Newcomers in Dayton

Moving to a new city can be daunting. Apart from the move itself, meeting new people can prove to be difficult ~ especially when many “connections” are made these days through social media instead of in person.

When we have new community members in Dayton and the surrounding area, our number one goal is to make them feel welcome and help them navigate the Dayton Jewish community. Whether that means introducing newcomers to other community members, inviting them to events, or connecting them with synagogues, we tailor our interactions to meet their needs.

When Tamara Sack was planning her move to Dayton, one of her first calls was to the Federation. “Living in a vibrant Jewish community was a top priority for me,” says Tamara. “I am not particularly religious, but I must engage in Jewish culture, arts, events and Jewish learning. For its size, the Dayton Jewish community and its offerings are exceptional.”

I am not particularly religious, but I must engage in Jewish culture, arts, events and Jewish learning. For its size, the Dayton Jewish community and its offerings are exceptional.

~ Tamara Sack
Community Member

I am not particularly religious, but I must engage in Jewish culture, arts, events and Jewish learning. For its size, the Dayton Jewish community and its offerings are exceptional.

~ Tamara Sack
Community Member

I am not particularly religious, but I must engage in Jewish culture, arts, events and Jewish learning. For its size, the Dayton Jewish community and its offerings are exceptional.

~ Tamara Sack
Community Member

Along with attending a variety of events, including Temple Israel’s Jewish Cultural Festival and the JCC’s Jewish Film Fest, Tamara decided to take the Introduction to Judaism class presented by the Synagogue Forum of Greater Dayton. “I have a renewed interest in Judaism and examining my faith,” explains Tamara. “Indeed this is a personal experience. So far, what a learning experience. I love learning about my faith and engaging in wonderful discussions.”

One of the things Tamara loves best about the Dayton Jewish community is the welcoming atmosphere and ease in making friends here. “Whenever I go to an event, I smile and introduce myself as new to the area,” says Tamara. “People are very receptive. And I find, in the Jewish community especially, people you meet immediately recommend two or three other people that you ‘absolutely have to meet.’ I absolutely love Dayton, especially the Jewish community!”

Kate Elder’s involvement with the Dayton Jewish community began through the JCC preschool. According to Kate, “My initial involvement, as suggested by Cheryl, was to attend a preschool PTO meeting. From there, I began to meet parents with young children through preschool and PJ Library events.”

Two years later Kate, her husband Jake, and their three children can be found regularly attending events throughout the Dayton Jewish community. Kate serves on the JCC Board and the Federation Board. “Since moving here, Cheryl has contacted me with numerous Federation events to attend and encouraged me to meet one-on-one with other parents, who I’m thrilled to say are now my friends and support.”

In moving to Dayton, my goal was to become involved and active in the Jewish community so my family could build friendships and connect with other Jews. I want my children to be supported in their Jewish beliefs ~ and Federation is the key to becoming involved.

~ Kate Elder
Community Member

In moving to Dayton, my goal was to become involved and active in the Jewish community so my family could build friendships and connect with other Jews. I want my children to be supported in their Jewish beliefs ~ and Federation is the key to becoming involved.

~ Kate Elder
Community Member

In moving to Dayton, my goal was to become involved and active in the Jewish community so my family could build friendships and connect with other Jews. I want my children to be supported in their Jewish beliefs ~ and Federation is the key to becoming involved.

~ Kate Elder
Community Member

Kate continues, “We had a very, very small Jewish community in Lima. In moving to Dayton, my goal was to become involved and active in the Jewish community so my family could build friendships and connect with other Jews. I want my children to be supported in their Jewish beliefs ~ and Federation is the key to becoming involved.”

The impact the Dayton Jewish community has on people new to our area is priceless, with countless friendships and numerous connections made, and an infinite amount of opportunities available for involvement.

For more information about Dayton, please contact Cheryl Carne, Director of External Relations at (937) 610-1778 or ccarne@jfgd.net.