It is hard to believe we are only a little over three weeks away from our 2026 Presidents Dinner, which will take place on Sunday, May 17 at the Boonshoft CJCE. The Presidents Dinner honors the legacy of the Federation’s past presidents while inspiring our community with a global message on an intimate level. Attendees also have the opportunity to make a pledge to the 2026 Annual Campaign.
Our Chairs for this year’s event are Bernie Rabinowitz and his partner, Elaine Goldberg. Bernie has been a pillar in our Jewish community for many years. He has served on countless boards and in many leadership positions, including as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. Elaine’s involvement in the Columbus Jewish community mirrors Bernie’s involvement here in Dayton. She too has served the Jewish community through a variety of roles on board and committees. Elaine has said she is impressed with the Dayton Jewish community.
I am personally impressed at the incredible contributions Bernie and Elaine continue to have in our Jewish world. I am incredibly grateful for both of them.
This year’s keynote speaker is Jonah Platt. The most recent issue of The Dayton Jewish Observer has an excellent article about him. You can read it by clicking here.
As I read about Jonah, I realize he is somewhat of a salve for our times. In a world filled with increasing antisemitism and anti-Israel propaganda, Jonah seems to understand the depth of what it means to be Jewish. He is also a strong proponent of Israel and it’s right to exist.
As a Federation, we are definitively supportive of Israel. We recognize people may have varying opinions and views on what is happening in the world, particularly in the Middle East. However, we stand firmly, just as Jonah does, with Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
As Jonah says, “There’s no one right way to be Jewish.” Here in Dayton alone, I am constantly engaged in conversations with people who not only disagree with me on varying topics but are also very passionate about their stance. I can appreciate different opinions, as long as there is mutual respect and understanding.
That is what I like about Jonah. He grew up with a strong Jewish identity. His parents were, and continue to be, major leaders in the Jewish community. He speaks about his time at Jewish summer camp, which we know from multiple studies helps nurture a robust connection to one’s Judaism well into adulthood.
Jonah engages in conversations with a variety of people who were raised Jewish, but perhaps their upbringing looked different. Or, as an adult their Judaism looks different from Jonah’s.
I think on some level we can all relate to each other. As Jews, we all share a common thread. When I listen to Jonah interview someone, despite the fact that they both are Jewish, they may have been raised differently or have conflicting opinions about things ~ especially those pertaining to Israel. Yet they still share a connection.
I could go on and on about Jonah, but I encourage you to come to our Presidents Dinner and see for yourself what Jonah is all about. Tickets are currently on sale. You can click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
