The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia prioritizes creating an active and connected Jewish community, where each person can foster their own sense of identity as part of a larger peoplehood. This month's FedFive focuses on the work we do for Jewish engagement.

Jewish Engagement as a Commitment

We firmly believe that Jewish continuity relies on passing on the ancient traditions and the historic resiliency of the Jewish people onto the next generation – L’dor V’dor.

In enacting this vision of creating a vibrant Jewish future, we fund organizations that provide opportunities for the local community to connect with each other and to their Jewish heritage. From school to camp, congregations to events, we ensure that there a multitude of ways to become active members of the Jewish community. 

Here As One, we build open and welcoming communities, inspire young leaders, and create a strong and proud Jewish community for today and for generations to come.

Engaging Our Community 

“The spark that has always  ignited and sustained Judaism is community. As a congregational rabbi and parent of young kids, I know the emotional and spiritual recharge that comes from creative collaboration. When we collaborate with congregations and leverage local partnerships, we can offer impactful programming and strengthen our whole Jewish community. It has always taken a village - and the Buxmont Kehillah is my village."

- Buxmont Kehillah Chair Rabbi Alanna Sklover

The Kehillah – Hebrew for community – groups are part of the
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s neighborhood initiative
to create inspired Jewish communities by bridging geographic
areas, fostering diverse connections and offering enrichment for
all ages. Alongside a vibrant alliance of synagogues, community
volunteers, and representatives from Jewish organizations, each
Kehillah connects individuals with community resources and offers an

array of programming, including Jewish holiday celebrations, hands-
on volunteering, curated missions, and educational classes.

You can connect with your Kehillah in:

• Bucks County
• Buxmont
• Center City
• Chester County
• Delaware County
• Lower Merion
• Northeast
• Old York Road

For more information about neighborhood programming, click here or contact the Jewish Federation’s Director of Community Development Max Moline at mmoline@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0803.

Engaging People to Give Back

"Our four different affinity groups serve as onramps into our organization. While each affinity is unique, the goals are the same: to attract, engage and educate our donors to ultimately increase their philanthropic commitment to the Jewish Federation. I am so very proud of each of our affinity groups for offering so many different ways, including travel, for our donors to be part of the incredible work that we do."

Within the Jewish Federation, there are so many opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, whether through shared interests or a common life stage. Each affinity group has special events, meaningful programming, leadership opportunities and curated missions to visit Jewish communities around the world. 

• Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) - Real estate professionals and related industries who come together to learn, network and hear from the brightest minds in business while making our community a better place.
• NextGen - Young adults in their  20s, 30s and early 40s who are looking to give back as they build community. 
• Women of Vision - Lifetime membership-based group that impacts the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls across generations and geographic boundaries through strategic grantmaking through the Women of Vision Endowment Fund, advocacy and educational programs leading to social change and social justice. 
• Women's Philanthropy - Women of all ages and stages who gather to connect, volunteer, travel, learn and develop their leadership skills, all in support of the Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign. 

Learn more about the affinity groups by clicking here or by contacting Marni Davis at mdavis@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0859. 

Engaging Future Leaders

“[NextGen's] Pathway Fellowship enabled me to meet other strong members of the Jewish community who I can confidently call my friends now. I have been exposed to programs provided by the Jewish Federation that reinforced why it is so necessary to get involved and I have regained my voice in the Jewish community as a leader.”  

- 2024 participant Rachael Grobman

Building strong leaders in the Jewish community is critical for our future. We do this by funding programs, like the Diller Teen Fellowship and Venture Israel Fellowship, that train people of all ages to feel connected to Judaism and advocate for the Jewish people. In addition, we host our own programs that provide training on the vital work of the Jewish Federation and ways to make a deep impact within the community at-large. 

The Jewish Federation offers a variety of leadership programs for: 

• young professionals looking to start their leadership journeys,
• real estate professionals seeking mentorship,
• women wanting to make an impact and find community,
• young adults looking to continue their philanthropic families,
• Jewish communal professionals seeking educational opportunities,
• and more!

For more information about leadership programs and initiatives, contact the Jewish Federation's Director of Leadership Development and Governance Lori Rubin at lrubin@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0828. 

Engaging the Community through Supported Programs

“The Jewish Federation has been key in helping to foster a vibrant, inclusive community at the Kaiserman JCC. Their support allows us to offer diverse programming that spans generations, helping to build connections, celebrate Jewish culture together, and create a welcoming space for all."

- CEO Alan Scher, Kaiserman JCC

This past year, the Jewish community was faced with some of the most challenging times in recent history, from the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel to unprecedented antisemitism in Greater Philadelphia and around the world. Through this, the Jewish community has remained united together to demonstrate solidarity and show their Jewish pride.  

The Jewish Federation is committed to funding and leading initiatives that foster inclusive spaces for the Jewish community in the Greater Philadelphia area. We are proud to support the organization, like the Kaiserman JCC which continues to be a vibrant center of Jewish life and a resource for members of our community to thrive.

Learn more about the Jewish Federation's work supporting multipurpose centers in Greater Philadelphia. 

Make an Impact

Together, we can keep the flame of Jewish life burning bright – Here As One. Help us start the year off strong by making your Annual Campaign gift early by visiting jewishphilly.org/here or calling 215.832.3484.