Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

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:

1. 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 a dedicated security person who could not only benefit our organization, but act as a liaison for the entire Dayton Jewish community. Earlier this year, we were able to hire John Davis as our full-time Security Director. His knowledge, experience, and connections with other law enforcement professionals in the greater Dayton area have proven to be invaluable for our community. We look forward to creating a safer Jewish Dayton.
2. Our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has been busy. Through our Upstanders Project, JCRC has focused on cultivating relationships with our community allies, as well as creating a respectful space for open dialogue with those who may have differing opinions on issues such as the Israel-Gaza War. This past fall, we held a three-part series, Israel in Focus, which featured three documentary films about 10/7 and its aftermath. Each film concluded with a moderated discussion. We also held a panel discussion last month, Israel – What’s Next?, where our local rabbis spoke about the release of the 20 remaining living hostages taken captive on 10/7, hurdles Israel and Jews throughout the world are still facing, and our hopes for the future.
3. Our Jewish Community Center (JCC) has been hard at work offering a variety of exciting cultural programs and events for our entire community, from infants to 100 years old! Our preschool continues to provide outstanding care and education for our littlest community members. Many children in grades K-8 were able to experience a fun-filled summer at Camp Shalom, and those in grades 9-12 have enjoyed participating in BBYO activities. It’s so inspiring to watch children in our area develop life-long friendships thanks, in part, to their participation in Jewish community activities. For the adults, we once again offered two spectacular series this year – the Cultural Arts & Book Series and the Jewish Film Festival. The Film Festival was particularly exciting as we celebrated the 25^th year since its inception. We continue to see not only familiar faces, but new ones too. It is always a joyful moment when we can engage new people from the community.
4. Speaking of new people, Kate Elder, our PJ Library and Outreach Coordinator, worked hard in 2025 to ensure all Jews throughout the Miami Valley felt welcome in our community. When we hear about a new Jewish family in the area, they are contacted immediately, and we do our best to connect them with programs that fit their interests and lifestyles. One program in particular – PJ Library – engages many new families and often acts as an entry point for participation in other Jewish Dayton events. PJ Library provides a free monthly Jewish-themed book to children ages 6 months – 8 years old. Our PJ programs have become a highlight in the community, often bringing in over 200 people for fun activities such as Shabbat in the Park, apple picking, and a “Down on the Farm” event in the fall.
5. Jewish Family Services (JFS) experienced a transitional year as we bid farewell to JFS Executive Director Tara Feiner, who departed Dayton to move closer to family on the east coast. We knew after 10 years with the organization, her shoes would be difficult to fill. I am happy to report on December 15^th, our new JFS Executive Director, Brian Kerstine, began his tenure with the organization. I am excited for this next step for JFS.
6. Last, but certainly not least, our Jewish Foundation continues to experience outstanding investment performance. We work closely with our investment managers, aiming to create the best returns possible for our philanthropic fund holders and endowments.

This is just a small sample of the amazing work the Jewish Federation and its Agencies were able to accomplish because of donors, like you. As always, thank you for your continued support of the Annual Campaign. Your donations allow us to do all these things and more.

I wish you an incredible 2026, filled with great health and happiness.

Chief Executive Officer

Cathy Gardner