IN 1901, leaders from across the St. Louis Jewish community came together to strengthen support for social service organizations across the region. This collaboration created the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, a central philanthropic
and planning body dedicated to caring for those in need and sustaining Jewish life locally and beyond. Over the decades, the Federation has supported a network of vital community institutions—from social service agencies and educational programs to cultural and community centers. This year, the nonprofit is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a year-long commemoration, reflecting on its legacy while bringing the community together to build a brighter future for generations to come.
“Our mission is to mobilize the Jewish community, its people and financial resources to support one another, foster identity, combat antisemitism and ensure dignity for all,” Jewish Federation president and CEO Danny Cohn explains. “We are the central philanthropic and community planning organization dedicated to preserving Jewish life not only in St. Louis but also in Israel and worldwide.” The Federation supports more than 85 organizations, programs and synagogues; the majority of them located right here in St. Louis. Local nonprofits and programs have even evolved out of the Jewish Federation, including the St. Louis Jewish Light newspaper and St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. The Jewish community also was instrumental in founding Jewish Hospital, which later merged to create Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
In 2025, the Jewish Federation invested $8.5 million to help maintain a vibrant Jewish community, support those in need and provide security throughout the region. This includes helping to feed 17,353 households through the Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, working with partner organizations to keep more than 10,000 seniors active and engaged, and providing mental health resources to hundreds of students. The Federation also launched Impact Grants, which allocated $287,750 to support innovative and collaborative projects that strengthen Jewish life in St. Louis. The funds to make this work and more possible are raised through the Federation’s annual campaign. For 2026, the initiative is co-chaired by longtime community leaders Patty Bloom and Abby Goldstein.
One of the major ways the Federation supports the local Jewish community is by providing security. In 2025, the nonprofit received and managed 623 security requests. Cohn notes that around 20% of the funds the organization raises goes toward making sure local synagogues, Jewish schools and other gathering places are safe—that accounts for approximately $2 million. It’s an expense he hopes the Jewish Federation won’t have to worry about in the future. “My wish is that security becomes less and less necessary,” Cohn says. “We want to create a future where we can come together without fear of gathering just because we are Jewish.”
The Jewish Federation’s 125th anniversary will provide many opportunities to bring the St. Louis community together. This includes a gala in December, and in the fall, the nonprofit will partner with The J to host Sababa, a street festival that highlights the vibrancy of Jewish food, music, culture and art. “We’re excited to bring together the general and Jewish communities to celebrate,” Cohn notes. “The 125th anniversary is not just a time to reflect on the work the Federation has done. It is about honoring the generations who built this community and boldly shaping what comes next. Just as our founders did in 1901, we need to ensure we can pivot to meet the needs of the community into the next century.”
The anniversary celebration will cap off with “L’Dor V’Dor: Exploring Israel Together,” a multi-generational community trip to Israel. The trip is designed to bring families together to deepen Jewish identity and strengthen community bonds. Despite the turbulence of recent world events, the Federation is planning to take around 200 people, ranging in age from 10 to 100. “This is our first community trip to Israel in more than a decade,” Cohn says. “It will be a good time for everyone to come together, take a breath and celebrate the new year.”
As the Jewish Federation celebrates its anniversary, Cohn is hopeful that the broader St. Louis community will join them in reflecting on the nonprofit’s legacy. “Our work is not only valuable to the local Jewish community, but all St. Louisans,” he notes. “The organizations we support reach so many people in the region of all faiths and backgrounds. Whether it’s through The J, JFS or MERS Goodwill, the Federation has a responsibility to ensure that the entire St. Louis community lives well.”
Jewish Federation of St. Louis mobilizes the Jewish community, its people, and financial resources to grow and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis and around the world. Founded in 1901, the organization is celebrating its 125th anniversary. For more information, call 314.432.0020 or visit jfedstl.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo Courtesy of Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Photos courtesy of Jewish Federation of St. Louis
