Strengthening Jewish Life
We believe all Jews should have access to a meaningful Jewish life.

People choose different paths on today’s contemporary Jewish journey and we need to explore the many ways to connect to Jewish moments. That’s why we’re reimagining cornerstones like Jewish summer camps and day schools, and seeding groundbreaking programs that connect people to our rich tradition in modern, innovative ways. Whether in New York, Israel, or the former Soviet Union, we’re creating access to opportunities for Jews of all ages and all backgrounds.

Looking to the future, we’re renovating hundreds of acres of UJA-owned campgrounds so that thousands of children, including those from low-income families and those with disabilities, can swim, play, and make friends at first-rate day camps. That’s how today’s campers can become tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.

This is where Jewish life in all its forms takes root — and thrives.

Covid-19 Crisis: Our Response

Because of the pandemic, Jewish day schools, camps, JCCs, and synagogues faced immediate shutdowns and loss of income. Many quickly pivoted to provide online services to keep vital connections within the Jewish community. Early on, nearly 850 day school educators participated in webinars designed to help them maintain high quality instruction in a virtual environment. This summer, our support helped some day camps open in person and supported a virtual camp platform. We also provided funding to 47 Jewish day schools to support reopening. Together with our partners, we’re working to help sustain Jewish life online and safely in person. Our funding is helping Jewish institutions face the long-term fiscal challenges of Covid-19 — so meaningful Jewish connections continue for the next generation.

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The Facts:

  • About one-third of Jewish households in New York identify as Jewish on the basis of ancestry, ethnicity, or culture.
  • Almost half (46%) of Jewish New Yorkers participate at least sometimes in a Shabbat meal.
  • Almost half (44%) feel very attached to Israel, similar to the number of households (44%) that belong to synagogues.
  • 22% of all married Jewish couples in New York are intermarried.

About the Data

Our Impact:

  • 76,000 teens and young adults participated in Jewish-based leadership programs and youth groups in New York and around the world.
  • 29,000 teens and young adults worldwide attended Birthright or other Israel experiences.
  • 24,000 children, including teens, participated in Jewish educational programs in the former Soviet Union.
  • 17,500 campers from New York enjoyed meaningful Jewish experiences at summer day camps or residential camps.
  • In partnership with PJ Library, more than 1,300 families participated in high-quality Jewish programming including story time, arts and crafts activities, and parenting webinars.
  • In partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, we support a delegation of over 60 Israeli emissaries (shlichim) who work with more than 150 organizations in the New York area to bring Israel education to community members of all ages. These emissaries engage over 100,000 people each year.

With many thanks to our generous donors and network of nonprofits for making all this possible.

Related Nonprofits and Programs

Birthright Israel/MASA/ Honeymoon Israel
Day School Challenge Fund/Biller Scholarships
PJ Library/BBYO
Jewish Education Project/Foundation for Jewish Camp
One Table/Moishe House
70 Faces Media (Kveller, Nosher, Alma, etc.)
(Among many others)

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