Atlanta Jewish Community

My name is Michelle, and I love attending Jewish events and meeting new people. I was excited to attend Ramah Darom’s summer camp to connect with new people and have a good time among friends.

My name is Dan, and I attended the event as part of my healing process after a breakup, which was encouraged by my local Rabbi. I was saying yes to everything, just trying to get out and be part of the community again.

At the weekend retreat, we were assigned to the volleyball leg of the camp relay race. Afterward, we exchanged a few words, and then went our separate ways. The interaction was brief but left an impression.

After that weekend, we encountered each other at various Jewish events in Atlanta, many of which were supported by Federation. From a Kosher BBQ Festival to a Simchat Torah celebration, and eventually a party hosted by our mutual friend, these gatherings became the backdrop for our growing connection.

Seeing each other at different events made us feel more comfortable with each other. It was like we were building a connection without even trying, just by being part of the same Jewish community.

Federation created opportunities for new relationships. Without these community events, it might have been much harder to connect. Meeting each other through Federation events made everything smoother.

Giving back to the Jewish community and Federation is something we’re committed to. We want others to have the same positive experiences we had and hope to contribute to the community so that others can benefit from these events, too.

We dated for about a year before moving in together with our dog, Bailey, in Midtown/Morningside Atlanta. We were engaged on Christmas Day on the Danube River in Europe and got married this past Labor Day weekend.

To everyone who helps provide opportunities for young Jewish singles to meet and connect, and sometimes, fall in love, thank you.

On September 24, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Women’s Philanthropy division hosted a sold-out Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon, marking a celebration of generosity and community spirit.

Nearly 300 attendees filled the room with palpable energy and excitement as we honored donors and their unwavering commitment to Jewish life.

Guest Speaker Adrienne Gold Davis captivated the audience with her personal journey and powerful insights on Jewish leadership and community. The luncheon also recognized Virginia Saul, Atlanta’s 2025 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient, for her lifelong dedication to strengthening Jewish Atlanta and the global Jewish community.

“Many of these women have been engaged for years and eagerly anticipate luncheons like this,” said Carey Guggenheim, Women’s Philanthropy President. “It’s a chance to reconnect, especially after the challenges we’ve faced as Jewish women. Coming together in support of one another is truly special. I love witnessing these connections and feeling that deep sense of belonging to our community.” 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made this event a success. Your generosity fuels Federation’s mission to build a brighter future for us all—together.  

Your gift to Federation enriches the lives of Jews in Atlanta, Israel, and around the world. If you’d like to support the 2025 Community Campaign, please click here.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved with the 2025 Community Campaign!

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s commitment to supporting local synagogues and Chabad has reached new heights, awarding $747,807 in fiscal year 2024 to 33 synagogues across the community. These grants are driving innovation, collaboration, and lasting impact.

Here are a few highlights of how these funds are making a difference:

• After Chabad of Decatur’s building was vandalized, the LiveSecure initiative provided crucial grant funding for repairs and security upgrades. Over the past year, Federation has significantly increased its security grants, helping synagogues across the community enhance personnel and infrastructure to create safer spaces for all.
• The Temple received a JumpSpark teen engagement grant for its “Getting Social for Social Change” program, expanding the initiative beyond its usual private tour for teens at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. With the grant, more than 100 teens from across the community participated, including a session led by Brendan Murphy of Marist School, who highlighted the museum’s connection to Jewish identity and the fight against antisemitism.
• Temple Emanu-El was awarded a Jewish Education Collaborative BOOST grant to support a unique religious school program using beekeeping to teach Jewish values.
• An Organizational Gather Grant enabled four synagogues in East Cobb and Roswell to collaborate on a community-wide Chanukah party. The event, which rotates locations annually, fosters partnership and shared celebration.
• Congregation Beth Shalom received a Jewish Abilities Atlanta grant, which funded the installation of a hearing loop system to assist congregants with hearing impairments.

In Fiscsal Year 2025, Federation is expanding its impact through Interfaith Engagement Grants, supporting programs like Congregation Gesher L’Torah’s Lag B’Omer bonfire, where families created personalized family trees to celebrate their unique heritage.

“Through our partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Beth Shalom has implemented much-needed security measures and so much more,” said Loli Gross, Executive Director of Beth Shalom. “We’ve installed a hearing loop in our sanctuary, created a sensory room in our preschool, and added handicap-accessible door openers to our bathrooms. Federation’s support is something we value deeply and are proud to be part of.” 

