Established in 1945 when Jewish community leaders from South Bend and Mishawaka formed the Jewish Community Council of St. Joseph County. As part of an emerging network of local Jewish federations in the United States and Canada, the Council’s mission was clear; to foster, promote, Jewish culture and improve relationships in our diverse community.

Over the following years, the Community Council proved its standing as a valuable resource by aiding Holocaust refugees, responding to incidents of anti-Semitism, promoting religious pluralism in public schools, and supporting youth activities such as Camp Ideal, which is still a vital part of our community. The Community Council also prioritized fundraising to help Israel house and feed the millions of Jews returning to the new Jewish homeland.

In the late 1990's, Kurt and Tessye Simon funded the construction of a centralized community center that would function as the official headquarters of the Jewish Community. In the fall of 2000, the Federation opened the newly built Kurt and Tessye Simon Jewish Community Building.

Today, the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley serves as the cultural epicenter for Jewish life in Michiana, reaching more than 1,800 Jewish people. The Federation continues to engage the Jewish people – locally, in Israel, and throughout the world – through coordinated fund raising, community-wide programming, social services, and educational activities.

For more information about the history of our local Jewish community please visit the website of our partner The Michiana Jewish Historical Society.