Local Jewish News

November 20, 2020

Dear Cleveland Heights resident,

I want to make you aware of an opportunity here in Cleveland Heights that I believe will help address one of the biggest crises our community and nation face while also bringing good jobs and significant revenue to Cleveland Heights.

As you know, the MetroHealth System currently operates a hospital and outpatient facility at Severance Circle. They have been a good community partner as they continue to expand. MetroHealth officials recently approached us with a proposal to expand that facility further by adding 110 beds.

This $42 million project would add 155 good-paying jobs in Cleveland Heights in the first year, that would expand to 225 jobs after five years. MetroHealth projects that the payroll would be approximately $15 million a year, resulting in an additional $340,000 in tax revenue for Cleveland Heights. Additionally, it would bring increased activity to Severance. We are hopeful that this expansion will be a catalyst for revitalizing Severance. MetroHealth is not asking Cleveland Heights for any financial support for the project.

These hospital beds would be used to treat people suffering from behavioral health issues. This facility would treat adolescents, adults and seniors for mood disorders, thought disorders, addiction, and other medical issues.

This would not be a state hospital, nor would it be a place for those in trouble with the law. Instead, it would be a place to get help for a parent with dementia, a teen suffering from depression, a brother who has become dependent on pain medication. We know that addiction, depression and other behavioral health problems are just that – health problems, not moral failings. They need to be treated as such in a hospital setting with support from physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. And we know there are not enough hospital beds to treat all those who need help. MetroHealth anticipates the average length of stay would be about a week. The MetroHealth Police Department will provide 24/7 security as it does at all its hospitals.

We know that Cleveland Heights, like all of Ohio and the United States, has seen an increase in substance abuse, ranging from opioids to alcohol. We also know that 1 in 4 Americans suffer from some form of mental illness at some point in their life, and most don’t get treatment. MetroHealth would like to begin construction in the spring of 2021 with the projected opening of the facility in October 2022.

This is an opportunity to provide a much needed service while also improving our local economy. We have discussed the project with City Council and they are supportive. We will continue to ask tough questions and make sure the city’s interest are protected and met.

Sincerely,
Jason Stein, Mayor

I have been given the zechus of writing a book about the life of our dear chaver, R’ Shmuel Tzvi Berkovicz, z”l. We hope to preserve his legacy for generations to come. There is so much to learn from him — from his noble character, from his warmth, from his chashivus haTorah, from his methods of chinuch, and, of course, from his deep-rooted ahavas Yisrael. A collection of personal memories will help capture the beauty, depth, and meaning of his rich and productive life.

This project will require the input of many individuals, especially members of the Cleveland community. Although I would love to interview all those who knew Rabbi Berkovicz, this is nearly impossible. However, every memory, no matter how small, will truly enhance the book. So please think about your connection to him and share interesting and inspiring stories by sending them to the email address below. Attached is a questionnaire to help you get started.

With great anticipation toward the production of a memorable work,

Yechiel Spero
chiely1@gmail.com
443-604-2824

Questionnaire for Cleveland Community

(Please note: Not all questions need to be answered. This is just to help spark your memory.)

1. As someone who saw Rav Berkovicz in action, what lessons did you learn from him in terms of limud haTorah, in terms of middos, or in terms of chinuch habanim?
2. How did you see his inherent love and warmth come to the fore when dealing with the children in the school? Can you think of one incident that best captures this aspect of his personality?
3. Do you have a special story or memory about him?
4. Did you (or your son) ever receive a memorable letter or gift from him?
5. Are there any lines or sayings that he was fond of repeating, and that perhaps you find yourself repeating?
6. Did you ever receive a piece of life-changing advice from him?

(If you wish to share this anonymously, please indicate in your reply.)