Cincinnati

Rabbi Kalmanson Presents the Key of Chabad House to the Rebbe

Cincinnati is a city in the southwest of Ohio state in the United States and is the third largest city in Ohio. Currently, the number of Jews who are members of the Jewish community in Cincinnati stands at approximately 20,000.

Jews in Cincinnati

Jews began to arrive in large numbers during the years 5600-5630 (1840-1870), due to economic development in the area. In the year 5590 (1830), the General Assembly of the state of Ohio officially recognized the Jewish community in the city. In 5596 (1836), the first synagogue in the city was dedicated.

Starting from the year 5590 (1830), immigrants from Germany began to arrive in the city, most of whom belonged to the Reform movement and established the "B'nai Yeshurun" community in 5642 (1842). Important institutions of the Reform movement in the United States were established in the city: The seminary for rabbis of the Reform movement in the city served as a drawing point for many, including Rabbi and theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel, who arrived there after fleeing Nazi Germany. The weekly "The American Israelite," which was established in the city in 1854, is the oldest Jewish publication in the United States.

Chabad in the City

In the year 5692, Rabbi Eliezer Silver was chosen as the city's rabbi. Rabbi Silver was close to Chabad and even met with the Frierdiker Rebbe during his visit to the United States in 5689. After the passing of the Frierdiker Rebbe, he maintained a close connection with the Rebbe, and worked with him on communal matters. Rabbi Silver served as the city's rabbi until his passing on 8 Shevat 5728.

After Rabbi Silver's passing, Rabbi Azriel Zelig Sharpstein took his place and served as the rabbi of the Jewish community in Cincinnati on behalf of the "City Council" until his passing in 5768. The Rebbe also guided him on how to fight against the Reform movement.

In the summer of 5735, Rabbi Sholom Dovber Kalmanson was sent by the Rebbe. Immediately upon his arrival in the city, he began his activities, and within a short time managed to acquire a building for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayers. From there, he continued his activities over the years.

Upon his arrival, he opened the Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Cincinnati, which was later closed due to difficulties. The yeshiva reopened in 5764 as a Semicha institute managed by Rabbi Gur-Aryeh. In Elul 5766, the yeshiva officially became a small yeshiva under the management of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Gershon Avtzon.

Over the years, with the successful expansion of activities, several additional Chabad Houses were established in the city and its surroundings.

"Chabad Times" Newspaper

"Chabad Times" (in English: The Chabad Times) is published by Chabad in Southern Ohio, by the shliach Rabbi Sholom Ber Kalmanson every month. The newspaper began publishing in 5737 and is currently distributed in 23,000 copies. The Rebbe encouraged the publication of the newspaper and even expressed warm sentiments about it.

One of the Chabad Time Magazines

Chabad Institutions in Cincinnati

• Chabad Cincinnati, the "Shul" managed by Rabbi Sholom Dovber Kalmanson.
• Chabad Blue Ash - managed by Rabbi Kalmanson's son-in-law, Shliach Rabbi Yisroel Mangel.
• Chabad at University of Cincinnati Campus - managed by Shliach Rabbi Yitzchok Krieger.
• Chabad Mason, managed by Rabbi Kalmanson's son, Shliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Kalmanson.
• Chabad Dayton - managed by Shliach Rabbi Nachum Mangel.
• Camp Chabad (Kemp Chabad) managed by Rabbi Kalmanson's son-in-law, Shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Mayesky.
• Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Cincinnati under the direction of Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Gershon Avtzon.

See Also

• Sholom Dovber Kalmanson
• Tomchei Tmimim Cincinnati

Further Reading

• Gershon Avtzon, Ancient Chabad Community Revealed Thanks to the Printing of the Tanya, Beis Moshiach Weekly, Issue 1393 page 32 (5784/2024)

External Links

• Chabad Cincinnati website
• "Chabad Times" website
• Chabad at University of Cincinnati Campus website
• Camp Chabad website
• Chabad Dayton website
• Chabad Blue Ash website