Shabbat Message From Our CEO 7.19.24

Dear Friends,

As I write this message my children, ages 12 and 15, are at Jewish summer camp. As both a father and former camp director, I know first-hand the indelible impact camp has on Jewish life. Jewish camp is a place to feel that incredible sense of Jewish belonging, even more so this year when our children have had to face unprecedented levels of antisemitism in their schools. At Federation, we want every Jewish child in Orange County to receive the gift of camp. We know it is an investment that will sustain the Jewish future.

Research has shown that Jewish camp is one of the top indicators for a child’s lifelong involvement in Jewish life. Yet camp and other immersive Jewish summer experiences come at a cost that causes many families to opt out or to choose secular programs as an alternative. National data from the Foundation for Jewish Camp indicates that, over the last two years, camp tuition has increased nearly 8% and more financial aid has been needed than in prior years.

This is why Federation created the Passport to Jewish Life grant program. From 2007 through 2024, we have distributed over $1.7 million through 3,225 Passport grants. These grants have made possible a dream Jewish summer for thousands of OC children and teens. The grants have supported programs chosen by our families – OC Jewish day camps, overnight Jewish camps across North America and abroad, Israel-Poland trips, summer yeshivas, and Maccabi Games – experiences that widen horizons, deepen Jewish connection, and forge lifelong friendships.

We are fortunate that our community cares. With your continued support Federation’s Annual Campaign can keep making camp a reality for children whose families cannot bear the burden of the cost. We are profoundly grateful to the Ann Moskowitz Passport to Jewish Life Endowment Fund and the Temple Beth Emet Legacy Fund, which provide core funding for Passport grants.

Thinking ahead to next year? Applications will open in early February for Passport to Jewish Life 2025 summer grants. If you have a child who can benefit from a Passport, take a few minutes over the coming weeks to visit our Passport webpage, where you will find eligibility guidelines and FAQ. Make sure to click the subscribe button at the top of the page to receive important notices about application deadlines and more.

Shabbat Shalom,

Erik Ludwig, PhD
President & CEO