Jewish charitable organizations have a long history of supporting diverse causes worldwide, from education and health care to social justice and poverty relief. Whether you’re looking to support humanitarian efforts, promote Jewish culture and heritage, or assist those in need, there are numerous Jewish charities that can help you make a positive impact.
Here are some of the top Jewish charities to donate to, each serving different causes but all committed to the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (charity and justice).
1. American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is one of the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian organizations, providing assistance to Jews in need around the globe. JDC works in over 70 countries, offering aid to impoverished communities, supporting disaster relief efforts, and helping refugees. The organization also supports Jewish education and cultural preservation programs worldwide.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Aid for vulnerable Jewish communities.
- Disaster relief and recovery efforts.
- Health care, food, and social services for the elderly and disabled.
Why Donate:
JDC’s work reaches a global scale, ensuring that Jews, especially in crisis-stricken regions, have access to essential resources.
2. Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger
Mazon is a national organization dedicated to eradicating hunger, with a special focus on vulnerable populations in the U.S. and Israel. Mazon works with food banks, advocates for better policies, and raises awareness about food insecurity among military families, the elderly, and others in need.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Hunger relief programs in the U.S. and Israel.
- Advocacy for food policy reforms.
- Support for military families and low-income communities.
Why Donate:
Mazon uses a Jewish lens to address hunger and food insecurity while advocating for long-term solutions to end hunger.
3. Jewish National Fund (JNF)
The Jewish National Fund is focused on the development and sustainability of Israel’s land and infrastructure. JNF supports projects that improve water conservation, tree planting, community building, and agriculture in Israel. It also engages in educational initiatives that connect Jewish people worldwide to the land of Israel.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Environmental projects like tree planting and water conservation in Israel.
- Infrastructure development in Israeli towns and cities.
- Education programs promoting Jewish heritage and connection to Israel.
Why Donate:
JNF’s work fosters environmental sustainability and strengthens the connection between Jewish communities worldwide and Israel.
4. Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl
Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl is a unique charity that rescues children from the regions affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The organization provides these children with medical care, rehabilitation, and education in Israel. They also offer ongoing support to families living in contaminated areas.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Medical treatment and care for children affected by radiation.
- Relocation to Israel for children in danger.
- Educational programs and long-term health care.
Why Donate:
This charity gives children the chance to escape life-threatening conditions and thrive in a safer environment.
5. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
HIAS was originally founded to help Jewish refugees, but today it provides global support for all refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution. HIAS assists with legal services, resettlement, and advocacy, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable populations regardless of their religion or nationality.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Legal services for refugees and asylum seekers.
- Refugee resettlement and integration programs.
- Advocacy for refugee rights and protections.
Why Donate:
HIAS applies Jewish values to protect refugees worldwide, continuing its historical mission of helping those in dire need of safety and shelter.
6. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)
The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) provides support and aid to soldiers serving in the Israeli military, as well as their families. This includes financial assistance for lone soldiers, scholarships for veterans, and rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Support services for active-duty soldiers and their families.
- Educational scholarships for veterans.
- Rehabilitation programs for injured soldiers.
Why Donate:
Your support helps soldiers who protect Israel and ensures that their post-military life is successful and supported.
7. Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)
Jewish Federations of North America represents a network of over 140 Jewish Federations and 300 independent Jewish communities across North America. The JFNA works to promote Jewish identity, support Jewish community-building efforts, and provide financial assistance to Jewish social services, such as senior care and emergency services.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Social services for Jewish communities, including healthcare and senior care.
- Emergency relief and crisis management for Jewish communities.
- Programs to promote Jewish education and leadership.
Why Donate:
JFNA strengthens Jewish communities in North America and beyond by supporting a wide range of social, cultural, and educational services.
8. Hadassah
Hadassah is a women’s Zionist organization that supports medical care and research in Israel, primarily through its two major hospitals in Jerusalem. In addition to medical services, Hadassah provides education and youth programs that promote Jewish heritage, leadership, and empowerment for women.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Medical treatment and research at Hadassah’s hospitals.
- Jewish education and leadership programs.
- Support for women’s health and empowerment initiatives.
Why Donate:
Hadassah is at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Israel and also promotes Jewish women’s leadership around the world.
9. The Shalom Hartman Institute
The Shalom Hartman Institute promotes Jewish education and thought leadership globally. It engages Jewish communities in deep discussions about Jewish identity, ethics, and modern challenges. The institute works to strengthen Jewish community life by training leaders, developing educational programs, and fostering Jewish thought.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Educational programs that address contemporary Jewish issues.
- Leadership development for rabbis, educators, and Jewish leaders.
- Research and scholarship on Jewish thought and ethics.
Why Donate:
Supporting Hartman means investing in the future of Jewish leadership and education globally.
10. Yad Sarah
Yad Sarah is Israel’s largest volunteer-run organization, providing medical and rehabilitative equipment, home care services, and support for individuals with disabilities or health challenges. Yad Sarah helps over 750,000 people annually, allowing individuals to receive care and remain in their homes instead of institutions.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Loaning of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and hospital beds.
- Home care and support services for the elderly and disabled.
- Specialized services for children and those with chronic illnesses.
Why Donate:
Yad Sarah’s work ensures that people with medical needs in Israel can maintain their independence and dignity while receiving critical support.
Quick Reference Table: Top Jewish Charities to Donate To
| Charity | Focus Area | What Donations Support |
|---|---|---|
| American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) | Global humanitarian aid | Support for vulnerable Jewish communities and disaster relief |
| Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger | Hunger relief in the U.S. and Israel | Hunger programs and food policy advocacy |
| Jewish National Fund (JNF) | Environmental and community development in Israel | Tree planting, water conservation, and infrastructure |
| Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl | Medical care and relocation for children | Medical treatment and safe relocation from affected regions |
| Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) | Refugee assistance worldwide | Legal aid, resettlement, and advocacy for refugees |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) | Support for Israeli soldiers | Assistance for soldiers and their families |
| Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) | Community support in North America | Social services, education, and emergency relief |
| Hadassah | Healthcare and women’s empowerment | Medical research, Jewish education, and women’s health |
| The Shalom Hartman Institute | Jewish education and leadership | Educational programs and leadership development |
| Yad Sarah | Medical and rehabilitative services | Loaning medical equipment and home care services |
Donating to any of these Jewish charities allows you to support meaningful causes and make a lasting impact on communities in need. Whether you’re passionate about global humanitarian aid, environmental sustainability in Israel, or Jewish education, there’s a charity here that aligns with your values and goals.