Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jewish population in Dayton?

Current estimates place Dayton’s Jewish population at approximately 4,000.

Who do I contact for information about moving to Dayton?

Please contact our External Relations Director Cheryl Carne

Are the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services, and Jewish Foundation separate agencies in Dayton?

Our agencies operate as traditional organizations under one combined 501c3.

Do my children have to be Jewish in order to attend the JCC's preschool?

Children of all religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are welcome to attend the JCC’s Preschool.

Are programs and events exclusive to the Jewish population?

As a whole, we are an inclusive organization. Our events and programs are open to all.

Where can I learn more about the Dayton Jewish community?

To learn more about Dayton’s Jewish community, check out our Shalom Dayton section, located here.

Jewish Observer

As Beth Jacob approaches 150 years, congregation returns to Orthodoxy

Members vote for synagogue to become Modern Orthodox and to affiliate with Orthodox Union By Marshall Weiss, The Observer As of Nov. 10, Beth Jacob Congregation now identifies as a Modern Orthodox synagogue, with separate seating for men and women on either side of a mechitzah (physical divider). That was The post As Beth Jacob approaches 150 years, congregation returns to Orthodoxy appeared first on The Dayton Jewish Observer. [...]

Native Daytonian’s activism brings Hamas tunnel simulation to D.C.’s National Mall

By Marshall Weiss, The Observer Boston-based attorney Doug Hauer says he and his spouse of 30 years, Jack, were “100-percent destroyed” when Jack’s family in Israel called them at 4 in the morning, Oct. 7, 2023. “His entire family is in Israel,” says Doug, who was born and raised in The post Native Daytonian’s activism brings Hamas tunnel simulation to D.C.’s National Mall appeared first on The Dayton Jewish Observer. [...]

NYT bestselling author’s history of NY dept. store grande dames

By Marshall Weiss, The Observer Among the extinct department stores of Manhattan, a mystique surrounds the names of a few: Bonwit Teller, Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel. Bonwit Teller, established in 1895, went bankrupt in 2000. It closed that year. Lord & Taylor filed for bankruptcy in 2020. When it The post NYT bestselling author’s history of NY dept. store grande dames appeared first on The Dayton Jewish Observer. [...]