For over 85 years, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte has served as the backbone of a connected, compassionate, and resilient Jewish community. Whether someone is new to town, has lived here for decades, or is already involved in Jewish life, understanding the role of Federation means understanding how Jewish Charlotte functions — and flourishes.
This article kicks off Federation 101, a new series dedicated to unpacking the mission, impact, and story of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at how it works every day to strengthen Jewish life through community, philanthropy, Jewish identity, and connection to Israel.
A Force for Philanthropy and Global Impact
As the central philanthropic organization of Jewish Charlotte, Federation powers a vast network of care, both locally and nationally, in Israel, and across the Jewish world.
Each year, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte raises and allocates millions of dollars through the Annual Campaign to support more than 70 beneficiary agencies. These funds provide for essential services, including Jewish education, mental health resources, food security, environmental efforts, resources for seniors, and inclusive religious and cultural programming.
In addition to the Annual Campaign, donors can support high-priority initiatives identified by the community through three targeted additional giving opportunities: Outshine Hate, LiveSecure, and the iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement.
Legacy giving also offers a powerful way to ensure a lasting impact, helping to sustain and strengthen Jewish Charlotte for generations to come.
Federation provides rapid response in times of crisis. When war broke out in Israel following the October 7 attacks, Federation mobilized immediately, organizing solidarity missions, supporting the local community, and raising emergency funds through a national campaign to ensure humanitarian aid reached those most affected. This responsiveness is made possible by the generous collective giving of our community and the deep relationships Federation maintains with its global partners.
A Hub for Jewish Community and Connection
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte plays a vital role as a community convener, bringing people together across generations, backgrounds, and experiences to build a stronger, more connected Jewish Charlotte. As the central hub of Jewish life in the region, Federation helps individuals and families find meaningful ways to engage, whether they’re seeking cultural connection, Jewish learning, social interaction, or ways to give back.
Federation serves as the link between the many organizations that make up Jewish Charlotte: synagogues, schools, service agencies, and cultural institutions. By bringing these partners together, Federation helps coordinate efforts, share resources, and strengthen our entire community. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals and institutions alike can support one another and thrive.
Programs and gatherings are designed to meet people where they are. For families with young children, PJ Library events like the Shavuot ice cream social offer fun and accessible ways to explore Jewish holidays and values through crafts, story time, and play. For young Jewish adults, NextGen provides a space to connect over shared experiences, with events like Charlotte FC outings and casual get-togethers that foster friendships and community bonds. Women’s Philanthropy cultivates leadership and giving among women in the community, recognizing their vital role in shaping Jewish Charlotte.
A Force in Combating Antisemitism and Advancing Advocacy
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte plays a central role in defending the Jewish community through education, legislative advocacy, and coalition-building.
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is Federation’s advocacy and public affairs arm. It represents the Charlotte Jewish community on issues of social justice, civil rights, and antisemitism, and helps lead critical community responses to current events. The JCRC builds partnerships across the region, coordinates civic engagement efforts such as the Jewish Day of Advocacy in Raleigh, and participates in national conversations with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The JCRC deploys Outshine Hate, an initiative focused on fighting antisemitism and anti-Israel bias through education. This includes facilitating trainings in local schools, partnering with other faith and ethnic communities, and raising awareness around the modern manifestations of antisemitism.
A Center for Jewish Learning and Exploration
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is deeply committed to education as a tool for identity-building, resilience, and belonging. Through its Center for Jewish Education (CJE), Federation provides access to resources, learning opportunities, and cultural programs that engage the community across all stages of life.
The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library offers thousands of books, hosts author talks, and supports Jewish educators with materials and training. Family-friendly programs like PJ Library’s Summer Reading program and Passover in a Box give children and families tangible ways to explore Jewish traditions together. For adult learners, programs like the Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series bring leading Israeli journalists, educators, and cultural figures to Charlotte to deepen understanding of Israel’s complexity and its central role in Jewish life.
Building on that mission, Federation launched the iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement in 2025, funded by the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund. The iCenter expands access to Israeli perspectives, innovation, and culture through immersive programs, travel opportunities, and engagement with Federation’s partnership region in Hadera via Partnership2Gether. Why It Matters “Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte exists to make sure no part of Jewish life stands alone,” says CEO, Adam Kolett. “It connects people to one another, responds when crisis hits, invests in future generations, and strengthens Jewish identity across every age and stage.” Whether through advocacy, education, philanthropy, or cultural connection, Federation ensures that Jewish Charlotte remains strong, inclusive, and prepared to meet whatever challenges — or opportunities — come next.