Athens Jewish Community FAQs
Q: How many Jews live in Athens? What’s Jewish life like in Athens?
A: Hillel estimates at least 200 Jewish households live in Athens and the surrounding areas – a household is defined in a variety of ways – families with children, singles, and interfaith couples. Out of the estimated 200 Jewish households, Hillel has approximately 140 household units on our roster that receive information about programs and services at Hillel. Jewish life in Athens is unique. We’re the only game in town, so Jews are encouraged to help create and sustain sub-groups (see Hadassah, The Book Club), and to voice their needs to the rabbi and Hillel staff when they’re interested in making things happen. We offer adult education classes, host an exciting and entertaining fundraising event in early Spring, and seek to create friendships among Jewish residents in the area. Jews of Athens are a diverse crowd – artists, writers, professors, therapists, musicians, farmers, homemakers, doctors, and more.
Q: Is there a religious school for kids? Bar and Bat Mitzvah training?
A: We have a Family Education program that encourages families to learn together. Parents join Rabbi Danielle Leshaw for education on a specific topic, while children will join Jewish Ohio University Early Childhood Education majors to discuss the same topic as their parents. We believe that families live deeper Jewish lives when parents AND children are studying and exploring Jewish topics such as Shabbat, Holidays, Kashrut, God, Hebrew, and more. Family Education generally happens on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, with pizza, salad, and playtime concluding the afternoon. We ask that families make an annual contribution to Hillel to help support this program.
Families with children nearing bar and bat mitzvah age are encouraged to schedule a meeting with Rabbi Danielle Leshaw to discuss possible scenarios for Hebrew tutoring, family involvement, tikkun olam projects, and service outlines. With so few children in the current community, it’s rare that a bar or bat mitzvah “class” is assembled. In all likelihood, families will meet independently with the rabbi or a tutor, and tailor the service and the experience to meet the needs of those involved.
Q: Are there dues?
A: We strongly encourage Jews of Athens and the surrounding areas to support Jewish life in Southeastern Ohio. Dues can be paid ($475 for families and $225 for singles), or an annual contribution of your choice can be made to Hillel.
Q: Can we buy kosher food?
A: Yes! Kroger and WalMart stock a huge variety of kosher products. Kroger also supplies frozen Empire chicken and various kinds of kosher hot dogs. Otherwise, kosher meat is impossible to find in Athens. Bexley Kosher Market in Columbus is the place to go for beef and other meat products.
Q: What’s the nearest synagogue other than Hillel?
A: Columbus, baby, and that’s quite a shlepp. Check us out, you won’t be disappointed!
