to live by, is try to make things better in life,” she said. “As I have gone through life, I have always tried to see if there is something that I see is a need, I try to do something about it.” As a teacher at Richmond Heights Elementary School, Zieve didn’t have a lot of time to give, but saw the need for volunteers at Montefiore when visiting her aunt. After she retired, she had more time to give to others and saw firsthand how important volunteering is. “The littlest things can really make a difference in somebody’s life,” she said. “That’s a smile or holding someone’s
hands and I found that at Montefiore because some of the residents, they didn’t have anybody come see them for weeks and months. Being kind to them, talking with them, smiling at them, really made a difference in their lives.” Since beginning her volunteering at the nursing home, Zieve delved deeper into the community with Jewish National Fund, where she matched her ‘adopted brother,’ Barry Feldman, president of Kottler Metal Products, Inc., in Willoughby, to buy a firetruck for Israel.
More about ... Age: 73 Profession: Community volunteer Residence: Lyndhurst Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel In the Community: Montefiore; Jewish National Fund; Jewish Federation of Cleveland; Camp Wise; American Friends of Magen David Adom; NA’AMAT; Friends of the Cleveland Orchestra Favorite vacation: Australia and New Zealand Favorite hobby: Playing in the dirt (gardening) First job after college: Secretary for Keithley Instruments & Production What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? “Don’t be afraid to go with your gut.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Teacher
“I’ve never done this with him, but I saw the need there for another firetruck and felt that I was compelled to say, ‘I’m with you and let’s do this together to help Israel,’” she said. Her volunteering doesn’t stop at Montefiore. She’s putting her sweat and blood into her work, literally. After discovering her blood is rich in platelets, she donates blood regularly to the American Red Cross for people with leukemia, from which her brother died. As a child, neither she nor her brother, Richard, could attend camp due to the cost. To ensure as many children as possible have the opportunity to attend Camp Wise, she established a scholarship there, the Richard and Sandra Zieve Camp Wise Scholarship Fund. Continuing her volunteerism is key in Zieve’s life, she said, as it can help inspire others to volunteer. She said that is necessary because she doesn’t believe enough people are aware of the number of volunteers in the community. “I think today especially, people do not seem to have a lot of hope in their life,” she said. “When you look at the television, all you see is the bad stuff going on. And there’s so many good things going on but nobody really promotes that.
C ongratulations, ongratulations,
Sandy Zieve,
Our difference maker & passionate leader in our community And, best Sister Ever,
The Feldman-Wehn Family
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
SHARON FRIEDMAN
“Although her brother never attended Camp Wise, in 2014 Sandy established the Richard and Sandra Zieve Camp Wise Scholarship Fund in his memory, making sure that as many children could attend and experience the camp as possible.” – From the nomination form “I think that is important for us to promote it within our own work. We can’t rely on television anymore, so it’s these individual acts of kindness and being helpful to improve the situation that I think is so important.” – Alyssa Schmitt
A Heartfelt Mazel Tov to
FRANCINE B. GOLDBERG
and all The 2017 Difference Makers. To contact Sharon: “Sell” phone: 216-338-3233 sfriedman@bhhspro.com www.sharonfriedmanhomes.com
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
Mazel Tov To OUR Difference Maker
Suellen Kadis with love Larry, Justin, Alex, Samantha, and Jake
CJN.ORG/DIFFERENCEMAKERS | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | DM 31
CONGRATULATIONS to Debbie Hoffmann, Michael Jacobson, Dr. Jeffrey Ponsky and all the Difference Makers and a sincere
THANK YOU for your admirable commitment and good work. You’ve made us all proud.
Peggy, age 12 (most girl scout cookies sold in her age category)
Pepper Pike Office (216) 831-7342 • (216) 315-4663 www.peggygarr.howardhanna.com peggygarr@howardhanna.com
Mazel Tov, Ida and Irwin, on such a beautiful recognition as Difference Makers in the community
You have definitely made a difference in our lives!
The employees at The PDI Group
DM 32 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG/differencemakers
NOVEMBER 17, 2017
18 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
IT TAKES MANY HANDS TO REPAIR THE WORLD. WE THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR PART.
Congratulations to the 2017 Class of 18 Difference Makers! It’s an honor and a privilege to be the co-presenting sponsor of this noteworthy event. -Your friends at Classic Lexus.
CLASSIC 2551 SOM CENTER RD. IN WILLOUGHBY HILLS 440.975.1222 | CLASSICLEXUS.COM