THIS IS WHERE We’re Coming from
Since Federations were founded, we have been a place for those who need help to connect with those who can help, fulfilling Jewish values concerning tzedakah while meeting communal needs.
1948 Incorporation of the first Federation forming today’s Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
1970s-1980s Federations led push for Soviet Union to allow emigration of Jews then helped them build new lives in our NJ community and Israel
2000s
PJ Library was created to stem Jewish communal apathy and attrition among families with young children
1895
The first Jewish Federation was founded in Boston
1950s-1960s Federation predecessor, UJA, was investing in the establishment of the State of Israel
1990s
Federation began helping to resettle Ethiopian Jews in Israel
2020
Within days of COVID shut-downs, Federation launched Jewish Life Online platform and cyber security guidance for organizations to keep Jewish life thriving
2012 Federation community responded to Super Storm Sandy
2004
Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) created; Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) began proposing this in 2001
2016
Federation brought Life & Legacy training for all organizations to cultivate financial resources and perpetuate services for future generations
2017
NJ established state NSGP pilot in response to advocacy by NJ Federations and partners across faith communities*
2023 Federation supported the people of Israel after the October 7 attack
2022
Federation helped Ukrainian Jews resettle in the wake of the war
*2022
NJNSGP became law due to continued advocacy
See where we’re going
As communal needs have evolved, Federation itself has evolved. These pages show where we are today and how we’re refueling for tomorrow.
Dear Friends,
It is said themorethingschange,themoretheystaythesame . Our sages have explored the Talmudic concept of whatisinthebeginningisintheend . Both suggest that the essence of something is constant from its inception throughout its existence.
As this year’s Annual Report reflects, the needs in Jewish life have evolved since our Federation’s beginnings in 1948. And while Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey’s day-to-day decisions and impact have evolved with life’s twists and turns, our essence has not changed.
From our founding years, we aided in the welfare of vulnerable Jews — whether those making a life in the fledgling state of Israel or integrating into American society after WWII Europe. Through the 1960s, as our American Jewish presence grew, we often brought values of social justice to aid other marginalized people. In the 1970s, more of our focus was needed to help liberate and ultimately resettle Soviet Jews as well as care for those left behind, often the most isolated, frail, and poor among the elderly.
In the 80s and 90s it became clear that the concept of vulnerability — and our mission to care for the vulnerable — transcended those deemed “less fortunate.” Now it was Jewish life, itself, that was vulnerable. Would there BE an American Jewish community to care for those less fortunate in the future?
The need to strengthen Jewish identity and the “continuity” of the Jewish people intensified. Programs like PJ Library and scholarships for Jewish summer camp and teen travel to Israel were born.
Through it all, we have come to aid Jews and often our neighbors whenever and wherever crisis strikes — from wars and terror attacks to natural disasters and more. For some time, we have known:
Federation must keep our community strong and ready for whatever life brings.
Still, few would have imagined we’d ever see today’s unprecedented rise — in our own back yard — of overt, unapologetic, even violent antisemitism.
Rocks thrown through synagogue glass to gain unlawful entry, “These f***ing Jews should die” heard among slurs at a government hearing, middle school students who report antisemitic incidents being told by teachers and principals “there’s nothing we can do.”
Today, we are all vulnerable.
Just as Federation has prioritized the welfare of ‘the vulnerable’ since our inception, we continue to fulfill that charter today — from passage of laws strengthening guardrails against antisemitism to accompanying a victim of school bus antisemitism to the police station to report it.
In this report, you will note how Federation’s Security Initiatives, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) government advocacy, and Center to Combat Antisemitism and Reinforce Multicultural Acceptance (CARMA) education programs increase awareness, preparedness, and resilience against threats and thwart bad actors; push for greater public protections, deterrence, and penalties; provide support and resources to stem bias and incidents in our schools; and aid victims of hate.
You will see how we continue to help Jews affected by war in Israel and Ukraine, while here at home we find new ways to champion human services partners providing direct programs and services to those in crisis or need.
