Jewish Federation of Las Vegas

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas is a nonprofit organization that served as a central coordinating body for the Jewish community in Las Vegas, Nevada. It has since been renamed Jewish Nevada. Established in the 1960s as the Las Vegas Combined Jewish Appeal, it eventually became affiliated with the Council of Jewish Federations in 1979 and later with the United Jewish Communities (UJC), now known as the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

Evolution and Impact

Initially known as the United Jewish Appeal in Las Vegas, the organization raised significant funds for Jewish causes. Notably, in 1947, it achieved the highest per capita contribution for Jewish relief efforts in the United States, raising $40,000 for Jews in Europe and Palestine[1][3]. Key figures from the gaming industry, such as Moe Sedway, Jake Kozloff, Gus Greenbaum, Sam Tucker, and Moe Dalitz, played significant roles in leading these early fundraising efforts[1].

Over the years, the organization transitioned through several names. In 1979, it became the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas as part of the broader national network of Jewish Federations. This transformation marked a shift towards more diverse leadership beyond the gaming industry, with community leaders like Jerome D. Mack and Arthur Marshall contributing to its growth[1].

Programs and Services

The Federation supported various local and international causes, including Las Vegas Senior Lifeline, JewEL (Jewish Emerging Leaders), Hillel at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Jewish Community Foundation among others[1]. Its mission focused on enhancing Jewish life, supporting humanitarian efforts, and fostering community involvement.

In 2003, as part of broader structural changes within the national Jewish federation system, the Las Vegas chapter briefly adopted the name Jewish Federation of Las Vegas/United Jewish Community (JFLV/UJC) before its eventual rebranding to Jewish Nevada in 2016[1].

Current Status as Jewish Nevada

Today, the organization operates under the name Jewish Nevada, continuing its role as the primary representative organization for the Jewish community in Nevada. It is committed to building a vibrant community, sustaining Jewish life, and supporting causes both locally and globally[5]. Jewish Nevada emphasizes values such as Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Tzedakah (righteousness and philanthropy), and G’milut Hasadim (acts of kindness and service)[1][5].

[1] https://special.library.unlv.edu/jewishheritage/organizations/jewish-federation-las-vegas [2] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/las-vegas-jewish-history-tour [3] https://www.bethsholomlv.org/mission-history [4] https://www.jewishfederations.org/about-jfna/jfna-history-and-predecessors [5] https://nevadavolunteers.org/listing-item/jewish-nevada/