The Roanoke Jewish Community Starts with YOU

The RJF: A Brief History

The RJF had its roots decades ago in the dedicated efforts of many community leaders to form the Roanoke Jewish Community Council. Its efforts then were primarily focused on raising funds locally for the United Jewish Appeal. The main beneficiary was the State of Israel, then dealing with the existential threat of multiple wars. However, times change and needs change. The RJCC evolved into the Roanoke Jewish Federation, affiliated with the Jewish Federations of North America. The focus shifted to local needs. Our core mission has been the support of our local Jewish community. Our work seeks to enhance and complement the work of our two congregations. We also appeal to the unaffiliated with social welfare, educational, and cultural programs. We promote fellowship and represent the Jewish community to the wider community. Our highest priority has been, and will continue to be, the Jewish education of our children, from pre-school to graduate school.

Local activities made possible by your support of the RJF

·  support community children in the congregational Sunday Schools and the PJ Library program

·  underwrite the Diary of Anne Frank at Mill Mountain

·  operate and maintain the Jewish community cemetery

·  fund Holocaust education at Ferrum College

·  support Roanoke College Hillel

·  fund Virginia Tech Hillel’s Holocaust Remembrance activities

· conduct the B’nai B’rith annual sports and athletic achievement awards dinner

· organize the Violins of Hope concert in Roanoke

·  support the Roanoke March of the Living trip to Poland and Israel for Roanoke Jewish teens

·  demonstrate the Roanoke Jewish communities support for local organizations such as RAM House, Children’s Trust and Family Promise

·  participate with other Federations in aiding Jews in peril due to the conflict in Ukraine and around the world

· underwrite other cultural events like movies and musical performances

· and outings for young Jewish families.

Click the above image to download the 2024 RJF Brochure