You will learn how we delight and empower youth to embrace the joy in Jewish traditions, values, and community so they infuse our Jewish community of today with vitality and go on to build a strong and caring Jewish future.
Times may have changed since the 1940s for American Jews; for that matter, they’ve changed since the 2020s began! The needs facing us have changed. Federation’s own strengths and vulnerabilities have changed, what with mergers, demographic trends, shifts in donor behavior, and more.
What will not change is the constant of change, itself.
The needs we face today were once (not too long ago) unthinkable. We cannot know what tomorrow brings, but we know we must be ready. We must be united. And strong. And smart about our use of “collective” resources.
What will not change is Federation’s DNA to connect those who need help with those who can help; to identify and address challenges, gaps and opportunities in our Jewish community; and marshal resources to empower every Jew to make a difference so that, together, we make Jewish life more caring, connected, and attuned to support vulnerabilities of our community as a whole.
That is why allJewsneedFederationandFederationneedsallJews . This has always been. This will always be. And we will always be grateful to you for being with us.
Thank you for your support,
Susan Antman Marcia Schwartz Executive Director President
Combating Antisemitism Through Advocacy
Security Initiatives Strengthen the Community CARMA Combats Hate in Schools Programs and Partners Empower Teens Nurturing Young Children for a Bright Jewish Future
Strengthening Bonds to Stand with The People of Israel
Caring for People in Need in Israel
Caring for People in Need at Home
Combating
through COMMUNITY
ANTISEMITISM DROVE MUCH OF FEDERATION’S WORK IN 2024
In 2024, historic levels of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment shaped much of the work and direction driving Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey — including through our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) — to make our community safer and stronger, more prepared in a crisis, more strategic in leveraging resources as needs continue to evolve, and more vibrant and empowering for all, and especially young people, so they may become informed, compassionate, connected, and committed Jewish adults.
TOWN COUNCILS
As anti-Israel groups orchestrated bi-weekly appearances at several towns’ council meetings, from East Brunswick to Red Bank, every two weeks over a six-month period, Federation’s government advocacy and activation of hyperlocal community spokespersons held proposals for one-sided resolutions, designed to pressure state and federal leaders to adopt anti-Israel positions, at bay.
STATE LEGISLATURE
Hate cannot be legislated away, but stronger guardrails can increase accountability to deter bad actors and hold them accountable.
Government advocacy that began in 2024 and continues in 2025 presses NJ to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, establishing shared understanding of the problem to better enforce protections against it.
Antisemitism
Antisemitism ADVOCACY
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MANDATE
2024’s anti-Jewish bias incidents in NJ kept pace with 2023’s — doubled from 2022’s record-breaking level, which was the highest ever reported by the ADL.
SCHOOLS
After years providing ad-hoc support when students experiencing antisemitism at school turned to us, Federation intensified intervention with students, families, educators, administrators, law enforcement, and civic leaders in 2024, when the unacceptable extent of mushrooming antisemitism in local schools became apparent.
These interventions spanned advocacy with officials, security initiatives (see pg. 10), and the launch of Center to Combat Antisemitism and Reinforce Multicultural Acceptance (CARMA) (see pg. 12).
Through 2024, 596 of 678 school districts in NJ assessed their Holocaust education curricula per a law our Federation was instrumental in proposing and advocating for in 2022 and 2023 — to improve accountability, consistency, and impact of Holocaust education across the state.
In 2025, the NJ Commission on Holocaust Education will respond to findings by expanding professional development and collaborating with schools to strengthen Holocaust education.
JFNA FEDERAL ADVOCACY
Complementing local efforts, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) advocacy led to increased funding for our local security, Israel’s self-defense in this war, and aid for Holocaust survivors. It fought antisemitism in healthcare and on campus and protected tax-advantages for charitable giving.
We will continue to urge passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act for clearer protections of Jewish students and more.
DIRECTION FROM LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL, AND ADL EXPERTS
Federation and the ADL joined officials from the NJ Division on Civil Rights, NJ’s US Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division, and the federal Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, pictured below, to advise parents, teachers, administrators, and board of education members on preventing and responding to antisemitism in schools.
With the rising prevalence of antisemitic incidents in public schools, a main takeaway was: report, report, report.
Combating
Combating Threats through SECURITY INITIATIVES
through COMMUNITY
CROSS-JURISDICTION COORDINATION STOPPED THREATS BEFORE THEY REACHED US
As threats continued rising in 2024, many of which related to antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, DISRUPTION became a larger part of the mix along with building awareness, preparedness, and resilience. Security Initiatives deepened cooperation with local, regional, national, and cross-border tactical partners to identify and neutralize bad actors before they reached our community or others — geographically or digitally.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE GRANTS IMPROVED PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
In 2024, an emergency grant was launched by The Tepper Foundation through Jewish Federations of North America to enhance security for children age 5 and under. Our Federation proactively applied on behalf of our community and provided 11 organizations with funds for security guards at their preschools and camps.
Federation continued providing guidance to dozens of local Jewish organizations in applying for NSGP* grants — helping at least 18 obtain $2.5 million in Federal grants alone. Combined with previous years’ awards, Federation has helped bring in more than $17.3 million for security enhancements to date.
*Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Pictured on Facing Page
Near right: Stop the Bleed® course taught techniques to help save the life of a severely injured person
Far right: The Tepper Emergency Security Personnel Grant helped us better protect our most vulnerable community members — young children — at this challenging time.
MEET SERGEANT WINTER (L) & DETECTIVE CHERNAVSKY (R)
The Counterterrorism Coordinators from Middlesex and Monmouth counties’ Prosecutors’ Offices, respectively, exemplify the extraordinary partnership and contributions of law enforcement officials in enhancing communal security awareness, preparedness, and resilience. Federation extends its gratitude to them all.
Antisemitism ADVOCACYthrough
TRAINING
Federation provided, promoted, paid for, participated in, and facilitated continuing safety and security education for individuals and organizations’ leaders.
From a Stop the Bleed® workshop for interfaith clergy and Spam & Scam protection for seniors to grant orientation and guidance for non-profits, we helped empower community members, leaders, and organizations in many aspects of prevention and protection.
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Anti-Israel activism on and near Rutgers’ New Brunswick campus continued to affect the full safety and rights of Jewish students, often pushing the limits and sometimes crossing the line into full-blown antisemitism.
Federation’s Security Initiatives interacted on a nearly daily basis with law enforcement, administrators, and student groups to:
• Inform and enforce changes to the process for obtaining permits for student group meetings and protests
• Improve and implement security planning and protocols
• Aid information sharing on the changing nature and sources of threats
• Support students and officials in incident prevention, intervention, and response
“We appreciate the ongoing efforts and commitment of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey to enhance information sharing and evaluation. More than ever, the impact of information sharing is vital. It improves our ability to understand and respond to threats locally.”
Adam
Glinn, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County
INTRODUCING CARMA
While Federation’s JCRC and Security Initiatives continued making inroads addressing surging antisemitism and threats, the urgent need for a specialized, local resource to address alarming levels of antisemitism and all identity-based hate in K-12 schools became apparent.
In October 2024, Federation launched CARMA — Center to Combat Antisemitism and Reinforce Multicultural Acceptance — to help students, educators, and officials stem this tide.
CARMA grew from the Center to Combat Antisemitism (CCA), a partnership between Marlboro Jewish Center and Ferencz Institute founded by Dr. Stacy Gallin. CCA joined with Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ to scale the reach and impact of this work across Monmouth and Middlesex counties and beyond.
CARMA works with superintendents, administrators, board of education members, teachers, and school counselors on how to identify and respond to antisemitism in and around schools.
In 2024, CARMA conducted half a dozen professional development workshops attended by more than 100 education professionals across multiple school districts in which students had previously reached out to CARMA for help.
