New Law Puts Focus on Jewish Holiday Absences
Ohio’s new school absentee law now tells observant Jewish students two things at once: They may miss school for religious holidays without academic penalty. But those same excused hours can still count toward chronic absenteeism.
Cincinnati SJP States Chapter Placed on Probation Following April Conference Protest
The University of Cincinnati (UC) chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) announced Aug. 9 that it had been placed on probation following disciplinary proceedings related to its April 21 protest of a university-sponsored conference on the Abraham Accords.
An Experience of a Lifetime: 2026 Maccabiah Games
The 2026 Maccabiah Games in Israel were a deeply meaningful experience in my life. Unfortunately, the previous year’s Maccabiah Games had been canceled because of the War, and I was devastated when I learned I would not have the opportunity to compete. When the Games got rescheduled for 2026, I was ecstatic!
University of Cincinnati Students for Justice in Palestine Chapter Announces It Faces Suspension
The University of Cincinnati (UC) chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) announced on July 12 that it is facing disciplinary action over its April 21 protest of an on-campus event focused on the Abraham Accords. The chapter is now soliciting testimony and video to fight the sanction through the website of YUSRA, a Cincinnati nonprofit co-founded by the same non-student activist who led the chants that day.
Israeli Baseball Shows Off Cincinnati’s Jewish Talent
On Thursday evening, July 16, the smell of popcorn filled the Mayerson JCC as Cincinnati’s Jewish baseball community gathered to watch Israel Swings for Gold. Before the lights went down, David Harris looked across a room filled with Hebrew day school alumni, JCC softball players and supporters of Israel and called the program “a true
Record Attendance at J Classic
On June 11, over 400 community members gathered at Losantiville Country Club for the JCC’s J Classic. The event, historically a golf event, now includes women’s and men’s tennis and pickleball. Other activities include Canasta and Mahj, which have also seen an increase in participation.
A Value: We Literally Walk Out. My Experience at Cincinnati Pride as a Queer Jew
The gay pride parade is all about celebrating who you are loudly and proudly, and this applies to the Jewish community as well. Despite the dreary weather, thousands of people showed up to walk or watch the parade, including Cincinnati’s Jewish community. Seeing the Mayerson JCC bus roll down Seventh Street, surrounded by queer Jews and Jewish allies was a reminder that my existence matters. (The huge hug I got from Rebecca Garfinkle made sure I didn’t forget that).
Adath Israel Country Showcase Brings Down the House
On May 31, congregants and friends gathered at Adath Israel to honor Mitch Cohen’s retirement as Communications Director — and to celebrate the music that defined his nearly two decades of service.
Palestinian Activists, Covington Workers and the Kentucky Taxpayer
If you spend enough time around downtown Covington, you begin to notice a common theme plaguing the city’s streets. A slogan appears on a stop sign: Boycott Israel. A sticker shows up on a parking meter: Free Gaza. Painted text materializes on a municipal power box: 680,000 killed in Gaza. Then, a few days later, a city employee arrives with a scraper, a paint roller, or a replacement sign. The message disappears. The worker leaves. A week later, it starts all over again.
Cincinnati Jews Showed Out at the Great American Ballpark
The Jewish Community showed out at the Great American Ballpark for the Reds vs. Kansas City Royals Tuesday, June 2 filling over 550 seats across the stadium. The weather was in the 70s and spirits were high. This event marked the X annual Jewish Community Night at the Reds which was organized by staff of the Mayerson JCC.