The Charlotte Jewish News- August 2025- Page 6 Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Federation 101: What Is Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte?
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
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.
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UNPACKING ISRAEL
MASTERCLASS SERIES
The conflict between Israel and Palestinians is one of the most deeply rooted and difficult challenges of our time. In the upcoming Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series, Dr. Einat Wilf— renowned author and former Knesset member— will explore the historical forces, core ideology, and narratives that continue to shape the struggle today. From the Palestinian call for a“ right of return” to slogans like“ from the river to the sea,” Einat will examine what these beliefs mean for peace, sovereignty, and the future of the Jewish state.
This session is an opportunity to move beyond surface-level conversations and gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of one of the world’ s most persistent conflicts.
Einat Wilf Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 PM | Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts
Jewish Community Relations Council
www. jewishcharlotte. org