MEET AVERY
After numerous incidents of antisemitism at school and feeling she was getting nowhere with officials, 8th grader, Avery E., courageously spoke before her district’s board of education, detailing what she’d been subjected to for months. This set off a chain of events that led to the creation of CARMA.
Avery (L) is pictured with Emily Appledorf, Federation Manager, Community Engagement.
MEET CHAD
Dr. Gallin met Chad Hyett, a member of the Marlboro Board of Education, after a CARMA workshop, when he contacted her with a list of ways he could help.
Mr. Hyett has become one of CARMA’s biggest champions and best volunteers contributing insight, expertise, and hands-on involvement. He is an ally and a moral leader.
Combating Antisemitism in K-12 SCHOOLS
students who attended a Yom Hashoah Holocaust remembrance and education event led by
responding
Pictured Above
Left: Two
CARMA
Right: Dr. Stacy Gallin, Director of CARMA, gives a presentation to Hebrew School students on identifying and
to antisemitism in public school and related settings.
Teens Make a Difference in Our World
Jewish communal experiences help teens further develop their instincts for responsibility and empathy while also enhancing skills for higher education, the workplace, and future leadership. Federation is proud to promote and support teen programs as sound investments in a strong future for all Jews.
Our future leaders are rising right before our eyes. Federation is proud to recognize teens making a difference in our community. From volunteering to fundraising to thirsting for information and educational experiences, our teens promise a bright Jewish future.
STANDING WITH ISRAEL
Nathan C. wanted to stand with Israel last summer by BEING there after visting Poland. It was a time when many teenagers would not have chosen to go to a war zone. Federation was honored to help make his trip, and 14 other teens,’ possible through our Teen Grants for Jewish heritage travel.
“The trip through Poland and Israel deepened my pride in being Jewish and strengthened my understanding of our resilience. Arriving in Israel felt like stepping into the heart of Jewish pride, a nation built on determination and unwavering sense of purpose.”
FROM REPRESENTATION TO RESPONSIBLITY
President of Ranney School’s Jewish Community Club, Zachary M., said, “Richard C., Dory M., and I started the club after seeing a lack of representation of Jewish holidays and traditions in our school... We were motivated to raise money for Jewish Federation because of their continued support for our club and their strong initiatives that make an impact in the Jewish community. In the hard times over the last year and a half, we know we can trust Jewish Federation to support Jewish communities and aid those in need.”
We Make a DIFFERENCE IN THEIRS
PARTNERS EMPOWER TEENS
Jewish Federation is proud to partner with dynamic youth organizations throughout the community that help teens develop their voice and their commitment to justice and service.
The Ranney Jewish Community Club generously raised funds for Federation’s humanitarian aid to Israelis affected by war. Federation proudly facilitated Temple B’nai Shalom teen volunteer day with Rows for the Hungry to address food insecurity. We thank Israel American Council (IAC) for the opportunity to host and promote its ACT & IMPACT advocacy training for teens.
RISING THROUGH ACTIVISM
The Ruth Kroll Scholarship was created to perpetuate Ruth Kroll’s memory and values by recognizing young women making a difference and encouraging them to continue Ruth’s legacy of tikkun olam – repairing the world.
MEET AMANDA
Amanda K. applied for the scholarship after experiencing antisemitism at school.
“Classmates drew swastikas all over my assignment and my teacher did nothing. My activism has grown in college. October 7th was my wake-up call and I hope some of my efforts inspire other Jewish teens.”
MEET ADINA
Adina S. said, “I learned that an ecosystem of community and tradition requires work, that true beauty in life comes from loving and caring for the people around me. I don’t want to be a passerby in my community, but rather utilize my strengths to build and strengthen my surroundings.”
