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Gene Mesh awarded Israel Bonds’ Legacy Scroll of Honor

Gene Mesh awarded Israel Bonds’ Legacy Scroll of Honor

  • On his 90th birthday, Sunday, Apr. 11, 2021, Gene Mesh was presented with Israel Bonds’ Legacy Scroll of Honor for his investments, totaling thirty million dollars, in Israel Bonds. He was surrounded by four generations of his family and close friends at the presentation.
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23rd annual Dr. Samuel S. Rockwern Passover Delivery Project of Jewish Family Service

23rd annual Dr. Samuel S. Rockwern Passover Delivery Project of Jewish Family Service

  • With the help of volunteers and donors, Jewish Family Service delivered more than 500 Passover meals to vulnerable and home-bound individuals and families. About 50 volunteers of all ages, from senior adults to families with young children, packed bags with kosher for Passover food, then delivered the food to homes throughout the morning on Sunday, March 21. The delivery boxes include matzah, matzah ball soup mix, macaroons, a chicken dinner, and additional food that make a Passover meal complete. Due to COVID-19, all delivery preparations were done outdoors in a safe and socially distanced manner.
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Jewish Fertility Hamantaschen Making

Jewish Fertility Hamantaschen Making

  • On Sunday Feb. 28, 2021, Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF) and PJ Library sponsored a virtual hamantashen-making experience. Rebecca Garfinkle, owner of Beck’s Place Catering, taught young families how to make hamantashen with supplies that were delivered by JFF and PJ Library in advance, along with PJ books, Purim-themed coloring sheets, JFF swag, and more. A fabulous time was had by the 22 families who attended (7 JFF families and 15 PJ Library families), including 29 children total!
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Secret Singer - ish and Human Rights Campaign'

Secret Singer - ish and Human Rights Campaign'

  • Human Rights Campaign and ish festival streamed “The Secret Singer — Cincinnati Edition” on Saturday night, Feb. 27. Based on the popular reality show “The Masked Singer”, the program featured local Cincinnati celebrities singing with their faces covered; the co-hosts, Sparkle Leigh and Rabbi Michael Danziger (Associate Rabbi at Isaac M. Wise Temple) introduced the singers in character and tried to guess their identities. The singers were revealed to be (in the order in which they placed) Megan Mitchell, a local morning news anchor (The Flower), Shep Englander, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (The Cat), and Natalie Jones, a local afternoon DJ (The Shark).
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Purim Magic with Jay Mattioli!

Purim Magic with Jay Mattioli!

  • Adath Israel Congregation, Wednesday Feb. 25, 2021 at 6 p.m. between children’s Megillah reading in English at 5:15 p.m. and traditional Megillah reading at 7:30 p.m.
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Jewish Family Service food drive at Adath Israel Congregation

Jewish Family Service food drive at Adath Israel Congregation

  • Jewish Family Service held a food drive on Sunday, Oct. 18, in the parking lot of Adath Israel Congregation. Scheduled the weekend after the end of Sukkot, it extended the traditions of sharing food associated with that Autumn harvest holiday. The goal had been to fill up the food pantry van with non-perishable foods and especially personal care items; this they did, twice, plus four private cars, and a room full of food at Adath Israel.
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The Jewish Hospital - Mercy Health put up its first Sukkah

The Jewish Hospital - Mercy Health put up its first Sukkah

  • Submitted by: The Jewish Hospital - Mercy Health Associates with The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health put up the hospital’s first Sukkah in the building’s courtyard. The Sukkah was up from Oct. 2-12, and Rabbi Elena Stein and the Spiritual Care team offered a brief celebration service at the Sukkah on Thursday, Oct. 8 at noon for Jewish Hospital staff and patients. Blessing Flags adorned the roof beams of the Jewish Hospital Sukkah. Inspired by Tibetan prayer flags, Ilana Schatz, founder of the non-profit Fair Trade Judaica, designed these “Jewish Blessing Flags” that celebrate seven key Jewish values: Love, Compassion, Loving Kindness, Healing, Respect and Justice. Traditional images were featured on the wall hangings that decorated the Sukkah. They included: • The Hamsa hand, an ancient Middle Eastern amulet that symbolizes the Hand of God • The lulav and etrog, four species of plants that are brought together for The Festival of Sukkot • The Tree of Life, which can represent God and scripture
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JCC Under One Roof community art exhibit

