ABOUT US

Who We Are

Jewish Federation of Orange County (JFedOC), a nonprofit organization, has been active in the OC community since 1965 when it was incorporated under its original name Jewish Community Council of Orange County. JFedOC convenes, engages, and leads the Jewish OC community and its partners, leverages its resources to enhance and sustain Jewish life, assists people in need, mobilizes on issues of concern to the local Jewish community, and strengthens the bond with Israel and Jewish people globally.

Our History

If you're interested in learning more about the Jewish community in Orange County please visit the Historical Society website.

July 7, 1965

Jewish Community Council of Orange County is officially incorporated to provide needed communal services to Orange County’s budding Jewish community.

1970

The First Federation Women’s Division (now known as Women's Philanthropy) is formed, with a fundraising goal of $25,000.

1971

Jewish Community Council of Orange County hires its first Executive Director and opens its first office in North Tustin; up until this time it has been run by volunteers.

1972

Jewish Community Council of Orange County becomes Jewish Federation Council of Orange County

1981

Jewish Federation Council of Orange County becomes Jewish Federation of Orange County (JFOC)

1987

JFOC brings together the Jewish Community Center (JCC)Jewish Family Service (JFS), and the B’nai Brith Youth Organization at the Garden Grove Jewish Community Center. The Senior Center soon follows.

The Baker Street Jewish Community Campus, a merging of the Laguna Beach and Garden Grove JCCs, opens in Costa Mesa. Allan Fainbarg and Arnold Feuerstein generously donate the land and the building.

2004

The Samueli Jewish Campus, including the Tarbut V’Torah middle and Upper School at 5 Federation Way, and the Community Building at 1 Federation Way, opens. The Community Building houses the offices of Jewish Federation (the second largest donor to the new Campus), the newly renamed Merage Jewish Community Center, and the offices of BBYO, the Community FoundationHillel and Jewish Family Service.

2011

Jewish Federation Orange County (JFOC) and Jewish Family Service of Orange County (JFS) officially merge, following an alliance in 2010.

2018

Through an extensive strategic planning process and restructuring of the organization, JFFS begins to evaluate its programs and services.

2021

Jewish Federation & Family Services of Orange County (JFFS) returns to its prior name, Jewish Federation of Orange County (JFedOC). JFedOC enters into a partnership with Jewish Family Services of San Diego (JFSSD) with a goal to sustain and strengthen services to Holocaust survivors residing in Orange County. JFSSD administers the program and maintains assistance for home care, socialization and other services. JFedOC continues to support Holocaust survivors in Orange County through fundraising and volunteer opportunities.