Courtesy of Adath Israel Sisterhood.
Submitted by Mitch Cohen
Adath Israel Sisterhood will honor Heidi Weisman during their annual Torah Fund reception in Adath Israel’s Lerner.Fisher Hall on Sunday, March 30th at 7 p.m. Sisterhood President Lisa Kadosh said, “Heidi is a pillar of leadership and dedication in the Cincinnati Jewish community. We are proud to recognize her as this year’s Torah Fund honoree, a prestigious nomination that reflects exceptional dedication, leadership and service. This honor is awarded to individuals who embody the values of the Torah Fund, which supports the education of future Jewish leaders, rabbis and scholars. Heidi’s unwavering commitment to Jewish life within Adath Israel Sisterhood, Adath Israel Congregation and across the broader Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ) and Central Great Lakes Region (CGLR), makes her a fitting and deserving recipient of this recognition.” Heidi is the immediate past president of Adath Israel Sisterhood. She worked closely with Lisa Kadosh, helping her prepare to become the new president. Lisa said, “I personally am thankful for Heidi always being there when I have a question and need help. She is a true mentor and, most importantly, a friend.”
We spoke with Heidi’s sister, Rebecca Goldwasser. Rebecca is also a dedicated Adath Israel Sisterhood volunteer who recently chaired their Purim Mishloach Manot baskets project. Rebecca said, “Throughout our lives, Heidi has always stepped into leadership roles whether in our youth group, sorority, UJA on campus, running the young adult division of Federation, and now Sisterhood. She is a very giving person of her time and money.”
Marlene Ostrow is a past President of Adath Israel Sisterhood as well as a past Torah Fund honoree. She said, “Heidi is truly an amazing, dedicated woman, leader, visionary and friend with a deep Jewish neshama (soul). When I invited her to serve as the next president of our Sisterhood years ago, she wanted to know absolutely everything that was involved because she wanted to make sure that she could assume the presidency and serve above and beyond all expectations. She envisioned creating a community-wide Chanukah Bazaar that would highlight the work of Jewish Judaica artisans. She wanted to bring all segments of our Cincinnati Jewish community together. She also stepped up to the plate and helped Sisterhood adjust to major administrative changes required by the shul for our finances, recordkeeping and more.”
When we asked people about Heidi Weisman, they all spoke about her dedication to the Coleman Family Judaica Shop and the annual Chanukah Bazaar. Rebecca Goldwasser said, “The Chanukah Bazaar is her baby, and she made her dream a reality.” As the world was coming out of the isolation of COVID, Heidi had a vision of an event that would bring the Jewish community together and support local artists whose businesses had suffered. While department stores provided a Christmas atmosphere, she wanted a place where the shopper would be immersed in Chanukah. She imagined walking into a space where everywhere you looked, you would see unique Chanukah items for sale. Her hope was to provide a showcase for local artists. Adath Israel Sisterhood held their fourth annual Chanukah Bazaar in December. Over the four years, the event has grown from 12 vendors to almost 50. Lisa Kadosh said, “Among her many contributions, Heidi is known for running the Coleman Family Judaica Shop with efficiency and care, ensuring that congregants have access to meaningful ritual items and gifts. She has been the driving force behind Adath Israel’s annual Chanukah Bazaar, an event that continues to flourish under her leadership, drawing an increasing number of participants and visitors each year. The event has become a cherished tradition in the congregation, bringing the community together in celebration and fostering a sense of connection and joy.”
The annual Torah Fund event provides funds for Conservative Jewish seminaries. Marlene Ostrow explained, “Torah Fund is the sole designated charity to support all of the Conservative Movement’s training seminaries across the globe. There are two in the US (one on each coast), and the rest are in Europe and South America. Our future success depends on the future of our leadership within our shuls. The funds we raise support rabbinic students, cantors and educators who are training to become the next generation of Conservative clergy and lay leaders. These funds can make the difference between a future Jewish leader enrolling or having to pass due to financial reasons.”
The award ceremony will feature guest speakers Julia Loeb, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ) International President, and Wanda Pitzele, Women’s League Central Great Lakes Region (CGLR) President. The evening includes a dessert reception and a special musical program by Adath Israel’s Ritual Director Rebecca Axelrod, Rabbinic Intern Rachael Houser, and Rabbi Scott Shafrin.
Heidi and Mike Weisman were married 22 years ago by Adath Israel’s Rabbi Wise. Their children have been active at Adath Israel, working as Madrichim (teacher assistants) in Adath’s religious school and holding leadership positions with the AIUSY youth group. Heidi’s stepdaughter works as a Speech Therapist for the Lakota School District.
Lisa Kadosh praised Heidi and said, “For those who know her, it is clear that Heidi Weisman is not just a leader — she is a builder of community, a champion of engagement, and a model of dedication. Cincinnati’s Jewish community is stronger because of her, and for that, we all owe her our deepest gratitude.”
More information about the Torah Fund event can be found on Adath Israel’s website.
