About ish

ish brings artists and communities together to inspire pride in Jewish identity and heritage, celebrate Jewish cultural traditions, deepen connections to Jewish history and peoplehood, and foster collaboration across differences. The "ish way" elevates creativity, inclusion, human-centered design, and cross-cultural collaboration to strengthen community life. Whether Jewish or Jew-ish, (or just here for the matzah!), ish brings people together in artistic and cultural exploration, and through that exploration, builds understanding.

WHY ish?

ish explores the wide spectrum of intersectional identity, and presents a dynamic selection of artists, vendors, works of art, food, music and cultural activities from traditional to contemporary, religious to secular, Jew-ish to non-Jewish. Through a community cultural festival and auxiliary arts programming, ish celebrates Jewish heritage outwardly with pride, connecting local artists with community members and curious culture-seekers from around the region, country and globe. By highlighting diverse voices, identities, traditions, and arts disciplines, ish seeks to authentically represent the complexity of Cincinnati’s changing Jewish demographic.

ish connects artists with communities to co-create experiences which explore and celebrate Jewish arts & culture, inspire pride in Jewish identity, and foster appreciation of Cincinnati history and Jewish peoplehood. The "ish way" elevates inclusion, creativity, human-centered design, and cross-cultural collaboration to strengthen Jewish communal life.

ish Festival is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. EIN-83-2433747. Donations are tax deductible.