Cincy Jewfolk

Shop for a Cause with JFF-CINCY & Women's Philanthropy
2026-07-15 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Ohio
Join **JFF-CINCY** , **Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Women’s
Philanthropy** , and **Evereve** for a special shopping event that brings our
community together in support of a meaningful cause. Browse Evereve’s latest
styles while connecting with others who care about supporting individuals and
families navigating infertility and family-building challenges.
Throughout the evening, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the Jewish
Fertility Foundation and the vital work JFF is doing for our community. A
portion of the proceeds from all purchases made during the event will be
donated directly to JFF.
As part of Helping on Chai, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Women’s
Philanthropy monthly service initiative, participants will assemble “Hope
Totes” for individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments. During the
event, attendees will hear from **JFF CEO & Founder, Elana Frank**, and a JFF
grant recipient about their fertility journey and the impact of this support.
*Exact location to be sent to registrants prior to event
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16050

Adapted Total Body Workout (Summer 2026)
2026-07-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-29 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
_Age 16+_
This inclusive adapted workout combines cardio and strength training in a
circuit format, with stretching and yoga for a total body workout.
Participants should be able to engage independently or with the help of their
own direct support professional.
_The Mayerson JCC Excellence Fund, The Milton and Frances Schloss Special
Needs and Services Fund for Children and Adults, the Jewish Federation of
Cincinnati, and The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati._
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15502

Mindful Meditations
2026-07-16 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-23 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-30 09:30 - 10:30 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
**_This program is only open to members of the JCC and/or 60 & Better
Center._**_ You can learn more about our 60 & Better Center
_(https://mayersonjcc.org/60-and-better/) _ or contact Melissa
Shrimplin at _513.761.7500 ext. 1218.
Join us for a gentle, mindfulness experience designed to support emotional
balance, physical ease, and overall well-being. Each weekly session combines
guided meditation, mindful movement, and supportive discussion to help
participants release tension, reconnect with their bodies, and cultivate inner
calm.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15570

Mahjong: Drop In & Play
2026-07-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-23 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-30 10:30 - 12:00 | Wise Center 8329 Ridge Road, Cincinnati
Drop in and enjoy a friendly game of Mahjong on Thursdays, starting at 10:30
AM. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the ropes, players of all
skill levels are warmly welcomed.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15947

Israel Swings For Gold: Film Screening
2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
Join us as we welcome Nate Fish (Manager of the Israel National Baseball Team
and CEO of Israel Baseball Americas) and Dan Cohen (Israel National Baseball
Team Lead Coach) for a special film event featuring the screening of _Israel
Swings for Gold_.
This documentary follows the journey of Team Israel as they compete in the
2021 Tokyo Olympics and how the athlete’s navigated hostility from fellow
competitors and online antisemitism, ultimately finding unity, pride, and
victory in their shared Jewish identity. _Content Warning: Explicit Language,
Adult Themes._
There will be a Q & A with Nate and Dan after the screening.
_Sponsored by the Sandler Family. _
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16233

Region on the Road: Strengthening Our Connections and the Lifechanging Work of Hadassah
2026-07-19 11:30 - 14:00 | Ohio
Join us for a celebration of Hadassah’s lifechanging work featuring Ellen
Hershkin, 26th Hadassah national president, immediate past chair of Hadassah
Israel travel, and current chair of _Hadassah Magazine_. Ellen will share
personal insights from her over four decades of Hadassah leadership.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and interact with Hadassah friends from
all over the region, including: Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lexington,
Louisville, and more. Share your stories and strengthen new friendships. Meet
your region president, Sharon Star.
A delicious dairy lunch will be served. Kosher dietary rules observed.
Event Chairs: Leigh Bird, Evelyn Block, Julie Bloom, Emily Hindin, Marsha
Johnston, Sis Litvin, and Renee Sandler
*Chapter leaders are invited to a pre-event workshop at 10:30 am ET.
**No walk-ins allowed.**
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15911

