Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

What do the upcoming Israeli elections mean for Israel—and for Jews around the world?

Join renowned Israeli journalist and political commentator Yaron Deckel for an insider's look at the candidates, key issues, and political dynamics shaping Israel's future. Register here: https://bit.ly/43U1hyR

Gain valuable context, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of this pivotal moment in Israeli public life.

Introduction by Dave Pentel and response by Community Shaliach Oren Pery.

Advocating for a safer future for our Jewish community. ✡️🔒

Recently, our Federation's CEO Mariam Feist and Community Security Director Alex Silverstein joined Jewish Federation leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the Jewish Federations Advocacy Fly-In, meeting with policymakers to advance critical security priorities that help protect Jewish institutions and communal spaces.

We were honored to meet with local political figures Representative Aaron Bean, Representative John Rutherford, and Senator Moody’s Chief of Staff, Justin Roth, alongside many others to discuss the importance of continued partnership and support for security resources that strengthen and safeguard our community.

Together, we are working to ensure that Jewish communities can gather, learn, worship, and celebrate safely and securely.

In today’s digital world, staying safe online is more important than ever. Thank you to everyone who joined us at River Garden Senior Services for "Avoiding Scams in the Digital Age" with Community Security Director Alex Silverstein!

Participants learned how to recognize common scams, protect their accounts, and strengthen their personal security with simple, practical tools. Providing valuable safety resources like these is one of the many ways we help support and empower our community.

🌈✡️ This Pride Month, we honor Betty Berzon (1928–2024), a Jewish psychologist, author, and pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

- Berzon was among the first psychologists in the United States to openly work with gay and le***an clients.
- She was a leading voice in the movement that challenged the classification of homosexuality as a mental illness.

Her compassion and commitment to justice not only helped shape LGBTQ+ history and expand acceptance for generations, but also advanced the Jewish values of human dignity, inclusion, and equality.

Mazel Tov to Erica Jolles on her acceptance to the National Women's Philanthropy Board---an honor that reflects her extraordinary dedication to women's philanthropy and highlights the meaningful role our Northeast Florida community plays at the national level.

Erica joins fellow Northeast Florida leaders Debbie Banks, Susan DuBow, Risa Herman, Allison Jacobs, Iris Kraemer (immediate past NWP Chair), Jennifer Plotkin, Haley Trager and Life Member, Joanie Levin. We are proud to see Northeast Florida so strongly represented by these inspiring women.

82 women. Four years. One powerful legacy. 💙✨

The Women’s Philanthropy LEAD Program — Leadership, Engage, Accelerate & Development — proudly celebrated its newest graduating cohort, bringing the total number of graduates to 82 inspiring women leaders.

Over nine months, participants explored leadership, Jewish values, philanthropy, and community impact while building meaningful connections along the way. Congratulations to this incredible cohort! 💫

This is the last week of Jewish American Heritage Month, and we're celebrating every moment to the very end! ✡️🎉

Did you know? More than 500,000 Jewish Americans served in the U.S. army during World War II. Today, there are approximately 15,000 Jewish men and women serving in the U.S. military.

Image Details: Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Arnstein, Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, 2014
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 2014.28
Gift of Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Arnstein, US Air Force

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our nation’s freedom — including the generations of Jewish Americans who have shaped American history through their service and sacrifice.

May we remember them with gratitude and stand together in their memory. 🇺🇸🕊️

One year ago, the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida celebrated 17 graduates from the YPF Bridges Leadership Development Program 🎉

This year, we're excited to announce that our 2025 - 2026 Bridges class will graduate in July with 20 people!

Recruitment for the 2026-2027 Bridges cohort is expected to open this fall. If you would like more information, are interested in participating, or know someone who would be a great fit for this unique leadership opportunity, please contact Charles Miller at [email protected]