Who We Are

Since 1979, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has been one of the most trusted names in local philanthropy, raising funds to further the welfare of Jews right here, in Israel and in more than 60 countries around the world. Sometimes, that means feeding people and rescuing them from harm’s way. Other times, it means helping residents re-connect with their Jewish heritage. For donors, it means being part of one strong, unified family dedicated to improving the lives of others.

WHO WE ARE:

We're the central address for the Jewish community in south Palm Beach County.

We're also the primary fund-raising, planning and allocating agency for one of the fastest-growing Jewish communities in North America.

Together with three other Jewish federations between Miami and West Palm Beach, we serve the second-largest Jewish community in the country, surpassing Southern California to become second only to New York.

We began as a satellite office of another countywide federation, serving only a couple of hundred Jews. But that quickly changed. We incorporated in 1979, and in 2005 celebrated our 25th anniversary by commissioning a new demographic study -- our first since 1995. The results of that study pegged our local Jewish population at around 150,000.

We've raised more than $20 million for the past several years, ranking us among the top 10 Jewish federations in the United States, according to the respected Chronicle of Philanthropy magazine. In recognition of the growth and innovation of our fund-raising efforts, we received the coveted Sapir Award from United Jewish Communities (UJC), the national umbrella organization for all Jewish federations in the United States.

While it is true that we draw upon the generous financial resources of affluent Boca Raton residents, those resources go toward providing vital services and programs to elderly Delray Beach residents. In fact, we serve the highest concentration of elderly Jews of any Jewish federation in America.

Back in 1979, our original agency was Jewish Family Service. Today, we have four founding-member agencies:

* Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, which provides a spectrum of recreational, social and cultural programs and services for people of all ages.
* Donna Klein Jewish Academy, a comprehensive K-12 day school.
* Jewish Association for Residential Care, which provides group housing and job-training programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
* Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services, which provides crisis intervention services and therapeutic counseling programs for people of all ages.

In addition, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County provides its own programs and services through three key departments:

* Jewish Community Foundation, which provides opportunities to support the continuity of Jewish life in south Palm Beach County.
* Jewish Community Relations Council, the public-policy and social-action arm of the Federation, working to unite the organized Jewish community.
* Jewish Education Commission, which provides Jewish learning opportunities for people of all ages.
Finally, the Jewish Federation works with a variety of affiliated-member and beneficiary-member agencies and organizations, together creating "partners in a caring community."

These agencies and organizations include most of the area's temples and synagogues, as well as the American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Community Kollel, Hillel Day School, Solomon Schechter Day School of Palm Palm Beach County, Torah Academy of Boca Raton and Weinbaum Yeshiva High School, just to name a few.

MISSION STATEMENT:

As the central address of the local Jewish community, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County works with a wide range of agency partners to:

Sustain Our Local Community – by providing vital social and humanitarian services to the poor, the elderly, and individuals with special needs.

Create a Jewish Future – by supporting opportunities for Jews of all ages to explore their heritage, instilling a love for Israel and ensuring a vibrant Jewish future through education, outreach and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Support Jewish Peoplehood Worldwide – by aiding Jews in distress and providing urgent resources to our global family in Israel and more than 60 countries worldwide.

With deep roots locally and respected ties nationally and internationally, we have earned the confidence of an active, loyal and growing donor base that is committed to the welfare and continuity of the Jewish people.

OUR PLEDGE TO YOU:

1. We pledge to remain 100% accountable for every penny of every donation, keeping our administration costs a minimum and maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness.

2. We pledge to remain steadfast in our commitment to address the entire range of Jewish needs - from immediate and emergency care to building a string and bright Jewish future through education and Jewish identity programs.

3. We pledge to keep our financials, allocations and business dealings fully transparent and always available upon request.

4. We pledge to treat you and all donors like stakeholders in our shared Jewish mission.

5. We pledge to keep you well informed of the wonderful impact of your gift, and how you've made a world of difference in the lives of others.

6. We pledge to be ever mindful of this pledge to you.