These investments reflect Federation’s continued commitment to strengthening synagogues, Chabads, and the broader Jewish community.

Moishe House in Atlanta continues to serve as a vital hub for young Jewish adults seeking meaningful connections and is not only a cornerstone of the local Jewish community but also a key part of the broader global Moishe House network. With three locations—Buckhead, East Atlanta, and Toco Hills—Moishe House offers a wide variety of social, educational, and religious programming for young adults (aged 21-32), helping them connect with their Jewish identities while building lasting friendships.

As part of a global ecosystem that spans 126 locations across 29 countries, Moishe House in Atlanta is a thriving example of the organization’s mission to provide vibrant Jewish community for young adults by supporting leaders in their 20s and early 30s as they create meaningful home-based Jewish experiences for themselves and their peers. Supported by the generous funding of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s partner fund, Moishe House has created a dynamic and inclusive environment where young adults can flourish. The Federation has also provided a special grant to support a Jewish Learning Retreat in 2025, bringing young adults from across North America to the Greater Atlanta area for a weekend of immersive learning utilizing the 4HQ (Four Hatikvah Questions) framework as a template to guide meaningful conversations about Israel even (and especially) with a divided audience.

“Thanks to support from the local Jewish community and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Moishe House is empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders,” said Dave Press, Moishe House’s Senior Director of Advancement.

Atlanta’s place within the global Moishe House movement is further highlighted by its hosting of the 2024 North American Resident Training Conference (Natty Con) at Ramah Darom. This biennial gathering brought together Jewish leaders from across the continent, empowering them with the skills and tools to lead in their communities. Moishe House’s model of peer-led, home-based community building, which the residents in Atlanta embody, is a key driver of success globally, allowing young adults to take ownership of their Jewish experience. During the conference, Lindsey Flax, Federation’s Jewish Abilities Atlanta Training Coordinator, conducted a transformative training session.

“We covered all topics from belonging, housing accessibility, SSI, how to welcome people with disabilities in adulthood, and exchanged ideas,” said Lindsey. “My contacts texted me that a few Moishe House residents talked about it for almost an hour and reflected on the topics after the session during the free time before dinner.”

From Shabbat dinners to volunteering and creative celebrations of Jewish holidays, Moishe House in Atlanta has engaged nearly 1,000 unique participants across 174 programs so far in 2024. These programs are designed to offer a low-barrier, inclusive space where Jewish young adults can explore their heritage, engage with their peers, and develop leadership skills that will serve them for a lifetime. As resident Mitchell Chudnovsky of Moishe House Atlanta – East Atlanta notes, “Hosting a community in your own home is something truly special. I’m able to bring together people from all backgrounds, and help them feel connected to their Judaism.”

As part of Moishe House’s global vision, Moishe House in Atlanta contributes to a movement that reaches young Jewish adults at a critical time in their lives, providing them with a strong foundation for lifelong involvement in Jewish life. Whether in Atlanta or one of the many Moishe House locations worldwide, this model of peer-led engagement is proving to be a powerful force for building community, fostering Jewish identity and nurturing future leaders.

We encourage you to learn more about Moishe House in Atlanta and globally by visiting Moishe House’s website or checking out upcoming events in Atlanta here.

Security is a top priority for Jewish institutions across Atlanta. Thanks to the LiveSecure initiative, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has raised $8.25M toward its $11.2M goal, helping over 70 Jewish facilities in metro Atlanta become safer for all who enter.

Launched in 2020, the LiveSecure initiative represents an unprecedented national effort to safeguard Jewish communities. With support from Federation, facilities are equipped with advanced security systems like BluePoint, and staff receive expert training to enhance their preparedness.

“Having Federation’s support has made us feel more secure and confident that we are keeping our children safe,” said Robyn Grossblatt, Director of Beth Jacob Preschool, where the focus can remain on nurturing children rather than worrying about potential threats.

This commitment to security extends to college campuses as well. Jake Golden, a student at Emory University, shared how Federation’s partnership with Hillel has contributed to his sense of safety.

“When I’m on campus, I feel a great sense of security,” Jake said. “Emory has put a lot of time and effort into making sure we feel safe and welcome.” 

Lee Shaffer, Emory Hillel’s Campus Director, echoed this sentiment. “Our goal is for Emory Hillel to be a home away from home. Security is key to creating that space for our students.” 

In light of rising threats against Jewish institutions, Federation’s leadership has worked to ensure the Atlanta Jewish community remains protected, enabling members to engage fully in Jewish life.

