In anticipation of the forthcoming annual General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities, a meeting of the leaders of community federations in North America, JTA.org has published a series of five essays entitled “Reimagining Federated Philanthropy.”

The articles respond to both the challenges and opportunities associated with federation giving today.

Among the featured authors, Gary Tobin, a federation consultant, suggests that federations must develop new and more flexible ways to make gifts, must adjust some basic administrative practices, and should review endowments.

Other essays include a review of the history and strengths of the North American Jewish federation system, suggestions for an overhaul of current Jewish philanthropic giving directed toward Israel, an exploration of the changing roles of individuals and groups in modern Jewish life, and possible ways to better engage young Jewish philanthropists in giving.