Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jewish population in Dayton?

Current estimates place Dayton’s Jewish population at approximately 4,000.

Who do I contact for information about moving to Dayton?

Please contact our External Relations Director Cheryl Carne

Are the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services, and Jewish Foundation separate agencies in Dayton?

Our agencies operate as traditional organizations under one combined 501c3.

Do my children have to be Jewish in order to attend the JCC's preschool?

Children of all religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are welcome to attend the JCC’s Preschool.

Are programs and events exclusive to the Jewish population?

As a whole, we are an inclusive organization. Our events and programs are open to all.

Where can I learn more about the Dayton Jewish community?

To learn more about Dayton’s Jewish community, check out our Shalom Dayton section, located here.

Jewish Observer

Dayton Jewish Observer honored for best religion reporting in Ohio

Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists chapters statewide, announced July 3 that Dayton Jewish Observer Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss has received its 2024 first-place award for Best Religion Reporting in its small newspaper category (circulation below 60,000). This is the The post Dayton Jewish Observer honored for best religion reporting in Ohio appeared first on The Dayton Jewish Observer. [...]

Beth Abraham Synagogue’s Cantor Andrea Raizen retires

By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer Cantor Andrea Raizen’s retirement from Beth Abraham Synagogue at the end of July marks the first time in a generation that no Dayton area Jewish congregation will employ an invested cantor. And due to financial constraints, Beth Abraham plans to only employ one The post Beth Abraham Synagogue’s Cantor Andrea Raizen retires appeared first on The Dayton Jewish Observer. [...]

Former Daytonians living in Israel gather for reunion

By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer “It’s great in Dayton but Israel is home,” read a small hand-drawn banner taped to a refreshment table in the garden of Bracha and Yitzhak Zuriel’s home in Jerusalem. The Zuriels hosted a reunion for 40 former Daytonians — primarily baby boomers — The post Former Daytonians living in Israel gather for reunion appeared first on The Dayton Jewish Observer. [...]