Cleveland Jewish News Honors 18 Difference Makers at Gala Event

The Cleveland Jewish News is set to celebrate its 10th annual 18 Difference Makers reception and awards ceremony on December 11, 2025, at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. This event honors individuals who have significantly impacted the Jewish community through their leadership and commitment to service.

Among the distinguished honorees this year is Erika Gold, a Holocaust survivor and prominent community figure. Gold will receive the Sam Miller Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her decades-long dedication to sharing her story with schools and organizations. At 93 years old, she was part of the inaugural class of CJN 18 Difference Makers in 2015.

Another notable recipient is Lee Fisher, the president of Baldwin Wallace University, who will be awarded the Civic Leadership Award. Fisher previously served as the dean of the Cleveland State University College of Law until June 30, 2023. His extensive contributions to education and community development make him a fitting choice for this honor.

The Generation Award will be presented to the Wain family, comprising Beth Wain Brandon, Amy Wain, Cathy Stamler, and David Wain. This award acknowledges their family’s lasting legacy in community leadership. Their late father, Norman Wain, was a well-respected radio station owner and community leader who played a pivotal role in various local organizations, including the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company.

Kevin S. Adelstein, publisher and CEO of the Cleveland Jewish News, expressed pride in this year’s honorees, stating, “They embody the spirit of leadership, resilience, and community that the Cleveland Jewish News is proud to celebrate.”

The Sam Miller Lifetime Achievement Award has previously honored a host of influential figures, including Michael Siegal in 2023 and Lois Goodman in 2022. Similarly, past recipients of the Civic Leadership Award include Dan Moulthrop and Judge Dan Aaron Polster.

This year’s class of Cleveland Jewish News 18 Difference Makers consists of a diverse group of individuals dedicated to improving their community. Honorees include:

– Linda Angart, Community Volunteer
– Chaya Dalya Berezovsky, President, Sweet Dreams for Kids
– Richard S. Block, Advancement Director, LifeAct
– Jerry Brodsky, Regional President, FJMC International
– Mark Cheplowitz, President, Wizard of Ahs
– Sharon Sobol Jordan, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Cleveland
– Steven A. Karklin, Board Chairman, Great Lakes Science Center
– Hallie Bram Kogelschatz, Chief Executive Officer, shark&minnow
– Allison Levine, Vice President of Fund Development, NCJW/CLE
– Arnold Milner, Chairperson, Lorain County Holocaust Remembrance Day programs
– Roy Minoff, Community Advocate
– Rabbi Shoshana Nyer, Director of Lifelong Learning, Suburban Temple-Kol Ami
– Brian Rosenfelt, Senior Vice President, Huntington Bank
– Ken Schneck, Editor, The Buckeye Flame

To purchase tickets for the event or to learn more about previous honorees, visit cjn.org/18dm. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Events Manager Gina Lloyd at 216-342-5196 or via email at [email protected].

This celebration not only highlights the achievements of individuals within the community but also reinforces the commitment of the Cleveland Jewish News to recognize and support impactful leadership.