Hadassah

In 2007, a group of Jewish women in the Athens, Ohio, region came together to create a chapter of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America. This was the first new chapter in the central state region in close to 40 years. On its national Web site (www.hadassah.org), Hadassah is described as being "the largest volunteer organization and the largest women's organization in America ... (the organization) is committed to strengthening the unity of the Jewish people." There are more than 300,000 members nationwide. Top priorities in Israel lean toward issues of healthcare, education, youth, and volunteerism. On a local level, the Athens-area Hadassah members -- currently numbering about 25 -- meet monthly to talk, socialize and discover new ways to find a sense of community.

The Athens Area chapter of Hadassah generally meets the third Wednesday of each month. We invite all Jewish women of the southeastern Ohio region to join us. For more information, contact Andrea Anes at aanes@ohiohills.com, 740-394-3060, or Maryann Garber at mgar5@hotmail.com, 592-5894.

The Book Club

Now in our sixth year, the Hillel Book Club reads and discusses fiction and non-fiction books on Jewish subjects or books by Jewish authors.  We choose both modern and historical books, and enjoy lively and intelligent discussions focused on the readings. Occasionally, we view Jewish films or other media of a similar nature. Our discussions often wander from the confines of the book to include general discussions of Jewish life in history, the modern world, and in Athens itself.  We meet every 4 to 6 weeks, on Sundays, at one of our houses.

Even if you don't think you have time to read the book, everyone is welcome to enjoy good discussions, good friends, and always a good nosh.

Past book club choices include: A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, The Discontinuity of Small Things by Kevin Haworth, The Messiaen Quartet by Rebecca Rishin.

If you want more information, please feel free to call David Burke at 592-1510.

Southeastern Ohio Jewish Cemetery

The Southeastern Ohio Jewish Cemetery consists of approximately 188 grave sites that have been set aside for individuals of the Jewish faith. Non-Jewish partners and children are eligible to be interned in the cemetery. The cemetery is located in a separate area that is bordered with tall shrubs for privacy within the confines of the Alexander Cemetery. Both the Alexander Cemetery and the Southeastern Ohio Jewish Cemetery are registered with the State of Ohio as non-profit businesses and are located a few miles outside of Athens, off State Rte. 50.

The Southeastern Ohio Jewish Cemetery is governed by the Southeastern Ohio Jewish Cemetery Association (SOJA) which is also a non-profit business. The membership of SOJA is composed of individuals who own plots in the cemetery. The annual SOJA business meeting is generally held in late Spring/early Summer. The Association is responsible for maintaining the Jewish identity of the Cemetery and is permitted to establish its own fee schedule and eligibility policies, but the price of a plot cannot be less than the current fee for the Alexander Cemetery at the time of purchase. With the exception of religious considerations, the Southeastern Ohio Jewish Cemetery is expected to operate within the framework of Alexander Cemetery's general policies and procedures. A member of the Association's Board sits on the Board of the Alexander Cemetery.

Procedure for purchasing a plot: To purchase a plot in advance when internment is not imminent, the buyer may contact Fred Weiner at 593-7812. Fred will accompany the buyer to the cemetery for the purpose of picking a plot. When the purchase is being made in conjunction with funeral arrangements, the buyer can choose these same options or work through the funeral home who will contact the sexton and arrange for a visit to the Cemetery.

Average plot cost: The price of a plot as of July 2007 is $600.00. This does not include the cost of opening and closing the grave, itself, which is determined by the Alexander Cemetery. Checks may be made out to the Southeastern Ohio Jewish Cemetery Association and mailed to Hillel at Ohio University, 21 Mill Street, Athens, OH 45701.

Graves: Headstones that are either upright or flush with the ground are permissible. Structures such as a mausoleum are not permitted.

Unveiling procedure (headstones in Hebrew, etc): Unveiling services are at the discretion of the family who are encouraged to seek guidance from the rabbi.

Plantings at the grave site: Trees, shrubs, and flowers are not permitted.

For additional information: Please contact Fred Weiner, evenings, at 593-7812.

Phone number of Alexander Cemetery Sexton: 592-2587.

Funeral home most commonly used: Jager's Funeral Home.