Israelite 0717 160

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The American Israelite @160 years old The American Israelite, the longest-running English Jewish Weekly newspaper still published in the United States, was founded on July 15, 1854 as The Israelite and took on its present name in 1874.

The paper's founder, Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, and publisher, Edward Bloch and his Bloch Publishing Company, were both very influential figures in American Jewish life. During the 19th century, The American Israelite became the leading organ for Reform Judaism in America. During the early 20th century, it helped geographically dispersed American Jews, especially in the West and the South of the country, keep in touch with Jewish affairs and their religious identity.

The Israelite’s initial issues were published by Charles F. Schmidt. The paper lost $600 in its first year, and although Wise repaid the publisher out of his own funds, Schmidt terminated the relationship. Edward Bloch and his Bloch Publishing Company began to publish the paper with the issue of July 27, 1855. Bloch, who was Wise's brother-in-law, subsequently became known as the dean of American Jewish publishers.

From the start, the newspaper's motto was (in English) "Let There Be Light," and it still is. Its two goals were to propagate the principles of Reform Judaism and to keep American Jews, who often lived in small towns singly or in communities of two or three families, in touch with Jewish affairs and their religious identity.

The publication, along with Die Deborah, a German-language supplement that Wise started the following year, soon attracted a large circulation and was influential in helping the nascent Reform Judaism movement spread throughout North America. Both Wise and the paper had a reach beyond Cincinnati, and especially to the growing Jewish communities in the American Midwest and South.

Despite its spread, the early years of The Israelite weren’t easy.

The Panic of 1857 adversely affected it, and the paper lost half its subscribers in the South during the Civil War. Bloch travelled east several times in the late 1850s in order to solicit subscriptions and advertising. Nevertheless, the newspaper and Bloch stayed out of bankruptcy and relocated to larger offices twice during this period.

Wise, a prolific writer, published in the editorial columns of The Israelite numerous studies on various subjects of Jewish interest.

Besides being the leading organ for American Reform Judaism, it also forcefully defended the civil and religious rights of all Jews. Wise tirelessly expounded his call to the "ministers and other Israelites" of

the United States, urging them to form a union which might put an end to the prevalent religious anarchy. In 1873, twenty-five years after he had first broached the idea, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations was organized in Cincinnati. Another campaign he presented in the columns of The Israelite was the desire for an educational institution, and this eventually led to success in 1875 when the Hebrew Union College opened its doors for the reception of students.

Wise also wrote a number of novels, which appeared first as serials in the Israelite.

The Israelite was renamed The American Israelite beginning with the issue of July 3, 1874. The goal was to make the name more in consonance with the ideas it represented. Despite the change, the paper continued to cover and advocate for not only American Jews but also Jews around the world. By 1879, a typical issue had eight pages 28-by42-inch in size, and a subscription cost $4, or $5 if the Die Deborah four-page supplement was included.

Rabbi Wise's son Leo Wise, who had become business manager for the paper in 1875, took over as its publisher from 1883 to 1884, and then he did so again, permanently, in 1888. A sister publication, The Chicago Israelite, was started in 1885.

Leo Wise gradually took over the principle editorial functions from his father, but Rabbi Wise remained active on the paper until his death on March 26, 1900, writing an editorial for it just a few days before he died. Ownership then passed to Leo Wise.

By 1900, The American Israelite, in combination with The Chicago Israelite, claimed a circulation of other 35,000, about 12,000 in Ohio and Illinois and the balance spread across almost every other state as well as Canada and Mexico.

The publication Printer's Ink said the Israelite had the largest guaranteed circulation of any Jewish newspaper in the U.S., and it continued to be especially strong in the West and the South. One 1902 book characterized The American Israelite as "the leading Jewish newspaper in the United States and the National Journal of the Jews."

In the early 20th century, the paper's short articles were sometimes picked up and run by The New York Times with a credit "From The American Israelite". In those years, The American Israelite became known for its very strong stance against the new Zionism movement, calling it in 1902 a "pernicious agitation" that would undermine the acceptance of Jews in the countries where they currently resided. Rabbi David Philipson was among the editorial contributors to

the paper who used it to oppose Zionism, arguing that Judaism was a religion exclusively, and thus stateless. Other noted contributors to the paper in this era included Rabbi Moses Mielziner and Jewish history scholar Gotthard Deutsch, as well as other prominent rabbis and Jewish thinkers within the country. The paper gave extensive coverage to the goings-on of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Hebrew Union College (and was sometimes viewed as a publication of them), as well as notices of various rabbinical conferences.

Die Deborah was discontinued after Isaac Wise's death, then resumed for a while. The Chicago Israelite ceased publication in 1920.

Leo Wise edited The American Israelite until his retirement at age 78 in 1928 (he died in 1933).

Another son of Isaac, Isidor Wise, worked as a writer and associate editor for the paper until his death in 1929.

Leo Wise was succeeded as editor and publisher of The American Israelite in 1928 by his half-brother, Rabbi Jonah Wise of New York, who remained in that city and who himself became a long-time leader of American Reform Judaism.

The Jonah Wise arrangement did not last long, and in 1930, journalist Henry C. Segal bought the paper and became its editor and publisher for more than five decades, until his death in 1985.

Along with Isaac Wise, Segal is still named on the paper's masthead.

By the 1990s, the paper was focusing on local Jewish news.By 2010, Ted Deutsch was the editor and publisher. A typical issue runs 24 pages, with color front and back pages, a color center photo spread, and black-and-white inside Local stories are written in-house or are submitted by the organization itself, and the national, international, and Israel stories are pulled from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTS) or the Jewish News Service (JNS).

In 2011, the paper went digital.

A website was created that featured the currently published stories, as well as links to photos, archives, columnist articles, and other features. In 2013, the paper utilized an online resource called ProQuest in order to archive every issue of the Israelite, from the first issue in 1854 to today These archives are accessible at major university libraries around the country as well as public libraries.

The American Israelite will continue to move into the digital age by keeping up with the latest trends in publishing (both in print and electronic), and looks forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.

Housed downtown, the American Israelite still publishes every Thursday.

I have enjoyed The American Israelite my whole life!

Keep up the good work!

Best Wishes!

Lynne Meyers Gordon

All of us at Stan Better Companies wish The American Israelite a th

Happy 160 Birthday!

MAZEL TOV ON THIS SPECIAL MILESTONE!

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MAZEL TOV ON 160 YEARS!

8350 Cornell Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45249

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American Jewish Committee

A most amazing past 160 years and to a more amazing future!

The Chesley Family

During the past decades, American Jewish Committee has gradually changed its focus from civil rights to global Jewish advocacy. This evolution coincides with the decline of anti-Semitism in the U.S. at the same time that it has risen abroad.

The AJC Cincinnati Regional Office opened in 1944, when AJC reached beyond its New York origins and opened chapters in numerous cities. Early local concerns included war-time anti-Semitism, growing support for the fledgling State of Israel, and exclusion of Jews from social life after work ended at 5 p.m.

The first president of the AJC Cincinnati Board was Murray Seasongood, former mayor of Cincinnati. Other early leaders included James Magrish, grandfather of recent president John Stein; Justin Friedman, father of another past president, James Friedman; Charles Tobias, an attorney dedicated to church-state separation; and Robert Westheimer a well-known civic leader. Eleanor Lazarus, the first woman president, created a Jewish-Episcopal dialogue group.

In memory of past president Simon Lazarus, Jr., AJC still honors outstanding high school volunteers.

AJC’s interest in GermanJewish relations brought many Cincinnati members on Adenauer Foundation exchange trips to Germany, beginning with Dr. Kenneth Newmark's visit in the

1980s. Before long, AJC was the first American Jewish organization to establish an office in Berlin.

AJC earned a reputation for promoting intergroup understanding.

In the 1990s, AJC offered Hands Across the Campus to more than a dozen high schools, to bridge religious, ethnic, and racial divisions.

AJC also fought bias and worked to establish civilian oversight of the Cincinnati Police. AJC took part in a coalition which successfully changed public policy so that the City of Cincinnati could pass laws guaranteeing civil rights for homosexuals.

Through our strong Israel office, AJC brought numerous local officials to Project Interchange seminars in Israel, including Dr. Odell Owens, Roxanne Qualls, Connie Pillich, Mark Mallory, Steve Chabot, and Ted Strickland.

AJC at 70 is ready for the future.

Current president Rick Michelman will soon announce the successor to recently-retired director Barbara Glueck. With strong financial backing by our members, AJC Cincinnati is one of 22 U.S. offices and numerous international posts, all focused on securing international allies and U.S. legislative support for the safety and security of Israel, building awareness of the danger of a nuclear Iran and the terrorist threat of Hamas and Hezbollah, and striving for immigration reform, a topic of perennial interest to the Jewish community.

Camp Livingston While Camp Livingston is now a residential camp in Bennington, IN, it began in 1920 on 18 acres in Indian Hill, on the site of the Helen Trounstine Camp. H. S. Livingston established the camp as a memorial for his only son, Lt. Robert Krohn Livingston.

Robert Krohn Livingston, was a decorated frontline serviceman from World War I who succumbed at 24 years of age in the influenza epidemic of 1918.

Livingston's father sought to establish a summer camp where children could experience growth and maturation in a trusting, caring environment. He equipped the site with barracks style buildings and funded the conversion of the land to athletic fields. The Livingston Lodge is a historic landmark located in Indian Hill on north Given Road. This facility was once the recreation hall for the camp.

In 1969, the camp opened its current location on 680 wooded acres in Switzerland County, Indiana and in 1972 merged with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Cincinnati to serve the region including Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, St.

Louis and Louisville.

In 2001, Camp Livingston separated from the Cincinnati JCC and established new bylaws and updated their facilities greatly with the significant help of the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.

