Who We Are
Jewish Federation of Central New York works to support and engage members of the Jewish community through meaningful programs and resources.
For over 100 years, the Federation has been at the center of the Jewish community, fulfilling our obligation to take care of each other. Today, we are at the heart of a community that values and celebrates Jewish life. Together with our agency partners and other institutions and organizations in the community, we sustain and grow a caring and connected Jewish community where all can engage in meaningful collective Jewish experiences, access Jewish tradition in powerful and transformative ways, and assure the continuity of the Jewish people.
Our Mission
Guided by Jewish values, the Jewish Federation of Central New York works to build a strong Jewish future in Central New York and Israel and worldwide through philanthropy, engagement, education, and advocacy.
Our Vision
The Jewish Federation of Central New York serves the interests and well-being of our Jewish community ensuring that the vision of Jewish identity and continuity is realized by:
Building a thriving Jewish community through planning, coordination, and leadership development and enriching the educational, cultural, and social life of our Jewish community;
Creating and Maintaining connections with and raising funds for the support of local, national, and overseas Jewish philanthropic agencies;
Advocating for the support and security of the State of Israel;
Safeguarding, defending, and advocating for the civil, economic, and religious rights of the Jewish people;
Representing the interests of our Jewish community in inter-faith matters.
Our Values
The mission and vision of the Jewish Federation of Central New York are grounded in and guided by the Jewish values of:
Torah (Jewish learning),
Tzedakah (charity, respect, and social justice),
Tikkun Olam (repairing the world),
and L’Dor V’Dor (identity and continuity from generation to generation).
Community Impact Areas
The Jewish Federation of Central New York:
Builds and sustains Jewish educational, cultural and social life in Central New York to assure a thriving Jewish community
Supports overseas, national and local Jewish philanthropic agencies
Provides central planning, coordination, and leadership development for local Jewish communal services
Safeguards and defends the civic, economic and religious rights of the Jewish people
Represents the Jewish community in inter-religious and inter-group activities
Links with and supports the Jewish community of the United States, Israel and every part of the world
Federation supports:
JCC Early Childhood Program
Syracuse Hebrew Day School
Syracuse Community Hebrew School
Epstein School of Jewish Studies
PJ Library®
Hillel at Syracuse University
JCC Senior Lunch Program
Kosher Meals on Wheels
Menorah Park
Beit Tikvah Group Home
Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration
Ahavath Achim Mikvah
the Matza Factory
Yom HaShoah Commemoration
the Community Chanukah celebration
Judaic Heritage Center
Kol Chai Crisis Prevention & Management
Jewish Music and Cultural Festival
Va’ad Ha’ir
Federation Community Security Program
Jewish Cemeteries Association
Jewish Family Service
InterFaith Works
Programs benefitting Israel and Jews around the world
NextGen
Together We Give More
There are many ways to give and make a difference - find yours here.
Your gift to the Jewish Federation of CNY brings dignity and care to the vulnerable and elderly, strengthens Jewish identity for our children and young adults, supports vital community programs, and creates meaningful Jewish life across Central New York and beyond.
The Jewish value of Tikkun Olam means “repairing the world,” and we are committed to supporting these efforts and fulfill this important sentiment.
