Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

David Harris

"I became very interested in [the JCC] because of my late husband, Milton Schloss, having a passion to support the Jewish Community Center. My vision for this was to create new programs for the children." —Frances Schloss (see her video, below)

A Passover Legacy: Seders with Refugees

By Louise Wolf 

 As Passover approaches, and we prepare for our Seders, we are also reminded that nobody is a stranger. We are meant to make sure that everybody has a place at a table.

For many years, my late husband Alan and I hosted Russian emigrés for Passover Seders at our home. For many of these people, it was their first Seder, and we were thrilled to host them. However, on occasion, my children didn’t understand why these recently immigrated families were at our table. More >

“In Excellent Hands”: Jewish Federation’s Annual Florida Reunion

March 12, 2017 — For the 17th consecutive year, Cincinnatians who spend part or all of the year in sunny Florida gathered at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s annual Florida reunion at Admirals Country Club in Jupiter, Florida. The event, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, was hosted by Elaine and Bob Blatt and Nancy and David Wolf. 

After catching up with one another during a social cocktail hour, Jay Price, Vice President of Development for the Jewish Federation, greeted our guests and thanked Kim Halbauer from Fifth Third Bank for their continuing support of the reunion. Jay shared the success we are enjoying in three areas of fund raising: Annual Campaign, Special Supplemental Gifts, and Create Your Jewish Legacy Endowment commitments. His main message is that our community is blessed with exceptionally talented, enthusiastic young leaders who have stepped up with vigor and therefore Cincinnati’s Jewish future is in “excellent hands.”  More >

Sustainers Event

The Federation’s Sustainers Event, honoring Silver Circle, Abraham Moss Society, those who have made a commitment through Create Your Jewish Legacy, and/or those who have made legacy commitments to Jewish organizations and congregations in Cincinnati, will be June 12.

Invitations to follow.  

Why I Volunteer: Fran Coleman

For the Federation’s new Why I Volunteer series, a volunteer is asked for a one-sentence answer to the question:  “Why do you volunteer in the Jewish community?”

“Because I have the passion and interest to be involved. The passion comes from the legacy set by my parents and grandparents. A great grandmother of mine actually started a school for girls because there was no religious school for them to go to. I have a personal connection.”

—Fran Coleman

Fran has held multiple positions with the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, starting in 1992. After joining the Federation’s board of trustees, she sat on its executive committee and served as vice president of leadership development. Fran chaired Women’s Philanthropy from 2010 to 2012, and is past co-chair of Planned Giving and Endowments.  

Meet Frances Schloss and watch her video

“I became very interested in [the JCC] because of my late husband, Milton Schloss having a passion to support the Jewish Community Center. My vision for this was to create new programs for the children.”

—Frances Schloss

The Milton and Frances Schloss Special Needs and Services Department at the Mayerson JCC offers inclusive programming for individuals with special needs, reducing their isolation and giving them meaningful ways to connect. The department was created through a gift from Milton and Frances Schloss that was secured by the Federation. Milton Schloss cared deeply about individuals with special needs and was also a supporter of the JCC and athletic and fitness programs. Frances knew that Milton would be proud of providing funding for the creation of programming at the JCC to benefit children and adults with special needs.

Jim’s April Tip: A Hidden Philanthropist Among Us

What I remember best? He met us for lunch but brought his own lunch in a paper bag—he didn’t want to make the Federation pay.  

Dr Robert Lemlich, z”l, was a teacher, a distinguished professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati for 33 years. He was a member of Etz Chaim Congregation and a lifetime member of Mensa. Drafted into the Navy at 18 in 1944, he served during World War II and until 1946. His wife, who preceded him in death, was called Elizabeth Ann; they lived in Ludlow, Kentucky.

But I didn’t know any of that then. Here’s what happened: 

I received a phone call sometime in 2004, and the gentleman said, “You don’t know who I am, but I’d like to come out and meet with you. And if things go well I will have some money for you.”

So I set up a meeting with him for lunchtime. I asked Shep Englander, our CEO, to join us. More >