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/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 is a Jewish Chassidic movement and a Jewish outreach organization - with over 4,000 branches worldwide - that embraces the millennia-old traditions of Judaism with a welcoming and modern approach. Chabad's 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. We have no "check list" for knowledge, observance, beliefs or lifestyles of the people who attend our programs. Everyone is welcome!
We are founded on the principle that, while Jews embrace many levels of observance in their personal lives, there should be a place for all Jews - no labels and no affiliations - to develop a sense of community, to enhance the experience of being Jewish, to learn and have fun.
Our purpose is to uplift, teach, and inspire Jews, to help identify with the beauty and richness of our heritage. There is no commitment involved - just an opportunity to explore and be enriched.
Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef and Rochel Kalmanson, founders of The Jewish Discovery Center, welcome you to join its many programs and services.
7587 Central Parke Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040 USA
Telephone: 513.234.0777
Fax: 513.234.0711
Email: [email protected]
For Myths and Facts on Chabad, click here.
For more information about Chabad Lubavitch, click here.
Please fill out our survey so we can serve you better.
Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson, 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, NY, under the tutelage of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M Schneerson, he interned in numerous communities around the world. His leadership skills drove his involvement in developing community centers in Australia, Israel, Italy, Czech Republic, South America and the Orient. Rabbi Kalmanson is an accomplished Mohel and Shochet, a Life Coach, a bereavement counselor, and is passionate about teaching Torah and its relevance to post-modern living. He serves as chaplain for the Mason Police and Fire Departments and serves as the Jewish liaison to the Mason City Council and Mason Public Schools. Along with his wife, Rochel, and their family, he co-founded the Jewish Discovery Center in 1994 to be a lighthouse of Jewish inspiration and resources for people of all walks of life and levels of observance. He has served as the Spiritual Leader of the Jewish Discovery Center in Mason since 1999.
Rebbetzin Rochel Kalmanson, Education Director
Rebbetzin Rochel grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was very active with her family in community affairs and Jewish education. Following her graduation from High School in Chicago, IL, she trained and was certified in Early Childhood Education in Melbourne, Australia. She went on to get her master’s degree in Education from Beth Rivkah Teachers Seminary in Brooklyn, NY and has been teaching for close to 25 years. Along with her husband, Rabbi Yosef, and 9 kids, Rochel continues to spearhead Jewish education in the area, providing innovative opportunities for learning and growing to people of all ages. As JDC’s education director, she oversees the center’s Chai Tots Early Childhood Center and Discovery Hebrew School, as well as the multi-faceted programs for children, youth and adults.
Rabbi Buzzy Ajzenszmidt, Director of Family Programming

Rabbi Buzzy was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, assisting in various Chabad centers from an early age. After graduating Yeshiva High School in Australia he studied at the Rabbinical College of America receiving his bachelors in Rabbinic studies and Rabbinic ordination from the former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Lau. Rabbi Buzzy has interned in many Jewish communities around the world, including Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Israel, Canada and various cities in the US. He and his wife, Chaya, have two children and together they enjoy programming and coordinating events for families.
Mrs. Chaya Ajzenszmidt, Director of Discovery Hebrew School
Morah Chaya is from Phoenix, Arizona and grew up with close ties to the Chabad emissaries, working in and eventually heading the area day camp and volunteering in the local Friendship Circle for special needs children. She studied in Phoenix and Los Angeles, and received her certification in Early Childhood education from Beth Rivkah Teachers Seminar in Montreal, Canada. Morah Chaya went on to teach in preschools in California, New York, and New Jersey. Following her marriage to Rabbi Buzzy, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico working alongside the regional Chabad emissaries. She is passionate about Jewish education and is especially suited to convey Jewish values to the next generation in meaningful and innovative ways.
Rabbi Sruli Bronstein, Director of Teen Programming

Rabbi Sruli was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He studied in Yeshiva schools through high school and college in the US and abroad receiving Rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva Lubavitch of Boca Raton, FL in 2013. Rabbi Sruli has extensive experience in Jewish education and community service. He spent four years teaching at the flagship Chabad Educational Institution of Oholei Torah and co-founded a synagogue for young professionals in Brooklyn, growing membership to over 100 families. Rabbi Sruli is passionate about empowering today’s youth, the leaders of tomorrow and has joined the JDC team to pursue that passion, beginning with launching CTeen Mason, the newest chapter of a worldwide Jewish pride club for teens.
Mrs. Chana Bronstein, Program Director of CTeen Mason
Chana grew up in Mason as part of the area Jewish community, gaining considerable experience in communal work at JDC. After graduating high school in Rockland County, NY, with honors, she received her training and was certified in early childhood and elementary education from the Chaya Mushka Teachers Seminary in Tzfat, Israel. Following the birth of their son, Chana and her husband, Rabbi Sruli, returned to her hometown to follow their passion of educating Jewish youth in the area. The oldest of 9 children, Chana has experience in early childhood education and is thrilled to utilize her skills at Chai Tots Early Childhood Center while directing programs for CTeen Mason, the newest chapter of a worldwide Jewish pride club for teens. She is also pursuing her degree in higher education at University of Cincinnati.
Mrs. Gretchen Asbeck, Office Manager
Gretchen comes to JDC after a number of years as a Domestic Engineer, staying home to raise her 2 boys. She is an accomplished educator, having received her BS Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She taught for many years then transitioned into the world of office administration and eventually owning her own business. Gretchen comes to JDC and Chai Tots with a passion for people, and attention to detail and customer services. She enjoys running, fitness and crafts.