By David Woolpy
Assistant Editor
Concerns are emerging within Cincinnati’s Jewish community over the availability of kosher food at Cedar Village, a senior living facility operated by Majestic Care, following the closure of its on-site kosher kitchen earlier this year.
According to the Foundation for Cincinnati Jewish Seniors (FCJS), the kosher kitchen ceased operations on Feb. 1, 2026. The foundation had previously subsidized the program, covering the additional cost of kosher food, staffing for a dedicated cook and kosher supervision.
FCJS leadership indicated that the program had been structured so the facility would not incur financial losses in providing kosher meals. However, after ongoing concerns about compliance with kosher standards and unsuccessful efforts to implement corrective measures, Cedar Village’s management chose to close the kitchen.
In the months since, reliable sources with firsthand knowledge of Cedar Village report a lack of clear communication and uncertainty surrounding how kosher dietary needs are being addressed.
Some residents and their families were not formally notified of the kitchen’s closure, learning of the change informally.
While Cedar Village has indicated that kosher meals would be available through other means, sources report that in practice, residents who previously received kosher meals are often served standard menu items with limited modifications, such as the omission of pork, rather than meals that meet kosher requirements. It remains unclear how consistently any kosher meals are being provided.
The issue came into sharper focus during the recent observance of Passover. The preparation and delivery of more than 100 kosher-for-Passover meals were delivered for residents who requested them. According to sources familiar with the situation, the meals were delivered to the facility with the expectation they would be reheated and served.
Those meals, however, were not distributed. Instead, sources report that they remained in storage, raising concerns about both communication and follow-through.
Under Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-18, nursing homes are required to accommodate residents’ religious and cultural dietary needs.
Estimates from community sources suggest there are between 40 and 50 Jewish residents at Cedar Village, with a smaller number — approximately six to nine individuals — who require kosher meals on a consistent basis. Even so, community leaders emphasize that the ability to observe dietary practices remains an important aspect of dignity and quality of life for residents.
Cedar Village administrators did not respond to requests for comment.
