About Melton Center

Jewish Life in Central Ohio

The Columbus metropolitan area, with a population of 1.2 million people, is the seat of state government and the home of seven colleges and universities. Ohio State not only boasts the Melton Center for Jewish studies with an outstanding library and research facilities, but also gives ready access to other institutions with Jewish resources. Columbus is a two-hour drive from the riches of Hebrew Union College's Klau Library or the variety of resources available in Cleveland. Other major universities in Ohio with sizeable Judaic Studies programs include Miami University, Wittenberg University, Case Western Reserve, The Siegal College of Judaic Studies in Cleveland, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, the University of Dayton and the University of Cincinnati.

Today's Jewish population in Columbus exceeds 22,000 people and is well served by a diverse, active group of institutions and resources including eight synagogues -- three reform, two conservative, three orthodox, and others in nearby communities. An outstanding Jewish community campus, including the Leo Yassenoff Jewish Center, Wexner Heritage Village, the Columbus Jewish Federation, the Columbus Jewish Foundation, the Columbus Jewish Historical Society, and Jewish Family Services provides Jewish programming and services for all ages. The Columbus Community Kollel in Bexley and the Schottenstein Chabad House on the OSU campus offer opportunities for adult study, as do the various congregations.

The Hillel Foundation's Wexner Jewish Student Center is a major focus of activity for OSU's Jewish students from all over the United States, providing its own activities and services and linking students with the Jewish community outside the university. It includes a state-of-the-art fitness center for students as well as a kosher cafe.

Options for Jewish education are available at all levels in Columbus and include Columbus Torah Academy, a strong 50 year-old K-12 orthodox day school, the Columbus Jewish Day School, a ten year old egalitarian day school modeled on the "inclusive" curriculum of the Abraham Joshua Heschel School in New York, as well as independent synagogue-based programs that provide after-school Jewish education to the community.