The Mayerson JCC connects people so that they can live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community.
Values
Connections
Service
Respect
Kindness
Innovation
Collaboration
Attentiveness
Mayerson JCC Board of Directors
Jen Stein | President
Bob Oestreicher | President Elect & Treasurer
Steve Baron | Vice President
Jody Brant | Vice President
Julien Teitelbaum | Vice President
Marc Brafman | Secretary
Ronnen Isakov | Immediate Past President
Marc Fisher | Chief Executive Officer
Aliza Frankel
Roger Heldman
Mike Jarnaki
Michael Kadetz
Mollie Lewis-Tartaglia
Yael Newman
Aaron Weiner
Ariel Weiss
Sarah Weiss
Jon Chaiken | Presidential Appointment
Abby Schwartz | Presidential Appointment
Dear JCC Member,
What a difference a year makes. As we looked around the J over the past year, we noticed the J Cafe bustling with people grabbing lunch or coffee, seniors packing the lobby waiting to go on a day trip, and families lining up waiting to drop their kids off at Camp. We saw the men’s softball league fill up within days, thousands of tickets sold for the Jewish & Israeli Film Festival, and hundreds of people filled the streets of Amberley Village during the Oy Vey 5K.
We were bursting at the seams and turning people away from programs. Our Early Childhood School had a two-year waiting list, our theatre program for the youngest kids had skyrocketing demand, and our Pilates classes were at capacity.
These are great problems to have. Community life is thriving at the J, and we see our mission in action every day—connecting people so that they live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community. We were just out of space,, and every person turned away or put on a waiting list could be engaging in Jewish Cincinnati in meaningful ways and making connections with other people.
We scoured every inch of our building and found ways to expand within our existing structure. After creative thinking and careful planning, we started construction on the first major renovation since the building opened in 2008. We increased the capacity of the Early Childhood School by 42% over two years, built new group exercise and Pilates studios, created a new space for drop-in childcare, and added a community meeting room and nursing suite.
We are excited to see how these renovations enable opportunities for greater engagement and allow more people to connect to one another, creating greater Jewish community.
Sincerely,
Jen Stein | President Marc Fisher | CEO
ARTS, IDEAS & JEWISH LIFE
A Vibrant Jewish Community
Mayerson JCC’s Arts, Ideas & Jewish Life programs connected people across generations and interests, building a more vibrant Jewish community.
Our Jewish & Israeli Film Festival was all about going to the movies. It gathered people to enjoy a series of 13 award-winning films.
Through the Under One Roof Sukkah Art Exhibit, community artists and organizations shared their work around the central theme, Dream.
The Fall Market featured vendors selling baked goods, jewelry, clothing, apples and honey, leading up to Rosh Hashanah.
We celebrated Pride month with a Rainbow Challah Bake at the J, by marching in the annual Pride Parade, and by collecting 811 personal care items for Caracole—a nonprofit that supports people living with HIV/AIDS.
In partnership with the Jewish Book Council, we hosted engaging virtual discussions with four authors over the course of several months.
We launched a new program, J Prime, for those 45 and beyond who are looking for active, creative, and social programs and engaging events in the community.
“ The Rainbow Challah Bake is one of my favorite community events. It’s the perfect blend of family, pride, and Jewish identity. For me, this past year was particularly meaningful. I wasn’t able to go to any pride events all month and the challah bake was the first time I got to experience my LGBTQ identity for pride month. I got to do that surrounded by Jewish family and the support network that had truly wrapped their arms around my family.”
— Elliot Draznin
100+
vendors set up shop at the Fall Market
2,320+
tickets sold at the Jewish & Israeli
43 art pieces
for the
110 individuals
Film Festival
created
Under One Roof Sukkot Art Exhibit
made challah together at the Rainbow Challah Bake
After October 7
Supporting Israel and One Another
After the attack on Israel on October 7, our community was shaken. We responded the only way we know how—to come together and support one another and to bring awareness to our community.
Following the brutal attack on October 7, we held a solidarity gathering for our community at Adath Israel Congregation, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and many other organizations.
In November, the Cincinnati Jewish community, including the Mayerson JCC, took part in the March for Israel in Washington, DC—the largest pro-Israel gathering in US history.
In order to raise awareness for those held captive by Hamas, the JCC created a display featuring t-shirts that represent each of the hostages. Signage bears the name, age and status of each person and is updated daily.
Our Yom HaZikaron ceremony took on deeper meaning this year, as we honored those who have perished in the current war.
Yom HaAtzmaut marked 76 years of independence with ways to support Israel: mitzvah projects, an Israeli baker, and the Humans of October 7 photography exhibit.
We created displays in our main lobby where community members could write letters to Israeli soldiers and take blue ribbons to show their support of Israel.
“ We wanted to showcase the goodness of Israel [at the modern Israeli holidays], and we wanted people to feel connected to Israel. I think we struggle a lot with how to carry on during such a difficult time, but we saw that people who came to these events felt bravery, heroism, and resilience through this tragedy. Hopefully, this was an inspiration to everyone.”
