Is it just us, or has Black Friday completely taken over the entire month of November? While the sales are everywhere, here’s something to think about: what if, this year, you could buy something that doesn’t come with shiny wrapping paper and a ribbon?
Like food on a table for a family in need. Support for a Holocaust survivor who has no one else to turn to. Teaching a teen how to stand up for their Jewish identity and lead with confidence.
Yes, you can actually buy all of that. It’s called Giving Tuesday.
(More specifically it’s called the UJA Annual Campaign.)
This year, we want to show you exactly how your generosity is making these things—and so much more—possible. So, we asked some of our Federation professionals to share how your support is creating a real impact for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
So, grab your pumpkin pie (or coffee) and take a look. This is what your Giving Tuesday gift can do!
“We’re so grateful to create spaces where families can connect, grow, and experience Jewish life together. From fun, family-friendly events to PJ Library books featuring characters just like them, we’re making Jewish traditions feel relevant and exciting for our youngest members. Volunteering as a family, sharing stories, and making memories together—this is how we’re building a vibrant, generous community where every family belongs.”
—Aliyah Walters, Young Family & PJ Library Associate
“By giving to Federation, you’re helping to prepare the next generation of leaders to face the challenges of tomorrow. Our teens are empowered with the values, skills, and confidence to lead, ensuring the strength and vibrancy of our community’s future. With over 15,000 teens engaged in volunteering, missions to Israel, combating antisemitism, and philanthropy, your support is making our community and the world a better place.”
—Avi Siegel, Director of Teen Initiatives
“We are Jewish women who share common bonds, values, and passions. Through our UJA donations and hands-on volunteering, we take our place as leaders, change-makers and community shapers. As previous Women’s Philanthropy President, Deborah Jacob, reminded us, ‘It is YOU, the women of Greater MetroWest who make our work possible. Your philanthropy and leadership provide the infrastructure and partnerships needed to offer help on this scale.’ Through the UJA Annual Campaign, we can build a strong and vibrant Jewish community here in Greater MetroWest, in Israel, Ukraine, and around the world. Join Federation in impacting thousands of lives each year.”
—Susan Ferber, Development Officer, Women’s Philanthropy
“At the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), we are honored to work alongside community leaders, government officials, law enforcement, and school administrators to protect our community from the growing threats of hate and antisemitism, while fostering a healthy, inclusive society. Through our Teen Israel Leadership Council (TILC) program, we’re proud to empower teens to stand up for Israel with confidence at college and beyond, and to become leaders within the Jewish and pro-Israel communities on campus.”
—Linda Scherzer, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
“As our community faces increasing incidents of hate speech, discrimination, and violence, it is crucial to counter antisemitism through allyship. The JCRC’s Interfaith Outreach and Community Partnerships department works to build bridges through relationships with clergy and congregations (Interfaith Leaders); students (Interfaith Teen Leaders); and other groups (Coalition for Jewish and African American Unity). By promoting dialogue, shared experiences and true bonds, we break down stereotypes and help our community grow stronger.”
—Stephanie Abrahams, Associate Director, JCRC
“CARES, the Federation department focused on the needs of older adults, is helping to change the way services are delivered to GMW’s older adults. As the proud recipient of a JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America) grant, CARES promotes the importance of delivering services with a person-centered approach. And this low-tech, low-cost, simple approach works! At a recent training, an administrator of a residence for older adults cited examples of how this way of thinking helps her staff. She was also pleased to report that it helps residents to become more engaged and participatory. CARES strives to help make GMW a community in which we will all want to grow older.”
—Marian Garber Marlowe, Director of Local Partnerships
“Thanks to the support of our donors, Greater MetroWest ABLE engages with individuals with disabilities and their families, partner agencies and synagogues to ensure that all members of our community have access to meaningful opportunities for participation and community connections in all aspects of Jewish communal life.”
—Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M., Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
“The true spirit of giving knows no age; when volunteering through Federation, young and old come together to strengthen our Greater MetroWest communities, enriching both their lives and the lives of those they serve.” —Jamie Carus, Manager, Center for Volunteerism
“The Business & Professionals Network (BPN) is comprised of professionals from a variety of different industries including real estate, finance, law, accounting, and medicine who are looking to get involved, expand their professional network, make meaningful business relationships, offer mentorship to the next generation, and make an impact through the work of our Federation. We are a community built on generosity—generosity of time, expertise, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community.”
—Marcy Fink, Director of Business & Professionals Network
“By giving to Federation, you are supporting the vital programs and services Federation provides to the entire community. Our events team produces both small and large events annually with the primary goals of engaging with the community and supporting the Federation’s annual campaign.”
—Jill Nadison, Director of Events
“On Giving Tuesday, by making a gift to Federation, you are a part of something so much bigger. You are a part of a collective that shares your values and commitment to the Jewish community. Together we can make a lasting impact, and our collective generosity can change lives.”
—Rebecca Pollack, Chief Development Officer
Deals come and go. But this gift? It lasts forever. Donate here.
Happy Thanksgiving!