About us

Incorporated in March 1982 as Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties to address the diverse needs of the local, national, and international Jewish communities, and promote Jewish culture and heritage, it is now the representative umbrella organization for Jews living in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties assumes an active leadership role in the cultural, educational, religious, social, and social welfare needs of the Jewish community. It is active in the advancement of local, national, and global Jewish interests, particularly with respect to Israel and vulnerable Jewish populations around the world. Jewish Federation develops and sponsors programs for individuals and the community to work towards the mitzvot of Chesed/Kindness, Tzedakah/Righteousness, and Tikkun Olam/Repairing the World.

In cooperation and partnership with its affiliate agencies, local congregations, community groups, and volunteer-driven community organizations, Jewish Federation’s dedicated leadership, volunteers, and professional staff work to disseminate information and develop programs and services that create awareness and understanding of issues important to all Americans, of all ethnicities, including anti-Semitism, Holocaust education, discrimination and racism, the fight against international terrorism, human rights, and poverty.

Our long history in this community is the gift of support, philanthropic and physical, extended to us so generously over the years by members of the Jewish communities of Atlantic and Cape May counties.

OUR MISSION: To promote the well-being of a vibrant Jewish community; to develop and sustain the leadership of the Jewish community; and to nurture and support the Jewish communities locally, in Israel, and around the world, through the values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Tzedakah (charity and social justice), and Torah (Jewish learning).

To bring our mission to life, to give it meaning and relevance, Jewish Federation offers opportunities for engagement, leadership, philanthropic expression, and recognition to donors and community members through a number of key affinity groups and program areas.

These include:

Brandeis Society – recognizes the exceptional generosity of legal and financial professionals in our community, pays tribute to professionals who contribute $1,000 or more to the annual campaign, and works to advance and enrich both the personal and professional interests of its members through philanthropy, social action, and continuing education.

Stockton University Hillel – offers an array of Jewish opportunities to students at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Atlantic Cape Community College ranging from social justice to Israel, and from Jewish culture to Jewish religious expression. No matter what your interest or Jewish background, Hillel at Stockton is here to get know each and every Jewish student by name and story, to help connect you to the next set of experiences, communities, and relationships that will transform you into Jewish adulthood.

Israel Center – works to build and maintain a living bridge between our Jewish community and the State of Israel, highlighting its accomplishments and people. The Israel Center serves as an educational resource in the community, bringing the culture and uniqueness of Israel to various events, and focusing on Israel-related programming for all ages to encourage pro-Israel advocacy (hasbarah).

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) – serves as the central coordinating and resource body for the Jewish community to foster joint and cooperative action to promote equality of opportunity and full civil rights and civil liberties for Jewish and all other racial, religious and ethnic groups; encourage amicable relationships, mutual understanding and respect among groups; help create and maintain conditions conducive to encouraging the continuity and vitality of Jewish living in a pluralistic society; protect and strengthen the rights and interests of the Jewish community; combat anti-Semitism and every other form of racism or group prejudice; develop an intelligent and effective public opinion within and outside the Jewish community on Jewish community relations issues, problems, concerns, and commitments; and provide a forum for Jewish communal leadership to exchange views with key local, regional, and national public officials.

Lion of Judah Society – an international society for women who contribute $5,000 or more to the annual campaign during a given year. Introduced in 1972, thousands of women around the world proudly wear the beautiful Lion pin in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the Jewish community. More than 30 women in our community are members. The Lion of Judah program has brought together women of all ages and from many walks of life to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity, and building Jewish identity.

Maimonides Society – recognizes the exceptional generosity of healthcare professionals in our community, pays tribute to healthcare professionals who contribute $1,000 or more to the annual campaign, and works to advance and enrich both the personal and professional interests of healthcare professionals through philanthropy, social action, continuing education, and by offering site visits and other programs to learn more about the lifesaving services supported by members.

Pomegranate Society – an international society for women who contribute $1,800 to $4,999 to the annual campaign. It celebrates women taking a hands-on approach to philanthropy, and, beyond raising money, serves as a catalyst for women to perform mitzvot. The significance of the pomegranate is that it is said to have 613 seeds, representing the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.

NextGenAC – creates, supports, and sustains innovative opportunities for young adults and families through education, engagement, networking, social action, and philanthropy for the purposes of community building and leadership development.