Cleveland Jewish News to Honor 18 Difference Makers on December 11

The Cleveland Jewish News is gearing up to celebrate its 10th annual 18 Difference Makers reception and awards ceremony on December 11, 2025. The event will take place at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights, starting at 5:30 p.m.. This year’s ceremony will honor 18 individuals who have significantly impacted the community, alongside special awards recognizing outstanding leadership and contributions.

At the forefront of the evening, Holocaust survivor Erika Gold will receive the prestigious Sam Miller Lifetime Achievement Award, an accolade presented by the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation. At 93 years old, Gold was part of the inaugural class of Difference Makers in 2015 and has dedicated decades to sharing her story with schools and community organizations, fostering understanding and awareness of Holocaust history.

In addition, Lee Fisher, president of Baldwin Wallace University, will receive the Civic Leadership Award. Fisher previously served as the dean of the Cleveland State University College of Law until June 30, 2025. His contributions to education and community service have made a lasting impact in the region.

The Generation Award will be presented to the Wain family, comprising Beth Wain Brandon, Amy Wain, Cathy Stamler, and David Wain. This recognition acknowledges their family’s enduring legacy of leadership within the community. Their late father, Norman Wain, was a notable radio station owner and a committed community leader. He played pivotal roles with the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company and established an advertising internship at the Cleveland Jewish News to support aspiring media professionals.

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

The 2025 class of Cleveland Jewish News 18 Difference Makers includes a diverse group of individuals dedicated to community service. Among them are Linda Angart, a community volunteer; Chaya Dalya Berezovsky, president of Sweet Dreams for Kids; and Sharon Sobol Jordan, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland. Further honorees include Rabbi Shoshana Nyer, director of lifelong learning at Suburban Temple-Kol Ami, and Brian Rosenfelt, senior vice president at Huntington Bank, among others.

Over the years, the awards have recognized many influential leaders. Past recipients of the Sam Miller Lifetime Achievement Award include notable figures like Michael Siegal in 2023 and Lois Goodman in 2022. The Civic Leadership Award has previously been awarded to individuals such as Dan Moulthrop and Judge Dan Aaron Polster.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at cjn.org/18dm, where attendees can also read stories of past honorees. For those interested in sponsoring the event, sponsorship packages are available by contacting Events Manager Gina Lloyd at 216-342-5196 or [email protected].

The Cleveland Jewish News continues to highlight the significant contributions of individuals within the community, fostering a spirit of recognition and celebration of leadership. The upcoming awards ceremony promises to be a memorable evening, bringing together community members to honor those making a profound difference in the lives of others.