In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and the ensuing conflict, we find ourselves grappling with a disheartening rise in global and online antisemitism. It’s a stark reminder of the many reasons that can leave us feeling deeply perturbed by the state of the world.
It is Thanksgiving, the holiday was codified as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War. While this holiday has more than a few “problematic” themes, expressing gratitude amid tough times is its best.
There are more than a few things to be grateful for here in our Cincinnati Community. Since there are a slew of studies that show writing down what youre grateful for is a boon to mental health. Here is a list of some things I am thankful for in Cincinnati.
- Marx Bagels It is a classic; some may say old hat, but the memories of going to get bagels after Synagogue or after soccer practice are etched into my mind. Walking into the shop and being hit with the smell, looking at the artwork that has been on the walls for years. And enjoying a bagel fresh, because we all know they don’t travel well.
- Union Terminal This is my favorite building in Cincinnati, not just because it looks like the Hall of Justice. It is one of the finest examples of Art Deco in the United States. Its historic halls now hold several of the finest museums in the Midwest, including the Holocaust and Humanities Center. And it has the Omni Max, a massive dome-screened theater. Watch one of the nature docs, and tell me it isn’t an amazing place.
- Spring Grove Cemetary Not only is it an arboretum it holds some of the oldest trees and headstones in the Midwest. It is a beautiful place to walk and ponder.
- Shake it Records Located in the heart of Northside on Hamilton Ave, it is one of the best record stores in the tri-state area. You can find everything here, from used and new records. Spend time looking through the two-dollar and one-dollar record bins for forgotten gems.
- Alms Park This park atop a hill in Columbia Tusculum is often overlooked for its more popular sister parks, Ault and Eden. Alms Park has fantastic views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati. Go up at sunset or sunrise for added beauty.
- The Bengals It has proven to be a tough season for them. The team’s future is up in the air with Burrow’s season-ending injury. But the renewed spirit he has lent the team and this city continues to uplift even on the roughest days.
- Cafe Alma Not just because this editor uses it for 95% of meetings. But the cafe in the center of Pleasant Ridge has become the best kosher restaurant ever to grace the streets of Cincinnati.
- The Cincinnati Comedy Scene, Improv Cincinnati, Bombs Away, Go Bananas, and The Funny Bone (even though it is in Liberty Township, which really isn’t Cincinnati) Cincinnati punches above its weight in the arts it always has, now on top of Cincinnati’s thriving theater scene. You can catch live comedy nearly seven days a week in the Queen City, ranging from open mics to touring national acts and even the best improv and sketch comedy in the Midwest.
- Kungfood Amerasia (technically in Covington) The tongue and cheek restaurant features some of the best Chinese food in the metro area and is a go-to for the Christmas Eve Chinese.
- Festival of Lights and Cincinnati Zoo Ornate string lights and the zoo. I feel like I shouldn’t have to explain much more than that. Is it a coincidence that it happened around the same time as Hanukah? I don’t think so.
- You Yeah, you, the person reading this, your support is the driving force behind Cincy Jewfolk’s ability to share stories about the Cincinnati Jewish community.
Whatever you are Thankful for this year, try writing it down. Science says it might help. From the Cincy Jewfolk team, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and may your thankfulness continue to brighten our path forward.
