Who We Are

The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana is part of the Jewish Federations of North America, a nationwide humanitarian network that serves millions of Jews and non-Jews everyday around the world. The Jewish Federation network includes 155 communities across the continent.

Our mission is to enrich Jewish life in Northwest Indiana, in Israel and around the world through service, programming, advocacy and fundraising.

We invite you to  join us by attending an event or bringing us an idea.
​Our Board
Our Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated community volunteers who meet monthly to oversee the organization.

Contact the office for an updated list of 2024 Board of Directors.
​Our Volunteers
Our volunteers come from every corner of the Jewish community and represent a variety of faiths, cultures and perspectives.
​Our Congregations
Northwest Indiana features a vibrant choice of worship for Jews in the community.

Our History

The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana has been known by various names and has functioned from various locations. Since its establishment in 1942, the Jewish Federation’s priorities, services, programs and resources have varied somewhat over the years responding to the needs of the time. One of the predecessors of the Federation was the Gary Jewish Welfare Federation. This group was founded by several members of Gary’s Temple Israel with the intention of responding to the worldwide needs of Jewry, especially survivors of the Holocaust, resettlement of refugees and eventual birth of the state of Israel. The Jewish Federation was created in an effort to align the numerous Jewish organizations of the region in purpose and fundraising efforts. The Federation, both locally and nationally, was established to provide a singular mission that could best raise funds and address the most pressing needs.
In 2003, the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana building was constructed in its current location through the efforts of many generous community members. The Estelle and Bernard Marcus Jewish Federation Community Building houses K’Ton Ton Early Childhood Programs, Jewish Community Youth (JCY) Camp, Jewish Community Services (JCS), and various community programs and services. ​
The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana, Inc., is an Indiana not-for-profit corporation incorporated in 1941 and is recognized as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana is dedicated for the purpose of furthering the welfare of the Jewish people throughout the world by engaging in philanthropic, cultural, and educational activities.