***DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE JEWISH FEDERATION AND ITS AGENCIES – INCLUDING THE PRESCHOOL – WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26.***
ADDITIONALLY, THE FOLLOWING EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED:
Youth Theatre Practice on Sunday, January 25; and
the Dayton BBYO City Kick-off event on Sunday, January 25.
However, the Cultural Arts & Book Series Zoom event on Sunday, January 25 (featuring Howard Megdal) will still take place.

Events Community
Calendar

There is a lot happening in Jewish Dayton! Check out our community calendar for a listing of events.

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JCC Cultural Arts & Book Series

Our 2025-2026 Cultural Arts & Book Series is happening now.

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Be Prepared Make a
plan.

Learn about developing an Emergency Operations Plan.

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JCC Youth
Theatre

Join us for an unforgettable musical performance from our youngest community members!

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JCC A Night in Vegas

Experience the excitement of Vegas right here at home.

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JCC A Women’s Freedom Seder

Enjoy an evening of comradery, ritual, and dinner. Raise your voice. Feed your soul.

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Life & Legacy Ignite the flame.

Join us as we reach our goal of 30 legacy conversations in 30 days.

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SEEDS Project For Jewish
Youth

Subsidizing and enhancing experiences for Dayton students.

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Making a Difference Our Impact

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton is dedicated to making a significant impact in our community through a variety of initiatives. We are committed to enhancing security, providing support to those in need, and enriching the lives of young people through educational and recreational opportunities.

$1,250,000

Raised Annually

Annually, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton raises $1,250,000 to support Jewish people- in Dayton, in Israel, and around the World with support from our incredible community.

$850,000

Raised for Israel

We successfully raised $850,000 to support Israel as they rebuild after the atrocities of October 7, 2023.

Helping Build

Thriving Jewish communities

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton is the collective. We build thriving Jewish communities, not just in times of need, but everyday.

Upcoming Events

Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Stay Up to Date!

Recent Articles

Looking Back
Cathy Gardner

As we stand on the edge of 2026, I can’t help but reflect on the last year. It has been filled with ups and downs for many of us on a personal level, and as a Jewish community. As an organization, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and its Agencies have had a very busy year. Here are just a few highlights of what we accomplished in 2025: Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a significant increase in antisemitism throughout the world – including here in Ohio. What became evident in the wake of 10/7 was the need for...

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Help Light Hope in the Face of Darkness
Cathy Gardner

When I awoke on Sunday morning and heard the news about the horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, I was immediately overcome with sadness. Chanukah is supposed to be a joyous holiday ~ one where we gather with family and friends, recite special prayers, and enjoy delicious food. And that is what the people who gathered at Bondi Beach were planning to do. Instead, two cowardly terrorists took the lives of 15 innocent people and injured many more ~ all for simply being Jewish. My heart has felt heavy in the subsequent days. It doesn’t matter that the...

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A Memorable, Meaningful Conference
Cathy Gardner

Each year, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) brings together people from across the globe ~ including Jewish communal professionals, lay leaders, and philanthropists ~ for an incredible three-day conference. The General Assembly (GA) focuses on several themes and goals, which include exploring best practices, examining key challenges facing the Jewish community today, and promoting collaboration. This is one of my absolute favorite conferences to attend. I always return home feeling inspired and ready to put the ideas I learned at the conference into action. This year was no different. I, along with three of our staff members and three...

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Jewish Family Services Can Help, and So Can You
Cathy Gardner

For many of us, November 1st is nothing more than the start of a new month. Some people will be prompted to start making Thanksgiving plans. For others, it serves as a reminder that winter is around the corner. Sadly, this year, November 1st signifies a crucial date on the calendar for millions of people throughout the United States who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed their families. This is because the Department of Agriculture has said SNAP benefits will end on Saturday due to the government shutdown. Many people already experience food scarcity. If the...

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Israel – What’s Next?
Cathy Gardner

We recently marked the long-awaited return of the 20 surviving hostages taken captive on 10/7. While this joyous occasion feels, in many ways, like we are closer to the end of the war, we know that is not necessarily the case. There are still many unknowns and questions that need to be answered. One question that has been broached to me several times since the hostages were released is “What’s next?” I realize there are probably many people in our community asking themselves the same question. It became evident that while we may not be able to come up with...

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The Hostages Return Home (and a special Dayton connection)
Cathy Gardner

Today, the remaining 20 living hostages were released and will soon be reunited with their loved ones in Israel. These precious people, along with all of those affected by 10/7 and the war, must now embark on the difficult path to healing. I have no doubt each of the 20 released hostages have incredible stories of strength and perseverance, which I am confident we will hear about in the coming days and weeks. One of the men released, Bar Kupershtein, has a unique connection to our community. Bar is from Holon, Israel, which happens to be Dayton’s Sister City. We...

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