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Jewish Cincinnati News

May 20, 2020

Living Jewish Values during a Pandemic

by Danielle V. Minson

I remember that when my Rabbi handed me a copy of the Torah portion from Leviticus that I would chant at my bar mitzvah ceremony, I was appalled. The portion went into detail about when people with certain symptoms must be quarantined. I had two thoughts. First: “What a strange, archaic, a…

May 13, 2020

How to Plan in Radical Uncertainty

by Danielle V. Minson

Sixteen years ago, the month I moved my family to Cincinnati, Rabbi Sigma (Sissy) Coran did the same. We both came to lead organizations that needed some rebuilding at the time. Soon, we were collaborating to guide the brainstorming and negotiating that led to the community purchasing Rockda…

May 5, 2020

How and Why to Re-Open Safely

by Danielle V. Minson

Some days, during this crisis, it’s felt like being in a boat at sea on a dark, stormy night. Many of us have felt disoriented or isolated. That’s only made it clearer to me how much we need a caring, responsive, well-functioning community. 

 

The Jewish Federation’s “Why” is t…

May 4, 2020

How You Help: Online English Class Offers Much to Russian Speakers

by David Harris

A Necessary Move Online

Class started at 10 a.m., but students began arriving a few minutes early. There was the usual hubbub—chatting, laughter, smiles, and waves. But this wasn’t a typical classroom. This was a class conducted over video conference.  

Seven students had gathered fo…

Apr 28, 2020

How You Help: Shiva Candle in Mailbox Helps Mourning After Losing a Parent

by David Harris

A simple gesture helped a couple—isolated from loved ones by the pandemic—mourn.
 

The "generosity of humans" helps a couple to grieve

“I asked what she wanted, what can I do?” Marc Nachowitz relates the story over the phone, grief showing in his voice’s low intensity.

He an…