Investing in our Youth for A BRIGHT FUTURE
EDUCATION DIRECTORS’ CONFERENCE KEEPS LEARNING DYNAMIC
The fall 2024 conference addressed How to Teach Israel PostOctober 7th. Ronit Bivas, Engagement and Education Director at Congregation B’nai Tikvah and a member of Federation’s Education Directors Group, said, “I’m thankful for Federation’s bringing together educators so we can become stronger, and our students can become more personally connected to their Jewish education, more interested lifelong learners, and more empowered to live by Jewish values for years to come.”
GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS INCREASE ACCESS TO SUMMER CAMP
Immersive Jewish experiences strengthen children’s Jewish identity and increase the likelihood of involvement in Jewish life as adults. In 2024, 39 grants made camp more accessible.
Federation funds One Happy Camper incentive grants for first-time campers.
Need-based grants, provided in partnership with Jewish Social Services of Middlesex, help families struggling with financial, mental health, or other challenges to afford the nurturing experience where kids form friendships lasting long after summer ends.
Federation’s Stolzer Family Fund makes it possible for children with special needs to enjoy the benefits of camp, acquiring new skills and confidence, becoming part of a lively and supportive community, and engaging in joyful Jewish life with their peers.
One Happy Camper grant recipient, Zoe (pictured right), had a great summer at camp and is going back. She said, “I really liked making new friends that were Jewish. The food on Shabbat was so good and I liked being together every Friday as a whole camp.”
As children grow from their earliest years, Federation-supported programs enable them to discover the sweetness in Jewish traditions and community, practice values of justice and kindness, develop pride and power through Jewish identity, and embrace collective responsibility for making the world a better place.
Federation brings vitality to the Jewish community of today and inspires new generations of Jews to build a vibrant Jewish community of tomorrow, including through:
• Grants for the formative experience of Jewish summer camp
• Professional development for educators to keep Hebrew school a positive experience for students
• Running and funding PJ Library, providing free monthly books and local events connecting families to Jewish joy
Follow PJ Library in the Heart of NJ @pjlibrary_ jewishheartnj
626 Families engaged in PJ Library Ambassador gatherings
2,400 Children 6 months to 11 years-old received free monthly books 28,800 free monthly books gifted to PJ library recipients by Federation
NEW COMMUNITY MEMBER FINDS WARM WELCOME AND MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR OTHERS THROUGH PJ LIBRARY
Nicole Khutoretsky, mother of a one-year-old and a three-year-old, recently began attending PJ Library events. After a challah bake event in the fall, she felt inspired by the warmth and unity of her new-found community. Nicole decided to spread the joy even further. She lovingly crafted 100 Chanukah gift bags for Jewish children in need. Each bag full of Chanukah-themed goodies also served as a back-pack for children to carry their school belongings.
Through PJ Library, Federation has created a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for Nicole and her family. She paid it forward with her caring and generous Chanukah gift for others.
Pictured at Right
Nicole and some of the women she met through PJ Library, who packed the backpacks together, hold them up before donating them.
Combating
through COMMUNITY
Standing with ISRAEL
Federation fosters ways for local community members to discover what Israel means to them, to stand with Israel’s people, and aid those in great need. In 2024, ongoing war coupled with global anti-Israel backlash increased the urgency of connecting with and caring for our brothers and sisters in our ancestral home.
Community members turned out in record numbers, including at the IsraelDayon5thparade in NYC (shown above), to share in each other’s strength and support Israel at this critical time.
Local events marking Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days ranged from small-group visits with IDF soldiers to community-wide shows of solidarity.
YOM HAZIKARON & YOM HA’ATZMAUT
Pictured Above
Above: Two of the IDF soldiers who were part of the delegation meet with Federation leaders.
Right: Ethan P (L)., with other IDF soldiers who were part of the delegation, sent this WhatsApp message of appreciation.
Antisemitism ADVOCACY
Thank You...
to Rimma Chertog (far left) and Ira Stein (second from right), for their tireless efforts helping Federation and partners conduct community gatherings in support of Israel throughout the year.
Pictured below, Rimma and Ira embrace IDF soldiers visiting for Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.