Fitness and Friends (Summer 2026)
2026-07-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
_Ages 16+_
This engaging adaptive class offers low-impact exercise, socializing, and
creative crafts. Participants should be able to engage independently or with
their own direct support professional.
_The Mayerson JCC Excellence Fund, The Milton and Frances Schloss Special
Needs and Services Fund for Children and Adults, the Jewish Federation of
Cincinnati, and The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati._
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15501

Tuesdays with Torah | Read with Me
2026-07-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Wise Center 8329 Ridge Road, Cincinnati
Some books are worth slowing down for. Join our rabbis for multi-week
conversations built around remarkable Jewish books.
We recommend purchasing these titles in advance and reading them beforehand to
prepare for a meaningful discussion.
**Judaism is About Love**
_June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30_
Presented by: Rabbi Neil Hirsch and Rabbi Zachary Goodman
Join Rabbi Hirsch and Rabbi Goodman as we explore Judaism Is About Love by
Shai Held, which makes a bold claim: Love is central to Judaism. Each week
we’ll read a short section and come together to unpack the ideas, ask big
questions, and connect Jewish wisdom to our lives today. No background
required—just curiosity and a willingness to read and think together. Come
read with us!
**When Bad Things Happen to Good People**
_July 14, 21 & 28_
Presented by: Rabbi Jamie Starr
Join us for a learning session exploring Harold Kushner’s classic When Bad
Things Happen to Good People. Together we will wrestle with questions of
suffering, faith, and resilience, reading key passages and discussing their
relevance to our lives, our communities, and the challenges of living with
uncertainty. Please bring a copy of the book and an open mind.
**Seeing Into the Life of Things**
_August 4, 11 & 18_
Presented by: Rabbi Neil Hirsch
Join us for a contemplative reading journey through Rodger Kamenetz’s newest
work, Seeing Into the Life of Things, a profound exploration of imagination as
a path to spiritual clarity and emotional healing. Drawing from his historic
encounters with the Dalai Lama and his long engagement with poetry, dreamwork,
and Jewish renewal, Kamenetz invites us to slow down, savor perception, and
rediscover the sacred moments embedded in our everyday images and memories.
Together, we’ll read closely and reflect on his essential question: How do
your spiritual practices help you with negative emotions like anxiety, envy,
resentment, and shame? As we begin to look toward a new year, the High Holy
Days, and the t’shuvah (repentance) of Yom Kippur, reading this book together
is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on life’s most essential spiritual
questions.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15789

Understand Cincinnati's Job Market and Choose the Right Roles
2026-07-21 13:00 - 14:00 | 10663 Montgomery Rd 10663 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery
Not sure which jobs are the best fit for your skills and career goals? This
practical, beginner-friendly session will show you how to use AI tools to
better understand job postings, uncover what employers are really looking for,
and evaluate whether a role aligns with your strengths.
You’ll also gain insights into Cincinnati’s key industries—including
healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and government—and learn how AI can
simplify local labor market information, hiring trends, and employer
expectations. Leave with practical strategies to make more informed career
decisions, prepare for interviews, and navigate your job search with greater
confidence.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16316

Annual Riverfront Litter Cleanup
2026-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ballfields 250 St Peters St, Cincinnati
Help us collect litter and recyclables near the Schmidt Boat Ramp and
adjoining park. _Shomrei Olam_ hosts an annual cleanup to draw attention to
keeping our inland waterways litter free. This year we are working in
anticipation of Paddlefest 2026 hosted at this location the following weekend.
Help us, help our city shine as this year’s 25th annual Paddlefest festival is
expected to be the largest ever in attendance.
**Shout out** to our friends at _Keep Cincinnati Beautiful_ that help us with
material support and coordination with Cincinnati City Services.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16294

Professional Portfolios Webinar
2026-07-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Ohio
Join JVS Careers and Project EM for our Professional Portfolio Basics webinar.
Our experts will provide you with the first steps to start your professional
portfolio and more!
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16136
Click here to join the livestream. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hyk8eLpmTR6hoBmDcqNeZg