Camp Livingston has provided an unmatched summer experience for Jewish children and teens for over 90 years. It has always provided a safe and nurturing environment where campers gain self esteem and confidence, and form lasting friendships with their cabin and unit friends, all within a fun and exciting atmosphere. Campers return year after year because of the bond and friendships Livingston helps foster that is uncommon anywhere else.

Within this unique environment, campers come to know and love themselves, their community and their place in the greater world.

The camp encourages the development of Jewish identity, enables the formation of lifelong friendships, and provides the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of challenging recreational and creative programming within a safe and inclusive environment.

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HAPPY 160TH BIRTHDAY TO THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE from COUNTRY FRESH FARM MARKETS M-F 9AM-8PM • SAT 9AM-7:30PM • SUN 10AM-5PM 8425 VINE STREET • (513) 821-5335

HAPPY 160 TH TO THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE! from your friends at A 1905 photo of the home for the Jewish aged and Jewish Hospital.

Cedar Village Retirement Community Cedar Village Retirement Community can date its history back to 1883, when Glen Manor, the Jewish Home for the Aged and Infirm, was established. Later, in 1906, the Orthodox Jewish Home for the Aged was founded and then in 1953, Sheltering Oaks opened its doors for inpatient care for the chronically ill elderly. In the early 1960’s, Glen Manor, Home for Jewish Aged, built a new facility on Glen Meadow Drive and the Orthodox Jewish Home built one on Towne Street.

By the mid-1980’s, both buildings were 25 years old and discussions began about merging the two facilities. In 1987, the Orthodox Jewish Home had bought 80 acres in Mason for future growth. In 1990, history was made. The board of directors of both homes agreed to consolidate, and in 1994, the vision of so many became the promise for the future as the memberships of the two organizations, comprised of thousands of community members, voted unanimously to support the merger. The Jewish Home of Cincinnati, Inc., doing business as Cedar Village, was created.

In 1994, Frank Harkavy became the first Chair of Cedar Village and on March 16, 1997, following a successful capital campaign chaired by Paul Heiman, 185 residents from Glen Manor and the Orthodox Jewish Home moved into Cedar

Village.

Originally, Cedar Village had a 200-bed nursing home and 51 independent and assisted living apartments housed in the Oak View Apartments. In 2001, the health care unit on the first floor was converted into 46 more apartments and the total number of nursing beds was reduced to 162. In 2004, The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati funded The Garden Dining Room to serve the Oak View and Fountain View residents and eight more apartments were created in the space that formerly housed dining rooms.

Today, Cedar Village has a 162-bed Health Care Center which includes 50 beds for short term rehabilitation following hospitalization and 105 independent and assisted living apartments. Over the years, Cedar Village has added new services to meet the needs of the community including Cedar Village Home Care, Cedar Village Hospice, outpatient rehabilitation therapy both at Cedar Village and the Mayerson JCC, the Shalom Center for Elder Abuse Prevention and VillageCare.

The final phase of the recent rehabilitation renovation and expansion project is The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Aquatic Therapy Center opening in the fall.

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Jewish Family Service

WISHING THE

AMERICAN ISRAELITE

A HAPPY

160th Birthday Edward & Nina Paul Lainey, Maxwell, Jacob, Zac, Ali, Nic, Amanda, Hudson & Lucas

Congratulations to The American Israelite on serving the community for 160 years

Jewish Family Service (JFS) traces its roots back to its antecedent, the Hebrew General Relief Society, that was founded in 1850, which was created to “relieve the deserving poor, to discourage pauperism, and to engage in any and all form of social philanthropy and educational activity, to accomplish these objects and to increase the health, happiness and economic efficiency of the Jewish community.” For nearly 100 years, the primary service was providing financial assistance to economically underprivileged individuals and families.

In 1895, through the efforts of Max Senior, the Hebrew General Relief Society joined with a number of other agencies to form the United Jewish Charities. The Hebrew General Relief Society became a member of the Community Chest in 1919, and changed its name to United Jewish Social Agencies (UJSA) the following year. In 1921, the Case Department was organized, a record system was instituted while professional workers were hired to replace volunteers, and financial assistance checks were sent through the mail instead of in person.

In 1943, a careful study of changing community needs led to the Casework Department of the UJSA setting up the Jewish Family Service Bureau as an automous agency: the Jewish Family Service Bureau. This dramatic change was due, to a large extent, an outgrowth

of the depression years when the government had taken over responsibility for providing financial assistance to those in need. Yet, many people had worries about themselves and their families that were not related to their financial status.

An independent Board was established, professional training became a requirement for all members of the casework staff, high standards of casework practice were developed, and a fee scale was put into place.

Max Hirsch was the first President and Miriam Dettelbach was named Executive Director.

New programs were formed including the Family Life Education program and a department of services to the Aged and Chronically Ill. JFS served as an admissions department for the Burnet Avenue Home for the Aged, as well as the Center Nursery School. Over the next 60 years, Jewish Family Service continued to be in the forefront for meeting special needs.

In the early 1950’s, the Central Clinic was established as “the first experimental program in the country offering group therapy for displaced persons.” The Family Treatment program was initiated in the 1960’s and a pilot program was conducted for the Home for the Jewish Aged on a proposed Day Care Project.

In early 1971, the Early Childhood Development Program was started. In 1985, this became known as the Alan R. Mack Parents

Center and provided parenting skills to create healthy families. “The Coffee House” was established in response to teen drug problems; and “New Directions” was founded to serve the needs of singles and single parents. Jewish Family Service and the Children’s Home were instrumental in the founding of SUMA, now known as Services United for Mothers and Adolescents. Adoption services, which had been building Jewish families for many years, began to outreach to area high school regarding teenage pregnancy.

Jewish Family Service’s strong tradition of fieldwork training for students pursuing a degree in Social Work started with Smith College and was influential in opening a School for Social Work at University of Cincinnati.

In the 1990’s, the Cincinnati Connection program was established to serve older Jewish adults nationwide. Relationship Violence Prevention programs began to be offered citywide to students at middle schools through high schools.

Advocacy and support programs were introduced for Jewish gays and lesbians and their families. Adoption Connection expanded to include International Adoption, presented another avenue toward building families. Plus, an initiative was developed to make Jewish Family Service inclusive to people with disabilities.

Today, JFS celebrates 60 years of strengthing lives.

Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Wood Herron & Evans congratulates The American Israelite on serving the community for 160 years

The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati holds the distinction of being the longest continually operating Federation in North America. Founded in 1896 as the United Jewish Charities, it set up a combined city-wide campaign for funds, bringing eight agencies under one central administration with the objective of “helping the poor respect themselves and become self-sustaining through employment.”

In 1910, $117,312 – the equivalent of $2.86 million in 2014 dollars – was raised by the Federation, the highest per capita rate of giving of any major Jewish community in the United States.

During the dark days of the mid-1930s, alarmed by the rising political power of Adolf Hitler, a group of five Jewish men in Cincinnati organized an opposition group. Those men were Dr. J. Louis Ransohoff, Rabbi Abraham Franzblau, attorney Julius Holzberg, Dr. Jacob Rader Marcus and Henry C. Segal. The men opened an office and planted the seeds for the eventual formation of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), which is now the public affairs arm of

the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, tasked with combating anti-semitism, educating the nonJewish community and advocating for Israel.

In 1967, the Associated Jewish Agencies (as UJC was then called) merged with the Jewish Welfare Fund to form today’s Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. The city soon became known nationwide as a leader in the field of Jewish philanthropy. The Community Chest, today’s United Way, was modeled in large part on the Federation concept.

Funds raised during the Annual Campaign help support 45 programs that serve the Jewish communities in Cincinnati, in Israel and around the world. The majority of the programs funded by the Federation are operated by six partner agencies: Cincinnati Hebrew Day School, Cincinnati Hillel, Jewish Family Service, JVS Career Services, the Mayerson JCC and Rockwern Academy.

The Federation’s efforts today are guided by Cincinnati 2020, a collaborative initiative to secure the Cincinnati Jewish community’s future by providing an excep-

tional quality of life—caring for people who are struggling, connecting all of its residents to Jewish life and helping them discover their Jewish identities.

Suzette Fisher has just taken the reins as President of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, following the leadership of immediate past president Andy Berger.

Former presidents of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati include: Harris K. Weston (1969 – 1972; Charles H. Tobias, Jr. (1972 – 1974); Ruth Zeligs (1974 – 1977); Morris C. Levin (1977 – 1979); Lee S. Rosenberg (1979 – 1980); Melvin L. Shulman (1980 – 1982); Philip T. Cohen (1982 – 1985); Robert M. Blatt (1985 – 1987); David Lazarus (1987 – 1989); Stanley M. Chesley (1989 – 1991); Jerome S. Teller (1991 – 1993); Mel Fisher (1993 – 1995); Richard L. Shenk (1995 – 1997; Harry B. Davidow (1997 – 2000); Kim Heiman (2000 – 2002); Neil K. Bortz (2002 – 2004); Richard E. Friedman (2004 – 2006); Marc Fisher (2006 – 2008); Beth Guttman (2008 – 2010); Bret Caller (2010 – 2012); and Andy Berger (2012 – 2014).

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JVS Career Services JVS has been helping people in the Cincinnati Jewish community find jobs since 1940. Created to help Jewish refugees, soldiers and veterans with vocational guidance and job placement, the agency has been in the “jobs” field ever since.

Between 1958 and 2012, while continuing to work with the Jewish community on employment assistance, Jewish Vocational Service developed sheltered workshops and rehabilitation programs which used federal and state funding to provide employment, training, evaluation, recreation and adult day care for people with severe disabilities, both Jewish and non-Jewish.

Working with government fun-

ders on these public programs became increasingly more complicated and time consuming over the years, and took away from the agency’s focus on job services for Jewish clients. In 2012, in keeping with the agency’s strategic plan, Jewish Vocational Service saw an opportunity to spin off its publicly funded programs for people with disabilities into the existing and complementary programs of Easter Seals, thereby boosting their sustainability by joining them with a larger organization.

JVS Career Services remains as a completely separate entity, working solely on helping nondisabled clients find jobs, and returning the agency with full focus to the career-oriented work

it began in our Jewish community in 1940. In 2013 JVS Career Services helped 342 people with their employment needs.

JVS current staff includes: Kim Slaton, Acting CEO & Director of Connections; Dedra Perlmutter, PHR, Career Consultant; Michelle Pinsky, SPHR, Career Consultant; and Barry Wolfson, MRC, Senior Career Consultant Their officers are: Sandy Kaltman, Chair; Robert Oestreicher, Vice Chair; David Alex, Treasurer; Ed Freeman, Secretary; Jan Armstrong Cobb, Immediate Past Chair; and Jody Brant, Past Chair.

Mayerson JCC When the Jewish Community Center first opened in 1897, it was just a small settlement house in the West End. Now it is a thriving community facility in Amberley Village, home to a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa, meeting rooms, a banquet hall, the Early Childhood School, the JCC Day Camp, an indoor water park and an outdoor pool, and a cafe.

In 1897, the Jewish Settlement House was founded in the basement of Plum Street Temple to serve the needs of poor Jewish immigrants. Later they moved to a large home on 416 S. Clinton Street.

In 1932, The Jewish Settlement House on Clinton Street was renamed the Jewish Community House. Following that, a study was done by the Jewish Welfare Board that urged the community to build a new center in Avondale which could also house the Bureau of Jewish Education.

The Jewish Community Center Association was then established and moved to smaller quarters on Clark Street in the West End and opened a branch in the basement of the Beth Jacob Orthodox Synagogue in Price Hill.

In 1934, the Wise-Rockdale Center merged with the JCCA to form the Jewish Community Center, and in 1936 The Jewish Community Center acquired a building at the corner of Reading and Dana in Avondale.

The Jewish Community House closed its West End and Price Hill branches in 1940 and the JCC then received funding from the Jewish Welfare Fund.

In 1943, the JCC acquired the former University School, a private primary school, at Blair and Hartford in Avondale and

established the Forum Series, featuring lectures by the world’s most prominent authorities in government, science, sociology and literature to enlighten the citizens of Cincinnati to the threat to human rights throughout Europe. In addition, the JCC Early Childhood School is established.

In 1960, the new JCC building was dedicated at 1580 Summit Road. The 100,000 sq. ft. building was on 40 acres of land. The day care center opened in 1976.

When it came time to expand and renovate the Summit Road location in the mid-80’s, a capital campaign was lauanched and a new three-story tower and 15,000 square foot addition was dedicated.

In 1998, as the Jewish population spread northwest, the Adath Israel Congregation and Ohav Shalom preschool sites were created, in order to serve both the Roselawn-area members as well as those further out.

A year later, it was determined that the JCC needed a new location, and the JCC appointed a Steering Cabinet, led by three community leaders, to find an appropriate new site and start building a new facility.

In 2000, the JCC leased its preschool and day care building to the YMCA, and they continued to operate the Early Childhood Schools out of the Adath Israel and Ohav Shalom sites.

The Jewish Federation sold the JCC facility on Summit Road to Harmony Charter School in 2002. In March, after six months as a tenant, the JCC moved all operations to 7420 Montgomery Road in Silverton.

The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation gave a

substantial gift to the building of the new JCC facility. This led to the naming of the new facility as the Mayerson JCC. In 2006, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati purchased land on the site of the Rockdale Temple to be the new site for the JCC. Groundbreaking began on November 5, 2006, and in 2008 the new Mayerson JCC opened its doors to the public. The J is lead by CEO Marc Fisher and Board President Debbie Brant.

Happy 160th Birthday!

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Hillel at the University of Cincinnati 3755 Eastern Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45226

(513) 321-2600

MAZEL TOV — from —

Hattenbach & Co. CPA 8595 Beechmont Ave. #104 Cincinnati, Ohio 45255 (513) 474-5650

Wishing The American Israelite a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Dr. Aaron J. Fritzhand & Family

H A P P Y 160 T H B I RT H D AY TO T H E A M E R I C A N I S R A E L I T E from

James A. Volz, CPA 9900 CARVER ROAD, STE. 100 CINCINNATI, OH 45242 • (513) 794-1551

THE COOPER FAMILY Happy 160th Birthday to The American Israelite!

Kenwood Town Center • Tri-County Mall • Florence Mall Northgate Mall • Eastgate Mall

Cincinnati Hillel is most popularly known as a place where Jewish students can gather for events, Shabbat dinners, and fun Jewish programming.

But Sharon Stern, Hillel’s Executive Director, has a plan to frame Hillel in a different light.

Stern doesn’t want people to just see Hillel as a place to pass through during their college years; her goal is to be a bridge for students during two phases of their life: graduating high school and entering college, and graduating college and entering the workforce. By maximizing the impact Hillel can make, those students will continue to have important Jewish experiences in their lives.

Hillel has been gathering lists of youth groups, religious schools, and synagogues and temples from cities that feed students into the University of Cincinnati (UC). Then, they can reach out to those young people, be aware of who is coming in the fall, and be a resource so that no one loses their Jewish connection.

Once a student reaches graduation, Hillel wants to be a part of their post-college experience, and set them up with a rewarding Jewish life after school. Hillel has applied for funding for an intern program, similar to the Workum Fund, that not only helps place graduates in jobs in their chosen field but also continues to immerse them in Jewish and non Jewish - Cincinnati.

Stern is planning to develop a

Hillel students at a fundraising event.

cohort of all these interns (Hillel’s and Workum) and have them get together regularly for both social and educational experiences. Furthermore, the mentors themselves (those that hire these interns) will be excellent role models within the Jewish community for these interns to emulate.

“We are uniquely placed to funnel talented young people into the Jewish community,” says Stern. “We need to make their experience here “sticky”, so that they stay here in Cincinnati.”

By sticky, Stern means making sure these interns have a reason to stay in town beyond their jobs. When someone makes friends, volunteers, and gets involved in the general community, they become invested in stay-

ing put. If Hillel can not only provide the jump-start to a job, and then show them all the things Cincinnati has to offer, from art and culture to low cost of living and urban housing, then they are able to retain young people in town.

Hillel has been attracting more and more new students as freshman, using this new plan.

They had over 300 people attend events over the year, and host 5060 each Friday night for Shabbat.

The student-elected board is run

by Brett Musick, and the Board of Trustees is led by Dr. Ronna Schneider. Hillel offers special programming for first year students at UC as well as graduate students, and offers High Holiday and Shabbat services.

Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati was established in 1995 with approximately $70 million in assets. For the next 15 years, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees made approximately $3.5 million in grants each year as part of its mission to advance, promote and strengthen the Cincinnati Jewish community.

In 2010, Mercy Health Partners purchased The Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati, generating a new asset base for the Foundation that has grown to exceed 300 million dollars. The Foundation worked with a team from Rosov Consulting, which specializes in Jewish communal philanthropy, to develop a strategic plan that would guide its transition from a $3.5 million per year traditional grantmaking entity to a $12-$15 million per year strategic investor in Cincinnati’s Jewish community. The Trustees established a unified set of principles intended to undergird their work;

five specific and distinct grantmaking goal areas; and a set of strategies to support those goals.

The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati is an independent private foundation that is legally separate from the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, which is a nonprofit organization. The two organizations each have their own Trustees and professional staffs, as well as their own respective rules of governance, community goals and practices. While the Foundation makes investments in the local community from assets derived in large part from the sale of The Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati, the Federation raises funds from the community and allocates them to programs locally, in Israel and around the world. But what the Foundation and Federation have in common is that they are both stewards of Jewish community resources, and as such, work very closely together with the shared vision to ensure a vibrant

Cincinnati Jewish community.

The Jewish Foundation is both a significant supporter of the Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign and a planning and funding partner with the Jewish Federation on a variety of projects in the areas of Senior Services, Poverty and other Vital Services, Jewish Education, Israel Awareness and Travel Grants, Leadership Development and many others.

The Jewish Foundation also recognizes the importance of partnering with congregations in order to help them continue their vital role in Jewish life, and they are working closely with local rabbis to determine the most efficient ways to support their mutual goals in order to maintain a strong and vibrant Jewish community.

Michael Oestreicher, current President, will complete his term in October, and Beth Guttman will then take up the helm.

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

AMERICAN ISRAELITE @160 • 13B

Education/Schools Atara Atara Girls High School was founded in 2013. It offers a rigorous academic and spiritual experience where girls thrive in a collaborative, interactive and intellectually challenging environment.

Atara is committed to superior academic achievement and spiritual growth within the context of ensuring the complete overall development of each student. The curriculum has been developed with an emphasis on advancements in pedagogy and technology as part of essential components in education. Atara is distinguished by our dedication to cultivating a passion for learning, independent thinking, personal integrity and a steadfast commitment to serve the greater Jewish community. The school is led by Principal Penina Teitelbaum.

Throughout course curriculum, activities, values, and messages, the school is a crucial instrument of guidance for our daughters, and can set a strong foundation for a lifetime of growth and achievement. With Hashem’s help, they hope to build generations of young women who will each, in her own right, be an atara, a dazzling crown at the head of her people.

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (the only Jewish Montessori school in Ohio) is a nurturing place for children to discover their unique personalities and abilities. They are dedicated to providing the children with the best possible secular education as well as a warm introduction to the joyous traditions of Judaism.

