We’re young and we’re Jewish. And we have something else in common: We want to connect. Federation Young Leadership gives us a place to explore our interests, meet other young Jews, have fun, and make a difference in the world through our actions. In Jewish communities across North America, Young Leadership groups bring people together for social events and social action projects, to network and to schmooze.

Visit your federation’s Young Leadership page and find out what’s going on in your community. Then come to an event, or roll up your sleeves and dive into a tikkun olam project. And sooner or later, someone is going to get around to asking you to make a contribution. Yes, we’re talking about tzedakah.

Have you ever put a dollar in a tzedakah donation box as a gift for those in need? Some of us grew up thinking "tzedakah" just meant charity. But the word actually represents a much broader concept. Derived from the word "tzedek," it means justice. Pursuing a just world is what Jewish philanthropy is all about.

One of the primary reasons Federation exists is to raise money and then give it away. Every year, generous community members make contributions to the local Jewish federation. These dollars -- your dollars – are put into action by dedicated volunteers and professionals to meet a wide array of urgent humanitarian needs while helping to keep the Jewish community strong.

Think of poor families receiving critical assistance just to make ends meet. Children, parents and grandparents who need caregivers due to special needs and medical crises.  Residents of storm-battered communities in need of disaster relief. Terror victims in Israel who need trauma counseling.

When people are in need, we don't sit on the sidelines. We act. We provide the necessary financial support to make things happen, through our own philanthropy and by sharing our passion for doing good with others. 

The Jewish Federation of North America's movement’s Young Leadership groups recruit, train, and develop the rising leaders of these efforts.

Curious about some of the initiatives funded by the Federation annual campaign? Learn more about the annual campaign and see what a difference every dollar makes.