Jewish National Fund (JNF) today introduced its re-designed pushke, also known as the Blue Box, highlighting the seven program areas JNF supports in Israel.
“More than a century old, our little Blue Box is known the world over but it does change to keep up with the times,” said Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish National Fund. “Today’s pushke represents the many projects in Israel that we and our partners are funding to build a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people.”
The original Blue Box did not take the shape of a small, tin box; It was actually Theodor Herzl’s hat. At the Fifth Zionist Congress in 1901, Herzl removed his hat and asked delegates for donations to purchase land in Eretz Yisrael to re-establish a Jewish homeland. Two weeks later, the iconic Blue Box, or pushke, was born. Stamped with the words “National Fund,” small tin boxes were distributed to Jewish communities across the globe and numbered over a million byWorldWar II. Their impact was immediate, generating vital funds to develop and cultivate the land of Israel.
For many, the iconic Blue Box is an integral part of childhood memories. More than a century after its creation, it remains a powerful symbol of the link between Diaspora Jewry and the people of Israel.
Today, JNF is known for so much more than collecting change in a box, but is as proud as ever of its roots and the iconic Blue Box the box that built a country.
The new box highlights JNF’s work in seven program areas and corresponding colors: Community Building (Yellow); Forestry & Green Innovations (Green); Water Renewal (Blue); Research & Development (Red); Zionist Education and Advocacy (Purple); Heritage Sites (Brown); and Accessibility &Therapeutic Services (Orange).
Hundreds of colored dots representing the program areas are displayed from the north to the south on the map of Israel along with the statement, “Help build tomorrow today.”
“I love the new blue box styling and how it represents JNF’s important work through the colors of their program areas. It a fabulous way of combining the future of JNF by making the seven project areas so beautifully highlighted, yet keeping the tradition of how money has been collected by the diaspora to establish a Jewish homeland since 1901,” said Vivian Grossman, JNF Broward Board President. “I love the way the traditional box has become so modern. Every Jewish home should have a pushke to insure the tradition gets passed on!”
Complimentary Blue Boxes are available for order online at jnf.org/bluebox or by calling 800.542.8733.You may also order larger quantities of Blue Boxes for your organization, synagogue or school.
Teachers and students can access the new and improved Blue Box Bob Facebook page facebook.com/blueboxbob for education materials, resources, and JNF programs. The page will also highlight JNF and Blue Box Bob events around the country and share relevant stories, pictures and videos.
JNF invites supporters to share their first or favorite memories of a Blue Box via email at bluebox@jnf.org or on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Jews the world over collected coins in iconic JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and planting trees until ultimately, their dream of a Jewish homeland was a reality. JNF gives all generations of Jews a unique voice in building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people.
JNF embodies both heart and action; our work is varied in scope but singular in benefit. We strive to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel’s residents, and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is greening the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative arid-agriculture techniques, and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism.
JNF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and United Nations NGO, which continuously earns top ratings from charity overseers.
For more information on JNF, call 888- JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.