— Yarden Neeman, Community Shaliach 2022-2024
450+ people from Cincinnati participated in the March for Israel
300+ attendees remembered fallen soldiers during Yom HaZikaron
240 shirts were hung at the J to raise awareness of those held hostage
1,300+ gathered in solidarity after the October 7 attack on Israel
CHILDREN, TEENS & FAMILY
Roots of Jewish Life
Connecting people is the special sauce of the JCC, and there’s no better place to start than with young children and families—the next generation of Jewish Cincinnati.
Theatre at the J continues to flourish and create a safe space for kids to connect and build self-esteem. Meanwhile, the performances bring new families to the J.
J Baby offered 22 sets of soon-to-be parents essential classes on the basics of childbirth and infancy care through a Jewish lens.
We launched the Jewish Postpartum Circle, in partnership with Cincy Postpartum and Young Families (YoFi) at Wise Temple, which gives women a safe space to connect and talk about the transformative season of postpartum and early parenting.
In partnership with the Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy, we offered ballet classes to budding performers.
Our Friday night dinners, in partnership with Friday Night Shabbat, gave families an opportunity to connect and welcome Shabbat as a community.
Through PJ Library, the J gives free high-quality Jewish books to children and hosts events to help young families connect.
“ J Baby made me feel so prepared. Most of my ‘mom feeds’ on social media were filled with women talking about how nervous and scared they were, but I didn’t feel that way because of J Baby. I knew what to expect, and I have a community now to back me.”
— Katie May
11,530
PJ Library books mailed out to Jewish households
320
people enjoyed Friday Night Shabbat dinners at the J
222
campers made memories at Camp at the J
700+
audience members attended Moana JR.
BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE Creating More Connections
Many programs at the J are bursting at the seams, impacting thousands of community members each year. To make room for creating more connections, the J began its first major renovation project since the building opened in 2008, building new spaces for the Early Childhood School, Fitness Center, and for our community.
The Early Childhood School increased its capacity to 185 students, a 42% increase in two years.
The renovation features a brand new group exercise studio and expanded Pilates studio with all new equipment.
The drop-in childcare programs, J Play and Club J, are getting a brand-new space, with fun for kids of all ages.
With the renovation, we are opening a new nursing room for community members and staff.
The Membership Office was refreshed, a new art studio and program space was renovated for 60 & Better programs, and a new programming and board room will make space for community meetings.
“ Our Early Childhood School waitlist is ever-growing. We know this is a critical time for Jewish families to begin connecting with each other, and we want to be able to take in more families and better serve our community.”
—
Rena Hannon, Director of Early Childhood School and After Crew
166 children enrolled in the Early Childhood School as of August 2024
500 additional hours of class will take place in the new Pilates studios
XX J Play and Club J will feature XXXX square feet of newly renovated space
YOUNG ADULTS
Finding Community
The JCC’s 20s and 30s program offers monthly social and educational events for young adults and encourages engagement in Jewish Cincinnati.
Young adults joined us on December 24 for the party of the year: Latkapalooza, hosted at the Woodward Theater.
We hosted a Summer Bash for our 20s and 30s at the JCC pool, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
Still young at heart, our 20s and 30s group spent a weekend at Camp Livingston, living their best summer lives.
Young adults met up at the Washington Park Dog Park for a fun Yappy Hour.
Young adults learned the basics of making cocktails, and enjoyed the fruits of their labor, at our Cocktail 101 class led by Foxtails.
The 20s & 30s crowd sang their hearts out in costume at the first-ever Purim Party at the Flying Pig bar in Oakley.
“Throughout my time here, I have truly come to love all things Cincinnati, especially the young professional community. I have had some amazing experiences, and I also met my husband through this community! At our wedding, one of my best friends from home commented on all the people invited to our wedding. She was so impressed with the community of people we have around us that love and support us.”
— Orly Cohen
150+ young adults celebrated Hanukkah at Woodward Theater for Latkapalooza
80+ participants attended the Young Adult Summer Bash 75+ people dressed up for the Purim Party 75+ young adults spent the evening at the J Classic Par-Tee
60 & BETTER CENTER
Fit and Fun at Every Age
Every day at the J, you can find seniors gathered, playing mah-jongg, attending a watercolor or tap dancing class, heading into the yoga studio, or enjoying a meal in the J Cafe—all the while, staying healthy and active and making meaningful connections.
In 2023, Meals on Wheels delivered 110,249 meals to homebound seniors, more than any other year.
Our 42 unique Day Trips allowed seniors to experience Cincinnati and beyond, while enjoying each other’s company.
We launched Mispach (Family) & Friends, a new intergenerational collaboration, where seniors volunteer by reading, crafting, or gardening with Early Childhood School students.
Our new Mensch Group gathers men for conversation and camaraderie.
Daily transportation to and from the J allows seniors to participate in Jewish community life without barriers.
More than 1,300 seniors joined the J for special holiday lunches with friends in the community.
“I’ve been taking care of my 94-year-old mother for over two years. After discovering the 60 & Better Center, our lives have been enriched by the different classes, and the meals are so delicious. Now the burden of meal planning and prep is off my plate! I am eating better, and we can eat our meals together.”
