The Shoresh Project at the Klau Library

Rabbi Edie Yakutis '23 and Abigail Bacon, Head of Public Services and Outreach at the Klau Library, share an appreciation of the Klau's treasures. This pivotal learning center on Hebrew Union College's Cincinnati campus has holdings of 3,000 manuscripts and 15,000 rare printed books, in addition to a circulating collection of more than 600,000 items.

Yakutis and Bacon also share a passion for working with older adults. Their mutual interests culminated in the ambitious "Shoresh" programs, which connect older Jewish adults to their heritage and to one another - though adults of all ages and backgrounds are welcome - through the lens of the Klau Library collection. "Shoresh" means "root," and alludes to the fact that older adults are the foundational roots of our society.

In January 2024, the library was granted its first award to begin the Shoresh programs. Shoresh has now offered a total of 66 programs to more than 1,000 in-person attendees. The programs have covered a wide range of topics, including Jewish travelogues in medieval times, the history of Jewish chaplains in the armed forces, and the history of Hebrew writing and lettering. Hands-on activities are often included, like learning how to make marbled end papers, as discussed in a program on the history of Jewish bookbinding.

Shoresh programs are offered all over Cincinnati - in retirement communities, adult care facilities, synagogues, public libraries, community centers, and the Klau Library itself. Presentations have included vivid graphics and videos of materials from the Klau Library, and some have been conducted in collaboration with Hebrew Union College's American Jewish Archives.

In its emphasis on exploring Jewish culture within a modern context - and teaching about Jewish heritage through the lens of Jewish books and writings - Shoresh is fulfilling both the need to continually create bridges between the past, present, and future and to bring people of all faiths together.

Shoresh programs are funded through the Jewish Home of Cincinnati, in partnership with Hebrew Union College's Klau Library.