Cleveland Jewish News Honors 18 Community Difference Makers on Dec. 11

The Cleveland Jewish News is set to honor 18 individuals and families for their contributions to the community at the 2025 Cleveland Jewish News 18 Difference Makers reception and awards ceremony. Scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on December 11 at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights, the event marks its tenth anniversary.

Among the distinguished honorees, Holocaust survivor Erika Gold will receive the Sam Miller Lifetime Achievement Award. At 93 years old, Gold is a member of the inaugural 2015 class of CJN 18 Difference Makers and has dedicated decades to sharing her experiences with schools and community organizations. The award will be presented by the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation.

In addition, Lee Fisher, president of Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, will be recognized with the Civic Leadership Award, presented by the Krause Family Foundation. Fisher served as the dean of the Cleveland State University College of Law from 2016 until June 30, 2023.

The Generation Award will honor the Wain family—comprising Beth Wain Brandon, Amy Wain, Cathy Stamler, and David Wain. This recognition acknowledges their family’s significant legacy of leadership and community impact. Their late father, Norman Wain, was a renowned radio station owner and a dedicated community leader, known for his role with the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company and the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation.

“This year’s honorees embody the spirit of leadership, resilience, and community that the Cleveland Jewish News is proud to celebrate,” stated Kevin S. Adelstein, publisher and CEO of the Cleveland Jewish News.

The event will also celebrate the contributions of the 2025 class of Cleveland Jewish News 18 Difference Makers, which includes notable community members such as Linda Angart, Chaya Dalya Berezovsky, and Rabbi Shoshana Nyer. These honorees represent a diverse array of roles, from community volunteers to leaders in various nonprofits and educational institutions.

Past recipients of the Sam Miller Lifetime Achievement Award have included prominent figures such as Michael Siegal and Lois Goodman. Similarly, previous Civic Leadership Award winners include Dan Moulthrop and Judge Dan Aaron Polster.

For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased online at cjn.org/18dm. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Events Manager Gina Lloyd at 216-342-5196 or [email protected].

In addition to this significant community event, other local news includes the announcement that Dr. Tomislav (Tom) Mihaljevic, President and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, will receive the 2026 Maltz Heritage Award for his leadership and contributions to healthcare. The award will be presented at the 13th Annual Maltz Heritage Award Gala on May 18, 2026, at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

For more information about the awards and to read the stories of past honorees, visit the Cleveland Jewish News website.