A rabbi and dad is starting an online Jewish day school to help families get through the pandemic
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.
We are back in the office, Tuesday to Thursday, 9-5.
Please call 845-562-7860 or email rachel@jewishorangeny.org
June 11, 2020 Statement from the Justice Brandeis Law Society of the 9th JD
"NEUTRALITY is at times a graver sin than belligerence."
Hon. Louis D. Brandeis (1856- 1941)
The JBLS 9th JD, a Jewish bar association, shall not remain silent in the face of social upheaval, massive demonstrations and all violence occurring daily across our nation in response to the recent senseless, violent deaths of Black Americans at the hands and "knees" of law enforcement officers, the latest being that of George Floyd in Minnesota. His shameful and tragic death caught on video has sparked justifiable outrage worldwide. It is our responsibility to publicly comment in support of SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE NOW. Read more...
Screenshots From Our 44th Annual Meeting - Sunday, June 14th 10AM
98 devices joined the Zoom presentation of our 44th Annual Meeting facilitated by Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein.
Orange County synagogues and Jewish organizations honored special individuals who have shown outstanding service as their Volunteers of the Year. Read their full bios here.
- Congregation Agudas Israel - Mimica Hyman
- Congregation Beth Hillel - Carol and David Jalazo
- Congregation Eitz Chaim - Jerome Spector, Z'l
- Congregation Eitz Chaim Sisterhood - Sisterhood Board; Rochelle Marshall, Rita Wincott, Fran Gordon, Bonnie Brunner, Ellen McNally, Gail Sullivan, Paula Spector, Vicky Morales, Sheila Ornstein, Alyse Matsil, Linda Siegel, Barbara Fromowitz and Samira Galler
- Jewish Federation - Sharon Goldberg
- Kol Yisrael - Marsha Sobel
- Newburgh JCC - Paul Hoffner
- Monroe Temple - Stephen Block
- Monroe Temple Sisterhood - Vicki Kilanowski
- Temple Beth Jacob - Ilana Lustbader
- Temple Beth Jacob Sisterhood - Lynne Arnold
- Temple Beth Shalom - Shannon Pollock
- Temple Beth Shalom Sisterhood - Janne Sommer
- Temple Sinai - Geoff Chanin
These are uncertain, challenging times for the world, our country, Israel, and our community.
Obviously, this is not business as usual. The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County is committed to your health and well-being and that of the entire community. We, like others, have cancelled public events. In addition, our office will be closed for the time being. But we remain very much open for business to help the hungry, the sick and others at-risk.
Our buildings are closed, but our communities are open.
If you need to reach the Jewish Federation, please email Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein at rachel@jewishorangeny.org. You may also leave us a voicemail at (845)562-7860. We will be checking our voicemail daily and will return you call as soon as we can.
We have been working hard to support our synagogues and religious schools as they transition to online and virtual content. If your synagogue needs a tutorial on Zoom or help in their transition, please have them reach out to rachel@jewishorangeny.org directly.
We are here to help.
We are working closely with our partners at Jewish Family Service to meet the growing needs of our vulnerable populations. We also know that many of you are looking for opportunities to help the community at this time, through volunteering and donations.
- Food Drive: We are joining Jewish Family Service in collecting non-perishable food donations including paper products. Jewish Family Service will pick-up donations and prepare bags to distribute to local seniors who are in need.
- Volunteers: Jewish Family Service is compiling a list of volunteers to pick-up and drop off food and prescriptions by location and availability.
- Friendly Calls: Many of our neighbors are isolated at home at this time. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to make calls to our neighbors to offer them companionship and support.
To sign up to help, please contact Sean Gerow at SGerow@jfsorange.org or 845-341-1173 ext. 302.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call Jewish Family Service at 845-341-1173 and they will work to provide whatever assistance they can.
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.
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.