About Us
The Jewish Discovery Center — Mason, Ohio
The Jewish Discovery Center recognizes the intrinsic value of every man, woman, and child. We are dedicated to enriching the life of every individual and to empower each person to reach his or her potential.
The Jewish Discovery Center is your destination for meaningful Jewish experiences and serves as a Jewish educational and spiritual lighthouse for the thousands of Jewish families in the Northern Suburbs.
The Jewish Discovery Center offers many educational, religious, cultural, and social opportunities for all age groups within the community.
Experience it! Explore it! Enjoy it!
The Jewish Discovery Center is an affiliate of the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Chabad embraces the millennia-old traditions of Judaism with a welcoming and modern approach. Its underlying principle is genuine love for and unquestioning acceptance of every Jew.
We believe that Jews are Jews, regardless of affiliation or personal level of observance. There is no checklist for knowledge, observance, beliefs, or lifestyle. Everyone is welcome.
We are committed to creating an inclusive community both spiritually and physically. If you or a family member require an accommodation to participate, please let us know.
Phone: 513.234.0777 • Fax: 513.234.0711 • Email: [email protected]
Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson
Senior Rabbi & Executive Director
Rabbi Kalmanson grew up in Cincinnati, where his family remains active in communal affairs. After receiving Rabbinic ordination from the United Lubavitch Yeshiva in Brooklyn under the tutelage of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he interned in communities across Australia, Israel, Italy, Czech Republic, South America, and the Far East. He is an accomplished Mohel and Shochet, a Life Coach, and a bereavement counselor, and serves as chaplain for the Mason Police and Fire Departments and as the Jewish liaison to the Mason City Council and Mason Public Schools. He co-founded the Jewish Discovery Center in 1994 alongside his wife, Rochel, and has served as its Spiritual Leader since 1999.
Rebbetzin Rochel Kalmanson
Education Director & Co-Founder
Rebbetzin Rochel grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was deeply involved in community affairs and Jewish education. She trained in Early Childhood Education in Melbourne, Australia, and earned her master's degree in Education from Beth Rivkah Teachers Seminary in Brooklyn. With close to 25 years of teaching experience, Rochel co-founded the JDC and continues to spearhead Jewish education in the area. As Education Director, she oversees Chai Tots Early Childhood Center and Discovery Hebrew School, as well as multi-faceted programming for children, youth, and adults.
Rabbi Mendel Kalmanson
Adult Education & Programming
Rabbi Mendel oversees adult education programming and the operational logistics behind JDC's robust calendar of events and initiatives. Bringing a passion for meaningful Jewish engagement to every project, he works to ensure that each program is thoughtfully designed and seamlessly executed, creating experiences that connect and inspire the broader community.
Goldy Kalmanson
Hebrew School & Program Director
Goldy directs Discovery Hebrew School and serves as Program Director for JDC's broad range of community initiatives. With a deep commitment to Jewish education and a gift for building community, she brings creativity and warmth to every program she leads, ensuring that children and families find a meaningful and joyful connection to their heritage.
Kristen Aussfressor
Office Manager
Kristen brings a warm, detail-oriented presence to the JDC front office, ensuring that every family and visitor feels welcomed and well cared for. With a background in education and administration, she keeps the center running smoothly and serves as a friendly first point of contact for the community.