The Associated and our agencies care for those in our community who need us most. We believe that it is our responsibility to repair the world, to shape Jewish journeys and to extend a hand to Jews around the world. We may come from different places and we may express our Jewishness in different ways, but we all unite to create a better tomorrow.
Take a small step to make a big impact
From the Great Depression to World War II … from the early days following Israel’s independence to the arrival of Jews from the former Soviet Union … we have been there every step of the way – helping, supporting, connecting and engaging.
Explore our impressive 100-year history, decade by decade.
In 1920, the Federated Jewish Charities merged with the United Hebrew Charities to form one organization that could pool its resources to better address the community’s needs. They named it the Associated Jewish Charities. More milestones from the 1920s.
The world was in flux, defined by the Depression and later, the rise of Nazi Germany. The Associated Jewish Charities was committed to helping those struggling through this severe economic downturn as well as assisting the new immigrants fleeing Europe. More milestones from the 1930s.
The 40s began with despair and ended with a sense of hope for the future with the establishment of the new State of Israel. Jews from all over the world migrated to the new Jewish homeland, and the Associated Jewish Charities contributed to the resettlement efforts. More milestones from the 1940s.
As Jewish Baltimore began to move to the suburbs, the Associated Jewish Charities moved with them. Camp Milldale relocated to Stevenson, and the decade ended with the JCC signing a contract to open a new building in upper Park Heights. More milestones from the 1950s.
The 60s brought change and that was evident at the Associated Jewish Charities (AJC). Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the shifting roles of women and the need for more help for seniors all impact the decade – as does the merger of the AJC and the Jewish Welfare Fund to form The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. More milestones from the 1960s.
Baltimore’s Jewish community came together this decade as they advocated for Soviet Jewry, walked for Israel and supported The Associated in its first Super Phone Day – later known as Super Sunday. More milestones from the 1970s.
The Associated campaign reached $20 million for the first time, as the organization dedicated itself to improving the lives of Jews in Baltimore and around the world. More milestones from the 1980s.
The Associated continued to support Jewish Baltimore’s priorities from promoting Jewish idenitity through the Maccabi games to establishing CHANA to help victims of domestic abuse. More milestones from the 1990s.
The economic downtown in 2008 devasted world economies and Baltimore was not immune. With businesses shuttering, jobs lost and families’ dreams put on hold, The Associated stepped in to provide financial and career assistance so Jewish Baltimore could get back on its feet. More milestones from the 2000s.
Jewish life was changing, and The Associated adapted its programming to reach young families doing Judaism “my way.” Social justice, community connectors and Jewish camping became areas of focus for the organization. More milestones from the 2010s.
From 1950 – 1980, The Women’s Division put on musical programs to illustrate the needs in our community. Some of the productions included, 1950 – “The Welfare Blues”, 1964 “It Takes A Woman”, 1968 “There’s A Noodle In My Soup”, 1979 “My Husband Gave At The Office Or Kvetching Along The Cam-pain Trail.”
As we celebrate our 100th, we want to hear your stories, your parents’ stories, your grandparents’ tales. Tell us your story – share your photos, memories and article clippings on how we made an impact in your life.