Dementia: What It Is and How to Improve Quality of Life by Building Your Skills
2026-07-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
This event is open to all JCC members, not just 60 & Better members.
Are you a care provider? In 2020, 53 million family members were caring for
loved ones, and that number continues to grow. Join us to learn more and gain
a better understanding of what individuals experience with dementia.
This program is for anyone affected by dementia. Learn what a care partner is
(it may surprise you).
The evening will include three parts. First, an interactive presentation for
caregivers about dementia, including a Q&A session facilitated by Diane
Slovin, Certified Independent Positive Approach to Care® Advanced
Consultant/Mentor. Second, a presentation from Grace Hospice covering hospice
care and the signs that it may be appropriate. Finally, Grace Hospice will
lead the interactive Dementia Live+ experience to help you better understand
how dementia affects your loved one’s perception of life.
This valuable information will help you navigate the frustrations that both
caregivers and loved ones may experience. Come discover resources to help
support you on this journey.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15564

JWriters: A Monthly Jewish Writers Group
2026-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Ohio
JWriters is Cincy Jewfolk’s new monthly writers group for people who want to make space for writing, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re a longtime writer or just beginning, JWriters offers a supportive, low-pressure environment to build, revisit, or start a writing practice.
This group is designed as a safe and welcoming space to carve out dedicated time to write, marrying a love of writing with Judaism, and connecting with others through creativity and shared experience. Every session will start with a Jewish theme or prompt, then expand to wherever your creativity takes you.
Writers can choose to share their work and receive feedback if they wish, but sharing is always optional. At its heart, JWriters is about showing up, putting words on the page, and building a new creative community within our community.
JWriters will be led by Melissa W. Hunter, local author, columnist, and podcaster.

Program Details

Meeting cadence: Monthly Meet Up
Location: Location will be shared after RSVP
Dates: March 25 • April 29 • May 27 • June 24 • July 29 • August 26
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Who it’s for: Anyone with a passion for writing and a love of Judaism.
What to bring / how to prepare:
1. Something to write with (notebook, laptop, tablet, journal . . . whatever works best for you)
2. Any current writing project you’re working on (optional)
3. Headphones if you like quiet focus or music while writing (optional)
4. Respect for others’ voices and experiences

A Welcome Note From Melissa W. Hunter, Our JWriters Facilitator
I’m excited to lead JWriters because both writing and Judaism are a source of joy in my own life. I have made a career as a Jewish writer, and I look forward to sharing the beauty, meaning, and joy of writing from a Jewish lens with others.
My hope is that this group becomes a space to write freely, connect with like-minded people, and find community.
Writing, especially in a Jewish communal space, can be a way to explore topics that live at the intersection of identity, memory, tradition, and meaning. Whether journaling, writing poetry, personal essays, or working on a larger manuscript for publication, I hope participants feel supported in their creative process and inspired to keep writing.
I am the author of two Jewish novels as well as co-host of the podcast The Kibbitz with Cincy Jewfolk. My award-winning debut novel What She Lost tells the true-life story of my grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. My latest novel, Eight Wishes, is a holiday romance that unfolds over the eight nights of Hanukkah. I am also a contributor to Jewfolk publications, and my current novel ADAM is being published on Cincy Jewfolk in serial installments. My short stories have appeared in the Jewish Literary Journal as well.
I grew up in Cincinnati and studied creative writing and journalism at the University of Cincinnati, receiving a BA in English literature and a minor in Judaic studies. My other writing has appeared on Kveller.com, LiteraryMama.com, Booksbywomen.org, the Today Show parenting website, The American Israelite, and TheSame.blog, an online literary journal written for women by women.
When not at my computer, I love spending family time with my husband and two wonderful daughters, and I am never without a cup of coffee in my hands and my Maltipoo Kugel in my lap!

Join Us
Click here to RSVP

How JWriters Is Shaped
JWriters reflects one of Jewfolk, Inc.’s core values: Storytelling – Sipur Sipurim. We have a sacred obligation to link the past and future by sharing the Jewish stories of today. Through Jewfolk, Inc.’s signature Human Centered Design approach, this group is shaped by what people in our community bring to us: their questions, their needs, and their creative wants. By centering real voices and real experiences, JWriters links past and future through writing that is shared, communal, and deeply human.

