Overview
Join the Mayerson JCC and The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati in honoring and celebrating the modern Israeli holidays.
These programs are proudly supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.
Yamim Grants are part of the מתחברים | Mit-habrim | CONNECTIONS funding initiative, a partnership between JCC Association of North America and the Israeli Government’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism
Humans of October 7
By Erez Kaganovitz, Photographer
On Display: May 6 – 14
Artist Statement
Since the horrendous and devastating attack on Israel my world, like many others in Israel and around the world stopped. It seems like not only Israel won’t be the same after this brutal attack but also the whole Jewish world. Since the October 7th horrific attack, the incitement on the streets and social media fueled antisemitism and misconceptions about Israel and the Jewish people at large.
As an artist and a photojournalist, I feel it’s imperative to fight back against these misconceptions and rising antisemitism by showing the Human side of Israel. From my experience, highlighting the Human elements of Israel can provide a reminder of what Israeli society is all about and what we are actually fighting for.
To do so I’ve created the Humans of October 7th exhibition.
The exhibition is an ongoing project that brings to light the human stories of the unique Israelis who stood up against evil. It shows the Israeli D.N.A. at its best and shows the incredible spirit and resilience of the Israeli people.
About the Artist
Photographer, native Tel Avivi, and TEDx speaker, Erez Kaganovitz is the human behind the Humans of Tel Aviv, Humans of Israel, and Humans of the Holocaust projects. Through his work, Erez has helped bridge a cultural gap in society both within and outside of Israel. His compelling work brings understanding, emotional connection, and unity to many around the world.
Join Us for our Yom HaAtzmaut Mitzvah Fair
Participating Organizations and their Mitzvahs
Chabad Blue Ash | Making Hebrew names and birthdates
Miami University Hillel | No-sew blankets
University of Cincinnati Hillel | Bracelet making
Cincinnati Jewish Experience | Buttons
Congregation Etz Chaim | Painting light switches
Congregation Sha’arei Torah | Shema mitzvah
Jewish Fertility Foundation | Decorating pomegranates
Jewish National Fund | Baskets of goodies from Israel raffle
Northern Hills Synagogue
Rockwern Academy | Tzedakah boxes
BBYO | Creating videos to soldiers or those who have been displaced
Cincy Journeys | Kindness rocks
PJ Library | Sand art
Krav Maga | Demonstrations
Camp at the J | Writing and drawing cards for soldiers
Women’s Philanthropy | Painting ceramic flowers
USY
Chaverot | Painting an Am Yisrael Chai banner
20s & 30s | Stations to Israel
Oz Patisserie | Selling Baked Goods for Kibbutz Ma’Ayan Baruch
IDF Air Force | Israeli Air Force Adventure Stations
Jewish Family Services | Creative Opportunity of Support
Bring Them Home | T-shirts
Israeli Baker, Oz Shahari, will be selling pastries and other delicious baked goods to support Kibbutz Maayan Baruch in Israel.
Oz Patisserie is a pastry shop founded by Oz Shahari in 2018. Before starting this business, Oz worked in many restaurants across Israel and did an internship in Paris. After his return to Israel, Oz started a small confectionery shop in Upper Galilee. Being one of the firsts in the area, the shop gained momentum very quickly and grew much more than Oz imagined. During the first few years, Oz’s family joined the effort and Oz Patisserie became a “family business” in the full sense of the term. After moving to a new location, Oz established a manufacturing factory where they prepare products and send them across the country. Oz’s goal is to provide customers with delicious products, a cozy and homely atmosphere and good memories!
October 7
From the beginning of the war on October 7, we all woke up to a different reality of uncertainty. Oz was drafted into the reserves on October 10 and went down to the Gaza Strip. He spent about two weeks in reserve duty in the South, and when the fighting began in the North, he asked for a transfer and moved to the North.
Two things that led to this decision are:
1. Guarding the house, with the understanding that in the North the campaign has not yet begun.
2. Maintaining the business and trying to operate it.
Since Oz’s move to the north, the business has operated on several levels:
1. Oz and the team catered at the Selina Kinneret and Selina Prude Hotel and prepared food daily for about 450 evacuees from kibbutzim on the northern border. After 3 months of catering for the evacuees, Oz was released from reserve duty and decided to try to bring the business back to life.
2. Oz Patisserie’s factory opened a new path and began to hold large corporate events.
3. The coffee cart remains closed to this day, and we are currently working on moving it elsewhere.
The Modern Israeli Holidays are supported by:
