This year marks the centennial anniversary for The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and this hub of L.A.’s Jewish community will celebrate 100 years with a focus on the future by kicking off the search for the Next Big Jewish Idea today at nextbigjewishidea.com.

The search for The Next Big Jewish Idea provides a unique opportunity for individuals, businesses, non-profits, and organizations to submit their innovative ideas for programs that will strengthen and benefit the greater Los Angeles Jewish community. The winning idea will receive a grant of $100,000 and be incubated at The Jewish Federation to bring it to fruition.

“Our centennial year comes as we reinvent and revitalize our Federation to best serve the Jewish community of Los Angeles. In order to do this, we must be innovative in our work, as well incorporate new ways to reach and engage with our community so we can successfully ensure a strong Jewish future in Los Angeles, Israel and around the world for the next 100 years and beyond,” said Jay Sanderson, President of The Jewish Federation. “The search for the Next Big Jewish Idea is a great platform for sharing ideas and conversations between members of the community. That dialogue will help pave a bright Jewish future for all of us.”

Check the Website in order to submit an idea, vote for one and receive more information about the Next Big Jewish Idea. In addition to the Website, the Next Big Jewish Idea Facebook page allows users to interact, help shape ideas and connect with one another.

Centennial highlights planned for 2011 include a number of community and virtual events and celebrations including the Federation’s Centennial Mission to Israel, which will mark the largest group to visit Israel at one time, a Night of 100 Shabbat Dinners and a Passover Afikoman Scavenger Hunt that will combine cutting edge mobile technology with visits to locations significant in L.A. Jewish history. Additionally, the Federation will be hosting community volunteer days throughout the year, with the first one Centennial Super Sunday, taking place on February 13th.