Their primary focus is on the needs of the individual child and how he or she can be best helped to reach his or her potential. It is their belief that by providing small family-like classes both the children and their parents can be personally cared for and have their needs met in the best possible way.

At Chai Tots, they strive to instill within the children a desire to be life-long learners who are proud of their heritage and develop a positive and warm association with Judaism.

The programs of The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center arise from a common desire for excellence in meeting the needs of children and their families. Their philosophy is one of nurturing, growth and development, relationships and understanding - all in the goal of establishing a love for learning, a fascination with holidays and life cycles events, and a passion for approaching the world in a Jewish way.

Chabad Jewish Center of Blue Ash

Rabbi Yisroel and Chana Mangel opened the Chabad Jewish Center of Blue Ash in 1990.

Their first formal activity was on December 27, 1990, when they organized a minyan in a private home. Shortly thereafter they rented a storefront to use as a synagogue and community center, and launched adult education programs.

In 1991, Chabad’s Hebrew School opened and holiday programming was organized. A year later, the school expanded with the Chai Club for teens.

Their first Torah scroll was dedicated in 1993, and in 1996 they launched their Women’s Chavurah. Chabad purchased their current facility on Hunt Road in 2000.

As an outreach organization, the Chabad Jewish Center’s goal is to ensure that every Jew in Cincinnati knows their importance to the Jewish people. Chabad does not require a particular level of observance, and they offer a “no Hebrew necessary” service for people who want to know more and enjoy prayer. They offer a weekly sermon on relevant and contemporary themes based on the weekly Torah portion, and also hold a junior minyan for children.

Cincinnati Hebrew Day School Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (CHDS) was founded in 1946 by Rabbi Eliezer Silver as Chofetz Chaim Day School. It’s first location was on Forest Avenue, and then moved to the southwest corner of Reading Road and S. Crescent.

In 1959, it merged with Yeshiva Eitz Chaim (founded 1926) to create a united Orthodox day school: the Cincinnati Hebrew Day School. In 1963, it moved to Roselawn, and is now located in Golf Manor on Losantiville Road.

CHDS, Samuel and Rachel Boymel Campus, is an Orthodox school that offers the Jewish child quality instruction in both secular and Judaic studies. Its dual curriculum is designed to emphasize scholastic achievement, strong moral character and a commitment to Jewish identity and religious observance. This exemplifies the concept of “Torah Im Derech Eretz” which dictates that both personal and communal fortunes are linked to the individual’s ability to translate Jewish concepts to the secular world, and conversely, to understand that secular and scientific knowledge enhances the Jewish experience.

HUC-JIR Founded in 1875, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is North America's first institution of higher Jewish educa-

tion and the academic, spiritual, and professional leadership development center of Reform Judaism.

When Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, the founder of American Reform Judaism, came to America in 1846, he encountered a frontier Jewry of 40,000 people. There was but one ordained officiating rabbi in all of America; most Jewish clergy were German "freelancers," officiating in the German language and lacking any real understanding of American life.

Wise understood the urgent need for rabbinical training and standards for those who would provide progressive, enlightened, and modern spiritual leadership for the American pulpit. At a time when Christian denominational colleges were springing up by the score, Wise was certain that an institution of higher Jewish learning would guarantee Jewish survival in America.

In 1873, with an American Jewish population exceeding 150,000, Wise was the catalyst for the creation of the Union for Reform Judaism (formerly Union of American Hebrew Congregations), with its twentyeight congregational founding members, in order to support the establishment of a "Hebrew Theological Institute." In 1875, the Hebrew Union College was launched in Cincinnati the first permanent Jewish institution of higher learning in the New World.

The liberal and pluralistic ethos of Wise's seminary was amplified through its merger in 1950 with the Jewish Institute of Religion. Founded in 1922 in New York by Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, the renowned advocate of social justice and human rights, the Jewish Institute of Religion was conceived as an institution serving all streams of Judaism.

A third center was opened in Los Angeles in 1954 to serve the growing Jewish community on the West Coast. A fourth branch was established in Jerusalem in 1963 to serve as a post-doctoral school of archaeological and biblical studies. Since 1970, it has grown to serve as the center for the College-Institute's Year-in-Israel Program, Israel Rabbinical Program, and as the academic center for the Progressive Movement in Israel.

HUC-JIR educates men and women for service to American and world Jewry as rabbis, cantors, leaders in Jewish education, and Jewish nonprofit management professionals, and offers graduate degree programs to scholars and clergy of all faiths. With centers of learning in Cincinnati, Jerusalem, Los Angeles, and New York, HUC-JIR's scholarly resources

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Mazel Tov on this special milestone!

Rick Michelman, President

CONGRATULATIONS ON SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 160 YEARS! Ellen W. Feld, M.D. Richard G. Valido, M.D. Lisa Gennari, M.D. Preeti Ghatora, M.D. Connie Rudolph, C.N.M. 8231 Cornell Road, Suite 320 Cincinnati, OH 45249 513-794-1500

Happy 160th Birthday American Israelite!

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CONTINUED from previous page comprise renowned library, archive, and museum collections, biblical archaeology excavations, and academic publications. HUCJIR invites the community to an array of cultural and educational programs that illuminate Jewish identity, history, and contemporary creativity, and foster interfaith and multiethnic understanding.

HUC-JIR has been the pioneer in advancing gender equality and LGBTQI rights in Jewish leadership. In 1972, HUC-JIR ordained the first woman to become a rabbi in America, Rabbi Sally F. Priesand. In 1975, HUC-JIR invested the first woman to become a cantor in America, Cantor Barbara J. Ostfeld. In 1992, HUC-JIR ordained the first woman to become a rabbi in the State of Israel, Rabbi Naamah Kelman.

Today, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is an international seminary and university of graduate studies offering a wide variety of academic and professional programs. In addition to its Rabbinical School, the CollegeInstitute includes Schools of Graduate Studies, Education, Jewish Nonprofit Management, Sacred Music, and Biblical Archaeology.

Congratulations on 160 years

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JCC Early Childhood School The JCC first began its Preschool program in approximately 1936, when the J acquired a building at the corner of Reading Road and Dana Avenue in Avondale. Louise Felson was the first Executive Director.

In 1943, after the J acquired a private primary school on Blair and Hartford in Avondale, the J formally established the JCC Early Childhood School.

When the J purchased the site on Summit Road in Roselawn, the small, interim building that was constructed was later converted into the Early Childhood school facility, and became its official home in 1960. Then, in 1976 the J started a day care center that was open to the community.

In 1998, the J started preschool sites in classrooms at Adath Israel and Ohav Shalom as opportunities to serve populations that had moved far from the Roselawn campus. Then, in 2008 when the new Mayerson JCC facility was opened, an entire portion of the building was created especially for the Early Childhood School, where they are now housed today.

Mercaz High School Mercaz, Cincinnati’s Center for Jewish High School Education, is a supplementary Jewish school held Sunday evenings for students in grades 812. It began in 1992 as a joint pro-

Children from the JCC Early Childhood School.

gram between Adath Israel Congregtion and Northern Hills Synagogue, and was run by the directors of education of both congregations.

In 1994, Ohav Shalom joined, and the program was called NOAH, and a part-time coordinator was hired to direct the growing school. In 1996, Congregation B’nai Tzedek became the fourth member of the joint school and the name was changed to Mercaz.

Their mission statetment reads: “Our school is dedicated to a quality conservative Jewish education by offering an ever-evolving, comprehensive curriculum of study that meets the scholastic and social needs of students and their famlies.”

The school strives to prepare each student to enter the secular community upon graduation with a personal identity as a Jew and a Jewish education that will act as a fundamental guide in making critical decisions throughout life and provide a desire to continue Jewish studies on a university/adult level.

Mercaz offers a variety of interesting and educational Judaic courses, including: Ethics; Bible Study; Holocaust; Israel; Jewish history; Tikkun Olam; Theology; and Kabbalah. Hands-on courses include: Traditional Kosher Cuisine; Jewish art; and a Bible drama class. Students can choose any elective, giving students the opportunity to study Jewish topics that interest them. In addition, Mercaz also offers classes in Hebrew, Midrash, Bible, and Mishnan for those students who want a more text-based curriculum.

Rockwern Academy Rockwern Academy was founded in 1952 as Yavneh Day School, a community Jewish day school open to all Jewish children throughout the Cincinnati area. It was and is dedicated to a pluralistic ideology, welcoming all denominations and Jewish families, affiliated or unaffiliated. In 1978, the school moved to its current location, 8401 Montgomery Road, after receiving a generous

donation from one of the school’s original founders.

Yavneh was renamed Rockwern Academy in 2008 after receiving a significant endowment.

The school educates children from Preschool through 8th grade.

This fall (2014-2015 school year) the school has close to 200 students in PS through 6th grade; there is no middle school offered this current school year.

Dr. David Finell is the Head of School, and joined Rockwern in 2013.

Sarah’s Place Sarah's Place was founded in 2010 to respond to the unique educational and social interests of Jewish women, both here in Cincinnati and beyond. An Amberley home was renovated to provide the perfect setting for classes, mother-daughter challahbaking, Shabbat experiences and highly customized retreats. Sarah's Place has attracted students and YJP women from both coasts and Canada who share in each of these unique endeavors with local women of similar ages and backgrounds. The warm, "at-home" feel of Sarah's Place makes it a very comfortable setting for all types of informal lectures and discussions.

In conjunction with the international Jewish Women's Renaissance Project (JWRP), Sarah's Place is the local provider of the "Transform and Grow" Israel trip -- a highly discounted Israel experience for Jewish moms.

2013 saw the initiation of a new Sarah's Place initiative: the oneday, community-wide "Cincinnati Jewish Women's Retreat." The success of last year's event has led to this becoming an annual project.

