You may know the story of the six blind men who are asked to touch different parts of an elephant. The one who touches the leg declares it a pillar; the one who touches the tail calls it a rope, the one who touches the trunk thinks it’s a snake and so on.

For most people, the part of Jewish Federation that’s most visible is fundraising. True, Federation is an extremely efficient and effective fundraising organization – mobilizing as much as $15 – 20 million annually for Jewish needs. But fundraising isn’t our mission, and that’s not all we do.

Federation is committed to the ongoing development and enhancement of a thriving Jewish community, locally and abroad. We achieve that in many ways – primarily through the funding of high quality services provided by an international network of Jewish organizations. So, if you’re a JCC member, send your child to a Jewish school or read the Jewish Light, you are a beneficiary of Federation funds. A portion of each of those services is paid for by Federation allocations. And we provide cash to people who lost their jobs, counseling to families in distress, homemakers, meals and low cost housing to senior adults.

Most people will acknowledge that Federation does “good works.” Yet many still have trouble answering the question, “What’s in it for me?” So, here’s a few more:

If your child delights at free children’s books from PJ Library, we’ll take some credit.

If your teen is learning about philanthropy through B’nai Zedek, or attending a Jewish Students Union club at her high school, we’re helping out.

If your granddaughter or nephew traveled to Israel on Birthright, Federation funds played a big part.

If you just moved to St. Louis and are attending YPD or NextDor events, you’ve met the Federation.

If you’re a young parent participating in “Shalom Baby,” or “Our Jewish Home,” Federation funds are at work.

If you’re deepening your own Jewish knowledge through the Melton Adult School, we’re helping you learn.

If you’re a community professional participating in JProSTL, Federation is on your side.

If you call ElderLink looking for help for an aging parent, you have Federation on your side.

If you’re a senior enjoying social, educational and exercise programs in the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, you can send a note of appreciation to Federation.

At each step of the Jewish life cycle, Federation is at work – directly or through the organizations we support.

But the Jewish world doesn’t end at the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Federation is your agent – meeting Jewish needs in Israel and around the world. We are bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel, feeding destitute seniors in Ukraine, getting Jews out of Tunisia and Yemen. And through the JCRC, ADL, AJC and other organizations, Federation is advocating for Israel, fighting de-legitimization and countering bias.

Nor do we serve only Jews. Most Federation funded agencies are open to all. The Holocaust Museum uses lessons of the Shoah to promote tolerance and fight racism. We support local grassroots social justice organizations and join coalitions to fight poverty, advocate for human rights and promote civility.

Federation does this and more by bringing people together, shaping a communal vision, assessing needs, devising programs to meet those needs and raising the funds to implement them. Whether it’s services to seniors, Jewish education or buying insurance, Federation’s leadership and collaborative approach makes us more effective by working together.

So, like an elephant – it may be hard to get your arms around Federation. But our reach and impact is truly phenomenal. And all of it is because of you: our donors, volunteers and employees. Thank you all.

Local commentary

Barry Rosenberg is Executive Vice President of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.