Jewish Life Rekindled in Cincinnati’s Eastside
Cincinnati’s Eastside has a long Jewish history, including the birth of the iconic Manischewitz matzah factory back in 1888. But by the mid-20th century, Jewish life had shifted away from the city center.
Now, the embers of Jewish life, almost forgotten, are being rekindled.
For the first time, Cincinnati’s Eastside will have a permanent Chabad center, led by Rabbi Levik and Mushky Gourarie.
The center will serve local young Jewish professionals and the broader Jewish community downtown, offering prayer services, holiday celebrations, Torah classes, “First Friday” Shabbat dinners, and Lunch-and-Learn Torah sessions in offices.
The community is enthusiastic about the new Chabad presence. Chabad of Eastside Cincinnati launched with a successful meet-and-greet at Washington Park, drawing over 40 young Jewish professionals for drinks, kosher food, and community building. The event attracted both longtime locals and newcomers to Cincinnati, with some attendees experiencing their first Jewish community connection in the city.