Aviva Minster and Yehudis Polsky are the program coordinators for Sarah’s Place.

AMERICAN ISRAELITE @160 • 15B

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Organizations Access Recognizing the need for programs geared toward the majority of young professionals who weren’t participating in traditional Jewish offerings, the Mayerson Foundation set out to fill the void by developing a welcoming entry point for those looking for an alternative, and debuted Access in June of 2004.

There are no membership fees or requirements for participation, and there are 4-6 events each month. Anyone who identifies as being Jewish, and is between the ages of 21-35 is welcome, whether married, single or in a relationship. Events are almost always free, or very heavily subsidized.

Access is now in partnership with the Mayerson JCC. B’nai B’rith B’nai B’rith has a rich history in Cincinnati. The beginning of B’nai B’rith took place in New York City in 1843 and by 1849 Cincinnati had chartered the 4th Lodge of the entire organization, thus the name “Cincinnati Lodge #4” took hold.

Eventually, Cincinnati became the headquarters of B’nai B’rith International due to the presence of Mosely Ezekiel, who served as International President from 185556 and Alfred M. Cohen, who served as International President from 1925-38. When International headquarters relocated to Washington, D.C. Lodge 4 became known as the “Grand Lodge.”

In later years, additional Lodges began to appear. In 1948, a group of young Jewish men returning from the war formed a Lodge and named it after the long serving International President from Cincinnati, Alfred M. Cohen Lodge #1816. Another Lodge, the Northern Hills Lodge #2168, with first President Joseph Friedenheim. In 1970, a group of young college grads formed the B’nai Shalom Lodge #2811, and elected Marshall Cohen as its first President. In 1978 a group of singles formed the B’Yachad Singles Unit #5131.

Their initial President was Martin Zisner.

With the abundance of Lodges, an inter-lodge council was formed in the mid-70’s. The purpose of the Council was to hold community-wide programs which would use the strengths of all the Lodges.

The Council was in existence until 1992 when a consolidation of Lodges took place.

In 1984 the B’nai Shalom Lodge merged with the Alfred M. Cohen Lodge, forming the CohenShalom Lodge #1816.

The B’Yachad Unit turned in its charter in 1988. Then in 1992 the final consolidation took place

CONGRATULATIONS ON 160 YEARS

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JOHN W. O'CONNOR when Northern Hills, CohenShalom, and Cincinnati Lodge #4 merged and formed the B’nai B’rith of Greater Cincinnati Alfred M. Cohen Unit #4. The initial President of this newly formed Unit was Larry Sklar. The current President is Lou Epstein.

BBYO Throughout BBYO's 90 year history, the organization has brought leadership training, community service opportunities, Jewish education, a connection to Israel, and positive identity to thousands of Jewish youth in North American and beyond.

Although the structure may differ depending upon the needs and design of the Jewish population, the basis is the same; BBYO provides fun and meaningful Jewish experiences for Jewish teens everywhere.

BBYO is a non-denominational youth-lead organization open to all Jewish teens. It provides opportunities for Jewish youth to develop their leadership potential, a positive Jewish identity, and commitment to their personal development. The youth participate in democratically functioning small groups known as chapters, under the guidance of adult advisors and professional staff. BBYO provides Jewish living and learning experiences for Jewish teenagers.

It includes programs from community service to holiday celebrations. BBYO also offers extensive summer experiences in the US and around the world.

There are two chapters in Cincinnati. led by Abby Solomon.

The boys chapter, AZA, is Mishpocha, and the girls BBG chapter is Ner Tamid. Both chapters are for grades 9-12.

Camp Ashreinu Camp Ashreinu, founded by Mrs. Ellen Pollock, has been serving Cincinnati since 1995.

Hundreds of children ages 18 months through 14 years have had

the opportunity to enjoy learning, swimming, sports, trips, crafts, and much more in a Torah-true environment, supervised by counselors who are superb role models.

In 2007/8, Mrs. Pollock passed on the torch of leadership to Rabbi Shai Scherer, who is serving as the Camp’s Director. Mrs. Miriam Ottensoser will continue to direct the licensed toddler program.

Camp at the J Camp at the J began its life as Camp Hanoar in 1938, originally for children ages 6-13. The day camp was sponsored by the Jewish Center, in cooperation with the Avondale P.T.A. The camp used multiple locations at this time, including Seasongood Park, Phillips Swimming Pool and the facilities and grounds of the Jewish Center. Activities included, baseball, volleyball, swimming, pingpong, dramatics, arts and crafts, camp newsletter and story telling.

Camp We-Go-Out was started in 1952 for rising third, fourth and fifth graders. At this point, Camp Hanoar catered to children from 4 years, five months to rising second graders. We-Go-Out was organized to offer a day camping program for older children. Campers met at the Jewish Center daily and were bused to Mt. Airy Forest (under JCC staff supervision) for a program of cookouts, Indian Lore, crafts and games. Children returned at 2:30pm each day for a swim in the JCC pool.

In the 1970’s the camp was named the JCC Day camp, and ran out of the Section Road building.

In 2006 the JCC Day Camp merged with the Wise Center Day Camp to become Camp at the J, and in 2008 made the new JCC facility its home.

Camp at the J is currently led by director Matt Steinberg. Camp at the J is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA).

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CONTINUED from previous page Camp Chabad Camp Chabad has been in existence for close to 40 years, run

by Rabbi Menachem Majeski.

Camp is held at the Campus Recreation Center at UC. The youngest campers, ages 24, can attend Mini Camp Chabad at the Chai Tots Early Childhood Center in Mason. Ages 5-12 can enjoy the experience of a morning line-up of songs and cheers then a day packed with fun activities.

The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.

Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education was formed by a passionate group of Holocaust survivors and their families, and opened its doors in 2000.

The organization’s opening was the realization of a dream nurtured over 35 years by several predecessor organizations.

In the years following the Holocaust hundreds of survivors, primarily from Eastern Europe, began new lives in Cincinnati.

They formed the Jewish New American Society, which served to help the survivors integrate into the local Jewish community and foster community with those who had been through similar experiences. Later, this organization was reorganized under the name Jewish Survivors of Nazism. The group’s primary purpose was to provide social opportunities and Jewish connection through events, holiday parties, picnics, an annual Liberation Ball, and a special spring Yizkor Service commemorating the Holocaust.

In 1994, the aging of the leaders of the Jewish Survivors from Nazism led them to approach the children of local survivors to take over and re-envision the organiza-

tion. Thus was born a new group called The Combined Generations of the Holocaust, which included children of survivors and as well as others.

In 2000, The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education (CHHE) opened on the Cincinnati Campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. The space included offices and a Resource Library for teachers.

During 2001 and 2002, CHHE developed and funded a permanent exhibit geared toward young people called Mapping Our Tears, which opened to the public in 2003. The exhibit combines audio and video testimonies with artifacts and memorabilia of more than 60 local eyewitnesses.

In 2007 CHHE successfully made the transition to an independent not-for-profit organization.

In October 2009, with full community support, CHHE moved to Rockwern Academy in Kenwood.

Cincinnati Community Kollel Since 1995, the Kollel has dedicated itself to providing Jewish learning opportunities to every part of Cincinnati's Jewish community.

The word "kollel" is related to the Hebrew word k'lal, which means a community or group. A kollel is a place where men (typically married) devote themselves full-time to the study of Torah.

Hadassah Founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold, Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America is the largest Jewish membership organization in the US. In Israel, they support medical care, research, education, youth institutions and reforestation and park projects. Hadassah Hospital has two locations in Israel; the main campus is in Jerusalem and the satellite facility is on Mt. Scopus.

The Cincinnati Chapter of Hadassah was established on December 29, 1921, by Bessie Polasky, a true woman of valor.

For 11 years, she led the fledgling group of Jewish women who believed in Henrietta’s vision and dreams. Starting with 20 members, the Chapter rapidly grew to 650 by 1927. Bessie was followed in the 1930’s by Rose Tenenbaum, Hattie Tenenbaum, Mrs. Kessel, Mamie Gamoran, and Mrs. Frankel.

In 1937 Chapter President Mamie Gamoran was pleased to announce that there were 200 in attendance at the Donor luncheon.

During turbulent times, everyone pitched in to help, including local presidents, Minna Breuer, Mrs. Grotstein, Rosalie BlumbergNathan, and Mrs. David Liskow.

In 1950, President Esther Benet saluted our loyalty and faith

in our work in a war weary world.

In 1952, on the chapter’s 30th birthday, membership stood at 1400. Presidents Beatrice Warm, Rachel Wigser, Minnie Levine, Ruth Zeligs, Eleanor Bluestein and Sally Brown, kept the organization moving forward.

The 1960’s were a great time of hope, prosperity and action.

With local membership nearing 2000, the presidents of the 1960s were Monica Brown, Mabel Zacharia, Marguerite Gersonfish, Gari Silverblatt, Mariam Katzman, Mildred Gehler, and Carolyn Schulzinger; all driving the theme that hearts, heads and hands are directed to the single objective of aiding humanity These were momentous years for local leadership as a large contingent journeyed to Jerusalem for the dedication of the hospital and the Violet and Harry B. Solomon newborn intensive care nursery.

Ruth and Mark Zeligs, Barbara and Leonard Brown, Rose and Sidney Hillman, Marcia and Jack Levitas, Gladys and Sol Blatt, Jack Casper, Miriam and Leonard Bernstein, President Jan Shulman and President elect, Bobbie Signer and Wayne were there to share in the auspicious moment. Leading the Chapter through the 1970s were Miriam Bernstein, Justine Weintraub, Jan Shulman, Bobbie Signer and Betty Slavney.

In 1981, the chapter celebrated its 60th birthday; President Barbara Freeman echoed the ever present theme, “Hadassah women are taking part in the great Jewish American tradition of sharing the best that we have to make the world a better place.