“I’m very grateful for all the support Federation provides, especially this year with security being top of mind,” said Anna Serviansky, Camp Director & Head of Education at Camp Ramah Darom. “The Secure Community Network has been instrumental in helping us train and feel safe, both at camp and in our Atlanta office.” 

Federation’s constant vigilance has allowed Jewish life in Atlanta to thrive, even amidst global tensions.

Help Us Continue Building a Safer Future 

By contributing to the LiveSecure initiative, you can help scale our security efforts, ensuring every member of our community can safely and openly participate in Jewish life. Click here to watch our new video highlighting Federation’s safety and security efforts.

To discuss a LiveSecure gift, please contact Marsha Hurwitz, Senior Vice President of Campaign and Major Gifts, at mhurwitz@jewishatlanta.org.

Click here to watch our new video highlighting Federation’s security efforts.

JumpSpark, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, is equipping parents with essential tools to support their teens through pivotal life stages.

On August 28, JumpSpark hosted a workshop on Executive Functioning, featuring experts from JF&CS, The Weber School, and Edvice ATL. Parents learned effective strategies to help their teens improve organization, study skills, and self-advocacy, leaving the session equipped with practical tips to implement at home.

Just weeks later, on September 12, JumpSpark tackled the timely issue of social media and its impact amid the ongoing war in Israel. Led by Yoni Buckman from Jewish Unpacked, the workshop empowered parents to navigate online discussions, identify antisemitism, and support their teen’s mental health in a digital world.

Traci, a mother of two teens, expressed her gratitude for the actionable resources shared during the workshops: “What I appreciate most are the tools I can take with me. Listening is great, but when you offer a book, toolkit, or website, it becomes more meaningful. Those tangible resources help me continue learning.” 

With BeWellATL as a partner, JumpSpark continues to prioritize mental health across its programming, empowering parents to guide their teens through the challenges of today’s digital landscape. As one parent reflected, “Parenting teenagers is the most challenging thing I have ever done, and it’s wonderful to be part of a community that prioritizes resources for parents!”

Looking ahead, JumpSpark is excited to co-sponsor Empowering Parents: Navigating Emotions with Inside Out 2 at The Epstein School on November 3, 2024, from 3:30–5:30 PM. Designed for parents of middle school students, the program will use the animated film Inside Out 2 to explore the emotional challenges of adolescence. Attendees will leave with tools to foster emotional resilience, open communication, and a healthy approach to navigating teen emotions.

Check out JumpSpark’s upcoming programs for parents of teens, and follow @JumpSparkATL on social media for the latest updates.

My name is Rachael Gates, and for the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of sending my 12-year-old daughter, Avi, to Camp Barney Medintz. From the start, I knew camp would be a way for her to step outside of her comfort zone, but it’s become so much more than I could have ever imagined.

I wanted Avi to become more independent, take on responsibilities, and form deep connections with other Jewish kids and her heritage. What she has gained has exceeded all my hopes.

Every year, she comes home glowing with stories of friendships that began in her very first summer. She talks about her cabin mates as if they’re family – texting and Facetiming throughout the year, counting down the days until they can be together again. It’s not just the friendships, though. The fun, supportive counselors and the new experiences have made camp something she eagerly looks forward to every summer.

Avi is an adventurous soul when it comes to camp. She loves water activities and arts and has even tried horseback riding—something she’d never attempt at home. Sure, she won’t be doing that again, but she’s proud she gave it a shot! Camp has pushed her to try things she would otherwise be too scared to attempt, and I see her confidence growing with each summer.

But for us, camp isn’t just about fun—it’s about connection. Camp is Avi’s lifeline to her Jewish heritage, especially during difficult times. 

The past few years have brought financial challenges to our family. Without the camp scholarship, Avi simply wouldn’t be able to go back.

She’d miss out on everything that makes camp so magical—the new adventures, the tight-knit friendships, and the beauty of Shabbat with hundreds of other Jewish kids. It’s hard to explain what that means to a parent—to know your child might miss out on something so formative because of circumstances out of your control. 

Every child deserves something to look forward to, something that belongs to them. For Avi, that’s camp. She’s already talking about next summer, and I’m so grateful to Federation for making that possible. It’s an indescribable feeling to know there’s an organization out there that steps in to help families like ours. They make sure kids can have the joy and growth camp offers, without the weight of financial worry. That’s our burden as parents, not hers, and I’m so grateful she gets to just be a kid.