JCC Under One Roof community art exhibit

  • This fall, The Mayerson JCC celebrated the festival of Sukkot with the Under One Roof community art exhibit, featuring canvas panels designed by Cincinnati organizations and groups around their interpretation of a central theme. Thousands of people from throughout the city are engaged and inspired by these works of art each year. Photo Credits: Gailya Tomaino
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Josh Mizrachi's henna party

Josh Mizrachi's henna party

  • On March 8, 2020, fiancees Josh Mizrachi and Erin Pearlman had a magnificent henna party in Jerusalem, hosted by the groom’s uncle, Joseph Mizrachi. The wedding, originally scheduled for August 2020, has been postponed for a year, but the couple was able to enjoy the traditional henna party before Covid-19 safety concerns cancelled travel and gatherings.
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Rockwern 1st day of school photos

Rockwern 1st day of school photos

  • Submitted by: Rockwern Academy Rockwern Academy opened on Sept. 2 with more than two hundred students, from toddlers through sixth graders!  After being away from their building since March, staff and students were so happy to return!  Rockwern staff has worked tirelessly over the summer to prepare for a safe reopening of school, and their students are able to be in the building full-time.  Everything that has distinguished Rockwern in the past continues to ring true now more than ever: personalized instruction, small class sizes, talented teachers, deep caring for each child and family, a strong commitment to values, support of children's social and emotional needs, and a framework in which Judaism is relevant and adds joy and meaning to people's lives.
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Northern Hills Synagogue first day of school

Northern Hills Synagogue first day of school

  • On Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, Northern Hills Synagogue held a first day picnic on the front lawn for Religious School families. Tables for each family who had RSVP’d were widely spaced on the front lawn, and snacks were available to all who wanted them. Old friends waved to each other from their tables, and new students met their classmates at a distance. Rabbi Noah Ferro opened the event with Shehecheyanu, the prayer recited to celebrate the beginnings of holidays, or in this case the school year. Idit Moss, School Principal, led a craft, wishes for the New Year, and icebreaker games.
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Adath Ride into Rosh Hashanah

Adath Ride into Rosh Hashanah

  • On Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, Adath Israel Congregation held “Ride into Rosh Hashanah” in the synagogue parking lot, bundling several pre-High Holiday and beginning of the year events; without leaving their cars, congregants could pick up Machzorim (High Holiday prayerbooks) requested in order to follow the online services during the holidays; drop off food to donate to Jewish Family Services; hear Rabbi Moshe Smolkin blow the shofar; pick up supplies for the Sisterhood opening event the same evening; perform tashlich in a wading pool filled for the purpose; and get treats for religious school students for the start of the school year.
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DAV Ceremony honoring Judge Robert S. Marx

DAV Ceremony honoring Judge Robert S. Marx

  • On September 8, the National and Ohio branches of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) honored their founder, Cincinnatian Judge Robert S. Marx, himself a highly decorated World War I veteran. The ceremony at his grave in Walnut Hills Cemetery, part of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati, was opened by an honor guard and buglers; a wreath was laid, and speakers Marc Burgess (adjutant of the national organization), Dr. David Leist (Chaplain of Cincinnati’s U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), and Commander John Plahovinsak (representative of the Ohio department of the organization), addressed a small audience, limited to a private group due to pandemic concerns poignantly reminiscent of the time a century ago when he and his fellow veterans formed this veterans’ advocacy group.
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The First Day of Ohr Torah of Cincinnati 2020-21 School Year