During the 1980s, presidents Debbie, Fox, Kathy Horowitz, Paula Jarnicki and Dorothy Plotnick led the chapter as they reached out into the community.

Leading the Chapter during the 1990’s were Lauren Scharf, Renee Sandler, Brenda Shonfield, Carol Ann Schwartz and Amy Perlman, As the chapter headed into the 21st century, they were led by President Laurie Serber, followed

by Teri Junker. Teri, following in her mother’s footsteps, was the first second generation president to head the Cincinnati Chapter.

In 2001, offices moved from the Jewish Center in Roselawn to an office in Blue Ash. In 2005, under President Edie Rau’s leadership, the chapter underwent a major change and growth as they consolidated all of the groups under the big umbrella of The Chapter, with special interest/activity groups.

Accepting the gavel of leadership from Edie, Tobe Snow led the Chapter from May 2007 to September 2010 during these exciting and challenging years for Hadassah.

As the chapter celebrates 90

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AMERICAN ISRAELITE @160 • 17B

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CONTINUED from previous page years of Hadassah in Cincinnati, current president Bonnie Ullner leads an active chapter, dedicated to making a difference both in Cincinnati and Israel.

In September, incoming president Ghita Sarembock will be installed.

Happy 160th Birthday to

Halom House In February, 1983, a group of parents of adults with disabilities, concerned about all the potential medical and social issues their children would face, met at the home of Dr. Enrique Kauffman to discuss the creation of an organization that would provide their adult children independence and support in an environment which was sensitive to their Jewish heritage. They agreed that such a place would be a dream come true.

This is how Halom (Hebrew for dream) House, Inc. was born.

Halom House, Inc. has coalesced from dream to reality because of the devotion and skills of a wide range of individuals and organizations in our community.

"When we first talking in late 1982 around my kitchen table", according to founding parent and current board president Ann Zeff, “We weren't even a board yet. We were just a group of parents." Dr. Kauffman and Dr. Martin Scharf helped the group to focus their objectives. The parents' initial plan included committing themselves to reach out and embrace the technical expertise of the Cincinnati Jewish community.

By April, 1983 Dick Weiland, Rhoda Mayerson and Madelin Hertzman had committed themselves to assisting the group.

In June, 1984 the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities approved Halom House, Inc. to provide residential support to eight individuals in their group home. In 1985, staff was hired and in June, 1985, under the directorship of Susan Petry, the group home opened with four clients. Recognizing the difficulty that both parents and potential residents were having with the idea of living apart, social worker/therapist Bette Gillman began counseling families to ease the transition. By August there were seven adults.

The developmental disabilities system began to undergo many philosophical and programmatic changes in early 1990's. The community model for residential services was not just exclusively the group home model. Halom House, Inc. monitored the changes in the system and evaluated the agency's ability to expand its services.

In 1993, under the direction of its third Executive Director, James W. Steele, MSW, the agency received certification to provide residential support to individuals in their own home. In addition to

Dick Weiland & Family

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Happy 160th Birthday to The American Israelite! its group- home, Halom House, Inc. currently provides 24 hour support to several individuals under this new model of service delivery, referred to as Supportive Living.

In February 2007, Halom House, Inc. moved its 8 person group home and the administrative offices to a new facility in the city of Blue Ash. Jewish Community Relations Council In the mid-1930s, in response to antisemitic activities in Cincinnati and the expansion of Nazism and Fascism in Europe, a small group of Cincinnati Jewish leaders began to meet informally to devise methods of combating these threats to the Jewish community and American democracy.

Throughout the 1930s, these men, working without a formal organization or name, worked to keep informed on the growth of antisemitism and to monitor Nazi activities in Cincinnati. These individuals (including Jacob Rader Marcus) realized their mission could not be accomplished by volunteers alone and, in 1939, formed the Public Relations Committee (today’s JCRC).

Today, JCRC is the arm of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati that focuses on public affairs and community relations. Their mission is to protect Jewish security, recognizing that Jewish security depends on a just society for all.

To achieve this mission, they work on a broad range of local, national and international issues.

Jewish Discovery Center JDC was established in Mason in 1999, by Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef and Rochel Kalmanson, as the Jewish Center for the northern corridor and serves as ambassadors of the Jewish community.

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center opened in 2003 as the first Jewish preschool in Mason and the only Jewish Montessori school on Ohio.

They moved into their first building in 2006 to accommodate the growth of the Jewish community in the Mason area.

Jewish National Fund Jewish National Fund (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere.

JNF in Cincinnati opened its first office on California Avenue in 1968 and moved to Section Road in 1973. JNF moved with the community to Losantiville Avenue in 1984, and then in 1994 moved its offices to Carver Road in Blue Ash. Shalom Family Shalom Family began as an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation, and is now in partnership with the Mayerson JCC. Shalom Family programs are open to all families in the Jewish Community in which at least one parent is Jewish.

This initiative began in 2001 as a way to link families with newborn babies to Jewish community resources. Shalom Family offers the biggest events and programs for families in the Greater Cincinnati Jewish community all throughout the year, and events are all free.

State of Israel Bonds Since its inception in 1951, Israel Bonds proceeds have been used to develop Israel from an arid desert into one of the world’s most flourishing nations. The bonds program has been the most constant and dependable source of investment capital, able to build all aspects of Israel’s economic infrastructure. Bond proceeds have helped Israel create new jobs and new industries, turn salt water into fresh and absorb and resettle over one million immigrants in the past decade alone.

The Cincinnati Jewish community has taken a leading role in the Israel Bond’s campaigns; shortly after the launch of Israel Bonds, the first Cincinnati State of Israel Bonds office opened. For many years, their office was in downtown Cincinnati, but is now is in Blue Ash to be more central to the Jewish community.

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Synagogue and Temple histories Adath Israel Congregation Adath Israel Congregation was founded in 1847, as the Polish Synagogue in Cincinnati.

It was the oldest traditional synagogue in Cincinnati, and one of the oldest Conservative congregations in the entire nation.

Their first location was Lodge Alley, between Fifth and Sixth Streets. In 1860 it was located at the corner of Seventh and Walnut, the Hibben Building, where it remained for twentyeight years.

Adath Israel acquired its own building in 1896 at Ninth and Cutter Streets. The Women's Auxiliary, the Sisterhood, was organized in 1880.

When the Jewish population of the old west end moved up to Avondale, Adath Israel followed suit -- acquiring its own building at 658-62 Rockdale Avenue in 1917. In that next year, Rabbi Louis Feinberg became Rabbi of Adath Israel. He modernized and re-invigorated the life and program of the Synagogue in religious, education and cultural matters. To meet the demands of its ever-increasing membership, Adath Israel opened its magnificent Synagogue building on Lexington and Reading Roads in 1927 In 1945, Rabbi Fishel J. Goldfeder was invited to become associate Rabbi with Rabbi Feinberg, and became Rabbi in 1949..

With the shift of the Jewish population northward, the congregation moved from Avondale to Amberley in 1967. The Isaac N. Jarson Education Center was build adjacent to the Synagogue and opened in 1972 In 1982, upon the retirement of Rabbi Goldfeder, Rabbi Sidney Zimmelman arrived at Adath Israel as the new head Rabbi.

In 1991, Rabbi Irvin M. Wise arrived at Adath Israel as the new Rabbi. Under Rabbi Wise's leadership, the congregation has become fully egalitarian.

Beit Chaverim Beit Chaverim was founded in 2004 by a group of friends searching for a spiritual home.

They started with only a few families, who met in each others’ living rooms. During their first year they found a home in a basement of a friend’s office building, which is where they conducted lay-led services from a photo-copied paperback prayer pamphlet and homeschooled the eight religious school-age children.

During the second year three members built an Aron Kodesh for their newly acquired Torah scroll. Each member of the congregation, young and old,

learned how to read a line or two of Torah for the dedication service on Shavuot.

In year three, Congregation B’nai Tzedek and Congregation Beit Chaverim discovered one another. The congregation of B’nai Tzedek had a beautiful light-filled sanctuary on Kugler Mill Road, but not a rabbi; Beit Chaverim had access to a rabbi through Hebrew Union College.

In 2006, Beit Chaverim and B’nai Tzedek entered into a collaboration. Now a historically Conservative congregation, B’nai Tzedek, and a newly formed Reform congregation have joined in a post-denominational association sharing space, spiritual leadership and Jewish education, all the while retaining their own identities.

Beth Israel Congregation In 1901, the eight Orthodox families in Hamilton, OH, gathered in the home of Sam Greenberg to conduct religious services.

This led to four months of davening together, and as the group grew, they needed a larger space to worship in. They rented a small room above Wuebbold’s bookstore, and a charter was obtained for the State of Ohio for a synagogue to be called Bais Israel in October of 1911.

The congregation continued to grow, and a building was purchased on Fifth and Charles Streets, which then housed the shul, a cheder, and a mikvah. In 1929 the Ladies Auxilliary bought a lot at Sixth and Butler, which is where the present synagogue is now located. The Beth Israel Religious School opened in 1939, and in 1947, the congregation acquired a cemetary.

Beth Israel became affliated with the Conservative Movement, and in 1984 voted to allow women to count in minyans.

In 2001, Beth Israel celebrated its 90th anniversary. They serve the Jewish communites of Hamilton, Fairfield, Oxford, West Chester, Mason, and neighboring areas.

Congregation Beth Adam Congregation Beth Adam was established in 1980 in response to the needs of a contemporary and diverse Jewish community.