Camp has deepened Avi’s connection to her heritage, the values she’s learned, and the experiences she holds dear. I want her to carry that with her always. She’s grown more confident and resilient. The courage she’s shown by stepping into a new environment, being away from home for weeks without direct contact, is something I hope stays with her for life. I want her to remember that she can tackle hard things, that trying something new can be rewarding, and that the friendships she’s built are a lasting gift.

To everyone who helps our children get to camp: Thank you. 

For more than a century, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has been the philanthropic heart and soul of our community.

This past year, the urgency to unite as a vibrant and resilient Jewish community has never been greater. Together, we faced these challenges head-on, combating antisemitism, showing unwavering support for Israel, and all while surpassing milestones in our 2024 Campaign.

“The 2025 Community Campaign Kickoff has shown all of us that our Atlanta Jewish community is as resilient and committed as our Israel family to building a thriving, safe, and secure Jewish Community – here in Atlanta and across the Jewish world,” said Beth Weiller Arogeti, Federation’s Board Chair. “My deepest thanks to all our partners who work with us every day to be Better Together.” 

The 2025 Community Campaign Kick-Off on September 5th was a tremendous success, bringing our community together in a powerful display of unity and commitment. It was also bashert (‘meant to be’ in Yiddish) that the Hebrew month of Elul began the same week.

During the month of Elul, many reflect on the highs and lows of the past year and consider how to make the world a better place individually and collectively in the year ahead.

That’s exactly how attendees left – feeling inspired, energized, and ready to continue making a meaningful difference in thousands of lives.

Jewish ATL is stronger than ever, and we couldn’t have achieved this without you. Thank you for standing with us.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the program: 

See photos from the event here.

Thank you for coming together as a community and for your continued support.

Because of you, we are: 

• Nurturing the next generations of Jewish Atlanta through PJ Library, JBaby, Jewish camping, preschools, day schools, teen initiatives, Israel travel, and more.
• Helping our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the Jewish world rebuild and repair, caring for our Holocaust survivors, elderly, and other vulnerable members of our community.
• Expanding our reach through our Everyday Jewish Thriving initiatives – Young Leadership Division, Interfaith Connector, Gather Grants, and PJ Library.

We need your continued support. Please donate to the 2025 Community Campaign!

The Partners Fund Challenge Match began with our 2020 Community Campaign as an incentive for new donors and to encourage current donors to increase their annual support to our Partners Fund, which is the general pool of unrestricted dollars granted that impacts tens of thousands of Jews and their loved ones here in ATL, in Israel, and around the Jewish world.

Each year, a group of approximately 30 donors are asked to create a pool of $350K to encourage new and a select group of current donors to increase their support for our Partners Fund.

Since its inception, we have raised (on a gross basis) an additional $2.3M for Partners Fund.

The 2025 Partners Fund Challenge Match will continue to offer exciting incentives: 

• Current donors who gave between $1,800 and $36,000 to the 2024 Partners Fund and increase their 2025 Partners Fund Campaign support by a minimum of 25% will have the increase matched dollar for dollar.
• New donors giving $1800 or more to the 2025 Partners Fund Campaign will have their gifts matched dollar for dollar.
• *For those Donors who only gave to Federation’s 2024 Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC), if they choose to support our 2025 Partners Fund, their gift will be matched dollar for dollar as well.

Be a part of this impactful initiative by joining the Partners Fund Challenge Match. Click here to participate.

Sarah Koenig, Director of the Blonder Family Department for Special Needs at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), recently received the Ina Enoch Grant, which enabled her to attend Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Train the Trainer.

Federation’s Jewish Abilities Atlanta Ina Enoch Training Grant supports community professionals and lay leaders pursuing professional development opportunities that enhance the inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Sarah emphasized the profound importance of training staff to better understand and support individuals with behaviors that challenge, especially in her role overseeing the inclusion program at the MJCCA’s day camps.

Her approach is grounded in the belief that behaviors are a form of communication, often expressing unmet needs or emotional distress, and that staff must be equipped to respond in ways that respect each person’s dignity and rights.

Despite facing obstacles, Sarah has successfully trained around 20 staff members and aims to expand this training to include more program directors and customer service teams. Her focus is on proactive, compassionate support that can prevent behaviors from escalating to the point where de-escalation techniques are needed.

In the past, Sarah frequently encountered situations where children’s behaviors escalated beyond what staff felt comfortable handling. At one point, she was the only staff member with the knowledge and skills to respond, creating significant strain.

While eight months pregnant, Sarah questioned, “Why am I the only person on this campus who knows how to respond safely and respectfully in these situations?” This realization drove her to take action. Determined to bridge the gap in staff preparedness, Sarah pursued the CPI “train the trainer” certification.

