Posts by David Harris

David Gershuny Presented Jewish Federation’s 2021 Mesel Wieder Mensch Award

David Gershuny, 2021 Mesel Wieder Mensch Award Winner, is passionate about his commitment and service to the Jewish community.
 

“When I hear the word mensch, I immediately think of the Hebrew word musar, which is ethics as it relates to moral conduct,” explained David Gershuny. “…

After 14 Cities in Six Countries, Margot Gotoff Finds Cincinnati Her Home

Margot Gotoff, artist, proud member of the Jewish community, and Federation supporter, is pictured here at her recent art exhibition with children Leila and Daniel.
 

“I'm very proud of what my people have accomplished, I really am,” stated Margot Gotoff during a recent video chat. …

How the ‘Create Your Jewish Legacy’ Program is Thriving in Cincinnati

“We want to have an impact on the future of our Jewish community to remain strong for many generations to come and that is the beauty of a legacy gift.” —Margie and Steve Adler
 

“This shows firsthand the pride of individuals in our Jewish community and our commitment to sustain…

Interest Free Loan Program Helps Community Remain Financially Stable

“Cincinnati Jewish Interest Free Loans truly rescued me at a most difficult time.”—Robert Bass, Loan Recipient, pictured with his late wife, Sophie.
 

“After my wife's cancer surgery, we had a sudden need for 24/7 in-home care,” said Robert Bass. “It was going to be several …

It’s Not Out of Reach: How Legacy Giving Is Much Easier Than You Realize

Eric and Lily Liebman are now changing hundreds of lives, year after year, in perpetuity, through a sizable legacy gift she left for the Jewish community.
 

Somebody calls you asking for an annual donation. Your mind goes to your bank account, your job, or income situation, and you like…

Reconnect With Community at Federation's Super Sunday

Being active and giving back is part of the Kuresmans’ Jewish values.
 

“Maybe this is the year you say ‘yes,’” said Ed Kuresman about this year’s Super Sunday. “Who knows—you may think you're signing up for Super Sunday or participating in a conversation, but two years,…

Cincinnati Hillel Uses Funding Grant to Create Connections During COVID

Initially funded by a one-time inclusion grant from the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Hillel is providing crucial mental health programming to students in a series called “Coping with COVID.”
 

“In Judaism, the highest value that trumps all else is pikuach nefesh, sa…

"Cincinnati Is My Home": Israeli Native Helps Jewish Cincinnati Flourish

Growing up Idit Moss never imagined leaving Israel, but after living in Cincinnati for 30 years, cannot imagine living anywhere else.
 
"I feel like I'm giving a part of myself by educating students in Cincinnati about our shared heritage," said Idit Moss.
She is a bundle of happy energy…

JCC Meal Program Delivers Record Number of Meals During Pandemic

Mayerson JCC staff and volunteers are leaders in the region when it comes to meal distribution.
 
Over the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much of everyday lives—from our jobs to how we interact with one another and everything in between. In some cases, those chan…

Why I Give: "We’re all connected:” Why Giving Back is a Must for Sarason

Rabbi Dr. Richard Sarason and his wife, Anne Arenstein, originally bonded over their shared Jewish values and their love of the arts. Both passions have added depth and meaning to their lives, so they have been consistent and grateful givers to the Jewish community and our local arts organi…

Jewish Community Embraces Those in Need: Newly Created COVID-19 Relief Fund

The community’s new COVID-19 Relief Fund is already helping organizations across Cincinnati, including Jewish Family Service.
 
Cincinnati’s Jewish community, working together, has accomplished impressive acts of generosity, including supporting Jewish immigration from Europe after t…

Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Brings Community Together

Jaynie Levinson, Miriam Hodesh, and Jessica Kuresman (left to right) work hard to assemble the Thanksgiving Mitzvah packages.
 

“It’s so important for us to reach out and help others, especially during this time,” said Alison Caller, chair of Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Wo…

How You Help: Holocaust Survivor and Students Give of Themselves

Jewish Federation Supports Profound Learning about Holocaust
 

The start of the line

my hands up praying that G-d reverses time

—from “Overboard” by Makayla Baez-Billiter

 

Poetry as a Gift
Princeton High School senior Makayla Baez-Billiter wrote these lines as part of a po…

Why We Give: Shullers Volunteer to Help Create a Stronger Community

For the Shullers, being a part of a vibrant Jewish community has created a sense of belonging and deep connection to their Jewish roots
 
For Jan and Don Shuller, taking an active role in their Jewish community has always been a family affair. “Don’s father is 95 and has been giving …

Giving Strategies: Ten Tax Strategies to Keep in Mind at Year-End

Giving Strategies post by Jim Friedman, Director of Gift Planning & Endowment, and Deb Steinbuch, Director of Planned Giving and Endowment, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

2020 has been a year like no other, so it’s no surprise that end-of-year tax strategies look a little different. …