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Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Jewish Federation?

Your Federation is the heart and soul of North American Jewry's philanthropic and humanitarian activities. It embodies a 3,500-year-old tradition of caring that goes back to the giving of the Torah and sustains us in the bold pursuit of the Jewish community, Jewish values and Jewish peoplehood. Federation is the passion of commitment, where tzedakah and a sense of social justice can make a difference in someone's life.

What does the Federation do?

Federation builds and strengthens Jewish community; from your hometown to our homeland, from the homebound to the homeless, from elderly Jews in Russia to North American teens discovering their birthright in Israel. Whether the task is reducing Jewish poverty and hunger, rescuing and resettling new immigrants, or spurring Jewish renaissance worldwide, Federation is committed to seizing the moment in Jewish history to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people.  

 

What does the Federation do compared to other Jewish organizations?

Federation is the one place that belongs to every Jew, the place where philanthropy, volunteerism and shared commitment come together to make a difference, to repair the world. As part of a continent-wide system, Federation has the capacity to reach every Jew in need with a social-service network unparalleled in the world. These resources and the experience and reach of its two preeminent overseas partners-the Jewish Agency for Israel and American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee-enable Federation to bring life-saving and life-sustaining caring to all Jews in need. And it brings North American Jews into direct, personal, meaningful partnerships with the people of Israel through many innovative programs. 

 

Where does my money go?

A gift to your Federation's Annual Campaign provides unrestricted funds to meet urgent, ongoing humanitarian and social service needs of the global Jewish people, to encourage and support Jewish education and community, and to strengthen the relationship between North American Jews and the Israeli people. Part of the Annual Campaign money goes to meet overseas needs through our partners, Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  A substantial portion of your gift remains right in your own community, helping to strengthen your Federation, a premier provider of programs to safeguard and enhance Jewish life at home. These Federation funds go to support a wide array of local needs including care for the elderly and those struggling to put food on the table, and building Jewish identity through events, Israel programs and facilities. 

 

What is the North American Jewish community's relationship to Israel?

A strong, secure Israel is the bedrock of the global Jewish community. Through our overseas partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, JFNA and North America's Federations have played - and continued to play- a pivotal role in Israel's remarkable story of immigration, renewal and growth.

What is the Federation doing to mobilize the community in support of Israel and against inaccurate, biased media reporting on Israel?

Both in the local community and across North America, the Federation movement has been strongly proactive and vocal in support of Israel and its desire for peace: rallies have been staged; petitions and letters sent to government officials; fact sheets, briefings, updates and press releases produced and distributed, and top-level speakers from Israel dispatched throughout the continent. Importantly, Federations are also sending solidarity missions to Israel, allowing thousands of North American Jews to show their support by being there at this critical time, and speaking out on Israel's behalf when they return. 

How can I get involved?

Federation is the place that builds community and you are the spark that builds Federation. By volunteering, you can play a pivotal role in relieving an older person's hardships, affirm for a child the powerful values of Jewish tradition and continuity, and help others do the wonderful mitzvah of saving Jewish lives and Jewish life. Contact info@jfedwcnj.org to express your particular interests. We will work with you to identify meaningful opportunities for you to contribute your time, expertise, ideas and leadership. 

What is the current Donor Privacy Policy?

The Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey respects the privacy of all donors. We believe in safeguarding personal information and ensuring that donor privacy is protected. Your name, address and any other personal data you provide will be used only by Jewish Federation West-Central New Jersey to keep you informed of our activities including our programs, special events, and funding needs. If at any time you choose not to receive these communications, you may contact Federation and we will gladly remove your name from our mailing list.

We respect all donor requests to remain anonymous.

 

Who has access to my Personal Records?

Donor information is maintained in a secured database, and only authorized personnel have access to this information and only for appropriate business purposes.

 

What about my email?

Federation does not rent, sell, give away, or trade its donor lists or any information contained on those lists. Donor information is used by Federation for charitable purposes only as described above and will not be used by any entity outside of Federation. To review personal information collected and/or request changes, please contact Gayle Braunstein, Campaign Manager gbraunstein@jfedwcnj.org

 

Authorized Release of Information

The Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey may be legally required to disclose information on occasion. Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey complies with all applicable legal requirements and standards.