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.
Special Exhibits
Special Exhibits
Wings of Hope
Join us to help create a stunning piece of community art. The first Wings of Hope installation was made in July 2023 by Livnat Kutz z”l and the members of Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel.
The exhibit is a piece of artwork made from gently used plastic toys collected by the community. These toys were assembled into wings on the wall of a shelter in Kfar Aza, symbolizing the values of sustainability, creativity, and a sense of optimistic community belonging—values that Livnat and her family embodied. Tragically, they were brutally murdered in their home by Hamas during the October 7 attack.
The project is being replicated throughout Israel and around the world, commemorating Livnat’s deep dedication to community and resilience, ensuring her memory lives on. The wings at the Mayerson JCC will serve as a gathering place for creation, arts and crafts, and a testament to a connected community. They will shine a light that reaches beyond the borders of the kibbutz and Israel.
Drop off donations by April 17.
Join us on Yom HaAtzmaut to participate in the art project.
Special Exhibits
Kites for Peace
Through the Kites for Peace festival, we will honor the victims of violence in Israel after October 7 and look forward to more peaceful days ahead. Join us to create your own kite, which we will fly together as a community to send our united hopes for peace into the sky and beyond.
History of Kites for Peace:
Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located in the Gaza envelope, has been holding an annual Afifonyada (kite festival) on the holiday of Simchat Torah. This 15-year long tradition was initiated by Aviv and Livnat Kutz z”l, as a gesture and message of peace to the people on the other side of the Gaza border. In Aviv’s words, “They fly rockets at us, and we fly kites of peace at them.” October 7, 2023 was supposed to be the 15th time this beautiful tradition takes place in Kibbutz Kfar Azza. Unfortunately, that did not happen. That day, the Kutz family was brutally murdered in their home.
In honor of the Kutz’s family message of peace, we invite you to fly a kite or hang one in your home and community spaces with a message. These messages will be shared with the Kutz family and the community of Kfar Aza, honoring the memory of those who were killed and joining them in their beautiful tradition of calling for peace.
Special Exhibits
The Family Workshop
Sharon Hammer is the owner The Family Workshop in Kibbutz Carmia, the Jewish Federation’s partnership community in the Gaza envelope, that creates handmade lifestyle products with a focus on natural materials, including ceramic cups, natural beeswax candles, and beautifully designed paper products. Visit their shop during Yom HaAtzmaut, where you can bring high-quality and meticulously handmade craftsmanship to your home.
Yom HaAtzmaut Community Fair
AD 120 Jewish Events | Games
American Jewish Committee | Swag & Conversations
Beth Adam | Collages about Israeli society
Camp at the J | Face Paint & Israeli flag craft
Camp Livingston | Jenga Game
Chabad of Blue Ash | Hebrew Names
Congregation Etz Chaim | Watercolor Activities
DJ M2DM | Music Provided
Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center | Photo Opportunity
IDF Air Force | Drones & VR
JCC Inclusion | Sensory Kits available to borrow
Jewish Family Services | Writing notes of strength, resilience, and gratitude for the Western Wall
Jewish Fertility Foundation | Flags representing personal and family growth
Jewish National Fund | Bomb Shelter Discussion
Kites for Peace | Kite Creation
Krav Maga
Kibbutz Carmia | Products available for sale
Northern Hills Synagogue | Hamsas
PJ Library
Photo Booth | Photo Opportunity
Rockwern Academy | Decorating Planters
T-Shirt Sale | Bring Them Home Shirts
Wings of Hope | Art Installation
Cincinnati’s Modern Israeli Holiday programs are supported by:
Meet the Team
Sammy Kanter
