International contributions
In order to help needy Jews around the world, and as a branch of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), we forward to them a substantial part of the funds that our donors contribute. The funds collected by JFNA go the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). More information about these partners can be found here.
JAFI programs are focused on three primary realms of activity:
- facilitating the aliyah and integration of Jews in Israel,
- connecting the next generation of diaspora Jews to Israel
- improving opportunity for disadvantaged people in Israel.
JFNA contributions to JAFI do not support settlements in the West Bank and do support religious pluralism in Israel.
JDC works in over 70 countries. It
- rescues Jews in danger,
- provides relief to those in distress,
- supports the renewal of self-sustaining Jewish community life in these countries.
Locally
As JAFI now recognizes, the security of Israel depends on Diaspora communities that feel a strong enough Jewish identity to care about Israel.
Programs to strengthen Jewish identity
- We provide a gift book with Jewish content to every child in our community at their b’nai mitzvah ceremony
- In 2008, we sponsored the community-wide Israel's 60th Anniversary party
- In 2009–10, we sponsored a number of major community-wide events, including
- Deli Night, featuring a delicatessen meal, children’s activities and speakers on Israeli West Bank settlements
- "Chanukah on Ice," combining Chanukah candle-lighting, latkes, and ice skating
- Concert by the Israeli singer Noa and her guest artist, Mira Awad
- We provide financial assistance to MSU Hillel, Greater Lansing Temple Youth (GLTY), and the Israeli Film Festival
- We cosponsor educational/cultural programs at the synagogues
- Within our means, we provide scholarships for community youngsters to attend Jewish day camps and sleep-away camps and to attend programs in Israel
Social support services
- Within our means, we provide relief and loans to needy Jews in our community
- Fund leaders of the community-wide Chevra Kadisha to receive training in providing ritual services for those who have died
Would you like us to do even more?
We would love to do even more. But this takes more volunteer time and more money. You can help realize your dreams by contributing—volunteer your time and contribute what you can.