OCTOBER 7 COMMEMORATION
One year after October 7, Federation and 22 cosponsors brought our community together to remember those killed on and because of that tragic day.
We prayed for their loved ones in grief and the safe return of the hostages; honored the resilience of the Israeli people; thanked the IDF for defending Israel; and committed to building a bright future together.
NOVA EXHIBIT, NYC
Working with Marlboro Jewish Center, we brought busloads of people to the Nova Exhibit in NY to bear witness to the October 7 tragedy at the music festival and join survivors in their pledge:
We Will Dance Again
HATIKVAH: STEPPING INTO SPRING WITH HOPE
Our Hatikvah fundraiser welcomed speakers from Israel’s NY Consulate and the Jewish Agency for Israel to update the hundreds of attendees who came together for a night of impact and inspiration.
Caring
TARGETED OVERSEAS GRANTS SUPPORT YOUTH
Prior to October 7, 2023, overseas allocations for 2024 programs were committed for partners helping young people including those who had fled war in Ukraine build lives for themselves in Israel. Overall, 4,000 Olim from Ukraine and Russia as well as Israelis from other vulnerable populations were helped through vocational rehabilitation, academic support, after school clubs, and leadership develpment addressing integration, mental health, crisis management, basic needs, employment readiness, and more.
KIBBUTZ GVAR’AM PARTNERSHIP BRINGS HOPE
In 2024, as part of our Israel Emergency Response, Federation formalized a partnership with Kibbutz Gvar’am, located near the Gaza Strip, to help its residents, over 40% of whom are under the age of 18, rebuild their lives. Many young residents, as a means of coping with their sense of isolation and trauma, have turned to substance use.
In addition to our partnership funding therapeutic interventions, strengthening personal relationships is a critical part of how Federation will support Gvar’am; we will join in virtual holiday celebrations, teen get-togethers, and opportunities to cheer for the kibbutz Mamanet Cachibol (Newcomb ball) team pictured below.
EMERGENCY AID ADDRESSES TRAUMA AND BASIC NEEDS
Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Response helped 123 communities with tens of thousands of residents receive aid on and after October 7, 2023 — from housing and medical assistance to trauma counseling and much more.
RESILIENCE IN THE RUBBLE: PORTRAITS OF STRENGTH AFTER DESTRUCTION
Federation supports programs and initiatives that make the recovery journey possible for the people of Israel. These individuals inspire us with their journeys of hope and resolve.
MEET SHANI
Trauma leaves deep scars, but therapy empowers many Israelis, like Shani, to confront their pain, rediscover their inner strength, and forge a new path forward.
MEET NOY
Noy cradles her newborn son, her heart overflowing with love. Although her husband is home from the front lines, the invisible wounds of war linger as they navigate parenting and recovery together.
Photo Credit: Daniel Jankovic, Jewish Federations
Photo Credit: Daniel Jankovic, Jewish Federations
in ISRAEL & OVERSEAS
SUPPORTING UKRAINIAN JEWISH PEOPLE
Three years since war broke out in Ukraine, Jewish Federations of North America continue to support Ukrainian Jews affected. While many fled to Israel when the war started, others either could not or chose not to leave. Some who are elderly now find themselves confined to their apartments, unable to provide for themselves.
Through JFNA, Federations partner with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which distributes food, medicine, and other critical resources to vulnerable, traumatized individuals. For many of these people, the volunteers who bring them resources are the only faces they see.
JFNA also partners with the Active Jewish Teens (AJT) program, which empowers Ukrainian teens to help others, shifting focus from their own trauma to building resilience in their community. Kataryna, a teen dedicated to AJT says, “I don’t make many plans because I may not wake up tomorrow.”
Pictured Above
Left: Victoria Neznansky-Grin (second from right), a clinical social worker and former refugee from Ukraine, stands with wounded Ukrainian soldiers after a session in Dortmund, Germany. She is a four-time volunteer with Federations’ Global Volunteer Hub.
