Local Programs and Services
This page contains brief summaries on local programs and services managed by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and receiving support from the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign. For further information, contact Federation’s Community Planning & Allocations Department at [email protected] or 786.866.8495.
Day School Hardship Scholarships
Jewish day school education is a key building block for a strongly identified, engaged Jewish community. Yet, tuition costs can be a challenge for many families, especially during times of economic uncertainty. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation recognizes this, and provides Jewish day schools with supplemental funds to assist families still struggling after the initial scholarship process.
Funded by Federation and the Louis Nieweg Fund of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, this scholarship program is co-administered by Federation and the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE). Federation and CAJE work directly with the day schools on behalf of families in need of this assistance. The process takes place toward the end of the school year, typically in May or June. For more information, contact Federation or CAJE’s Educational Services Division at 305.576.4030, ext. 141. Applications are available through individual day schools.
High Holiday Welcome Program (HHWP) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Federation, in partnership with the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami and area synagogues, makes free High Holiday seats available to Miami-Dade County residents who are not members of a congregation. The HHWP’s mission is multifold: to provide those in financial need with a meaningful religious experience, to connect newcomers and the unaffiliated to congregations, to provide a spiritual and communal “touch point” at a special time of year, and to make our Jewish community as welcoming and inclusive as possible.
Reflecting the diversity of Miami’s Jewish community, the program has made available worship services in English, Hebrew, Spanish, Russian and American Sign Language at scores of synagogues and community venues. Since its inception in 1999, the HHWP has welcomed thousands of worshippers. Registration is available two weeks prior to Rosh Hashanah online at JewishMiami.org, or by calling Federation’s High Holiday Welcome Line at 305.373.SEAT (7328).
Israel Programs Scholarship Assistance
Recognizing the positive impact an Israel experience program can have on teens and young adults, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation offers need-based assistance for Miami-Dade County residents, ages 15 to 26. Funding is one-time only, and awards are based on need and length of an approved Israel program, which must be a minimum of three weeks in duration. For month-long summer programs, awards are typically $250 to $500; for a year-long program, they are $1,000. Applicants must complete and return an application, along with their family’s financial information (1040), and a letter of acceptance or invoice from the program.
Jewish Federation Housing
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation sponsors two senior residential facilities subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Federation Gardens, located in Kendall, features 159 apartment units and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Federation Towers has 114 apartment units and is located in Miami Beach.
At both of these facilities, residents have their own private apartments set in pleasant surroundings with affordable rent. Federation Gardens and Towers maintain programs of integrated services that enable residents to remain self-sufficient for as long as possible. A full range of services is available to residents through Federation’s Partner Agencies, including home healthcare, social services, meals and recreation.
Gift of Israel Savings Program
Created by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation in partnership with area synagogues, the Gift of Israel Savings Program is a unique savings incentive program that has made it possible for hundreds of families to provide inspiring, educational Israel experiences for their children. It works like this: You enroll your child in the program any time between the 3rd and the 9th grades. For every year your child is enrolled, Federation (as well as participating synagogues, if you are a member) will set aside funds to help with the cost of the Israel experience. Children enrolled in the program also receive age-appropriate educational materials about Israel, making this an outstanding learning opportunity for the whole family. Applications are available through local synagogues. For further information, contact Federation’s Community Planning & Allocations Department at [email protected] or 786.866.8495.
Overnight Camp Scholarships
Let us help make your child a happy camper! The Greater Miami Jewish Federation makes funding assistance for Jewish overnight summer camp available to Miami-Dade County children, ages 8 to 17.
Need-Based Scholarships are available only for summer camps listed on the Foundation for Jewish Camp website and located in the U.S. Applications open by the end of November and are due back by the end of January. Accompanying the completed application should be the following support materials: 1) a copy of the family’s most recently-completed tax return (1040), and 2) verification of a child’s camp acceptance – either a camp invoice or acceptance letter.
