Meet Ayelet, Cleveland's Shlicha

"Israel is my home, but for the next two years I am happy to call Cleveland my home!"

Relationships are the key to life. During my time in Jewish Cleveland, I hope to form many strong relationships with this community. Through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and their partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, my role as shlicha (Israeli emissary) will be strengthening Cleveland’s connection to Israel and the Israeli people through educational programming. I’m a social worker, so to me, people are interesting. When you’re planted in a completely new situation, you learn about people, but so much more about yourself. I’m representing Israel, it is my home; but for the next two years I am happy to call Cleveland my home!

All About Ayelet:

Name: Ayelet Isaac (means ‘gazelle’ in Hebrew)

Israeli City: I was born and raised in Karmiel, Israel; for the past 7 years, I lived on a kibbutz in Nir Am

Favorite Food: Chocolate, good quality chocolate

Favorite Hebrew Word: Tikvah (hope)

Hobbies/Interests: The music of Leonard Cohen is the soundtrack of my life; my father used to play his songs when I was a kid. As I grew up, I started listening to him myself. I also love my dog, Lychee, cooking and I am passionate about animal rights and human rights.

Favorite Jewish holiday or Israeli tradition: I love the high holidays, especially in Israel. For Rosh Hashanah, it’s starting fresh. Then you have Yom Kippur and Sukkot; it’s your final chance to say goodbye to the previous year and accept and embrace the new one.

You can follow Ayelet on Facebook or send her an email. For more information on the Shlicha Program, please contact Ilanit Gerblich Kalir at ikalir@jcfcleve.org or 216-593-2815.