Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

You may have seen information in the news regarding Nazi references displayed by a Tipp City School Board member at their recent meeting. Words and actions matter. We must stand up when inappropriate and offensive actions and language are used. Please click here to read our statement, which was sent to the media regarding this issue. We are communicating with local and regional organizations to respond to this incident, and we will continue to strive to educate people in our community about the dangers of displaying such unacceptable behavior.     To receive Cathy’s WHIM in your inbox each week,...

#StandUpToJewishHate This past weekend was the Yom Hashoah Remembrance program. It was so moving to hear from six of our Holocaust survivors (three of whom are in their 90’s). They shared their stories of strength and resilience. From the beginning, we have stated over and over again that we must never forget. And thanks to programs such as Yom Hashoah, most of us haven’t. However, antisemitism is still very much alive. There is still a great deal of work that needs to be done in combatting hate. But there is hope. Last month, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft invested...

A Story is Worth A Million Words Like so many young adults, I started to understand what the Holocaust was all about when I read The Diary of Anne Frank and saw the movie. It made an impression on me that is still there to this day. And while there are many stories that have been shared, there are millions left untold. At this year’s Yom Hashoah Remembrance, which will take place on Sunday, April 23rd, you will not only be able to hear stories from our local survivors, but you will also have the opportunity to take home a...

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...

Israel Update We have heard from our friends in Israel and from members in our Jewish community how concerned they are about the situation in Israel. Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has been in numerous conversations with leaders in the Israeli government, discussing their concern regarding the dire situation in Israel and the danger to the future of the state. As one of the Jewish Federations that makes up JFNA, we support their efforts. Please click here to read the statement containing the most up to date information of what is happening in Israel and the involvement of JFNA.  ...

I am not a political aficionado. However, while I don’t delve deeply into the political arena, I do keep myself fully informed as to what is happening in the U.S. and in Israel. In fact, it wasn’t until a while back when I went to an executives institute in Israel that I learned more about the Israeli political processes. We had a professor explain how a parliamentary government elects a prime minister. Even though I lived in Israel for a time and am an Israeli citizen, I found myself surprised that I didn’t know how all that worked. Now, with...

On February 18th, the JCC held its A Night In Vegas fundraiser for the first time since 2020. Normally I play in the Texas Hold’em tournament, but this year I had the honor of being a blackjack dealer. It was a blast! I wasn’t the only one who had fun though. The over 100 people in attendance also had a great time, partying with the purpose of raising money for the JCC. I was so inspired when I heard feedback from attendees, who, in addition to Texas Hold’em and blackjack, played roulette, euchre, and mah jongg. People also enjoyed karaoke (which was...

It’s no secret that I adore Dayton. Since I moved here over 10 years ago, I have fallen in love with the city and surrounding areas. There is so much to do, so much to see, and the city has so much to offer. I am especially fond of Jewish Dayton. When we started the Jewish Dayton Dreams Project in 2017, one of the initiatives that came to the forefront was to market Dayton as a great place to live Jewishly. So how do we convey this message not only to our community, but to those who may be thinking...

I was recently at lunch with someone who was reminiscing about the good old days at the JCC. They spoke of the bustling community center and how they remember dropping off their children there and participating in exercise classes. They spoke fondly of the connections they made there. Speaking about the past got me thinking about the present. There have been lots of changes over the past 30+ years. While some of the needs are the same, the way these needs are delivered may look a little different. We are meeting people where they are at this point in time....