Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne · Est. 1921
Fort Wayne’s Jewish Story.
Still being written.
One of Indiana’s oldest and most welcoming Jewish communities.
From Mitch Albom evenings to Rosh Chodesh dinners to Camp Joe summers — there is a rich, active Jewish life here. Come see what’s been happening.
Camp Joe Levine
Three weeks. Lifelong friendships. One unforgettable summer.
Aleph Group (ages 4–7) is fully enrolled for 2026 — we’ll see you next summer! Registration for 2027 opens January 2027.
For over a decade, Camp Joe has given Fort Wayne’s Jewish children a place that’s theirs — three weeks in July, surrounded by friends, Jewish learning, and the kind of summer that stays with you. Swimming, hiking, Shabbat, sports, arts — and counselors who get it.
Applications are online. Spots are limited.
3 Weeks in July
At a nature park perfect for Camp
Ages 4 to 13 years old
Apply and Pay Online
Coming Up
Upcoming Events
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The Community, Lately
Recent Moments
A look at what’s been happening in Fort Wayne’s Jewish community. New events are added regularly.
We are honored to welcome a special delegation from the Western Galilee — a group of individuals who represent the living pulse of Israel in all its complexity, pain, and enduring hope.
Fort Wayne’s Annual Holocaust Remembrance Service.
Guest Speaker: Kenneth Stern
The director of the Bard Center for the Study of Hate.
Topic: “Antisemitism as a form of hate
Mitch Albom
Our People of the Book Lecture series continues with New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom.
Free copies of his new book “Twice” will be available.
Ways to Get Involved
Fort Wayne’s Jewish community has been built by people who showed up. There is a seat at the table — and there is work to be done. Here is where to start.
Annual Campaign
Your gift sustains Camp Joe, visiting speakers, and 175 years of Jewish life in Fort Wayne.
Volunteer at Events
Every Federation event runs on volunteer hours — setup, hospitality, registration, breakdown. Two hours moves the needle.
Board & Committees
The Federation Board sets direction for the community. Committee seats open each year — bring your skills and your time.
Camp Joe Counselor
Three weeks. Sixty kids. The summer Fort Wayne Jewish families wait all year for. Counselor applications open each spring.
A Message from Our Executive Director
Welcome to Fort Wayne’s Jewish Community
Michael Theise, Executive Director
“Our community is built on relationships - on showing up for one another in moments of celebration and in times of challenge.”
Welcome to the Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne — and to one of Indiana’s oldest Jewish communities. For more than a century, we have gathered together, sent our children to Camp Joe, and welcomed thousands of guests to events that have shaped Jewish life in northeast Indiana — most recently evenings with Mitch Albom and a speaking delegation from Israel. Guided by Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam, we work locally and partner globally.
Our partnership with the Western Galilee through Jewish Federations of North America connects Fort Wayne Jewish families directly to Israel — not abstractly, but through delegations, friendships, and shared investment in our partner community there.
Whether you have lived here thirty years or arrived last month, there is a seat at our table — at Rosh Chodesh dinners every third Wednesday, at Federation programming throughout the year, and in the volunteer and leadership opportunities that keep this community going. Reach out. Stop by. Find your place.
Monthly Gathering
Rosh Chodesh Community Dinners
Every third Wednesday of the month, Women of the Fort Wayne Jewish community gather for dinner, conversation, and connection. No agenda — just community.
Open to all Jewish Women. Whether you’ve lived here 30 years or just moved to Fort Wayne, there is a seat at the table.
Every 3rd Wednesday
Monthly · All Jewish Women Are Welcome
Join us for dinner, connection, and community. Contact the office to confirm location and time.
RSVP: office@fwjf.orgFort Wayne Jewish Life
Everything Jewish
in Fort Wayne
The Federation is Fort Wayne’s umbrella Jewish organization. Here you’ll find everything you need to connect with congregational life, programming, and community resources — all in one place.
New to Fort Wayne?
Newcomer Quick Reference
Stay Connected
Chailights Newsletter
The official Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne newsletter. Community news, event recaps, Federation updates, and highlights from Jewish life in Fort Wayne — delivered to your inbox.
Current and past issues available in the Highlights archive →
Jewish World News
From the Jewish Telegraphic Agency
- Canada’s new council to tackle antisemitism divides Jewish groups
- Some Jewish Republicans say Tucker Carlson is a diminished threat. Others worry he’ll run for president.
- 70 Faces Media wins 27 Simon Rockower Awards for Excellence in Jewish Journalism
- Majority of House Democrats vote to defeat Lebanon war powers measure
- Avila Chevalier attended Oct. 8 pro-Palestinian rally that Mamdani and Lander condemned