Danielle V. Minson — Raising the Bar
last year, we invested $26.9 million to support 400 organizations worldwide, reaching 2.2 million people around the world, with over 100 organizations here in Cincinnati receiving funding, including the Hillel Wellness Shabbat these young women enjoyed.
October 31, 2024 |
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Oct 31 CEO Update: Building Lasting Shelters of Hope
On October 20, I had the honor of attending the dedication of the Let There Be Light mural at 124 W. 9th Street. As I stood before this beautiful new addition to our city, I was drawn to the image of the Havdalah candle at its center, its flame twisting upward as a symbol of hope. The mural honors two centuries of Jewish Cincinnatians’ contributions, reflecting the impact our community has had in shaping the city. Like the Havdalah candle that brings the light of Shabbat into the new week, these contributions have carried the values of resilience and cultural richness forward.
As I reflected on Sukkot, the mural took on a deeper meaning. Each year, many of us build sukkahs with temporary, often fragile roofs that remind us of life’s uncertainties and our need for shelter and protection. While the sukkah is temporary, the mural symbolizes our community’s resilience, even in the darkest times. One example depicted in the mural is Dr. Albert Sabin’s development of the oral polio vaccine, a lasting contribution that has saved countless lives. Learn more about the mural and its meaning here.
Created by artist Jessica Tamar Deutch, this stunning installation marks the culmination of our Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial, honoring 200 years of contributing to the vitality of our community. It weaves together symbols of our heritage, from the glow of the Havdalah candle to iconic businesses like Fleischmann’s Yeast. Brought to life through a collaboration between the Jewish Federation and ArtWorks, the mural is more than an artistic achievement—it’s a communal effort sparking conversations, forging connections, and deepening understanding across our city.
At the dedication, Lexi Theurling, an apprentice who helped paint the mural, shared how the experience deepened her Jewish connection and sparked curiosity among her non-Jewish teammates. In that moment, it became clear that the mural’s impact extends beyond its visual beauty—it represents the strength and unity that comes from working together to build something lasting.
This commitment to building shelters of strength extends to all our work at the Federation. Last year, we invested $26.9 million to support 400 organizations worldwide, reaching 2.2 million lives globally, with over 100 local organizations here in Cincinnati receiving crucial funding. By directing 88 cents of every dollar to programs and services, we ensure that your contributions have a real and lasting impact. Learn more here.
As we reflect on Sukkot, let’s carry forward the lesson that while some shelters may be temporary, the support and connection we build endure. The Let There Be Light mural reminds us that together, we can create lasting structures of hope, resilience, and unity.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Warm regards,
Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Your Support Matters: jewishcincinnati.org/give
