Shanah Tovah U'Metukah

A New Year. A Renewed Commitment.

Every year, Rosh Hashanah asks us to look back before we look ahead - to reflect on what we've built before stepping into what comes next. As we prepare to enter 5787, we've been reflecting on everything this community accomplished together in 5786, and it fills us with gratitude, and a renewed commitment to carry that work forward.

Your High Holiday gift to Jewish Federation of Orange County helps sustain Jewish life at every stage — connecting families, developing future leaders, caring for those in need, strengthening community security, and standing with Israel.

Family celebrating Rosh Hashanah

Showing Up at Every Stage of Jewish Life

In 5786, your generosity reached this community from our youngest members to our oldest — an intergenerational commitment that carries into the year ahead.

Young family reading together
Inspiring Families & Children
PJ Library
1,520 children received over 20,000 PJ Library books, helping children build a lifelong connection to Jewish life from the very start.
Jewish camp and youth experience
Creating Jewish Experiences
Passport to Jewish Life
108 local children received Passport to Jewish Life grants to attend Jewish summer camps, Israel journeys, and leadership retreats — removing financial barriers so every child has the chance to participate, learn, and belong.
Jewish teens in a classroom discussion
Empowering Jewish Teens
Student to Student
Our ambassador cohort of 75 teen leaders reached more than 6,500 students and teachers through 152 presentations at 35 schools, standing proud and sharing their stories to build understanding in classrooms across Orange County.
Jewish young adults gathering in community
Connecting Young Adults
NextGen
NextGen engaged 304 participants across 24 events, creating meaningful opportunities for young Jewish adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to build community, explore identity, and step into leadership across Orange County.
Emerging Jewish leaders in conversation
Guiding Emerging Leaders
Leadership Initiative
19 participants from synagogues and Jewish organizations across Orange County came together through The Leadership Initiative, developing the next generation of leaders committed to strengthening our community.
Honoring Holocaust survivors
Honoring Holocaust Survivors
Holocaust Survivor Program
145 Holocaust survivors in Orange County received more than 83,000 hours of care, companionship, and support, ensuring they are never alone and always treated with dignity.
Community care and support
Supporting Families in Need
Lifelines Social Services
Lifelines Social Services provided financial assistance and referrals in dozens of cases, from burial support to emergency relief, ensuring that when hardship strikes, no family in our community has to face it alone.
Protecting the Jewish community
Protecting Our Community
SecureOC
SecureOC strengthened security and preparedness across 60 Jewish schools, synagogues, and organizations throughout Orange County, helping keep every generation safe as they gather and celebrate together.
Israel Flag
Connecting Global Jewry
Israel & Global Impact
Our community contributed $180,000 to Operation Rising Lion, part of a $13M+ collective emergency campaign that showed up for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide when it mattered most.

This intergenerational commitment doesn't pause after the High Holidays. It's the same thread that carries us through every Jewish holiday and every season of Jewish life.

The Difference You Make

Behind every gift is a life strengthened, a family supported, and a community made more resilient.

“PJ Library has helped our family bring Jewish traditions into our home in ways that feel joyful and natural. It’s become part of how we connect to our community.”
– PJ Library Parent

“NextGen helped me find my place in the Jewish community. It turned connections into friendships and involvement into purpose.”
– NextGen Participant

“The compassion, professionalism, and dedication of the caregivers have brought comfort, dignity, and stability into their lives.”
– Holocaust Survivor Family

JFedOC community gathering

A Year of Impact.
A Future Renewed.

You've stood with Federation before, and that generosity is what made all of this possible. As we step into 5787 with renewed commitment, your gift would enable us to do even more - keeping our youngest connected to Jewish life, our teens standing proud in classrooms, our community safe and prepared, and our Holocaust survivors cared for with dignity. Help us ensure that this next chapter will be defined by strength and renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about giving to JFedOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Giving to JFedOC

How much of my donation goes directly to programs? +

About 80 cents of every dollar directly supports programs and services in our community. The rest covers administration, management, and fundraising to ensure your gift is used effectively.

How do I set up monthly recurring donations? +

Select the “Monthly Gift” option on our donation page. You can update or cancel anytime.

What tax benefits do I receive for my donation? +

Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, and you’ll receive a receipt for your records.

Can I donate stocks or other assets? +

Yes. Donations of stocks, mutual funds, or other assets are welcome. Contact [email protected] for instructions.

How can I honor someone with my donation? +

Make a tribute gift in someone’s honor or memory, and we’ll notify them or their family of your thoughtful gift.

Does JFedOC accept corporate sponsorships? +

Yes. We partner with businesses through sponsorships, matching gifts, and workplace giving programs. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Maximize Your Tax Benefits

JFedOC is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Donations over $250 receive detailed tax receipts. Consult your tax advisor about additional benefits for stock or asset donations.