8 DAYS OF IMPACT

#FedImpact

Illuminating the many ways you change lives

 

Working together with our generous donors, we're able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community.  That’s because your one gift supports the 13 St. Paul Jewish community agencies that rely on Federation to do their important work and our overseas partners, which serve Jewish communities in Israel and 70 countries worldwide. 

 

As 2019 draws to a close, we ask you to continue your support with a tax-deductible gift. We're providing opportunities for children like Avi to engage in Jewish life, seniors like Lenore to continue to live the Jewish life they love, Jews in danger like Manny to get safely to Israel and students on campus to have a supportive Jewish community. 

 

Lenore found friendship and a caring community

 

Lenore (not her real name) worked out regularly at the St. Paul JCC. Thanks to a fund provided by Federation, the JCC transported her there through a program that provides rides to elderly and disabled people for medical appointments, shopping and more. Due to a family crisis, Lenore stopped going. The transportation dispatcher became concerned, called to make sure she was okay and convinced her to come back. On the day Lenore returned, the driver told her about another program that day – Lunch for 8. So, Lenore joined that group and is back exercising with a personal trainer.

Avi and 467 other children are inspired by PJ Library books

 
“Avi calls her PJ Library books her special holiday books," says her mom, Jennifer. “We have lots of Jenifer, Avi and Jeff at the Great Big St. Paul Challah Bakememories and will create many more snuggling up at bedtime. Our PJ Library books also serve as a reminder of the values and traditions we want to help establish with our daughter. When Avi got her PJ Library tzedakah box, and we explained it to her, she took the giving aspect to heart. One night we had family over, and as they left, she ran to the door and gave each person a coin from her box. It took everyone a while to figure out that she was giving them money in case they were hungry.” Photo: Jennifer, Avi and Jeff at the Great Big St. Paul Challah Bake. Learn how you can get free PJ Library books for your young ones every month.

Helping Jews in Ukraine

 

Helping those who are in need, both here at home and around the globe, is a continuing Federation priority. Through our partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Ukraine’s internally displaced Jews make a new start. Another example of #FedImpact #8DaysOfFedImpact

Engaging the next generation

 

“I really enjoyed the environment and personal relationships that were created through the process. Previously I had never spent much time thinking about giving in a Jewish context, so I found that very valuable.” —Sarah McVicar. Sarah was one of 12 participants in our pilot Giving Circle that met to explore philanthropic Jewish values and decide where to donate a fund to which they contributed. Many increased their donation, so they could better fund the projects they chose. Our second Giving Circle with Mount Zion wrapped up in the fall of 2019.

Rescuing Jews in danger

 

For generations, Federation has rescued Jews from hardship and hatred and brought them to safety in Israel.See how Federation and our partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, brought some of the last Jews out of Yemen and delivered them safely to the Jewish Homeland.

Standing with Jewish students on campus


On Nov. 1, Minnesota Hillel and Chabad brought 450 students, faculty and community members together for a Unity Shabbat on campus as a virulently anti-Israel conference was held the same weekend. When Minnesota Hillel reached out to Federation to help, we said yes–absolutely–we knew it was important to provide a chamish Jewish experience on campus that weekend, and we wanted students to know the St. Paul Jewish community supports them. Attendees were entertained and inspired by the Minnesota Chai Notes A Capella group as students from across the U community caught up with each other and enjoyed dinner. A broad coalition of Jewish and non-Jewish students and organizations attended. The event was a partnership between Minnesota Hillel, Chabad, JCRC, St. Paul and Minneapolis Jewish Federations, and other partners.  

You're there in a crisis

Through Federation, you're connected to our national partners and ready to assist victims of hurricanes, floods and other natural and manmade disasters regardless of background or national origin. Federation also is proud to support NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster, which focuses on helping households with no insurance, at-risk and low and middle income.

Helping Ron after his wife passed away

 

“It’s a great thing for me. I had been feeling so down and sick, and this program helped me a lot.” —Ron Ron was lonely and depressed. He lost his wife and his best friend in a short period of time and had his own health problems. He got help through a special program for older adults at Jewish Family Service of St. Paul. Ron was paired with a volunteer visitor with whom he became friends, and he regained hope as his body healed.