— Elaine Trabout
2,769 unique individuals engaged with the 60 & Better Center
45 volunteers delivered meals, assisted in the office, and facilitated discussion groups
240 individuals engaged with our social worker
1,224 programs held for people 60 & Better
166 hours of popular films enjoyed during Friday Flicks
In
the
Community JCC on Location
While many think of the J as a building in Amberley Village, our reach goes far beyond our walls. Throughout the year, we help connect hundreds of people at locations across Cincinnati.
More than 500 people attended our Jewish Community Night at the Reds, and for the first time, we hosted a kosher grill-out at the ballpark, in partnership with Congregation Zichron Eliezer, BBYO and The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.
Attendees got treated to a special hat, and a great game, at our second annual Jewish Community Night at FC Cincinnati.
Our Jewish Community Nights expanded into the arts, with a tremendous production of The Chosen at Playhouse in the Park.
Over 250 community members gathered at Fountain Square to light the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah together with ice skating and bumper cars.
Taking part in Jewish life in Cincinnati has never been easier, thanks to Jlive, a brand-new digital hub for Jewish events in Cincinnati.
“We moved to Cincinnati just a few months ago for my husband’s work. My first encounter with Jlive was when I was sitting in Florida researching Cincinnati. I was in awe of not just the number of activities going on in the Jewish community but also that I could find out what was going on in one place! Since then, I’m on Jlive at least twice a week - I probably check it more than Facebook. It made a difference for us coming to a new community. In no time, I knew what’s going on, where to meet people, and where I need to go to stay updated.”
— Becca Noy
FITNESS & WELLNESS
Stronger You
Whatever the fitness journey, the J welcomes people working towards their goals in a supportive environment. From a motivational personal training session to a relaxing massage at the J Spa, the expert staff and variety of equipment and classes create the optimal experience for our members.
The Women and Weights class continues to empower women to properly lift using barbells, dumbbells, and cable machines.
The Pilates program at the J continues to grow, offering challenging classes for people at every level.
The J Cafe is bustling with activity, offering several new fresh and healthy kosher menu items for seniors, JCC members, and the community.
We launched an adult swim lesson program, helping people at every age feel confident and safe in the water.
“ I like working out at the J because they offer a wide variety of equipment and keep the environment safe and clean. Most importantly, though, they have a great community of people. I enjoy seeing other Jewish people who I have met at JCC events, including my softball peeps! Being new to Cincinnati, working out at the J has helped me feel very welcomed in the Jewish community.”
— Steven Shapiro
2,400 services were provided at the J Spa 2,022 hours of Pilates training were completed 5,989 hours of personal training were delivered 28,982 people attended Group Ex classes
7,991 individuals are members of the J
SPORTS & RECREATION
Teamwork Builds Community
From the softball field to the pickleball court, sports at the J create community and build confidence.
Nearly 400 people ran or walked in this past year’s Oy Vey 5K.
Our youth running programs inspire and encourage children to build confidence, make new friends, and learn good sportsmanship.
To promote personal safety, we held a training led by the Amberley Village Police Department.
Pickleball is increasing in popularity at the J. This past year, we held two competitive tournaments.
The Men’s Softball League continues to foster connections among players, even after 80 seasons.
“ This past year, we had three kids in baseball and two kids in basketball with the Blue Jays. The boys had a great time playing, and we had a great time watching them play! We’ve come to really understand the importance of team sports in confidence- and identity-building for the boys, especially now with everything going on in the Jewish world. It’s crucial for us to have Jewish teams for all the kids in our community to play on where the kids can just be themselves without having to worry about religious or cultural identity and needs being an issue.”
— Lisa Cook
30 players took to the court for Pickleball tournaments
132 players participated in the Men’s Basketball League
108 players competed in the Men’s Softball League
185 children participated in Blue Jays sports teams
SUPPORT THE J You Make this Community Vibrant
Because of your support, the J brings families together for Shabbat dinner, provides opportunities for kids to play sports and teens to travel to Israel, and gives seniors a place to connect. We can only do it with your support, and the support of the organizations that fund our work.
Lead Funding Partners
The Mayerson JCC is generously funded by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and other generous donors. Certain programs also receive funds administered by the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio.
In 2023, our generous donors, sponsors, funders, and supporters contributed more than $6,350,000! Membership revenue and program fees do not cover all our costs. Donations, grants, and other charitable contributions help cover more than 35% of our operating budget. Your generous donations allow us to continue to connect people so that they can live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community.
“ The J is such a special place for our community. Even though we may attend different schools, synagogues or just be in different life stages, I always run into old friends and still make new ones whenever I go.”
— Sherri Symson
2023 Financial Report
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2023
2023 Revenue
Our legacy donors are people just like you who want to see their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren enjoy all the benefits of a strong and vibrant Jewish community center. By making a legacy gift, you invest in your values and make a difference in Jewish lives, year after year. To date, we have secured 118 legacy gifts with an estimated future value of $6 million. Carrie & Ken Goldhoff