Right: A group of Ukrainian teens sit together, hopeful for a brighter future. Kataryna, who volunteers with the Active Jewish Teens (AJT) program, says she looks forward to the day when the “sun can finally shine.”
Caring
You may know Federation as helping other organizations “care for the vulnerable” — Holocaust survivors, seniors, people in crisis, those with special needs, people living in poverty...
Today, we are all vulnerable.
Every person and organization in the Jewish community faces threats once unthinkable, right here in our back yard.
Federation Security Initiatives, JCRC advocacy, and CARMA’s work in schools increase awareness, preparedness, and resilience against threats; thwart bad actors; support victims of bias, and push for greater protections, deterrence, and penalties against acts of hate — while Federation also empowers and inspires youth to foster a joyful Jewish future.
Our senior citizens are affected; we must honor them and provide them opportunities to connect. Our children are affected; we must protect them. Families with special needs are affected; we must help them secure resources.
Federation seeks to fill the gaps in the social services safety net and champion the work of our community’s human services partners to help ensure not one human is forgotten.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Facing threats that were once unimaginable, today, we are all vulnerable.
In 2023, Federation secured a grant from the NJ Bar Association for an educational series helping parents of children with special needs access resources for their children, especially as they approach adulthood. This year, Federation continued the series and provided parents with more information they need to best support their children.
Additionally, Federation provides special needs camp grants to children who need them (see pg. 16).
STATE FUNDS FOR KOSHER FOOD AID
Jewish Federations of NJ’s government advocacy in 2024 secured $1 million in state budget funding for kosher meals programs in fiscal year (FY) 2025.
Due in large part to Federation advocacy in 2023, FY 2024 was the first time a state budget designated funds for kosher food assistance programs addressing food insecurity.
In 2024, 14,430 social interactions were shared by seniors at congregate meals, lunch & learns, holiday celebrations, and more.
HERE AT HOME
SENIOR SOCIALIZATION
HEBREW FREE LOAN
We have today’s seniors to thank for building this Jewish community, where each of us benefits from the resources we know and value as well as those we may not see, but work on our behalf nonetheless.
Socialization programs enable these treasured community members to remain connected with, supported by, and vital to Jewish life.
Federation funds activities for seniors with meals, lunch and learns, holidays, and wellness activities. Seniors can attend events at the JCC of Middlesex County monthly, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Monmouth (JFCS) weekly, and Jewish Family Service of Middlesex (JFS) daily.
Additionally, JFCS and JFS run Cafe Europa programs for Holocaust survivors and their friends to engage and learn from one another.
Interest-free loans assist Jewish residents of Monmouth and Greater Middlesex Counties facing needs like job loss, home repairs, medical bills, business expenses, fertility treatment, adoption, and surrogacy.
Ellen came to Hebrew Free Loan (HFL) after her car was badly damaged in an extreme storm. Paying for repairs so she could get to her job resulted in her missing rent and facing eviction.
With the loan, she was able to stay in her apartment and her job while making all payments on time.
Ellen hopes one day to help others in need of a Hebrew Free Loan.
For Fueling the Journey THANK YOU
Every conversation with an elected leader about funding human services for people in need or about laws protecting Jews from bias or threats...
Every call or email to share intelligence thwarting potential threats to community members and facilities...
Every education professional we support in stemming antisemitism in their schools...
Every teen who discovers what Israel means to them on the summer immersion that our grant helped make possible...
Every page of the PJ Library books that fill young children’s Jewish souls with delight...
Every parent who finds a community through PJ Library neighborhood groups...
Every kid who gets to go to Jewish camp with our help and feels, for the first time, they truly belong...
Every Israeli we embrace across the miles to assure they’re not alone...
Every young adult we help to heal from the trauma of war in Israel and Ukraine...
Every time we have a hand in keeping seniors connected to Jewish community...
Every crisis in which we respond quickly and strategically...
Every life we touch...
Every mitzvah we perform...
Dignity Grows volunteers pack hygiene supplies at packing parties, a hands-on way for community members to connect while making a difference.
