There’s a saying—often said in Jewish tradition: plant trees whose shade you may never sit in.
That instinct—to build something lasting, even if the benefit comes later—is part of who we are.
But over the past few years, the world has pushed us into a different mode. From a pandemic, to wars, to rising antisemitism, we’ve become experts in crisis response—acting quickly, with compassion, and unflinching resolve.
And we’ll continue to be. But we also know: resilience isn’t enough on its own.
Because if all we do is respond to the now, we never get to imagine what could be.
To build a future that’s vibrant—not just reactive—we need to do more. And we are.
We are not just planting trees for cover—we’re planting for our children, for the values we want to pass down, and for the future we hope to shape.
And that kind of future doesn’t grow on its own. It takes care, intention, and the kind of planning that happens quietly—behind the scenes, and often without fanfare.
This summer, that’s the work we are doing. And it’s laying the groundwork for the next decade of Jewish life in Cincinnati.
We’ve been working closely with the Jewish Foundation to move the Cincinnati 2030 Community Strategic Plan forward. It’s a shared roadmap—to align our institutions, reduce duplication, and increase impact across the board—so that everyone in Jewish Cincinnati can feel a deeper sense of connection, care, and belonging. This vision is bigger than any one of us—and it reflects the kind of community we all want to belong to.
That same integrity is shaping how we work at Federation. We’ve clarified where we’re headed—and how we’ll get there. My colleagues across disciplines are bringing their expertise, creativity, and deep commitment to help move that vision forward.
It’s been powerful to sit alongside them in these conversations—watching them ask the hard questions: How do we balance short-term needs with long-term goals? What will truly move the needle? How do we stay focused on what matters most?
Their work isn’t just about goals. It’s about people. And it’s helping shape a stronger, more connected Jewish future.
We’re also seeing a meaningful shift in how people give. More of you are asking not just, “What’s the need right now?” but “What’s the future we’re building?”
That kind of values-driven giving allows us to say “yes” to bold ideas—and build the infrastructure that will carry us into the next chapter.
And through it all, one thing remains true: trust and collaboration are what make this possible. The relationships we’ve built—with you, with our partners, with each other—are the roots that hold us steady and help us grow the trees that will help shade our future. They’re what make Jewish belonging possible.
We’re also excited to welcome a new leader to our team.
Please join me in welcoming Chandler Waite, our new Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, Chandler most recently served as Director of Governmental and Economic Affairs at Israel’s Consulate to the Southwest. He says he was drawn to Cincinnati’s tight-knit Jewish ecosystem—and we’re thrilled to have him here. Feel free to reach out and say hello: [email protected] or (513) 985-1501.
Thank you for being part of that work—for showing up, for caring, and for helping grow the kind of future our children—and our values—deserve.
Shabbat Shalom,
Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
PS: This week, Federation joined our national system—including 86 Federations, dozens of JCRCs, and nearly 400 Jewish organizations across the country—in urging the National Education Association (NEA), America’s largest teachers’ union, to reject a resolution that would remove trusted anti-bias and Holocaust education programs from schools.
This action aligns with our core commitments: supporting Jewish identity, advocating for inclusive education, and protecting the safety and dignity of our community—especially as antisemitism in schools continues to rise. You can read our full statement here.