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As we prepare for the Jewish New Year, 5785, this month's FedFive is focused on new. With renewed commitments, a refreshed look and feel, and an eye to the future, find out what's new at the Jewish Federation. And as we strive to evolve with the times to better serve our community, we continue to honor the past, our sacred traditions and our steadfast commitment to you — our mishpacha (family).

New Campaign: Here As One

"No matter your relationship with the Jewish community – through crisis and through calm – we are Here As One. The Jewish Federation is the collective force that keeps Jewish life thriving every single day. And together, we are building a world-class philanthropic vehicle to create the greatest impact."

- Board Chair Michael Markman

Here As One

Embracing resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges
Celebrating Jewish life and our ancient heritage with pride
Empowering the whole community to thrive and live with dignity

We remain united and strong.

At the heart of this unbreakable spirit lies the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the bedrock of your Jewish community. Since 1901, the Jewish Federation has been here to Care for Those in Need, Support Israel and Global Jewry, and Secure a Vibrant Jewish Future. With your generosity to the Annual Campaign, we can continue to be here – 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.

New Leadership: Campaign Co-Chairs

“It is an honor to serve in this role. As we look to expand our Annual Campaign, we are committed to growing our endowments and ensuring immediate response capabilities for emergencies."

- Campaign Co-Chair George J. Danneman, Esq.

Michele S. Levin and George J. Danneman, Esq. have been named co-chairs of the Jewish Federation's new Annual Campaign year, setting the stage for a strong start. Announced in August, Levin and Danneman bring decades of experience and a profound commitment to the Jewish Federation’s impactful local and global work.

Their focus will be on raising crucial funds that support the Jewish Federation’s pillars: Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future, Caring for Those in Need Locally, and Supporting Israel and Global Jewry.

Learn more about Levin and Danneman as well as their Annual Campaign goals for the year.

New Year, New Direction

"At the Jewish Federation, we are committed to providing the best-in-class for Jewish Greater Philadelphia. From philanthropy to programming to our governance structure, we are here for our community."

- Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday

A year ago, the Jewish Federation's Strategic Plan identified "implementing a best-in-class governance structure" as one of its top five strategic priorities. The Strategic Plan recognized that the Jewish Federation's decision making process governed by over 225 people through the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Board of Trustees was not the most efficient system. To move toward a "Best-in-Class" governance structure, the Jewish Federation convened a Governance Task Force, chaired by Julie Mozes, that was charged with reviewing the Jewish Federation's bylaws and recommending a better governance structure.

At the Aug. 22, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting, the trustees approved the Governance Task Force's recommendations and implemented a revised set of bylaws.

The most significant outcomes of the revised bylaws include:

Transitioning the Board of Trustees out of a governance role so that governance now resides in the hands of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors will be elected annually by a meeting of the members.
The Officers of the Board will be elected by the Board of Directors.

In 2025, as a next step toward reaching "Best-in-Class" governance, the Jewish Federation's Committees will review their charters to ensure that they are aligned with the new bylaws.

You can learn about the new governance structure and view the incoming leadership by clicking here.

New Look, Same Commitment

"We are taking our work to the next level, starting with making sure our community members understand what we offer. One of the most significant ways of ensuring Jewish continuity is to grow and manage an even larger endowment for our community’s future. "

- Chief Planned Giving Officer Jennifer Brier, Esquire

The Jewish Federation’s Endowments Program is now the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, a branch of the Jewish Federation. Our name has changed to better highlight our steadfast commitment to providing top-tier, customized service to individuals, families and Jewish institutions. We help grow aspirations to create a better future and actualize them through smart investments today.

With more than a century of experience in charitable giving, our expert team of professionals work with you one-on-one to channel your philanthropic dollars to make a lasting impact within the Jewish community and beyond for today and generations to come.

We are growing a better tomorrow, together.

Learn more about Brier and the importance of the heightened efforts for the Jewish community's collective future by clicking here.

New Gathering: Annual Meeting

"Yes, there is work to be done. But with the momentum built over the past year, I know that together we can achieve anything. Here As One, in the spirit of l’dor v’dor, we make our Jewish world brighter and stronger – not just for today, but for generations to come."

- Event Co-Chair Susanna Lachs Adler

Nearly 240 community members attended the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Annual Meeting on Sept. 17 at the Hilton Philadelphia City Ave. A significant milestone for the organization, this was the first in-person Annual Meeting in decades. The event, themed “Embrace Our Present, Honor Our Past and Build Our Future,” brought together leadership, agency representatives, and loyal donors to celebrate past achievements and set the stage for the year ahead.

Co-chaired by former Board Chair Susanna Lachs Adler and current Board Chair Michael Markman, the event included:

Kicking off a new Annual Campaign year
Paying tribute to individuals who have passed away and included the Jewish Federation in their estate plans
Honoring Legacy Society members and inducting new members
Recognizing the next generation of Young Leadership Award winners
Thanking incoming and outgoing leadership

Learn more about the Annual Meeting by clicking here.

As we approach the High Holidays, check out our guide for your one-stop-shop for services and programs in Greater Philadelphia: jewishphilly.org/holiday

It has almost been one year since Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, brutally attacking innocent men, women and children. The Jewish Federation is proud to host a virtual vigil with the Board of Rabbis on Oct. 7 and an in-person commemoration on Oct. 27 at Har Zion Temple to remember this solemn day and the countless lives lost, stolen and forever changed.

Alongside hundreds of members of our community, we will lift our voices in song, prayer and hope. Register for these programs and learn about other commemorations at israel.jewishphilly.org