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Articles by Ben Blotner
‘Vishniac’ screening provides visual commemoration of Kristallnacht
For the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus hosted a commemoration ceremony that included a screening of the documentary “Vishniac” by Laura Bialis. The Nov. 9 event was sponsored by JewishColumbus/Jewish Community Relations Council of Columbus and Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University.
The Kollel gala celebrates growth, looks to future
The Columbus Community Kollel celebrated its 29th year with a gala Sept. 13 at Vitria on the Square in Columbus. The event theme was “Raising the Bar,” as the organization aims to continue growing and improving over time. Hundreds of people filled the ballroom for the festivities, which included a kosher dinner, drinks and live music from Yitz Henkin and the Zemer Orchestra.
Kollel gala celebrates growth, looks to future
The Columbus Community Kollel celebrated its 29th year with a gala Sept. 13 at Vitria on the Square in Columbus. The event theme was “Raising the Bar,” as the organization aims to continue growing and improving. Hundreds of people filled the ballroom for the festivities, which included a kosher dinner, drinks and live music from Yitz Henkin and the Zemer Orchestra.
Over 400 attend OSU Hillel back to school barbecue
The Ohio State University Hillel hosted its annual welcome back barbecue event Aug. 21 in Columbus. Serving as a way to help integrate incoming freshmen into the group as well as bring returning students back together to catch up, more than 400 students were welcomed to the Hillel building for the event. Festivities included food, a photo booth and multiple displays to promote various student organizations and social causes. Members of student leadership were also present.
Ohio State Hillel’s welcome barbecue hosts over 400
The Ohio State University Hillel hosted its annual welcome back barbecue event Aug. 21. Serving as a way to help integrate incoming freshmen into the group as well as bring returning students back together to catch up, over 400 students were welcomed to the Hillel building for the event. Festivities included food, a photo booth and multiple displays to promote various student organizations and social causes. Members of student leadership were also present.
Ohio State Hillel’s welcome barbecue hosts over 400
The Ohio State University Hillel hosted its annual welcome back barbecue event Aug. 21. Serving as a way to help integrate incoming freshmen into the group as well as bring returning students back together to catch up, over 400 students were welcomed to the Hillel building for the event. Festivities included food, a photo booth and multiple displays to promote various student organizations and social causes. Members of student leadership were also present.
New Albany City Council honors Rabbi Kaltmann
New Albany City Council recognized Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann for his many years of service to the city and its Jewish community during its city council meeting May 16 at village hall. Kaltmann, who is the executive director of Chabad Columbus and the Lori Schottenstein Chabad Center in New Albany, was honored with a proclamation from New Albany president pro tempore Marlene Brisk.
Israeli officer, lone soldier describe experiences at FIDF event
Col. Golan Vach, a longtime commander in the Israeli Defense Forces who is in the reserves, and Yoni Chajmovic, a lone soldier, brought stories of the Israeli military efforts to the Columbus chapter of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces event April 19 at a residence in Bexley. Event host Todd Applebaum introduced Vach, saying, “I’m so proud to host you here.
September 30, 2022: Cal Raleigh’s walk-off homer ends Mariners’ playoff drought with a bang
When the 2001 Seattle Mariners were putting together their magical 116-win fever dream of a season, no Seattle fan could have envisioned what was to unfold over the next two decades, but here the Mariners were in 2022, carrying the longest active playoff drought in North American sports at 21 years. The franchise had gone through multiple rebuilding cycles with nothing to show for it, not to mention becoming the only major-league franchise without a World Series appearance.
Columbus native ordained as rabbi in Israel
Rabbi Adam Berman didn’t always know that he wanted to become a second-generation rabbi, but after a long journey and several years of diligent study, his ordination ceremony took place in Jerusalem Dec. 4. Born and raised in Columbus and now residing in Israel, Berman follows in the footsteps of his father, Rabbi Emeritus Harold Berman, who served as rabbi of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Columbus for 34 years.
Goldsteins honored for service to Beth Jacob
Beth Jacob Congregation in Columbus hosted a 2022 testimonial dinner Aug. 28 to honor Rabbi Avi Goldstein and his wife Miriam Goldstein for a decade of leadership within the congregation and celebrate the ongoing renovation of the Rabbi David and Ruth Stavsky Sanctuary. As part of honoring the Goldstein’s service, they were presented with the Rabbi David Stavsky zt’’l Award.
New Albany offers range of arts, entertainment options
New Albany residents and visitors to the city have a number of ways to spend their free time this summer and beyond due to a wide range of offerings from various local organizations. These organizations, including the New Albany Symphony Orchestra, the New Vision Dance Company and the New Albany Community Foundation, are providing cultural celebrations, musical performances, dance festivals and other events to cater to a wide range of interests and age ranges.
