An interview with Asst. Prof. of Hebrew Bible Esther Brownsmith By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer With the beginning of the fall term, the University of Dayton now has two full-time Judaic studies scholars in its religious studies department. Assistant Prof. of Hebrew Bible Esther Brownsmith has arrived from

The Synagogue Forum of Greater Dayton presents its 14-session Introduction to Judaism course on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 24 and running through March 12. The annual class is open to anyone interested in Jewish learning, dialogue, and exploration. A hybrid course, some sessions are held at

Cantor Andrea Raizen, who has led services on the bima (stage) at Beth Abraham Synagogue since 2007, has announced she will retire on June 30, 2024, at the end of her current contract. She arrived at the Conservative synagogue eight months before its move from Salem Avenue and Cornell Drive

Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob Congregation, Temple Beth Or, and Temple Israel will join together for a community Selichot service beginning with dessert at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 at Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. The service will feature the Dayton Jewish Chorale and will be led by the

Day school anticipates increased enrollment, stronger footing By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer With a significantly expanded EdChoice Scholarship student voucher program as part of Ohio’s 2024-25 two-year budget, all families in the state are eligible to receive vouchers toward kindergarten through 12th-grade private school tuition beginning with the

Joey Weisenberg, founder and director of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute, will lead a weekend of spiritual musical experiences culminating with the installation of Beth Abraham Synagogue’s new rabbi, Aubrey L. Glazer, Aug. 25-27. Hadar’s mission is to empower Jews to create and sustain “vibrant, practicing, egalitarian Jewish communities of Torah,

Story and Photos By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer Unless you’re living under a culinary rock, you know that All The Best Deli opened its restaurant and deli service in late June, just north of the new UDF at Far Hills and Whipp in Washington Township. In his favorite

Story and Photos By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer More than 60 middle and high school educators from across Ohio who teach about the Holocaust and genocide gathered in the Dayton area June 13 and 14 to participate in the Holocaust and Genocide Education Network of Ohio’s summer conference.

Two longtime Jewish Federation staff members have died in recent weeks: Mel Caplan at age 86 on June 23, and Karen Steiger at age 74 on July 7. Each was a steady presence during the eras in which they served the Jewish community. Mel Caplan arrived in Dayton in fall

Since the Covid pandemic has receded, some area congregations have seen an uptick in conversions. By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer Israeli American Ofir Ravin, 27, beams from the front row of Beth Abraham Synagogue’s main sanctuary as her husband, Ryan Lechich, 25, is called for an aliyah to