The First Day of Ohr Torah of Cincinnati 2020-21 School Year

  • Ohr Torah of Cincinnati has been anything but dormant since COVID-19 sent the American educational system into a tail-spin. Thanks to a busy summer of planning, re-planning, and ordering by our administrative team, OTC was ready for our children. Due to thetremendous growth at OTC, our students walked into a remodeled building that just barely resembled the one they had left Purim time. The children eagerly explored a 2nd floor that is now open to classes, doubling the number of classrooms available. The additional space has made it possible to provide the students with a safe and beautiful learning environment. The children could not contain their excitement as they peered into our beautiful Bais Midrash soon to become the home of our Judaic Library and Sefer Torah. In addition to the opening of the 2nd floor, the main floor was remodeled to create larger classrooms needed for the enriching “whole-child”, Al Pi Darko style educational approach. Our youngest students gleefully tried out all the new toddler and preschool playground equipment in the newly fenced in play area for our newest class, the Toddler Gan, along with our vibrant preschool program. Students came to school thinking they'd have to say goodbye to the outdoor life they've become so accustomed to, but expressed their excitement when they were informed that many classes and activities were being planned for the use of the fields and shelters in our 13.5-acre backyard, Chamberlain Park. Oh, and the new faces! Students were sheepishly asking teachers and friends, "Who is that?" as they navigated the halls of an OTC whose enrollment spiked an amazing 30% from 78 students during 2019-20 school year to 101 students during the 2020-21 school year! New staff members, New students, New classrooms. What a way to step into Day One of the school year. Of course, OTC Day One traditionally begins with the Annual Popsicle Pop In, transition back into school, which took place on Tuesday, September 1. As the cars drove down Plainfield Road, they were welcomed into the OTC parking lot by a team of energetic teachers in their red capes introducing the theme of the year. The theme this year, “Making Choices” was demonstrated with a drive through activity that allowed each family vehicle to choose the right or the left lane where they received their welcome back freeze pops, and then chose other treats. Each lane was staffed with excited "spring loaded" staff members jumping up and down, welcoming back last year’s students along with the many new families and students. It was clearly the day they've all been waiting for - for quite a while. Somewhere in the tumultuous first day excitement, there were also all the things that are happening in all the schools in the country, temperature taking, health survey, and the beginning of the many lessons in “new schooling procedures” that will, G-d willing, keep our students and faculty/staff safe and healthy. Thank you to our dedicated administration, staff, and students for joining us on this journey of another exciting year at Ohr Torah Cincinnati. In keeping with the year’s theme – Choosing Ohr Torah is a great choice. We wish all a Ksiva V’Chasima Tova, a healthy, happy, sweet New Year.
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Schools adapt to Covid-19

Schools adapt to Covid-19

  • Schools have had to adapt to changing conditions during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. In March when Ohio schools closed, Ohr Torah adapted to distance learning, with staff packing bags of supplies to distribute to families whose students were suddenly learning at home over the internet. This autumn, Ohr Torah reopened in a remodeled building with new facilities and equipment, which has been adapted for social distancing.
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Purim at Cong Etz Chaim

Purim at Cong Etz Chaim

  • At Congregation Etz Chaim we celebrate Purim to the fullest in every sense. We start our celebrations with a lively Megillah reading complete with multiple readers, voices, pantomimes and ways for the children to get involved.
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Adath Israel's Ceremony Sunday

Adath Israel's Ceremony Sunday

  • On Sunday, Feb. 9, Adath Israel’s kindergarten, third, and fourth grade classes celebrated religious, educational milestones. The annual celebration, Ceremony Sunday, recognizes each of these classes in different ways. The youngest were consecrated, signifying they have begun their formal religious school education; the third graders took part in Siddur Dedication and were recognized for their ability to actively participate in Shabbat services; the fourth graders participated in Torah Induction, demonstrating their readiness to learn the skills of Torah study. Following the classes presentations, Rabbi Smolkin gave a blessing to the children. Families and students gathered in the Lerner.Fisher Hall for a dessert reception after the ceremony. 
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Golf Manor Synagogue’s Hamentaschen Bake

Golf Manor Synagogue’s Hamentaschen Bake

  • Family Hamentaschen Bake at Golf Manor Synagogue on Sunday, March 1. This is the second year that families were invited to come and make hamentaschen, which were then baked at the synagogue and taken home by the families who made them. These goodies were filled with chocolate chip, apricot, raspberry, prune or poppy seed.
+15
L'Chaim: A toast to Rockwern's Major Donors