Led by Rabbi Robert Barr and Rabbi Laura Baum, Beth Adam values humanistic principles of responsibility and the origin of authority that rests with each individual. They support learning opportunities that connect their members to their

Jewish heritage. Being openminded and having respect for differing views is very important, as is discerning intellectual inquiry that thoughtfully questions and explores Jewish text and other sources of wisdom The congregation is located in Loveland, OH. Congregation B’nai Tzedek Late in the 1964, a group of families in the Roselawn area decided to create a Synagogue dedicated to Conservative Jewish practices in the Roselawn area. At the time Roselawn was a major hub of the Cincinnati Jewish population and the site of the Jewish Community Center. Follow-up meetings to this first gathering yielded a board of officers, bylaws, functional committees, including a Sisterhood, and a name – Congregation Bnai Tzedek (BTZ).

BTZ held its first Saturday morning Shabbat Service on November 28, 1964. This first Shabbat Service was held in the Jewish Community Center Nursery School building. The event marked the beginning of what became and remains a distinguishing feature of BTZ worship. Specifically, the Service was entirely led by lay Congregants who assumed the roles of Service leader, sermonizer, Cantor, and Torah reader.

Giving reinforcement to this practice, their Rabbis coached members in how to lead parts of the service, and welcomed them to share the pulpit in offering sermons on Shabbatot. Today, Congregation B’nai Tzedek’s Shabbat, festival and even High Holy Day Services are largely congregant driven.

True to its original mandate, BTZ was to remain as the Roselawn Conservative Synagogue for 36 years, using facilities of the local Jewish Community Center for holding services, furnishing classrooms for instruction plus office space and other areas for special functions. In 1998 the Jewish Community Center announced plans to move elsewhere in Cincinnati. Shortly thereafter a decision was made to seek a new location for the Synagogue and on August 24, 2001, the BTZ congregation held its first Shabbat services in its first real home on Kugler Mill Road.

Congregation Ohav Shalom Ohav Shalom was founded by twenty Russian immigrants in 1882. The original Ohav Shalom, known as the Russische

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CONTINUED from previous page Schul (Russian Synagogue) was located at the foot of Broadway in the old Spencer House. Over the next few years, the congregation moved several times.

By 1888, Ohav Shalom had 30 members and five Torahs and it was felt that the time had come to formally incorporate.

Ohav Shalom was chartered by the State of Ohio on December 29, 1888, and four years late in 1892, the congregation moved to a new home on Court Street.

By 1903, the membership of Ohav Shalom had grown to 90.

In or about 1904, the congregation purchased the synagogue belonging to Sherith Israel Congregation at the corner of Richmond and Mound Streets.

Ohav Shalom now had 130 members and twelve S’frei Torah.

In 1923, a group of congregants met with Rabbi Levin at the home of Joseph Ginsburg to organize an Avondale branch of Ohav Shalom. On December 23, 1923, a meeting was held to discuss the possibility of purchasing the movie house at Burnet and Hickory.

Under the leadership of Nathan Tulch, the move to 421 Forest Avenue took place. The new facility was dedicated in August 1949 and Ohav Shalom organized the first “Torah Walk” as the holy scrolls were carried from Burnet Avenue to Forest Avenue.

A major transformation of Ohav Shalom took place with the hiring of Rabbi Bernard Greenfield in 1947. Rabbi Greenfield was the first “Modern” Orthodox rabbi in Cincinnati. Within a year, Rabbi Greenfield had been offered Tenure of Office for life.

By 1956, Ohav Shalom had already broken ground on Section Road for a new synagogue, which was eventually dedicated on April 12, 1959.

Ohav Shalom now witnessed its second “Torah Walk” as the S’frei Torah were again carried to the new facility in Roselawn.

Ohav Shalom remained in Roselawn for nearly thirty years. In the 1980s, Ohav began to allow men and women to sit together during services. This lead to a break with the orthodox movement and the end of a long relationship with Rabbi Greenfield. By 1994, Ohav Shalom had joined the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and fully embraced the Conservative movement.

Robert Baden, who became president in 1991, and then Rabbi Flicker saw the changes taking place in the Jewish community. Their enthusiasm, determination, and hard work result-

ed in the 1995 purchase of the property on Cornell Road in Sycamore Township where the synagogue now stands.

Ohav Shalom’s third “Torah Walk” was held in September of that year; two holy scrolls were carried all eleven miles from Section Road to Cornell Road as congregants took turn carrying a Torah in quarter mile increments. This event earned the prestigious Solomon Schechter Gold Award, the highest honor given by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

On April 1, 1999 Ohav Shalom implemented full egalitarianism and women could participate in all rituals in the synagogue.

The 2001 High Holidays found Ohav Shalom not only without the services of a rabbi but also without a cantor to sing the prayers. However, Rabbi Moshe Meirovich appeared and served as both cantor and rabbi that year. Rabbi Meirovich eventually became the seventh spiritual leader of Congregation Ohav Shalom.

Congregation Sha’arei Torah In spring of 2011, Congregation Sha’arei Torah/The Village Shul (CST) was born.

A Modern Orthodox synagogue in Amberley Village, CST quickly became a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Jewish community. They carefully chose their name Sha’arei Torah “Gates of Torah,” in the plural form, to reflect one of their core beliefs.

They all strive to follow the same Torah and are committed to halakhic observance. At the same time, they recognize that a life of Torah can be reached through many paths.

Within weeks of its founding, CST found itself with dozens of member families and volunteer leaders. Since that time, they have only continued to grow and expand. In August 2013, they welcomed Rabbi Ezra Goldschmiedt as their rabbi. Rabbi Goldschmiedt and his wife Eliyssa, embody their philosophy of creating a welcoming experience for Jews from diverse backgrounds who desire to grow in their Judaism.

In a very short period of time they have attracted many new members thereby necessitating the need to build a permanent home With the help of many generous members and friends ,Sha’arei Torah purchased a 6.4 acre site at in the heart of Amberley Village which is centrally located to most of their members’ homes. Construction is underway for their new Sanctuary and it is scheduled to

be completed in late summer of 2014.

Congregation Shevet Achim Kehila Kedosha Shevet Achim, a.k.a. The Sycamore Minyan, was founded as a congregation in January, 2013, in Sycamore Township by Glenn and Nellie Bochner. Their mission is to provide a welcoming, spiritual setting for people to pray, study, sing, and dine, consistent with the tenets of Traditional Judaism. They seek to be “a holy community of friends who dwell together” (or in Hebrew, Kehila Kedosha Shevet Achim), mutually supporting one another, as they strive for spiritual fulfillment.

Congregation Zichron Eliezer Congregation Zichron Eliezer began life as Kneseth Israel Congregation, which was incorporated in Hamilton County on June 21, 1912.

The Kneseth Israel Synagogue was located on the corner of Washington and Rockdale Avenues, in Avondale.

In 1927, Rabbi Hayim Epstein became its spiritual leader. He was succeeded, in 1932, by the well-known Rabbi Eliezer Silver, who came to the synagogue from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Rabbi Silver functioned as the Rav (Rabbi) of Kneseth Israel, in Cincinnati, until his passing in February of 1968.

The Kneseth Israel Synagogue was built satisfying all halachic specifications.

There was a gallery for women and the Bimah (the place from which the Torah is read) was located in the center of the synagogue. Beautiful stained glass windows, depicting each of the tribes, decorated the building. It was not unusual on the High Holidays for 330-400 people to be gathered in the synagogue for services.

Before the late Albert Harris built a new synagogue at 1515 Section Road, in the 1960's, Kneseth Israel moved to 1549 Kenova, where the Roselawn Mikvah (ritualarium), which Kneseth Israel had built, was also located.

After the passing of Rabbi Silver, Rabbi Jacob Lustig, a resident of the city, was chosen as the Rav of the synagogue.

Rabbi Reuven Pelberg served as interim Rabbi after Rabbi Lustig retired. From 2008 until August 2011, Rabbi Meir Minster was the Rav of the Kneseth Israel Synagogue, and Rabbi Yaakov Robinson was the Rabbinic Intern. Additionally, in 2008 Kneseth Israel was formally

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CONTINUED from previous page renamed Congregation Zichron Eliezer.

In October 2011, Rabbi Avrohom Weinrib shlit"a was formally chosen to be the new rav. Presently, the synagogue conducts its services in its new building on Section Road.

Congratulations on serving the community for 160 years from

Golf Manor Synagogue Congregation Agudas Israel had its beginnings in 1902, when a group of 27 men met on Clinton Street and founded the B’nai Israel Congregation.

In 1904, the shul began to regularly rent a hall in Cincinnati’s West End. The shul moved from location to location and remained relatively small, though there was a slow increase in membership that forced the group to regularly seek out a larger space.

Strength came from mergers with other groups, the first of these in uniting with Congregation Agudath Achim to form a new body, the Anshe Shalom Romanian Harmony Congregation.

From 1924 to 1931, the congregation established its first synagogue on Clark St. and made great strides under the leadership of Rabbi J. Hochstein. However, with the migration of the Jewish community to Avondale, another move was already envisioned. The Talmud Torah thus became the new home for the group for two years.

In 1933, the Anshei Shalom and Bnai Jacob congregations united to form Congregation Agudas Israel Beth Hakneseth Joseph Meyer, with Rabbi Epstein as its leader. The name was eventually shortened to Agudas Israel, the current name of the congregation The shul was without a rabbinic leader for close to ten years and it was only due to the efforts of a committed membership and the Ladies Auxilary that these obstacles were overcome. In 1945, as the young men of numerous families returned home from action in World War II, it was decided that a new rabbi was absolutely essential.

Rabbi Bernard Perlow was selected as rabbi.

In 1952, the congregation would hired Rabbi David I. Indich. As the Jewish population would move again from Avondale to the Roselawn/Golf Manor area, the synagogue considered another move. Rabbi Indich led the expanding congregation’s High Holiday services in the Golf Manor Civic Hall in 1955 and in 1956 a committee was formed to oversee the new relocation to Golf Manor.

