All together now regional non-profit throws a celebration of communal good

It isn’t always easy for a philanthropic organization to convey the true impact of its donors and volunteers. One contributes a check or an hour to a particular cause or community supported by the organization, but may never understand the combined effect of all the donated funds and volunteerism.

Understanding impact is the theme of TzedakahFest, a celebration of collective philanthropic impact presented by the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. Tzedakah is Hebrew for “charitable giving,” and underlies the Federation’s mission locally and around the globe. The first-ever event will be held on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9 at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport.

The idea for TzedakahFest emerged as the answer to a question posed frequently to Federation CEO David Weisberg. “Several community-members asked, ‘Wouldn't it be great if we had one day where we could visit all of our community beneficiaries and see the work they do?,’” he recalls. “I thought that was a great idea but from a practical standpoint, if we chartered a bus, we’d get 20 people and we’d get to see every organization for 10 minutes. Wouldn't it be better if we could bring the whole community and all of our beneficiaries together in one place? That was the birth of TzedakahFest.”

A member of The Jewish Federations of North America, the non-profit Federation for Jewish Philanthropy represents a sprawling, 15-community region bordered by Ridgefield, Monroe, Stratford, and Rowayton. Federation’s beneficiary partners include non-profit organizations that save and improve lives through social services and educational programs locally, in Israel, and in several countries throughout the world. Many will be represented in the TzedakahFest exhibit hall, joined by most of the Jewish congregations from the Federation’s catchment area.

Held at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, the festival will offer something for all ages, from a family concert with The Nields, a virtual-reality visit with Jews in Siberia, participatory philanthropy promoting sustainability and inclusivity, and a hands-on community-service project. Two informative breakout sessions will address common health issues: “The Clues Your Teenager May Be Experimenting with Drugs or Alcohol” (Positive Directions - The Center for Prevention and Counseling), and “Learn How to Plan Well for Your Long Term Care (Jewish Senior Services). The Federation’s 2nd Mitzvah Hero Awards ceremony will honor 13 individuals from the region selected for their volunteerism by their respective synagogues.

Free of charge and open to the community, the event will culminate with a community menorah-lighting to celebrate the 8th night of Chanukah.

Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County presents TzedakahFest – A Celebration of Our Collective Impact: Sunday, Dec. 9, 2-6 p.m., Congregation B’nai Israel, 2710 Park Ave., Bridgeport | Info: (203) 226-8197 / shalomct.org