View in browser

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed to fostering a more accepting, diverse and inclusive future for all. In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we are focusing this FedFive on the work we do to be there for people with disabilities.

Creating an Inclusive Jewish World

The Jewish Federation believes in a welcoming Jewish community where all who want connection can find it.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the Jewish Federation granted $8 million to organizations across Greater Philadelphia that care for those in need, which includes supporting individuals with disabilities — ensuring greater accessibility and meaningful participation in Jewish life through innovative programs.

Supporting Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month

“While we strive to honor each member of our community year round, JDAIM offers the Jewish Federation a chance to ensure that everyone feels valued, welcomed and connected to Jewish life through meaningful programs and initiatives.”

– Lori Rubin, Jewish Federation's director of leadership development and governance

The Jewish Federation is a partner of the Jewish Special Needs/Disability Awareness Consortium of Greater Philadelphia, which is run by Jewish Learning Venture. The consortium is made up of representatives from local agencies that serve the disability community.

As part of its longstanding commitment to inclusivity, the Jewish Federation actively supports Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) each February, joining Jewish organizations worldwide in raising awareness and fostering belonging for people with disabilities. To learn about the JDAIM events being held in the Greater Philadelphia area, click here.

Understanding Disability and Jewish Identity

“The intersection of disability and Jewish identity is a critical conversation for our community. This event provides an opportunity to explore how we can foster greater inclusion, accessibility, and support for individuals with disabilities while embracing the values that define us as a Jewish people.”

– Jason Holtzman, Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council director

The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is holding a virtual panel on the intersection between disability and Jewish identity on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The conversation will be led by JCRC Director Jason Holtzman with expert panelists Chani Baram, chief relationship officer of Philly Friendship Circle, Stacy Jarett Levitan, executive director of Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (JCHAI), and Gail Norry, immediate past board co-chair of the Jewish Federation and founder of OROT. Click here to register.

Building a Wider Circle

“When I was a teenager, Philly Friendship Circle opened my eyes to inclusion. Now that I have an autistic child, I understand its importance more than ever before.”

– Dasher Borowsky, Philly Friendship Circle participant

Supported by the Jewish Federation and created by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, Philly Friendship Circle pairs teens and young adults with children with special needs and their families. The Jewish Federation’s commitment, allocating close to $80,000 last year through the Jewish Community Fund -- the main source of unrestricted dollars within the Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign -- has enabled Philly Friendship Circle to meet the rising demand while maintaining personalized experiences for each participant. New initiatives, such as young adult social events and virtual happy hours, continue to broaden the organization’s reach.
Learn more here.

Showing a Pathway Forward

"I think it’s really important that we get all the solutions quickly, from the prosthesis to all the technologies that can help us on a daily basis because that’s what brings us back to life.”

– Adi Timor, Masorti beneficiary

After Oct. 7, the number of newly disabled Israeli army soldiers has exceeded 70,000, according to Israel’s Ministry of Defense. This is why the Jewish Federation, through its support of the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), stands behind initiatives like JDC’s Tech for Heroes program, which utilizes an AI platform to match the soldiers with the most suitable assistive solutions – from communication aides to cognitive assistant tools, mobility devices and more. To learn more about JDC's Tech for Heroes program, and the Jewish Federation's overall support for JDC, click here.

HERE AS ONE

Show the world that we are Here As One by supporting the Jewish Federation’s mission of Caring for Those in Need, Supporting Israel and Global Jewry, and Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future. Make your gift before year’s end by clicking here.