Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Building Bridges for a Safer Community Security is a universal concern, and SAFE Cincinnati, our community’s security initiative, is helping all communities—Jewish and non-Jewish—with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves. We value the partnerships with local law enforcement, churches, and interfaith organizations, like the FBI Citizens Academy, that help us expand knowledge-sharing across faith groups With rising security concerns, these partnerships are more critical than ever. We believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, safer Cincinnati for everyone. ?? Want to learn more about SAFE Cincinnati? Find out here: https://ow.ly/n0Ie50Vl10M

The Aftermath of October 7 is a Story That Must Be Told The attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 ignited a surge of antisemitism across America. OCTOBER 8 is a gripping documentary that uncovers how this moment transformed our college campuses, digital spaces, and communities. Our JCRC Board member Greg Miller says it will open your eyes to what’s happening around the country right now. Featuring voices like Debra Messing, Michael Rapaport, Mosab Yousef (son of Hamas’s co-founder), Sheryl Sandberg, and Rep. Ritchie Torres, the film exposes the decades-long buildup behind the current wave of antisemitism. You can see it at Mariemont Theatre for this week only. Find details and show times here: https://lnkd.in/gUwD5spJ This isn’t just a film—it’s a wake-up call.

?? Purim at the Federation & JCC: A Celebration of Joy, Tradition & Community Purim festivities are bringing color, laughter, and tradition to Jewish Cincinnati, with events that highlight the spirit of the holiday. The Purim Parade showcases the creativity of our colleagues, with vibrant costumes filling the space. The Hamantaschen Baking Contest is a sweet (and competitive!) nod to tradition, with bakers showing off their skills. The Megillah Reading reminds everyone of the deeper meaning of Purim, connecting past and present. This year’s Purim is a perfect blend of tradition and fun—a true reflection of the strength and vibrancy of Jewish life in Cincinnati.

Purim, Hamantaschen, and the Power of Hidden Miracles Every year on Purim, we bake Hamantaschen, the three-cornered pastry linked to the story of Haman’s downfall and Queen Esther’s courage. But why do we eat them? Some say they symbolize Haman’s triangular hat, while others believe they represent his pockets filled with bribes. Another interpretation? The hidden nature of miracles in the Purim story—just like their sweet fillings are hidden inside. Purim reminds us that resilience, joy, and community stand the test of time—and sometimes, history is best remembered through food. Nothing is better than a winning recipe, so give the one our own Susan Zimmerman won with last year a try: https://ow.ly/VRQ550VhCtX ?? What’s your favorite Hamantaschen filling? Share a link to your favorite recipe in the comments!

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the Jewish women shaping the future of Jewish Cincinnati—as professionals, volunteers, and leaders committed to strengthening our community. From?nonprofit executives to community advocates, educators to board members, Jewish women continue to?lead with strength, purpose, and resilience—ensuring our community remains?flourishing, inclusive, and secure. Shout-out to our CEO, Danielle V. Minson, the first woman to lead the?Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, and to our?Lion of Judah women, whose?philanthropic leadership fuels a strong and vibrant Jewish future. Their?vision, generosity, and dedication?inspire us all. ???Tag a Jewish woman who inspires you!?Let’s recognize and honor their leadership together. ??

Jewish students at the University of Cincinnati—like all students—deserve to feel safe and included on campus. But that safety has come into question. The?U.S. Department of Education recently warned UC—along with 59 other universities—that it must do more to protect Jewish students from harassment and discrimination. At the same time,?Jewish life at UC remains strong.?With?Cincinnati Hillel leading on campus and Federation, alongside JCRC, working to support these efforts,?students continue to learn, celebrate, and build community. But ensuring a truly inclusive campus takes more than acknowledgment—it takes action. ???Where is the line between free speech and hate speech? ???What must universities do to protect Jewish students? Join us for the?JCRC Annual Meeting on April 2?as national and local experts tackle these questions. ???April 2 | Mayerson JCC | 6:30 PM ???Register now?→ https://lnkd.in/dt9Ju8ip Read Hillel Cincinnati’s full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gZHAYCsm

How Do You Define the Line Between Free Speech & Hate Speech? Join the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Annual Meeting on April 2 for a critical conversation on The Dialogue Dilemma. This discussion will explore how, following October 7, the rise of hate speech and the discussion around free speech, impacts campus life, social justice movements, and broader society. Our Panelists: ?? Amanda Berman | Civil Rights Attorney & Executive Director, Zioness ?? Ronit Sherwin | Campus Support Director, Hillel International ?? Jake Powers | UC Student and President of Bearcats for Israel & Ohio for Israel To ensure a safe and secure experience, this event requires a Jlive Passport—a simple, free, two-minute authentication step. ?? Date: April 2 ?? Check-in: 6:00 PM | Program Start: 6:30 PM ?? Mayerson JCC Join us for this meaningful conversation and be part of the dialogue. Register today! https://lnkd.in/dt9Ju8ip

We stand against antisemitism in all its forms and believe that efforts to combat white supremacy must be truly inclusive.?Read JCRC’s full statement here: The?Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the public affairs arm of the?Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, urges the Jewish community to?stand firm against antisemitism in all its forms?and?not to attend?the Queen City United rally on?Sunday, March 9?due to its?anti-Israel and anti-Zionist stance. Fighting white supremacy and bigotry is essential.?But real justice requires true inclusion.?The event’s organizers?deliberately excluded Zionist perspectives, sending a clear message: some Jews are welcome, and others are not.?Exclusion has no place in the fight for justice. The?JCRC is the central public affairs voice of Cincinnati’s Jewish community.?If you care about community relations, security, or the future of Jewish life in our city,?we are your trusted source.?We work through?collaboration, education, and advocacy, ensuring that our community is represented?with purpose and conviction. We will not be silent.?We reject exclusion. We reject division.?And we will keep fighting for a world where?antisemitism, bigotry, and all forms of hate?have no place. Justice, unity, and peace?are not just ideals—we live them.?We will not be deterred.

?? “Bob Clayton doesn’t ask for recognition, but without his work, our Jewish institutions wouldn’t function as smoothly as they do.” At the Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (CHDS) Legacy Dinner, we had the privilege of celebrating Bob—a leader who works behind the scenes and whose impact is felt across Jewish Cincinnati. As Director of Community & Property Management at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Bob: ?? Keeps our Jewish schools, synagogues, and institutions well-maintained and supported. ??Works closely with SAFE Cincinnati, our security initiative, helping Jewish institutions strengthen security and preparedness. ? Supports the infrastructure that keeps our communal spaces?safe, operational, and thriving?for generations to come. Bob’s work is quiet, but its significance is immeasurable. That’s why it was so meaningful to see colleagues, friends, and community members come together to celebrate his decades of dedication. Bob was also recently honored with the Mensch Award, recognizing his selfless commitment to Jewish Cincinnati. Learn more about Bob’s impact and leadership: https://lnkd.in/gqeUxKkm

"We don’t inherit our history like a relic—we carry it forward as a responsibility." That’s why on March 11, we’re inviting teens to cook alongside our Chaverim M’Israel, preparing recipes from a cookbook filled with the stories of those taken hostage on October 7. Through food, we honor. Through learning, we remember. Through community, we carry their stories forward. Participants will be making authentic Israeli desserts while enjoying a Kosher dinner, these recipes come from Shavuot of Longing, a special cookbook featuring the favorite dishes of the hostages. It’s a tribute to their resilience, strength, and stories of hope. ? Free with registration | Open to all teens ?? Don’t miss this opportunity to cook, learn, and connect: https://lnkd.in/g_y6hf3v