History

For generations, Jewish communities across North America have been raising funds through their annual Federation campaigns. Those funds are distributed to constituent agencies throughout the community that provide services, programs and support to individuals, families and groups working to improve life for all.

Here in Louisville, early efforts to raise funds within the Jewish community began around 1922-1923 with a movement to raise funds for a Jewish War Relief Fund with a goal of $150,000 for Kentucky. Louis Cohen directed this initiative.

February of 1934 saw the creation of the Louisville Conference of Jewish Organizations, and Charles W. Morris was elected chairman of the organization. The Conference goal was to organize one campaign to raise funds each year to benefit local affiliated agencies as well as many national Jewish groups.

Many successful campaigns throughout the years have raised great sums to provide services and programs, as well as to answer the call of special circumstances throughout the world, and to support the Louisville Jewish and greater community. In 1967, after the eruption of the six-day war in May, the Louisville Federation Annual Campaign surpassed the $1,000,000 mark and after the Yom Kippur War in October of 1973, members of the Louisville Jewish community broke all records with a Campaign that raised $2,000,000.

Louisville has changed as a community over the years and so has the Louisville Jewish community. Many of our young community members have gone off to college and to explore other areas of the country, and many have stayed away beyond their school years and through their 20’s. Some of these young adults are beginning to return home as they look forward to their 30’s and beyond. Some are moving back to raise their families here.

The needs of our community have grown; not only the needs of the Jewish community but the needs of the entire Louisville community.

We look to this same community to meet the needs locally, nationally and beyond. The Jewish Federation of Louisville provides funding for local Jewish agencies to feed, educate and help Jewish seniors, children and families who need us most. Through our Jewish Community Relations Council, (JCRC), we are dedicated to maintain and strengthen the dignity, security, and integrity of Jewish life and to educate the community about fighting antisemitism.