Rabbi Indich soon led a membership of close to 300 families. At the time, the shul was firmly established as the major orthodox congregation in Cincinnati as well as a leading orthodox congregation in the midwest.

In 1988, Rabbi Indich’s failing health required that the congregation select a new rabbi.

Rabbi Hanan Balk was chosen as rabbi. Rabbi Indich, now Rabbi Emeritus, passed away three years later, after serving the congregation for close to 40 years.

Rabbi Balk served the congregation for 24 years. During that time, he raised the level of learning and observance of many of the members of the congregation. In 2012, Rabbi Balk retired, and became Rabbi Emeritus of the congregation.

In January of 2013, Rabbi Pinchas Landis took over as Senior Rabbi. Now, in 2014, the congregation is led by Rabbi Stuart Lavenda.

Isaac M. Wise Temple In 1840, a group of German Jewish immigrants in Cincinnati, some of whom had belonged to the existing congregation, K.K. Bene Israel, met to organize a new congregation.

Their first place of worship of the new congregation was a home on Third Street between Sycamore and Broadway.

The congregation adopted a constitution on September 19, 1841. Included in the constitution was a directive that the mode of worship be in accordance with the rites, customs and usages of German Jews.

The congregation was incorporated on February 28, 1842 under an act of the General Assembly of Ohio. Services during this time were conducted by a Hazan (cantor), and in 1846 they elected its first rabbi, James K. Gutheim.

By 1853, the congregation voted to engage Rabbi Isaac M. Wise as its spiritual leader, thus permanently altering the congregation's course of history and that of Reform Judaism. Rabbi Wise and his family arrived in Cincinnati soon thereafter.

In 1854, Rabbi Wise began the publication of The American Israelite. He also began instituting reforms in the synagogue, such as the successful introduction of a choir.

Various other reforms during the next few years included the abrogation of second day observance of holidays, with the exception of Rosh Hashanah (1859), and the permission to pray without a head covering (1873).

Rabbi Wise died on March 26, 1900. His pulpit chair at

Plum Street Temple was draped in black and kept vacant for a year. Rabbi Louis Grossman was elected Senior Rabbi until 1926.

What will later be known as The Wise Center opened on September 25, 1903 on Reading Road as an additional building for the congregation.

In 1920, Rabbi James G. Heller was hired as Assistant Rabbi; he then became the Senior Rabbi in 1926, upon the death of Rabbi Grossman.

Rabbi Albert Goldman began his service to the Temple as CoRabbi with Rabbi Wohl in 1953, and in 1981 Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs was elected Senior Rabbi.

Current Senior Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, who took the role on in 1989, has implemented new programs and led the way in Reform Judaism by hiring a cantor for the temple from HUC. In 2013, a historic event in Reform Jewish life was experienced as the congregation installed three new rabbis, each ordained from three different Hebrew Union College campuses. Rabbi Karen Thomashow as Associate Rabbi. Rabbis Sydney Henning and Rachel Maimin as Assistant Rabbis. Currently Wise Temple boasts over 1400 families in their membership.

Northern Hills Synagogue Northern Hills Synagogue Congregation B'nai Avraham is the product of the migration of Jews to suburban areas. Among those who settled, in the late 1950s, in the Springfield Township area known as Finneytown, were Jews who had grown up in the older areas of Jewish settlement such as Avondale and Bond Hill. These people formed the Northern Hills Jewish Couples Club, which became the Northern Hills Jewish Community.

Seeking a more organized Jewish lifestyle for their families, this group became Northern Hills Synagogue - Congregation Beth El, which held its first Shabbat service on July 8, 1960, under the leadership of Rabbi Bertram Mond.

In 1963 the congregation voted to affiliate with the United Synagogue of America (now the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism), and adopt the practices of the Conservative movement. By 1964, the congregation was sufficiently established to construct its own building, called the Zuckman Center, at 715 Fleming Road.

In 1967, the young congregation merged with the Norwood Congregation - Congregation B'nai Avraham. Most of the

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CONTINUED from previous page members of the Norwood Congregation became life members of the resulting Northern Hills Synagogue - Congregation B'nai Avraham, and Northern Hills Synagogue also received the assets of the Norwood Synagogue, including several sifre torah and a cemetery in Covedale.

In 1969, Rabbi Mond left Cincinnati and Rabbi Henry Barneis was chosen as spiritual leader. He served until 1972, when he retired and moved to Israel.

Rabbi Ephraim Rubinger served as rabbi from 1972 through 1975. He was succeeded in 1975 by Rabbi Gershom Barnard, who was the longest-serving Rabbi in the greater Cincinnati area until his retirement in 2014..

In 1984, after several years of compromise measures, the congregation's religious services became completely egalitarian.

In 1987, changes in Jewish residence patterns again made their mark on the congregation, as it absorbed Havurat Tzedek, a group who had been conducting services at Yavneh Day School (now Rockwern Academy) in Cincinnati’s northeast suburbs.

To meet these needs, for a number of years Northern Hills maintained a Northeastern Branch, which conducted services twice a month at Yavneh.

As the 1980’s concluded, the Fleming Road facility was again expanded, with the 1988 addition of the Goldstein Building to the front of the building, which included the Roth Sanctuary and Neusner Lobby.

Since 2009, Northern Hills has operated a joint religious school with Congregation Ohav Shalom, the Kehilla School for Creative Jewish Education. The current Director of Education and Programming is Maksim Shilkrot, who joined them in 2012.

After thorough study and much discussion, in October 1999 the congregation voted overwhelmingly to relocate to the northeast suburbs.

In December 2000, the congregation purchased 5 acres of land at 5714 Fields Ertel Road in Deerfield Township, Warren County.

The congregation moved into its new facility on Fields Ertel Road on March 19, 2004.

The new sanctuary retains many elements from the old building, including the Ark doors and stained glass windows.

Rockdale Temple K.K. Bene Israel, familiarly known as Rockdale Temple, is the oldest congregation west of

the Allegheny Mountains.

Founded in 1824, Rockdale Temple has been at the forefront of Reform Judaism in America and was one of the founding congregations of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Located in Amberley Village, Rockdale is on the Ridge Road Mayerson JCC Campus, overlooking the Ronald Reagan (Cross- County) Highway. During their 190 year history, nine rabbis have been their spiritual leaders. Rabbi Sigma Faye Coran has served the congregation since 2004.

Rockdale Temple was founded by a small group of Jews who had settled in Cincinnati. Their first meeting took place in 1824.

These leaders recognized the need for a synagogue and efforts were made to raise funds for a building. In 1836 our first home at Sixth and Broadway was consecrated. In 1852 another synagogue was built on the same site. As the Jewish community grew and moved to other parts of the city, the congregation also moved, first to Eighth and Mound Streets, then to Rockdale and Harvey Avenues and, in 1969, to the present location on Ridge Road in Amberley Village.

For thirty-one years, readers or cantors conducted services.

In 1855, Dr. Max Lilienthal was elected as their first permanent rabbi. Under Dr. Lilienthal’s leadership many reforms were introduced into the previously orthodox service and the congregation was actively involved in the beginnings of the Reform movement.

In addition to the religious school, the congregation participates in the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School. The Sisterhood (Women of Reform Judaism), the Brotherhood (Men of Reform Judaism), and the youth groups facilitate activities which enhance congregational life.

Temple Sholom Temple Sholom was founded

by Rabbi Stanley Brav and seven founding members in 1954.

The vision of the Temple was that of a more traditional expression of Reform Judaism, as well as being a smaller congregation.

Their size is still limited in their constitution today.

Temple Sholom, since it started out very small, became very volunteer oriented.

Its volunteers, particularly the Sisterhood, ran the daily operations of the synagogue.

Members of HUC faculty provided adult education and helped establish a religious

school curriculum.

Rabbi Brav also brought significant social justice leadership to the community.

Temple Sholom was actually the first reform congregation in Cincinnati to give voting rights to women, had the first woman President and the first to invite an African American Minister onto the pulpit.

Rabbi Donald Splansky succeeded Rabbi Brav in 1972.

Rabbi Splansky continued Temple Sholom's traditions of innovation, social justice and intimacy.

In 1984, the congregation was fortunate to hire Rabbi Gerry Walter, who is now Rabbi Emeritus.

Under Rabbi Walter's strong leadership, the temple was an innovator in ritual, education, and was a leader in its support of Israel and Soviet Jewry.

During the 2009-2010, Rabbi Rick Shapiro was interim Rabbi as they transitioned to new Rabbi, Miriam Terlinchamp.

The Valley Temple Valley Temple was founded in the early 1950s as the Cincinnati School for Judaism.

Not long after, the school was functioning more as a Temple than only an education program, and the membership formally voted to become the Valley Temple.

The Temple was first housed in the Jewish Community Center, HUC, a church in Wyoming. and the Wyoming Masonic Building (now the Wyoming Center for the arts).

The early days featured participation of popular HUC professor, Dr. Abraham Cronbach.

Rabbi Herbert Stern became the first rabbi hired for the position, with Rabbi David Zielonka following Rabbi Stern. In 1968, Rabbi Solomon T. Greenberg left his position as assistant rabbi of I.M. Wise Temple to become Valley’s longest serving rabbi until his retirement in 2000.

The growth in membership allowed the current synagogue building to be built in the early 1970s.

Rabbi Sandford Kopnick took over at Valley after Rabbi Greenberg’s retirement. Since Rabbi Greenberg’s retirement, Rabbi Kopnick has worked with the entire staff and lay leaders to ensure that the temple Rabbi Greenberg developed continues a diverse synagogue with a commitment to Judaism’s future, and a sense of inclusion for singles and families who want to celebrate the joy of Judaism.

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