Federation Impact: Winter 2020

FEDERATION

IMPACT

You give our Jewish community a better future

WINTER 2020

jewishcincinnati.org

HOW YOU HELP:

You Give Rosalie Dignity and Community Kosher hot lunches are essential part of network of support for seniors

“It’s like coming home. I’m among my own people and it’s a good feeling.”

– Rosalie Abrams

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LUNCH SERVES UP DIGNITY AND COMMUNITY FOR ROSALIE

“It’s like coming home,” says Rosalie Abrams. At 82, this Mason resident has been coming for kosher hot lunches at the Mayerson JCC for over 10 years, two to four times a week.

“I love the J’s baklava … which I shouldn’t be eating but I do,” admits Rosalie, laughing. “And brisket is my favorite.”

Why is the lunch so valuable? Because it’s the opposite of isolation and loneliness. This program, which you fund, is at the center of a web of support for older adults.

Rosalie even moved a few years ago so she could easily take the bus to the JCC. Rosalie builds the J and your lunches into her routine.

“I go normally Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays; Wednesday for the Wii bowling.” Thank you for helping our seniors strengthen their community through such basic pleasures.

You Help Those Suffering from Hunger, Domestic Violence Jewish Cincinnati Women Rise Up to Do Good

JEWISH CINCINNATI WOMEN RISE UP TO DO GOOD IN COMMUNITY “The Jewish Federation stepped in to help create these apartments, to do what we could as women and as people who care about our neighbors, to create a place for them. And we’ll be waiting in the wings for when we need to do another one.”

—Felicia Zakem, event chair

The women of Women’s Philanthropy, part of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, had a busy November. They spearheaded not one, but two mitzvot (good deeds) — just days apart.

First, this energetic group of women donated and packaged 180 kosher and non-kosher Thanksgiving meals for clients of Jewish Family Service Heldman Family Food Pantry, located at Jewish Family Service Barbash Family Vital Support Center.

Only two days later, 20 energetic women reconvened in Roselawn, determined to make four empty apartments into homes for women recovering from domestic violence. They added both necessities and caring touches to every room.

“Everyone was in good spirits despite the rain,” Jennifer Zelkind, former Director of Women’s Philanthropy, recalls.

“This was a moment where we got to live our Jewish values.”

There is no doubt that, with your help, these women are up to the challenge.

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YOUR GIFT

You Help Recent Grad Regain Her Confidence, Find Perfect Job

helped Rachel—after losing her confidence and moving back home—find a job in her chosen specialty of Transit Planning Specialist.

“It’s hard to move back in with your parents, in your hometown, after living on your own for years. It caused her to lose a lot of her confidence,” said Dr. Lori Glaser-Zakem about her daughter Rachel. After finishing her master’s degree, Rachel had to move back home while she looked to start her career.

Lori decided that reaching out to JVS Career Services might be the perfect next step for Rachel.

“After all, I’m only Mom,” Lori said. “We said, ‘Look.

This is our gift.’”

JVS Career Services worked hard to sharpen Rachel’s resume and teach Rachel interviewing techniques, and how to develop a networking mindset.

All of the hard work paid off. Rachel was offered a full-time job as a Transit Planning Specialist in Bend, Oregon. Lori laughed, “She loves it there. She loves what she’s doing! She’s actually in the field that she studied, so this has been such a great fit for her!”

“Rachel is just so thankful to JVS Career Services because they pointed her in this direction. I have to say, as a parent, this was the best gift I have ever given,” said Lori.

“Today marks one year of living in Bend [where her new job is located]. It also happens to be the happiest year of my adult life.”

THE SCOOP

—Rachel Zakem

Robyn and Eric Lamont with their new son.

“The Cincinnati Jewish community has made a huge investment in me, and in us, and in our whole family unit, and I just couldn’t imagine it not being a part of my life.”

– Robyn Lamont

It Is Critical to Give: “The reason I give is that I realize how critical it is to give. I didn’t grow up with the vibrancy of a Jewish community. Since having our son the wellspring of support from the Jewish community has been incredible.”

—Eric Lamont, Federation donor and volunteer Seeing a Child Smile: “Sometimes it’s hard: being alone in a different country. However, each time I see a child smile because I made them laugh, I feel the rewards of taking that risk.”

—Darya Solomon, 18-year-old emissary from Israel/Chavera m’Israel Impact Is What Matters: “It’s important for me to be part of something that actually makes a difference. At Federation, we initiate the change, and then get to see it actually out there doing good.”

—Chrissie Blatt, 2020 Annual Campaign cochair |3

YOUR GIFT MAKES YOU A HERO

Rise up and be an everyday hero. Help the vulnerable, connect with Jewish communities worldwide, and protect and energize Jewish life here in Cincinnati, all in a single gift.

Get the match: The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati will triple any increase you give over last year’s donation. jewishcincinnati.org/GIVE

GIVE TODAY

Community Study Inaugurates Year of Learning Dear Friend, On January 15, we rolled out the results of our 2019 Jewish Community Study. For the first time in more than a decade, this study will give us a fresh portrait of our community, including where we live, how we engage Jewishly, and much more. Our hope is to build one of the most welcoming, engaging, and vibrant Jewish communities in America.

A joint Federation-Foundation task force selected Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, a leading research institute on American Jewry and religious and cultural identity, to conduct our study.

And we will update our communal values and goals to guide our Cincinnati 2030 vision.

Be part of the Year of Learning. Help us journey toward our 2030 community vision at: https://jewishcincinnati.org/year-of-learning

Shep Englander, CEO

Key learnings from the 2019 community study data includes our Jewish community’s population, constituent interests and needs, socioeconomic and affiliation patterns, and behaviors and attitudes.

As we begin to create a new community vision for 2030, we will work with community leaders and organizational partners to meet the changing needs and aspirations of Jewish Cincinnati.

At the rollout, we launched a Year of Learning in dialogue with leaders of our agencies, congregations, and schools.

“Our hope is to build one of the most welcoming, engaging, and vibrant Jewish communities in America.”

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– Shep Englander