This certification enables her to equip more staff—including security personnel, preschool teachers, and camp directors—with the skills to support individuals in ways that prevent escalation and create safer, more inclusive environments.

“The staff who have completed the training now feel so much more empowered and confident—not only in working with individuals with special needs, but in responding to a wide range of situations with empathy and understanding,” Sarah shared. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.” 

Grant funding has been critical in making this training possible, and Sarah is eager to continue promoting its benefits across the Jewish community.

“You never know who might walk through our doors or what challenges they may face,” Sarah noted. “It’s essential that everyone on staff feels equipped to respond with care and confidence, whether they encounter a challenging situation or not.” 

Through this approach, Sarah is helping to foster a culture of inclusion where behaviors are understood as communication, and all staff are empowered to respond with respect and compassion.

“You never know who’s walking through our doors and if they are accepting of what we do or not,” said Sarah. “It’s just important that everybody has the confidence to de-escalate a situation, whether they encounter one necessarily or not.”  

Individuals interested in applying for funding can do so by submitting a completed Training Fund Application at least eight weeks before the training date. Applications must include both organization and/or individual financial participation.  Applicants will be informed of the final decision within 2-4 weeks of submission.

Apply here.

Becca Langfelder, Director of the Young Leadership Division at Federation, recently traveled to Cuba on a JDC Entwine trip. JDC, a core Federation partner, supports Jewish communities in 70 countries, and JDC Entwine offers transformative service and travel experiences for young Jews.

Here’s a glimpse of Becca’s journey in her own words: 

Exploring Havana was an unforgettable experience, from iconic classic cars and historical landmarks to vibrant cultural spots like La Bodeguita and El Floridita. The trip featured memorable moments, including a captivating dance performance, a ride in a 1954 pink Pontiac convertible, a tour of the historic Jewish cemetery and a Shabbat service with the Jewish community.

The highlight of the trip was witnessing JDC’s impact on Cuba’s small Jewish community, which has dwindled from 20,000 members to about 600. JDC provides crucial support, including supplementing food rations, weekly Shabbat dinners, medical supplies, senior support services and more.

Despite the challenges they face, the Cuban Jewish community remains resilient. They hold weekly Shabbat services led by local youth, have a thriving BBYO chapter, and maintain various Jewish institutions.

Becca shared, “Seeing JDC’s work in action was incredibly moving. They are bridging gaps and sustaining Jewish life despite tough conditions.” 

The community’s focus on nurturing young leaders and fostering connections to Israel —reflected in programs like Taglit and the Maccabiah Games—is truly inspiring. At a dinner with young Cuban Jews, Becca was deeply touched when Anna, a 23-year-old community member, said, “Our synagogue and community is your synagogue and community and will always be here for you.”  That is the power of the global Jewish peoplehood. We strengthen each other and are a home for one another, no matter where we are in the world.

This experience deepened Becca’s appreciation for Federation and its partners, emphasizing how every contribution supports vital work and strengthens global Jewish connections.

Moving to a new neighborhood can be daunting, especially when raising young children. For two mothers, Chloe and Ronni, the transition to Sandy Springs was much smoother thanks to the supportive and vibrant community they discovered through JBaby, a branch of PJ Library, that is Federation’s program for our youngest community members and their parents (and expecting parents).

Initially feeling isolated during the pandemic with their first children, Chloe and Ronni were thrilled to find JBaby’s outdoor and virtual programs, which provided a safe space to meet other parents and form lasting friendships. These connections continue to prove invaluable as they bond over shared experiences and help each other navigate the challenges of early parenthood.

The impact of JBaby’s programming went beyond socializing; it fostered a deep sense of belonging and community.

Although Chloe and Ronni both took part in JBaby when their oldest children were young, they didn’t cross paths or become friends until they both attended the recent Tu B’Mahj event, a Tu B’Av celebration sponsored by PJ Library Atlanta in Sandy Springs. Thoughtfully arranged seating by neighborhood and mahjong skill level made it easy for them to connect with others in similar life stages.

“It’s been so nice just talking to other moms who are going through very similar life stages as myself,” Chloe shared, emphasizing how much the support from these connections meant during early parenthood.

JBaby is a branch of PJ Library that connects expecting parents and families with children ages 0-2, provides parents access to specialists for advice, and offers Jewish community resources on family-friendly programs, events, and activities in your area. To learn more about JBaby programming, click here.