History

History of our Jewish Community

In 1937, there were fewer than ten Jewish families living in the Desert Area, During World War II, General Patton’s Jewish trainees came in from desert training, and Friday night home hospitality was offered to lonely Jewish soldiers. When the El Mirador Hotel was transformed for South Pacific casualties, Jewish servicemen and their families made requests for Passover Seders. After the war, families recognized the need to establish communal services. Records show that in 1946, the first United Jewish Communities Campaign in this community received 84 donations and raised over $7,000.00!

Today, the Palm Springs and Desert Area Jewish Community is growing and thriving. There are services for individuals of all ages. Each year many make the Desert Area their winter home and many more families are settling in as full-time residents. We estimate that there are over 20,000 Jews in our community.

The Coachella Valley is breathtaking and our Desert it an exciting place that offers something for everyone!

We hope you enjoy learning more about our community.

Baruch HaBah – Welcome!

About Us

Roberta Nyman, President

The Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area serves as the central organization responsible for fund raising and distribution, community planning, and community relations – for the Coachella Valley Jewish community. The goal of the Federation’s programming is to improve the quality of Jewish life locally, in Israel, and throughout the world. Its leadership is drawn from a broad spectrum of the community and is augmented by professional staff.

Mission Statement

The Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area, as the central communal organization for the Jewish population for the Coachella Valley, is dedicated to promoting the values and quality of Jewish life. It is committed to fostering a continuity of Jewish life for future generations. The Federation is further committed to the unity of the Jewish people worldwide, the strengthening of the state of Israel, and the helping of Jews in need wherever they reside.