At JewishColumbus we have a bold and audacious goal to become the BEST Jewish community in North America. Friday Five is a way to share how your support makes a great impact possible. Every other week, we are proud to share that impact, community partnership, accomplishments, and our most incredible moments of pride. Thank you for coming along.
From the moment we learned of the military strikes involving the United States and Iran, our team moved quickly to connect with clergy, agency executives, and community leaders to ensure they had what they needed to support their congregants and institutions.
Our security team, led by Chief Security Officer Mike Higgins, immediately coordinated with local and national law enforcement partners to assess potential threats and reinforce protective measures for all Jewish institutions, while our Israel and Overseas team reached out to our partner city and other partners in Israel to check on their well-being and offer support. Out of an abundance of caution, you will see increased security at our Jewish institutions over the next few weeks.
In moments like this, JewishColumbus works to ensure our community responses are coordinated. As the situation continues to develop in Iran and Israel, we will closely monitor events on the ground locally and communicate with our partners in Columbus and Israel.
We hold in our hearts and prayers the brave service members on the front lines.
We pray for the protection of American troops, for the safety of civilians throughout the region, and for a path toward peace, stability, and justice.
Nearly 1,600 community members came together for this year’s Allison Senser Community Purim Festival, filling the Celeste Center with unmistakable Jewish joy. As difficult world news weighed on many hearts, families who walked through the doors were met with pure Jewish joy. From a giant slide and climbing wall to carnival games, a silent disco, arts & crafts, delicious food from JCatering, and a sensory-friendly “Chill Zone,” led by Director of Community Inclusion Hanna Fotsch, the afternoon offered something for everyone – a powerful reminder that in challenging times, our ruach (spirit) shines brightest when we gather as one.
Now in its eighth year, the festival honors the life and legacy of Allison Senser, whose love of Purim and passion for bringing people together continue to inspire this cherished tradition. A special thank you to Chairs Ben Kozberg & Aaryn Rubin, Allison’s family, the amazing host committee, and the extraordinary team at the JCC for creating such a meaningful and joyful day for our community.
Watch the news story about the special day. View our Purim gallery now
In recent weeks, JewishColumbus’ JCRC has activated multiple calls to action in response to developments that directly affect the safety, dignity, and civic engagement of the Jewish community across Ohio.
Following a troubling incident during testimony before the Ohio Senate, JCRC leaders have been working with partners, including the ADL and Ohio Jewish Communities, to coordinate a thoughtful and strategic response. Community members are encouraged to lend their voices by contacting Senate leadership, including Nathan Manning and Michael Reynolds, to urge a clear condemnation of antisemitic rhetoric. Use this sample letter to contact your Senator today.
In addition, you can help amplify a statewide advocacy effort that was recently passed by the Senate and is moving to the House – SB 87. This legislation would adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism and strengthen protections against hate-motivated violence. Jewish community members are encouraged to contact committee members and House leadership to express support for the bill and reinforce the importance of clear tools to address antisemitism.
Fifty Jewish educators and programmers from across Columbus gathered for a day of learning, reflection, and collaboration as JewishColumbus welcomed Jewish education experts M2 (M Squared) to lead an immersive professional development experience,Yamim.
Framed around the theme “Visions and Values,” the program invited participants to explore how Israel’s founding ideas and contemporary crossroads can shape the ways educators teach and inspire around Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Through dynamic text study, conversation, and hands-on designs, professionals engaged deeply with questions of purpose, identity, and the role of values-driven Israel education in today’s classrooms and communities.
Participants left the day with practical tools, fresh frameworks, and renewed inspiration to bring into their Yamim programming and year-round work.
Mazel tov to Wexner Heritage Village (WHV) and Tifereth Israel, recent recipients of a JewishColumbus Community Innovation Grant. Through a new pilot initiative, WHV residents will receive coordinated transportation to attend Shabbat morning services at Tifereth Israel — opening the doors of synagogue life to seniors who might otherwise be unable to participate. Beyond worship, the program creates meaningful opportunities for shared prayer and intergenerational Shabbat lunches, deepening relationships between residents and congregants while reconnecting older adults to the communal rhythm of Shabbat.
Grounded in the Jewish values of honoring elders and collective responsibility, the pilot aims to provide 500–600 rides while testing a model that could expand access more broadly across our community.
At its core, this Innovation Grant reflects a simple but powerful commitment: ensuring that every member of our community can fully experience Jewish life with dignity, connection, and a true sense of belonging across generations.