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Meet Moishe House’s Newest Residents

Jessica Friedman (right) and Matthew Frankel (not pictured) join Lena Kelly and Julie Bock as residents of Moishe House Cleveland.

Welcome to the newest residents of Moishe House – Jessica Friedman and Matthew Frankel. Both Jessica and Matthew are Cleveland natives and graduates of The Ohio State University. “Growing up here, the community did so much for me,” said Jessica. “Joining Moishe House is such an amazing opportunity to give back.”

Moishe House Cleveland, a Federation-supported program, has four residents, who host a wide variety of engaging events for Jewish young professionals and grad students with the goal of creating their own Jewish community. “I'm most excited to help cultivate a thriving Jewish community in Cleveland,” said Matthew.

Jessica and Matthew are joining fellow residents, Julie Bock and Lena Kelly, to evolve Jewish Cleveland. As young leaders here, they are hoping to help fellow young adults garner their Jewish identities. “I’m passionate about exposing my generation to the many aspects of Judaism – the culture, the food, the people,” Jessica said. “We’re always looking for exciting ways to promote Jewish life. Our generation needs to continue to see that in order to grow, and I’m excited to jump right in!”

All About Jessica:

City you’re from: Cleveland, Ohio

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite TV Show: House of Cards

Favorite Hebrew Word: Balagan (chaos/messy)

Hobbies/Interests: Yoga, singing, cooking, and documentary films.

Favorite Jewish holiday or Israeli tradition: Sukkot - I love autumn and the rituals of the holiday.

One thing that you are most excited to share with Cleveland: I am very excited to help young Jews connect with their Jewish identities, whether it be through religion, culture, or community!

All About Matthew:

City you’re from: Solon, OH

Favorite Food: Blueberries

Favorite TV Show: How I Met Your Mother

Favorite Hebrew Word: פדיחה, Fadicha, meaning an embarrassing goof-up. Fun to say and unfortunately was quite applicable during my time in Israel.

Hobbies/Interests: Playing music, reading, riding my bike, cooking. I am involved with a few local non-profits, as well. Also into environmental issues, which I work on through my job as a water resource engineer.

Favorite Jewish holiday or Israeli tradition: Sukkot - I really like the symbolism of the sukkah.

One thing that you are most excited to share with Cleveland: I'm looking forward to show off our Metroparks system.

For more information on Moishe House and the Young Leadership Division, contact Jessie Bruder at jrbuder@jcfcleve.org or 216-593-2869. You can also check out Moishe House on Facebook.

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