Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

Happy Passover

Cathy Gardner | April 7, 2023
Happy Passover

Happy Passover

Last night our JCRC Sr. Director, Chen Shterenbach, and I went to Columbus to the State House for a Seder that was held for state legislatures and their staff. Leadership and professionals from Federations across Ohio were also invited to attend. The idea for the Seder was the brainchild of new elected State Representative Dani Isaacsohn, from Cincinnati. The concept of freedom, from the time of the Torah until today, was the common theme.

Jewish, Muslim, and Christian representatives were in attendance. Everyone participated in the reading of the Haggadah, including the singing of Dayeinu. It was an incredible experience.

What was most impressive to me was the joy that everyone exhibited. For many participants, this was their first Seder. It was so inspiring to see people from all backgrounds come together for this important event.

I hope that your holiday is as joyous as my experience was at last night’s Seder. Wishing you a very meaningful and delicious Passover.

 

 

 

To receive Cathy’s WHIM in your inbox each week, click here.


Cathy Gardner's signature
Chief Executive Officer
Cathy Gardner

Latest Articles

View All Articles
Cathy's Whim
Three Years Later
Cathy Gardner

October 7, 2023 is a day we will never forget. Three years after 1,200 people were killed in a Hamas-led attack that also saw 251 people taken hostage, our lives remain forever changed. Initially, the worldwide Jewish community received an outpouring of support. However, over time, some of that support turned into accusations of war crimes and genocide. This opened the door for a wave of antisemitism throughout the diaspora. And now, three years later, we are still fighting for Israel’s right to exist and for Jewish people to live in a world free from fear and persecution. While we...

Read More

Cathy's Whim
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Cathy Gardner

If there is one constant in life, it is change. Our interests, wants, and needs often shift with time and circumstances. This is true not only in our individual lives, but also in communities. When the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education (CJCE) was built in the early 2000’s, it fulfilled the needs for our community at that time. However, throughout my tenure here, community members have shared with me that they find themselves either needing or desiring different services and amenities than we currently offer. I realize there may be others who share these sentiments. Knowing what people...

Read More

Cathy's Whim
Peter Wells
Cathy Gardner

When I first began my position as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, I received a phone call from Peter Wells, who served as CEO of the organization from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. He was in town and asked if he could meet with me. What began as a meeting to provide me with insight and information about the Dayton Jewish community quickly morphed into a very special relationship. Peter wasn’t just a professional resource. He was my mentor and a dear friend. He proved to be a wealth of knowledge, helping me to have a...

Read More