Friday Five – February 6, 2026

At JewishColumbus, we believe strongly that the best way to combat hate is to live vibrant, full, and joyful Jewish lives without fear. And for that reason, I am excited to share that more than $1.2 million in state and federal funding has been secured to strengthen the safety and security of our Jewish community. This critical investment was made possible through the tireless advocacy of Ohio Jewish Communities’ Howie Biegelman and the leadership of Bill Byers, our steadfast champion and Co-Chair of JewishColumbus’ JCRC.

These funds are already enhancing protection at synagogues, schools, and community spaces through upgraded camera systems, mobile security support for outdoor events, improved coordination with law enforcement, and dedicated resource officers.

This investment reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that Jewish life in Central Ohio can be lived openly, confidently, and safely.

We’re proud to spotlight board member Alex Weisler, senior video and digital content producer for JDC, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee — one of JewishColumbus’ overseas partners. JDC works in more than 70 countries around the world, saving Jewish lives and building vibrant Jewish communities. While recently overseas in Kazakhstan, Alex recorded a powerful reflection on the impact of our community’s generosity. Below is a transcript of his message, shared with gratitude and pride.

Transcript:

I’m standing outside the apartment of two of our elderly clients, Boris and Alina, who depend on your generosity, who depend on JDC, working together with JewishColumbus and so many other partners, to survive and have the food, medicine, and connection to Jewish life they need. 

We also invest in the next generation of Jewish life: teen programming, volunteers, dance troupes and theater, and vibrant holiday celebrations. 

It’s your generosity. 

It’s your continuing care and commitment that ensures there’s no edge of the Jewish world. There’s no periphery to Jewish life globally. 

There is one Jewish world: intertwined, interconnected, writing a bright new chapter, thanks to you.

I’m so proud to be part of it.

I’m so grateful and honored to witness it directly and to come home to Columbus and share stories of your impact because amazing, amazing things are happening, and you’re part of it.

Watch Alex’s Video Now

JewishColumbus proudly invested $1.5 million this year in Jewish education across Columbus, including vital support for early childhood learning. This commitment reflects our deep belief that Jewish education should be accessible to all. $2800 per student for day schools, $456 per student for religious school and $600 per student for pre-school helps ensure high-quality Jewish education remains within reach.

For many children, Jewish preschool is their very first experience of Jewish community, and its impact is profound. These formative years are when children discover that Jewish life is warm, welcoming, and filled with joy, laying a foundation that can last a lifetime.

Registration for Jewish preschools will be opening soon, and families are encouraged to explore the wonderful options available at the JCC Early Childhood Program and Gan Ephraim. These environments nurture not only learning, but also a deep sense of belonging.

As part of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), JewishColumbus is reaffirming its commitment to building a community where belonging is woven into every aspect of Jewish life. Today, our work centers not on disability as a limitation, but on how our community designs systems, spaces, and experiences so that everyone can participate with dignity and meaning. JDAIM serves as a catalyst for JewishColumbus’ commitment to this work far beyond a single month.

Under the leadership of our Director of Community Inclusion, Hanna Fotsch, JewishColumbus is advancing year-round, systemic change across the community. Through consultation, training, and coaching, organizations are embedding inclusive practices into programs, classrooms, and daily operations to strengthen physical, digital, and programmatic accessibility; implementing practical, high-impact improvements; and shifting from one-time accommodations to inclusive design built into planning and policy from the start. Together, these efforts ensure that people with disabilities are not only welcomed but also empowered to fully contribute, lead, and belong in Jewish Columbus.

Nearly 600 people from all corners of the community filled the halls of Agudas Achim for a Shabbaton weekend, creating an atmosphere of palpable joy, warmth, and ruach. Close to 40 college students and Camp Ramah alumni joined the congregation, alongside scholar-in-residence Emmanuel Calef, a JTS Rabbinical student, and his partner Tamara Settbon. From spirited tefillot and shared meals to meaningful learning and connection, the building was alive all weekend long, offering students and community members a powerful taste of Jewish life in Columbus.

This extraordinary gathering was made possible through an Innovation Grant from JewishColumbus, demonstrating the tangible impact of community investment. By supporting bold and creative programming like this Shabbaton, JewishColumbus is helping organizations such as Agudas Achim expand their reach, deepen engagement, and showcase the vibrancy of our Jewish community.