Jewish Life
Jewishness, Your Way
Our mission is to offer diverse pathways and opportunities for our members to connect to Jewish knowledge, tradition, and values in a personally meaningful way.
Watch a movie by a Jewish film-maker, participate in a Israeli dance class or learn how to shape challah with your child – make connections in ways that matter to you and your family.
This version highlights our Jewish Life offerings!
Jewish Events Calendar
Jewish Partners
Our hearts are heavy with the events unfolding in Israel. Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to join together to experience hope and joy through sharing Jewish stories. If you need assistance finding resources and programming in and around the Jewish community, please reach out to Rachel Kest.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester works to build a strong Jewish future in Rochester, Israel and Worldwide through philanthropy, engagement, education and advocacy.
We Stand with Israel
On October 7, 2023, during the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza, firing thousands of rockets, breaching the country’s borders, killing hundreds of Israelis, and wounding thousands more. The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester stands in support with Israel and our brothers and sisters as they defend Israel. Updates here.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester, with a generous grant from the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation are proud to present PJ Library in Rochester!
PJ Library provides a free gift of a high-quality, age appropriate Jewish book mailed to the home every month. Sign up for PJ today!
For information about local programs and events contact PJ Library Manager & Family Engagement Specialist Biffy Borg.
Jewish Arts + Culture
Authors + Innovators Festival
For 30 years, you’ve connected with your favorite authors and to other readers who care about books as much as you do fostering important community conversations. The new Lane Dworkin JCC Rochester Authors + Innovators Festival expands the core of a Book Festival beyond a traditional lineup by welcoming creative innovators to share their world-changing ideas and adding interactive workshops and events.
Rochester Jewish Film Festival
The JCC established the Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival to present the best contemporary Jewish-themed films from around the world to the Rochester community.
RJFF exists to promote awareness and pride in the diversity of all people; to strengthen community consciousness of Jewish identity, history and culture; to provide a forum for community gatherings that allows valuable dialogue; and to create an international showcase for filmmakers who are Jewish or whose work explores Jewish themes.