Planned giving does not necessarily reduce donor engagement
When it comes to making charitable donations, some people find it easier to simply give what they have available in the present moment. However, many donors opt for a different approach with their generosity, which is planned gift giving. In order to create ongoing prosperity for a cause and ensure a bright future, some choose to defer their funds, allowing them to grow over many years. The donation is then made available at a later date, often after the donor has died.
JewishColumbus’ L’Chaim 614 honors community strength, unity
JewishColumbus hosted a community-wide celebration, L’Chaim 614, May 24 on the rooftop of the National Veterans Memorial Museum in Columbus in what was not just the first in-person event for the organization since before the pandemic, but also an opportunity to honor how the Jewish community persevered through the trials of that period.
Camps stick with proven COVID-19 safety measures
As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued over the past two years, safety measures have continued to be necessary in a variety of settings to stop the spread of the virus. For summer camps, this means following the protocols that proved so effective in 2021. “We’re not really changing any of the protocols that we had in place last summer,” Alyssa King, director of special programs at Columbus Academy in Gahanna, said.
Israel has much to offer visitors during Chanukah
Israel is full of history and tradition, along with plentiful activities to engage in and sights to see. Most years, a great number of tourists travel overseas to explore the nation and everything it has to offer, particularly around Chanukah. And many of these travelers find the journey quite inspiring. While the past two years have not been the most convenient for international travel, people who have planned numerous trips there say it is almost never too early to begin planning for a trip.
Charitable giving provides many benefits, services
There are many benefits of donating to a charitable organization. However, none may be more significant than the feeling of helping others and making the world a better place, various sources say. Fortunately, Columbus has no shortage of philanthropic groups for donors to support, including JewishColumbus and Jewish Family Services. JewishColumbus One organization that sets the table for donors to give to meaningful causes is JewishColumbus.
Choosing the right bank can be good investment
When it comes to choosing the right bank to meet one’s financial needs, the variety of options gives many customers the ability to be selective. However, when the right bank does come along, it is certainly important to capitalize on this opportunity and meet these needs in the best way possible.
Dublin businesses focus on community, family
The city of Dublin is home to many thriving businesses working to serve the community. Two of those businesses, Katzinger’s Delicatessen, 7160 Muirfield Drive and Dublin Village Jewelers, 251 W. Bridge St., said they are deeply committed to providing their customers with the best possible experiences, which involves building lasting relationships.
Right advice, transparency key for estate planning
Estate planning is not necessarily something that people look forward to, but experts say it is a necessary evil, and the feeling of having an estate plan in place can actually be rewarding. “It’s one of those unpleasant things where (people think) if you can put it off, why not put it off? Why incur the cost? What good is it for you?” Mark Coffey, partner and senior financial adviser at Summit Financial Strategies in Columbus, said. “Well, it’s the peace of mind.
Saving for retirement should be a priority for recent graduates
For many recent college graduates, retirement may not be at the forefront of their minds when they enter the working world. While finding a stable job and beginning to accumulate savings should be among priorities, retirement saving strategies should become an important consideration once those primary goals are being met.
Wide range of options available for graduation gifts
When it comes to choosing the right gift for a recent high school or college graduate, the ideal choice is not always obvious. Luckily for many, there is no shortage of potential gift sources in the Columbus area. Parents, other family, and friends can find gifts ranging from art, jewelry and other items offered by Terry Janis to Israeli bonds that can be purchased through Israel Bonds Ohio.
Boarding pets post-pandemic? Addressing anxiety an important consideration
As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, more and more pet owners will begin to travel again, creating a higher demand for day care and boarding services for their pets. Central Ohio offers several options and two of those, Emipet and All Tails R Waggin, have advice to ensure the best experience for you and your pet.
AFMDA celebrates historic Central Ohio ambulance donation
American Friends of Magen David Adom received a rare ambulance donation to Israel from a Central Ohio donor, which the organization celebrated at a dedication with the donor family Sept. 6 in Granville. AFMDA works to save lives in Israel, with Magen David Adom serving as Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood services organization. According to AFMDA, the donation by the Davidoff family marks one of the first ambulance gifts ever by a Columbus-area donor.
OSU Chabad, Hillel ready to serve returning students
During times of uncertainty, it is crucial to have a reliable space or community that can be turned to for emotional support. When The Ohio State University begins its fall semester, the university’s Jewish student population will have two such communities available to them, as the Chabad and Hillel programs will begin holding activities upon students’ return to campus.
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