Program areas at Jewish Federation of Greater Portland
The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, for 103 years, continues to fulfill its mission to serve and strengthen our Jewish community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the Jewish Federation worked tirelessly to move our community, locally and around the world, forward. This past year has seen its successes. We welcomed 400 community members at our centennial gala, the first large gathering for our community following the pandemic. Our centennial community trip to israel gave 200 community members the opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of israel and gain a new sense of the Portland Jewish community. We proudly conducted the most comprehensive study of our Jewish community in its history. The results were analyzed and released this year highlighting many important findings to address the changing needs of our Jewish community. And, once again, with the generosity of our donors, we raised in excess of $4.1 million to meet community needs. These funds help to fund organizations and programs that will ensure a vibrant Jewish community. Sadly, we continue to see the rise of antisemitism, both locally and nationally. The Jewish Federation works tirelessly to address antisemitism through workshops, education, security training, and working with schools and cities across Oregon. Plus, the war in ukraine continues. Since the war began, the Jewish Federation has raised over $650,000 to support refugees fleeing ukraine and families who have come to Portland in collaboration with our partners. In this tumultuous world, we are proud of the positive accomplishments that happened this past year.jewish Federation of Greater Portland released the results of the most extensive study of the Portland Jewish community ever in a new report, the 2022-23 Greater Portland Jewish community study. Conducted in partnership with brandeis universitys cohen center for modern Jewish studies, the study examines the size and characteristics of the local Jewish community, including demographics, financial challenges, mental health needs, and the ongoing concern of antisemitism. As such, the report is essential for Jewish and non-jewish communal organizations to make informed, data driven decisions about programs and initiatives that benefit the entire community.the wexner heritage leadership program concluded in june 2023. Twenty local community participants had the opportunity to learn from incredible scholars and travel to israel as part of the preeminent Jewish leadership program in the world. We look forward to seeing the leadership roles these individuals will take in the years ahead to enrich our Jewish community.
Community planning and coordination: community planning assesses long-term Jewish community needs, identifies priorities and develops action plans. The Jewish Federation is committed to planning a vibrant future for a flourishing Jewish community with all possible partners, listening to and engaging with the full diversity of individuals and Jewish organizations.
Community engagement: support for a myriad of programs that help strengthen Jewish identity, culture and community including programs for seniors, children, families, young adults and newcomers, scholarships for educational opportunities, community enrichment programs, support for teen programs in israel, leadership development programs and future planning and coordination of the Jewish community.