Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

This week has been very difficult for Jews around the world, especially in Israel. People with friends and family in Israel are trying their best to keep in touch with their loved ones, and act as a source of strength during this difficult time. We here at the Federation have been keeping abreast of the situation through webinars provided by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and through contact with our friends in our Partnership2Gether (P2G) area and Dayton’s sister city of Holon. When an Iranian missile strike hit Holon, we wanted to make sure citizens in the city knew...

Since October 7th, figuring out how we, as Jews, feel about the global Jewish community and the rise in antisemitism here in the United States has been increasingly difficult to articulate. It is important that the Jewish community’s concerns regarding antisemitism be shared not just within our own community, but also with the community-at-large. Last Sunday, the Dayton Daily News published opinion pieces from three Jewish community leaders ~ Jeff Blumer (Jewish Community Relations Council Director), Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz (Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel) and Rabbi Judy Chessin (Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Or) ~ each brilliantly capturing their views...

As we prepare to remember and honor those who perished and survived during the Holocaust, we must not forget the stories of the Liberators. At this Sunday’s Yom Hashoah Observance, we will hear from Elaine Buckler, who will share the story of her father, Paul Buckler, who participated in the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945. I was fortunate enough to hear another liberator’s story earlier this week, when I attended the 45th Annual Governor’s Holocaust Commemoration. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine shared the story of his father, who participated in the liberation of Dachau as part of...

I was recently at a conference in Chattanooga for CEOs of small Jewish Federations. It provided an opportunity for those of us in attendance to learn and share ideas with each other. The conference was packed with informative sessions, including one where we discussed best practices and unique initiatives currently implemented in our respective communities. For me, two of the most inspirational experiences from my trip were our visit to the Children’s Holocaust Memorial in Whitwell, TN and a roundtable idea exchange with my colleagues. The Children’s Holocaust Memorial is home to the Paper Clips exhibit. According to their website...

Earlier this month, JCC Executive Director Marc Jacob and I traveled to Massachusetts to attend a special conference, titled “Navigating Israel and the Rise of Antisemitism.” The sessions offered at the conference gave us a detailed glimpse into the issues currently plaguing the worldwide Jewish community. We heard from several guest speakers who spoke on topics such as the historical roots of antisemitism, Jewish hatred on college campuses, and ways that we as Jewish people can advocate for our community. One speaker in particular at the conference provided me with hope and inspiration. Darius Jones, Founder and President of the...

It is critical that our American Jewish voices be heard. Be a part of history. According to the American Zionist Movement website, “Between March 10 and May 4, 2025, American Jews will vote for their delegates to the 39th World Zionist Congress, the ‘parliament of the Jewish people,’ which will convene in Jerusalem in October 2025. Voting in the election is the most powerful opportunity to have your voice heard in Israel, make an impact in Jewish communities worldwide, and stand up for Zionism. The representatives who are elected — with one-third of them coming from the United States — will make key decisions...

While the WHIM stands for “What Inspires Me,” the source of the inspiration comes from a multitude of different places. Sometimes, it is my own personal experiences that relate to the work we are doing at the Jewish Federation. Other times, I am inspired when someone shares their perspective. At the culmination of this week, I can only say that I was at a loss for words. My heart is broken and searching for that light of hope. Howie Beigelman, President and CEO of Ohio Jewish Communities, shared his sorrow in the first message below, and Evan Bernstein, Vice President...

As a child, I attended Sunday school, went through confirmation, and spent my summers at Jewish camp. In my young adulthood, I traveled to Israel, and eventually lived there and became an Israeli citizen. And subsequently, I’ve spent the past 30 years as a Jewish communal professional. Throughout all of these life experiences, I learned about Israel and Zionism. However, it wasn’t until I pursued my Masters in Jewish Professional Studies that I delved deeper into the history of Zionism. I learned, in greater detail, about Israel’s rich history and the conflicts surrounding its formation. Throughout my studies, I read...

Feedback is important as the CEO of the Federation, I am often the first person to receive feedback for our programs…

New report on antisemitism earlier this month, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Tel Aviv University published the…