Federation Impact Fall 2020

FEDERATION

IMPACT

You give our Jewish community a better future

FALL 2020

jewishcincinnati.org

HOW YOU HELP: Jonathan Finds His Voice

Jewish student of color endures harsh antisemitic attacks.

“In the future someday, if there are still people experiencing this, then I would like to help.”

—Jonathan

Cont’d on page 2

YOU HELPED JONATHAN AND HIS MOM MAKE HIS SCHOOL SAFER

The smell of newly baked challah is in the air. In their modest suburban home, Jonathan and his mother, Arian Jones-Hall, recount a years-long series of antisemitic incidents.

“In the hallways when I was walking to my classes I could hear them commenting: ‘Hey, get in the oven,’ and how they were wishing that Hitler were still alive,” said Jonathan. “I was scared to tell a teacher.”

“I was seeing my son deteriorate and becoming withdrawn and unhappy,” said his mother.

A student pushed Jonathan down on the playground, broke his glasses, and called him “an n-word Jew,” said his mother.

It wasn’t until their rabbi suggested contacting the Jewish Community Relations Council— a part of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, funded by you—that real change began at the school: anti-bias training, education, and eventually a new position: a mental health therapist. Jones-Hall said, “I’m really thankful for all of the work that Jackie [Jackie Congedo, JCRC’s Director] did. It was basically a part-time job for us because we were meeting with the school so often.”

Asked what he would say to those who support the JCRC, Jonathan said, “I would say thank you, and that in the future someday, if there are still people experiencing this, then I would like to help.”

Rachel and 1,000+ Jewish Young Adults Join 3-Week Intensive Leadership Program You helped grow future Jewish leaders

YOU GAVE RACHEL THE TOOLS SHE NEEDS “The Changemakers Fellowship has pushed me to further understand my own Jewish identity, and how I want to live that every day.”

—Rachel Spivak, Cincinnati

2|

This summer when many had their summer plans collapse because of COVID-19, University of Cincinnati junior Rachel Spivak joined a brand new, virtual, three-week program called Jewish Changemakers, run by the Jewish Federations of North America, which is supported in part by your gift.

It was intensive Jewish leadership development education for 20- to 25-year-olds. Rachel and 1,046 others from across North America and globally—16 from Cincinnati—joined.

“Changemakers has not only given me the tools to create change for a more equal and just world, but to do so with compassion, leadership and openness to others different than myself,” said Rachel.

In Constant Touch, Despite COVID-19 Adapting to Virtual Togetherness

YOUR GIFT

has kept Mark and 100 other Russian seniors connected to each other and the broader Jewish community.

“I can’t imagine my life without the Center.”

—Mark Klotsman What happens to a crucial center of support for Russian Jewish seniors during COVID-19?

It remains open virtually, and everyone adapts.

Mark Klotsman in particular has adapted to a great deal, from fighting Hitler in the Soviet army, to emigration in 1996 to Cincinnati. Now 98 years old, he lives alone, and still speaks almost no English.

Normally Mark visits the Russian Jewish Cultural Center, run by Jewish Family Service, at the Mayerson JCC, four times a week.

What about now? “He is doing well,” said Luda Gikhman, the Center’s manager. “We are in constant touch with him and his daughter by phone.”

THE SCOOP

Due to his vision and hearing, Mark cannot participate in the Center’s numerous online activities. “He keeps telling us that he misses us.

But he does physical exercises, enjoys little things,” said Gikhman. “He feels very thankful when he receives our call.”

Sally Schott picks up personal protective equipment at the Mayerson JCC for Wise Temple.

“We are supported from everywhere by everyone.”

—Mark Klotsman

“They canceled my interview when the COVID-19 lockdowns started to happen.” —James Meranus, new JVS Career Services client. JVS Career Services is busier than ever, and thanks in part to your gift, its career services are currently free to those who have suffered COVID-19-related job loss.

Thanks to your gift, and the partnership of the United Way and Procter & Gamble, the Federation is handing out disposable masks, KN95 masks, Clorox wipes, and hand sanitizer every Wednesday to any of 37 local Jewish organizations who request the help.

Welcoming Ethiopian Jews making Aliyah in May to Israel, Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog said, “ I congratulate these new immigrants and every single one who came before them and endured untold suffering in order to realize their dream of Aliyah.” Thanks to your gift, immigration continues, with strict precautions, despite the pandemic. |3

Thanks to your support, we can respond rapidly and effectively to meet the vast and growing needs of all who are counting on us.

“Papa, That’s a Mitzvah!”

Dear Friend, Sometimes in the midst of so much change and struggle, a story about grandchildren is better than anything: For Cincinnatians Mark and Marsha Barsman, being active members of the Jewish community is about “honoring and respecting others,” according to Mark.

The Barsmans say that their most cherished legacy is their children and grandchildren—who have embraced Jewish values as a way of life. “No matter what you do as a parent, you hope you’ve instilled the right set of values in your kids,” said Marsha. “Now our kids and their families are active members of their Jewish communities.

That’s really inspiring for us, and we consider that our legacy.”

“I was with my grandson at the park when he was about three,” recalled Mark, “and he shared a football with another little boy. I told him that was nice of him, and he looked at me and said, ‘Papa, that’s a mitzvah!’ When you hear those words come out of your grandson’s mouth, you think somebody’s done a good job.”

For the Barsmans, leaving a legacy goes beyond their family. They have also set up legacy gifts to several 4|

The Barsmans say that their most cherished legacy is their children and grandchildren.

Jewish organizations. “It was extremely important to us,” said Mark. “We took the Create Your Jewish Legacy (CYJL) form to our attorney, and it was just very simple.”

Please stay healthy, and enjoy your loved ones.

And may you be part of many mitzvahs, from small to large.

Danielle V. Minson Chief Development Officer and Managing Director