Lifeguard Training (July 31 - August 2)
2026-07-31 16:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-01 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-02 09:00 - 18:00 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
Sign up to participate and receive your lifeguard certification from the
American Red Cross. Spots are limited!
* Friday, July 31 4 – 8pm
* Saturday, August 1 9am – 6pm
* Sunday, August 2 9am – 6pm
Eligibility & Prerequisites:
* Participants must be 15 years old on or before the last class or the session.
* Participants must attend all sessions to receive certification.
* Participants will have online course content to complete in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions.
* During the first in-person session, you must be able to pass a prerequisite two-part swimming skill evaluation.
To successfully complete the course, participants must:
* Complete all online course content in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions.
* Attend the entire course and participate in all in-person sessions.
* Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities and scenarios.
* Demonstrate proficiency in all skills.
* Successfully pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
* Pass three final skill assessments.
_Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an American Red
Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for
Professional Rescuers and First Aid, valid for 2 years._
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16264

Love Carnival: A Celebration of Tu B'Av
2026-08-02 18:00 - 22:00 | 2809 Woodburn Ave 2809 Woodburn Ave, Cincinnati
Join elech for a _night of love_ celebrating Tu B’Av, the Jewish Sweetheart
Day. Celebrate at Not Your Average Paint and Sip’s new East Walnut Hills
location and learn about Queer and Jewish visual artists. This Carnival-themed
art event will be sure to make you fall in love with elech – and who knows,
you may even meet your new sweetheart!
_What’s Tu B’Av?_
Tu B’Av is the 15th Day of the Jewish Month of Av. Originally, it served as a
matchmaking day for unmarried women before 70 C.E.. Tu B’Av has been revived
in recent decades to resemble Valentine’s Day.
_What is elech?_
elech is Cincinnati’s Queer Jewish Community that fosters belonging for
members of our community.
_Do I have to be Jewish?_
No! And we’re not a synagogue, and our leaders aren’t always rabbis.
_Do I have to be queer?_
Not necessarily. We’re a radically welcoming community, come as you are.
please be mindful of intentionally creating a safe and validating space for
queer people to practice jewishly, together.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16109

J Baby (Summer 2026)
2026-08-04 18:00 - 20:30 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
Join in community with others who are expecting their first child during this
prenatal series. The program will include courses taught by certified
professionals, pediatricians, and doulas and will prepare parents for labor
and delivery, breastfeeding, and newborn safety. This exciting milestone in
life is more enriching with a community by your side. Enjoy this experience
together with other Jewish parents as you deepen connections and form lifelong
friendships.****Delicious dinner will be provided at each session!
**Discussion Topics**
* Pre-Class Social
* Labor & Delivery
* Infant Care & Newborn Safety
* Lactation
* Jewish Life & Ritual
* Preparing for 4th Trimester
* Celebratory Meal
**Schedule:**
Tuesday, August 4 |**6 – 8:30pm**
Tuesday, August 11****|**6 – 8:30pm**
Tuesday, August 18 | **6 – 8:30pm**
Tuesday, August 25|**6 – 8:30pm**
Tuesday, September 1 | **6 – 8:30pm**
A pre-social gathering will take place on Sunday, July 26.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15452

Families & Politics: How to Talk About Politics When We Disagree?
2026-08-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, Ridge Avenue 8485, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236, United States
_This program is only open to JCC members and 60 & Better members._
Family relationships, as well as friendships, are becoming casualties of our
toxic, polarized environment. Families and friends are having political
arguments, avoiding each other, or even cutting off lifelong relationships.
Although the focus is on family relationships, you can use the strategies in
this workshop with any loved one. You will laugh and have some fun in this
workshop. It will not be all serious. After all, we all have quirky
relationships!
Successfully “taming” our inner polarizer starts with recognizing our
tendencies toward harmful generalizations about the other side. This also
requires acknowledging how we may attribute negative intent and motivations to
the other side without first trying to understand them.
_In Partnership with Braver Angels (a non-religious organization that develops
educational tools to build bridges between people divided over politics)._
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15565
