Netflix releases Israeli period drama ‘Beauty Queen of Jerusalem’
Welcome to the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County
Since 1977, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County has been working to build a strong Jewish community that enriches people’s lives, helps those in need, and embraces all Jewish families. With member support, our recipient organizations in Orange County help thousands of people here at home and through the Jewish Federations of North America, aid Jewish communities at risk in Israel and around the world.
Federation office hours vary. If you call and get no answer, please email director@jewishorangeny.org.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County stands with Buffalo
JCPA Condemns Racist Shooting in Buffalo
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) strongly condemns the heinous racist shootings in Buffalo and the white supremacist tropes which inspired the shooter.
The shooter, who livestreamed his actions on social media and circulated a manifesto espousing violently racist and antisemitic sentiments online shortly before the attack, intended to start a race war that “will save the Western world.”
JCPA stands with Black and Jewish communities around the country to speak out against white supremacy, racism and hate. We must work together against gun violence and escalation of hate and violence designed to disrupt our multiracial democracy.
Below is the statement issued earlier today by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Buffalo Jewish Federation:
“Buffalo’s Jewish Community stands shoulder-to-shoulder linking arms with Buffalo’s Black Community as they deal with the aftermath of this weekend’s horrific shooting that took the lives of 10 people and injured 3 others at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue.
The Talmud tells us that: “Whoever destroys a soul; it is considered as if they destroyed an entire world” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5).
Our hearts and prayers extend to the families and friends of the deceased and to the larger community that mourns with them. May their memories always be for a blessing.
The Jewish community knows well the manifestation of white nationalism and collectively we are devastated that our friends and neighbors are experiencing this first-hand, yet again.
The Jewish community is here and will continue to be there for our neighbors: Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein of Congregation Shir Shalom and dozens of Jewish community members attended a Prayer Vigil outside the crime scene Sunday morning; Temple Beth Zion’s Rabbi Sharon Sobel spoke at an Interfaith service at the Macedonia Baptist Church later in the day; the Jewish Family Services of WNY, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo and congregations from every denomination have released statements expressing outrage and offering support.
While the Buffalo community is strong and relationships between Blacks and whites have been nurtured, much work has to be done together to address issues of systemic racism. As part of a faith community, we know that this hate crime cannot be tolerated in a civil society.
In a blink of an eye, life changed in the City of Good Neighbors. We are incredibly grateful to leaders like Bishop Darius Pridgen (True Bethel), Rev. Mark Blue of NAACP Buffalo Branch and Rev. Denise Walden of Voice Buffalo. They and other Black leaders are providing a voice of calm and one of hope, even amid this horror. We lift up their leadership and to continue to follow their lead.
These are the times we must pull together and support one another. In Hebrew, we say – “Hineni” - We are here!” One of the critical areas of need is food insecurity as the Tops Market was the only large grocery in the area and it is currently closed indefinitely."
Click this link to donate fresh and non-perishable food items and other supports.
Immediate and short-term needs already total $20 million and include:
Temple Sinai Hebrew School Seeks Teacher for 2022-2023
Grades K-3, about 5 students.
Although we had to cancel our "Genius of Women" event, there was still interest in honoring some special women in many people's lives. We present several entry options that will be published in our June, 2022 Newsletter. If the interest continues, we will keep this portal open and publish again in the future.
You can still honor a special woman in your life here.
All Access Pass – your VIP pass to explore Jewish life in Orange County on your terms.
Together with Jewish synagogues and organizations across Orange County, the All Access Pass gives you and your family access to Jewish cultural, social and educational programs across the county for one full year for only $100.
Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get connected! The future of the Orange County Jewish community is in our hands.
Jewish Experience Scholarships
Need-based scholarships to Jewish families residing in Greater Orange County for Jewish educational programs and experiences including Religious School/Hebrew School at Federation-affiliated synagogues, youth group conventions including USY, NFTY, BBYO, Young Judea, and Hadassah, and other Jewish Experiences upon approval by the Scholarship Committee. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Jewish in OC Micro-Grants
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County is excited to announce our first ever round of Jewish in OC Micro-Grants!
Goals: The goal of this program is to bring out new ideas in the Orange County Jewish community which will bring the community together, connect people to the community, positively impact the community, and help the community learn and grow together.
Your legacy can support any of these
Orange County Life & Legacy Community Partners: