Spotlight | The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee: A Beacon of Community and Civic Leadership

By Hunter Hageman | April 2025

With a mission to strengthen Jewish life and identity in the region, provide for people in need, and promote support for Israel, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee  has long been a cornerstone of our Jewish community. The Federation continually evolves to meet the dynamic needs of its community, offering a diverse array of programs that cater to individuals of all ages. This evolution is best captured through the Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life, which has come alive over the past year, embodying the Federation’s role as a community builder, civic leader, and innovative force.

Responsive Community Programming

In 2019, a comprehensive Jewish community study conducted by Brandeis University revealed that approximately 80% of respondents were not connected to any Jewish organization, yet many expressed a desire to engage with the Jewish community. Plus, the study also placed our community as one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in North America.  The Federation boasts a long history of comprehensive programming designed to engage community members at every stage of life, but, this study emphasized a need to evolve programming focus areas once again. 

These insights from the study led to the development of programs like “Just Schmoozing,” informal gatherings that move across various regional locations to accommodate and connect individuals from different areas.

Building on the rich cultural coast of our region, the Federation’s adult programming features robust Jewish arts and culture series including an author lecture series and  annual Jewish Film Festival alongside day trips, educational workshops, and featured speakers. All designed to promote lifelong learning and community engagement. As Kim Adler, Federation’s Chief Operating Officer, stated, “We try to offer a variety of programs so that everybody can find something that appeals to them.”

Youth and family programs focus on creating engaging, fun-filled environments for children from birth through college instilling a strong sense of Jewish identity. For teens, the Federation offers initiatives that emphasize leadership development, cultural education, and community involvement, providing platforms for young adults to connect with their heritage and peers. 

Recognizing the influx of new residents in recent years, — “Shalom! You’re Home!” helps newcomers integrate into the Jewish community and Sarasota-Manatee by offering resources and opportunities to build meaningful connections. Building upon the needs of  newcomers and longstanding community members to foster friendships, the Federation recently launched “JFRIENDS SRQ,” a platform dedicated to empowering individuals to create their own events. Community members can now take an active role in organizing activities that interest them while meeting their neighbors, exploring a hobby, and celebrating holidays together. 

The Innovative, Evolving Model of the Federation

The Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life is a testament to the Federation’s innovative and evolving model. With The Ora at the Morganroth Event Center, a premiere new event center hosting weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, nonprofit fundraising events, and business retreats, trainings, and gatherings, the Chaifetz Holocaust Memorial and Education Center welcoming teachers and students across the region, and Camp Yonnie, a brand new Jewish day camp for the whole summer, the Greenspon Campus is ready to welcome everyone. The recent $4 million donation from Ronnie Shugar represents a pivotal step in Federation’s commitment to enhancing spaces for the whole community to enjoy. The Shugar Pool Club, set to be constructed on the Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life, will feature three distinct pools designed to accommodate various age groups and skill levels. This facility will serve as a hub for swimming lessons, after-school programs, and community gatherings, further enriching Federation’s offerings.

Shugar’s philanthropy is deeply influenced by his personal history. Growing up in Los Angeles, he fondly recalls the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles as a formative space where he and his siblings participated in sports, social activities, and personal development.

“The connection with the Jewish center was instrumental in my growth and development as a youth,” Shugar reflects. “It was such an incredible place to be. I recall going there playing basketball, swimming, lifting weights, with my brothers and friends. It was there where I took my first steps into adulthood, and I hope this pool club will be a similar rite of passage for others.”

The establishment of the Shugar Pool Club aligns seamlessly with the Federation’s strategic vision, particularly in addressing the needs of families with school-aged children. The 2019 community study highlighted a substantial number of such families in the area, many seeking opportunities for their children to connect with their Jewish heritage and peers. By providing a premier aquatic facility, the Federation aims to create a central gathering place that fosters community building, physical well-being, and cultural engagement.

The Shugar Pool Club is more than just a recreational facility; it represents the Federation’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the Sarasota-Manatee community. 

The Federation as an Active Civic Leader

Through the relationships and partnerships built through the national system of Jewish Federations of North America, the Federation  actively supports Israel and Jewish communities worldwide through educational initiatives, financial assistance, and advocacy efforts. Locally, relationships with local law enforcement, legislators, and civic leaders has allowed the Jewish community to have a seat at the table for important community wide initiatives as well as ensured that every Jewish community member can feel safe. In the midst on the ongoing war in Israel and increasing incidents of antisemitism, the Federation has stepped forward providing safety and security trainings, rallying community members for Israel, hosting solidarity events, and educating the public.

The Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life has augmented the role as a civic leader. With the ability to host large business leader events in The Ora to onsite training space for local enforcement to a pop up food distribution site with All Faiths Food Bank after six weeks of back to back hurricanes this past Fall, the Federation has become a hub for the whole community to come together and forge new partnerships. 

With the continued support of dedicated community members and donors, the Federation remains steadfast in its mission to nurture, educate, and uplift the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, creating a legacy of connection, resilience, and growth for generations to come.

To learn more about Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, please visit jfedsrq.org.