DONORS TO OUR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
The Annual Campaign supports a range of programs and services, locally and globally, that strengthen the Jewish community, help our partner agencies address critical needs, and nurture Jewish life for future generations.
DESIGNATED GIVERS
Increasingly, donors are contributing to specific initiatives, such as for youth, Israel, security, the elderly, and so on.
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
By supporting Federation, sponsors enjoy high visibility with key stakeholders while helping make their community stronger, more just, and more inclusive. THANK YOU:
• OceanFirst Bank
• Regal Restoration USA, LLC
• Murray-Nolan Berutti LLC
• Wawa
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS
Berko Family Foundation, KAVOD SHEF, Marion and Norman Tanzman Charitable Foundation, NJ State Bar Association Foundation, Seed the Dream Foundation, and many anonymous foundations.
DONOR ADVISED AND OTHER FUNDS
Organizations’ and individuals’ charitable funds enable donors to make tax deductible contributions while supporting causes they care most about.
LIFE & LEGACY PARTICIPANTS
Creating one’s own Jewish legacy ensures the Jewish values you cherish will continue beyond your lifetime. The Life & Legacy program makes it easy and affordable to preserve and strengthen programs and organizations YOU care about that support Jewish life today and for generations to come – and potentially enjoy tax benefits.
VOLUNTEERS
People who give of their time and talents connect with likeminded peers and support Jewish life and values in meaningful ways. Among our many volunteers in 2024:
Thank you again!
DIGNITY GROWS volunteers made the world a better place as one in four American women cannot afford monthly menstrual supplies. This creates barriers to education, employment, social, and religious connections and compounds the cycle of poverty.
Pictured Above
Financials
FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY
Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey manages nearly $30.4 million annually, with approximately $3 million in our annual operating budget, and greater than $27.4 million in endowment funds.
Our goal is to spend 80% or more of our budget funding programs and services and 20% or less on administration and fundraising—a level deemed appropriate and financially efficient by Charity Navigator.
In 2024, we exceeded our targets in each of these areas.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey cultivates and mobilizes financial resources from our annual community campaign, targeted campaigns for designated purposes, foundation grants, donor advised funds, and endowment and legacy gifts.
Developing financial resources in this way, Federation enables donors to align their philanthropic investments with the causes they care about, while addressing the Jewish community’s most critical needs for today and a strong Jewish future.
Governance
LEADERS
Federation leaders assume responsibility to transform the needs of Jewish life into solutions built upon Jewish values such as tzedakah(justice), chesed(kindness/caring), tikkunolam(making the world a better place), pekuachnefesh(saving a life), and Torah(learning).
With gratitude, Jewish Federation recognizes and thanks its board and Governors’ Council members for their dedication to the collective power of community to truly make a difference.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES & OFFICERS
President
Marcia Schwartz
1st Vice President
Cheryl Markbreiter
2nd Vice President
Jeffrey Schwartz
3rd Vice President
Ken Philmus
Treasurer
Carol Kominsky
Secretary
Sheryl Grutman
Outreach & Engagement
Elise Feldman
Impact & Allocations
Cheryl Markbreiter
Jewish Community Relations
Joel Krinsky
Executive Director
Susan Antman
CONTACT US
230 Old Bridge Turnpike
South River, NJ 08882
THE GOVERNORS’ COUNCIL
David Blivaiss
Alan Brodman
Henry Cohen
Michelle Fields
Joan Fischer
Phyllis Freed
Wendy Friedman
Marlene Herman
Liran Kapoano
Anthony Kestler
Beth Krinsky
Laurie Landy
Amy Mallet
Francine Semaya
Barbara Spack
Eliot Spack
Brenda Tanzman
Roy Tanzman
phone: 732.588.1800 | email: info@jewishheartnj.org
Federation web: jewishheartnj.org CARMA web: carmacenter.org
FOLLOW US
Federation @jewishheartnj
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