Making a Difference Our Impact
The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton is dedicated to making a significant impact in our community through a variety of initiatives. We are committed to enhancing security, providing support to those in need, and enriching the lives of young people through educational and recreational opportunities.
$1,250,000
Raised Annually
Annually, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton raises $1,250,000 to support Jewish people- in Dayton, in Israel, and around the World with support from our incredible community.
$850,000
Raised for Israel
We successfully raised $850,000 to support Israel as they rebuild after the atrocities of October 7, 2023.
Helping Build
Thriving Jewish communities
The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton is the collective. We build thriving Jewish communities, not just in times of need, but everyday.
Recent Articles
Come “Hear Us”
Cathy Gardner
Words are powerful. Every single day, we are surrounded by their magic. From song lyrics to poetry, and everything in between, words can tap into the recesses of one’s mind and evoke emotions in even the most stoic person. We are fortunate to have numerous literary geniuses in the greater Dayton Jewish community. Several local poets will have the opportunity to share their writings during Hear Us: A Poetry and Music Café, on November 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Boonshoft CJCE. This program is in partnership with the JCC Cultural Arts and Book Series. You are invited to immerse...
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Three Years Later
Cathy Gardner
October 7, 2023 is a day we will never forget. Three years after 1,200 people were killed in a Hamas-led attack that also saw 251 people taken hostage, our lives remain forever changed. Initially, the worldwide Jewish community received an outpouring of support. However, over time, some of that support turned into accusations of war crimes and genocide. This opened the door for a wave of antisemitism throughout the diaspora. And now, three years later, we are still fighting for Israel’s right to exist and for Jewish people to live in a world free from fear and persecution. While we...
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Let Your Voice Be Heard
Cathy Gardner
If there is one constant in life, it is change. Our interests, wants, and needs often shift with time and circumstances. This is true not only in our individual lives, but also in communities. When the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education (CJCE) was built in the early 2000’s, it fulfilled the needs for our community at that time. However, throughout my tenure here, community members have shared with me that they find themselves either needing or desiring different services and amenities than we currently offer. I realize there may be others who share these sentiments. Knowing what people...
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Peter Wells
Cathy Gardner
When I first began my position as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, I received a phone call from Peter Wells, who served as CEO of the organization from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. He was in town and asked if he could meet with me. What began as a meeting to provide me with insight and information about the Dayton Jewish community quickly morphed into a very special relationship. Peter wasn’t just a professional resource. He was my mentor and a dear friend. He proved to be a wealth of knowledge, helping me to have a...
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A Peek at This Year’s Presidents Dinner
Cathy Gardner
It is hard to believe we are only a little over three weeks away from our 2026 Presidents Dinner, which will take place on Sunday, May 17 at the Boonshoft CJCE. The Presidents Dinner honors the legacy of the Federation’s past presidents while inspiring our community with a global message on an intimate level. Attendees also have the opportunity to make a pledge to the 2026 Annual Campaign. Our Chairs for this year’s event are Bernie Rabinowitz and his partner, Elaine Goldberg. Bernie has been a pillar in our Jewish community for many years. He has served on countless boards...
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Our #1 Priority
Cathy Gardner
With the continued increase in antisemitism throughout the world, and the recent attack on Temple Israel in Bloomfield, Michigan, we have received some questions about the safety and security of our facility, staff, and the entire Dayton Jewish community. Now, more than ever, safety and security remain our highest priority. Security plays a role not just in event planning, but in our day-to-day operations as well. The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton takes a proactive approach to safety and security. Our full-time Security Director John Davis, who served over 30 years with the Centerville Police, maintains regular communication with federal,...
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