Lending a Helping Hand, Home and Abroad

From generation to generation, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven has protected and enhanced the well-being of Jewish people in local communities and worldwide. Photo courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

From Connecticut to Israel, and everywhere in between, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven (JFGNH) provides an extensive array of educational and social services.

"As prescribed in our mission to lead, build, strengthen and renew a local Jewish community and to provide support and caring for Jewish people in our community, Israel and worldwide, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven provides services for thousands of people of all backgrounds," says JFGNH CEO, Judy Diamondstein.

The organization achieves its mission through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice), and Torah (Jewish learning). Services include: aiding day schools and providing Jewish camping, childcare, scholarships, a Jewish educator for children with special needs, and Holocaust education. JFGNH also offers adult and teen education, exchange programs with Israel, a food pantry, affordable housing and services for the frail and elderly, literacy and food programs in New Haven Public Schools, and counseling services.

In addition to connecting with the estimated 23,000¹ Jews in New Haven, the JFGNH unites with Jewish people internationally through its Young Emissary Program, in which young Israeli volunteers come to Southern New England to serve as ambassadors. The program helps connect American Jews to their roots in Israel, strengthening the Jewish community as a whole.

"The Jewish Federation provides a warm, friendly atmosphere for health, thought, learning, and values," says Diamondstein, who acknowledges that the generosity of individual donors and support from institutional funders like The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven make the organization's work possible.

"Monies received from The Community Foundation assist us to fulfill our mission to facilitate total wellness through programs that stimulate mind, body, and spirit. These programs include cultural arts and film series, lecture series, craft and gift fairs, group exercise, swimming classes, and early childhood enrichment such as Musical Motion and Tumbling, just to name a few. Without the support of organizations such as The Community Foundation, this would not be possible," explains Diamondstein. The Simon Persky Fund, established in 1963 by bequest, is one of a handful of funds at The Foundation that has supported the JFGNH since its founding in 1928.

To learn more about The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and support its mission, visit its profile on giveGreater.org®.

Did you know?

There are about 14 million Jews around the world, representing 0.2% of the global population.²

Sources: Berman Jewish Databank¹ and Pew Research Center².

This story is part of the Inspiration Monday story series produced by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.