What Can YOU Do?

We all want to help the land and people of Israel. Education is a good place to start. Follow Jewish National Fund-USA on social media to get updates on their current work. Learn about the bigger picture by checking out JNF-USA’s long-term plans at jnf.org.supportisrael; their “REIMAGINE PLAN” for the NORTH and their “REBUILD PLAN” for the SOUTH. Participate in JNF-USA initiatives. Purchase JNF-USA products. You will find there are many things we can do, and collectively, our efforts will contribute to a brighter future for Israel. Here are some ideas for YOU:

PARTICIPATE IN JNF-USA INITIATIVES

Participate in JNF-USA's NEW nationwide "Shabbat for Israel", this May! Join Jewish National Fund-USA in Celebrating Israel’s Independence by HOSTING your own Shabbat Dinner for Israel, in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. This is not a fundraising event, but rather an opportunity to share a lovely Shabbat meal with your guests and enable them to learn more about JNF-USA’s impact on the land and people of Israel. Make your home one of 1,000 JNF-USA homes across the U.S. filled with people bound by their love of Israel.

Each host will receive a beautiful “Shabbat Box”, filled with just the right things you need to host this special evening. The box will include candle holders created by the residents of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran (a JNF-USA affiliate in Israel), a few other gifts made by small businesses in Israel, a challah cover, a helpful Shabbat Guide, an informative JNF-USA “What We Do” brochure, a JNF-USA trivia game, and a beloved JNF-USA Blue Box. It’s all been designed to assist you in capturing the true spirit of Shabbat and Yom Ha’atzmaut. To be sure you receive this Shabbat Box, register as a HOST by March 21^st. shabbatforisrael.jnf.org

Come back to Israel with JNF-USA's Congregational Volunteer in Israel Mission. Encourage your congregation to go on a JNF-USA volunteer mission TODAY! Each congregational participant will receive a $500 subsidy! jnf.org/convolunteeril 

Explore JNF-USA's Planned Giving options. The Planned Giving Department helps you achieve your financial goals and manage your philanthropy, while providing JNF-USA with much-needed partnership to continue their vital work in Israel. A Donor Advised Fund (DAF)is just one option. This is a personal fund through which you can grow your assets tax-free and pass on your philanthropic values while you choose how to invest your funds from among six investment pools that are professionally managed. With a minimum $10,000 investment (in cash, stocks, appreciated assets, or a combination), you are generally eligible to take a tax deduction. Then those funds are invested for tax-free growth, and you can recommend grants to any eligible IRS-qualified public charity, although a percentage will be earmarked to continue JNF-USA's essential work! When you pass away, your children can carry on your legacy of giving and your love of Israel. A DAF facilitates the administration of your charitable giving, streamlines your record keeping and is tax smart. Let Jewish National Fund's Planned Giving Department help you meet your personal, financial and estate planning goals. Contact: plannedgiving@jnf.org, 800.562.7526, or jnflegacy.org.

PURCHASE MEANINGFUL CERTIFICATES AND PRODUCTS

Honor someone, celebrate milestones, commemorate loved ones, or simply say "thank you.”

Water Certificates for $18: JNF-USA has added more than 12% to Israel's water supply, satisfying the needs of 1.2 million citizens, and now recycles 80% of Israel's wastewater. When you choose a Water Certificate, your donation supports JNF-USA's vital water resource development projects, helping to ensure a sustainable future for the people and land of Israel.

Tribute Certificates starting at $180: Commemorate significant occasions with a variety of certificates: The Golden Book, the Golden Marriage, the Garden or the Grove certificate. All of these can be purchased in certificate form or as a beveled wood plaque.

Sderot Tulip for $1,000: These graceful flower sculptures have been handcrafted from the steel of Kassam rockets that have landed in Sderot. Proceeds benefit JNF-USA’s important work in Sderot, including the continued funding of the Sderot Indoor Recreation Center, which provides a safe (and bomb-fortified) place for children to play and offers respite to soldiers and first responders.

CONTINUE SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS AND ARTISANS IN ISRAEL! 

There are NEW vendors on JNF-USA’s Mitzvah Marketplace! Your purchases support businesses facing serious challenges right now. New vendors have been added in the food, beauty and arts categories. Products include beauty and health items, jewelry, home décor, candles and candlesticks, soaps, mezuzahs, cookbooks and other books, tea and coffee, wine, chocolate and more. Find the “Ability Boutique” (within the Marketplace) from JNF affiliate ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran and shop for silk afikoman bags, scarves, challah covers and table runners. Go to jnf.org/shopping. 

Send a book to an evacuated child. This has been a hot seller! October 7 forced many Israeli children to flee their homes, schools and communities. They are experiencing anxiety and trauma. “Cami is Missing” is a book written for these children. It tells the tale of a little camel who navigates the challenges of being away from home. Suitable for children ages 5–8, the book is $26. Send a book here.

Written by Elyse Ingber, WFI Chair, Long Island, New York

Written by Roni Wolk, Chair WFI newsletter, member of National WFI Executive Board, national chair of LOTEM, Circle of Sapphire