For 60 years, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has led the way in building a warm, welcoming community for Jews in Sarasota-Manatee. Our mission is to strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need around the world, and promote support for Israel. The Federation supports the humanitarian and cultural needs of the Jewish and non-Jewish community through numerous collaborative partnerships. We promote diversity, fight anti-Semitism, and advocate for the State of Israel. The Federation is expanding to meet the needs of a vibrant, growing Jewish community and continue being the center of Jewish life in Sarasota-Manatee. 

1962: Sam Marcus was the first editor of the Jewish newspaper in Sarasota-Manatee, The Chronicle, which was first published in 1971. In 2003, the newspaper name was changed to The Jewish News. 

1975: The Israel Shalom Award was presented to Sheldon Gensler for his service to Israel and the local Jewish community at the Israel Bonds Dinner. Although Sydney Adler was president when the Jewish Community Council was formed, Gensler is credited with being the first president in its new constituted body. 

1983: Gershom Cohn was a former Federation Board of Directors President. He is seen here with Dr. Bernard Rothlein at the dedication of the Jewish Community Center of Venice, now known as the Jewish Congregation of Venice.

1985: The field of McIntosh Road, which became the home of the Jewish Federation’s 32-acre campus, is a far cry from its humble beginnings of 600 square feet of office space on Main Street. Today, the campus is being renovated and expanded as The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life. 

580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232      
(941) 371-4546       
Jfedsrq.org