Faye Schloss missed the bustle of Brooklyn. The cultural events of Times Square. The energy of New York City.

        But the hardest part about moving to Cincinnati two years ago to be near her son: She left behind lifelong friends.

        She was lonely.

        Enter Jewish Family Service. The Blue Ash non-profit runs a program that matches volunteer visitors with isolated or ill individuals in Greater Cincinnati's Jewish community.

        The Jewish Visiting Initiative also is known as the Bikur Cholim Project, the Hebrew phrase for visiting the sick and one of the faith's 613 commandments.

        “There are so many people who live here without family,” says project coordinator Terry Susskind. “When you get older or get sick, you often feel so isolated. Jewish people crave that connection with the Jewish community.”

        For Mrs. Schloss, the initiative sparked a wonderful friendship.

        “When it works, it's marvelous. And it certainly worked for the two of us,” says Mrs. Schloss, 84, of Hartwell.

        “I don't think of ourselves as being in the program now. We've just become friends.”

        She meets often with volunteer visitor Eve Pearl of Finneytown. The women take in a movie, eat out together or visit some of Cincinnati's cultural touchstones.

        Another volunteer training class is scheduled for Tuesdayfrom 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Temple Sholom, 3100 Longmeadow Lane, Amberley Village.

        Information: 513-469-1188.
       

No need to bring money

        At Garden Park Unity Church's third annual Circulation Day sale on May 18, everything's free.

        So it's a yard sale with no sales.

        The Rev. Alden Studebaker explains: “It's a lot of fun for people to walk up and ask, "How much is this?' and we can say, "It's yours.”

        And it's not just for the needy — although it certainly can help those struggling to make ends meet.

        Just about anyone is welcome to come and search for treasures, the pastor says.

        The church requests dealers not participate.

        The event runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 3581 W. Galbraith Road in Colerain Township. Information: 513-385-8889.
       

All ages come together

        Join Koinonia Productions for a smoke- and alcohol-free “Jubilee Dance” on Friday.

        The event features contemporary gospel dance music and is designed to give Christians, young and old, a safe and spirit-filled place to go for entertainment.

        Tickets are $12.50 and include dinner, beverages and prizes. The event is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Swifton Commons Mall, 7030 Reading Road, Bond Hill.

        For more religion listings, check out www.enquirer.com, keyword: events. E-mail rthompson@enquirer.com or call 755-4144.

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