L'Chaim: A toast to Rockwern's Major Donors

  • Rockwern - Major Donor Recognition Event An evening of cocktails & hors d'oeuvres for Rockwern's Chai, Gefen, and Eitz Chaim Circles Donors who give $1,800 or above to the 2019-2020 Annual Campaign Thursday, Feb. 20 L'Chaim: A toast to Rockwern's Major Donors 6-8 p.m. Rockwern
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ARCHIE RAND: SIXTY PAINTINGS FROM THE BIBLE

ARCHIE RAND: SIXTY PAINTINGS FROM THE BIBLE

  • Presidential Professor of Art at Brooklyn College, Guggenheim Fellow, and recipient of the National Foundation for Jewish Culture’s Achievement Medal, Archie Rand has been one of the major progenitors of Jewish subject matter for the past four decades and is widely recognized as the most innovative and prolific painter on Jewish themes today. He has had over 100 solo exhibitions, and his work has been included in more than 200 group exhibitions. Rand’s work can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, and Victoria and Albert Museum in London, among others. Tuesday, February 18, 2020 5:30–8:00 pm in Mayerson Hall Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion 3101 Clifton Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45220
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Super Bowl party at Adath Israel Congregation

Super Bowl party at Adath Israel Congregation

  • Super Bowl party at Adath Israel Congregation on Feb. 2, 2020. It was a fun day rooting and cheering for the teams playing in the Super Bowl this year at Adath Israel Congregation hosting a family-friendly Super Bowl party. Everyone enjoyed food, drinks, socializing and lots of football. A good time was had by all and in the end the winning team was the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Prayer Interrupted: Music in a World Turned Upside Down

Prayer Interrupted: Music in a World Turned Upside Down

  • n a first-time collaboration between the Cincinnati Song Initiative and The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, Prayer Interrupted dives into the lives of Jews in and around the Holocaust. Songs by Jewish composers will be punctuated by liturgical music found in Cincinnati Hebrew Union College’s famed Birnbaum collection of music manuscripts, and narration will transport the audience directly into the world in which these songs were created. This concert commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and also marks the one year anniversary of the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s opening at Union Terminal.
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Cincinnati Chicken Soup Cookoff at Wise Temple

Cincinnati Chicken Soup Cookoff at Wise Temple

  • The sixteenth annual Cincinnati Chicken Soup Cookoff, sponsored by the Isaac Wise Temple Brotherhood, was held from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, in the Wise Center social hall. The crowds thronging the social hall sampled approximately 30 variations of chicken soup, ranging from Jewish classics like matzo ball or noodle to a spicy carrot-ginger purée (Susannah West), a Greek-style egg-and-lemon soup (the Andy Petty family), or a Yemeni soup with a halwayej spice blend of ground cumin, caraway, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves (from Parker’s Grill). Co-chairs of the event, Dr. Jay Rissover and Rick Seelig plan all year for this fundraiser, which involved more than sixty volunteers. Rissover started the annual chicken soup cookoff sixteen years ago. The event provides chicken soup to the “Cincinnati Kitchen” and supports the the Wise Brotherhood and their charitable works. Booths were set up in the social hall and a second room on the side. Both spaces were packed. Overflow parking was available offsite with a shuttle bus to Wise Temple. The lobby was occupied by a silent auction, photo station, and a voting station for the World Zionist Congress. Prizes were awarded at the end of the event. The winners in the three overall categories were the Avon-Miami Lodge for best amateur soup (a jumbalaya with noodles), Tano Bistro in the judges’ choice category (a traditional chicken noodle), and Nate & Sam (spiced with turmeric).
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Jewish Fertility

Jewish Fertility

  • JFF-Cincy held their first event, Bubbles & Bunco, on Jan. 15. Hosted by Loftspring, and members of the JFF-Cincy advisory committee - Tracy Juran, Marisa Phillips, Dr. Michael D. Scheiber, Sarah Shmoel, and Rabbi Karen Thomashow - the event introduced the services provided by the organization.
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2019 Cincinnati Jewish Community Study Rollout

2019 Cincinnati Jewish Community Study Rollout

  • Highlights of the much anticipated survey of the Cincinnati Jewish Community in 2019 were released and discussed on Jan. 15. The heads of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati framed the conversation and introduced the researchers involved in the project.