|
On November 1, we held our JewishColumbus Board retreat, followed by a gathering at the home of Abigail and Les Wexner. We weren’t there to raise money or present a finished plan. We were there to ask a fundamental question: What would it take to make Columbus the best Jewish community in North America, and what could we accomplish if we worked together to get there? There are approximately 30,000 Jewish people in Central Ohio, and our goal is to help everyone who wants a meaningful Jewish connection find one.
We discussed ideas for strengthening Jewish education, expanding access to summer camps and other Jewish experiences, engaging young adults and families, developing future leaders, and supporting our institutions. These are ideas, not commitments, and we have much more listening to do. But a shared vision makes all of us stronger, and that strength is one of our best answers to antisemitism.
| We will always work to protect our community. But security alone cannot create what Jewish friendships, education, traditions, and shared experiences do: a strong sense of belonging and pride in who we are. The more connected people feel to Jewish life, the more confidence they have to stand up to those who threaten us. |
|
I want to thank Abigail and Les for their hospitality, our Board, and the rabbis, synagogue, and agency leaders who helped begin these conversations. Their willingness to work together gives me tremendous optimism.
This is only the beginning, and I want to hear from everyone. What are we missing? What would make Jewish life in Central Ohio even stronger? Email me directly at [email protected]. And please share this message with someone who doesn’t yet feel connected to our community. We can’t build a truly connected Jewish community by talking only to those already involved.
Those lines outside the restaurants in Philadelphia showed what Jewish unity looks like when we’re threatened. I want our children to feel that unity every day, not only in moments of crisis. I don’t want those who hate Jews to be the reason they discover what being Jewish means. I want the Jewish community we build together to be the reason they love it. |
|
