. . . . . . "The Jewish immigrant experience is widely known to be limited to large, metropolitan cities such as New York City, however Jewish immigrants to Ohio cities developed their own communities consisting of small business, social activism and a complex relationship among German and East European Jews. This thesis will explore the distinct value system that emerged and the similarities and differences of the Eastern European Jewish immigrant communities in major Ohio cities during the First Wave of Immigration, utilizing my personal family history as a framework for discussion." . "The development and analysis of the Eastern European Jewish immigrant begins with a background of Russian history in the context of the Jewish population and shtetl culture, followed by a short recount of the Jewish persecution and exodus to the United States. My personal family history and memoirs will be incorporated into this investigation. It is clear that Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati served as a hub for Jewish immigrants from Ohio, and the Jewish communities developed their own value system. Each community is analyzed to explore the role of the East European Jewish immigrant in Ohio industry, pre-existing Jewish religious and social structures, and finally the immigrant group's social activism." . "The fact that the immigrants knew that they would never return to Russia played a major role in their rapid assimilation and economic success. Ohio Jewry cultivated a distinct identity characterized by small businesses, social activism and a complex relationship among German and East European Jews. The major Ohio cities of Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati serve as a microcosm of how Jewish immigrants influenced American cities. The Russian Jewish immigrants' commitment to Judaism and Old World traditions revived Judaism in Ohio, which served a significant role in upholding Jewish traditions and values. Eventually, Ohio Jewry united to organize charitable deeds, developed political strength, and ultimately influenced the greater community. The first wave of Eastern European Jews offered an Old World value system that when combined with the economic successes of the German Jews that came before them, resulted in a vibrant and strong Jewish community that still exists today." . "Jewish immigrant communities in Ohio a microcosm of early 20th century America" .