Danielle V. Minson — Raising the Bar
The Jewish Home Funding Kosher Food, Religious Programming at Cedar Village
When Cedar Village opened in March 1997 as a result of the merger of Glen Manor and the Orthodox Jewish Home, the mission was to maintain Jewish customs and rituals to cater to all levels of observance within the Cincinnati Jewish community.
“That was done successfully for the nearly twenty one years in which The Jewish Home of Cincinnati owned and operated Cedar Village,” said Jewish Home CEO Oscar Jarnicki.” And it is being done today through our commitment to maintaining Kosher food, pastoral care, and Jewish cultural programming at the facility.”
In reviewing potential buyers of Cedar Village in early 2018, it was the goal of The Jewish Home’s Board of Trustees to find a buyer that would allow the continuation of its mission, including to make available Kosher food as well as religious and cultural programming. A collaborative working relationship between the buyer, Indiana Senior Housing, its management group, CarDon, and The Jewish Home of Cincinnati has been established to ensure the mission continues to meet the needs of Jewish residents at Cedar Village.
“When The Jewish Home sold Cedar Village last summer, we may have handed over the keys to the facility, but we did not hand over the responsibility to continue serving members of our community,” said Gary Blachman, Board Chair of The Jewish Home. “We are partnering with the new owners to create an environment that supports the needs of all members of our Jewish community.”
The Jewish Home is working with Cincinnati Kosher to ensure that the residents who choose Kosher meals at Cedar Village continue to have them. Cincinnati Kosher, under the direction of Rabbi Avrohom Weinrib, its Rabbinic Supervisor, oversees the entire Kosher program at Cedar Village. The facility now serves both Kosher and non-Kosher food to residents.
Intense supervision is required so there is no cross-contamination between the Kosher and non-Kosher kitchens. Cincinnati Kosher now has a full time mashgiach at the facility at all times to supervise the Kosher program. Any Cedar Village resident can request to receive Kosher only food. The deli counter will also remain strictly Kosher under the supervision of Cincinnati Kosher and is open during the day, Sunday through Friday.
“Religious and Jewish cultural programming has always been an integral part of Cedar Village,” said Patti Heldman, Vice Chair of The Jewish Home board. “This has not changed since the sale.”
Cantor Alane Katzew continues in her role as Director of Pastoral Care. Rabbi Natan Kunin is the new Orthodox Rabbi. As in the past, all holidays and religious customs continue for all residents who are interested.
Cedar Village has always had a robust schedule of events and programs for residents’ participation and enjoyment. With support from the Cedar Village Foundation, residents continue to enjoy Cincinnati’s many arts, culture, and other events that take place throughout the city.
Contributions to the Harkavy Fund, the Berg Fund, the Resident Activities Fund, the Opening Minds Through Art Fund, the Music and Memory Fund and the Drury Fund, as well as contributions from The Friends of Cedar Village auxiliary give Cedar Village residents the opportunity to enjoy programs that they have been accustomed to.
“Because of the generosity of these donors, residents have access to the latest art and music therapy programs,” said Larry Neuman, Board Chair of the Cedar Village Foundation. “Through the legacy and support of the Cedar Village Foundation, the mission of The Jewish Home of Cincinnati will continue to enhance the lives of Cedar Village residents today and in the future.”
Thank you for caring about our community and what we do.
Stay connected: sign up for our newsletter here.
