“Our mother, Annabel Flesher Lindy, raised in a nearby Housing Project, was committed to the local Jewish community, including serving many years on the Board of Jewish Federation and the Board of Federation Housing. She would say, ‘one may support many different causes of interest, but it is critical to still support the Jewish community and its institutions.’”
- Alan Lindy

Earlier this week, the Lindy Family, Federation Housing, Inc., Jewish Federation, and members of the development team came together to break ground on Annabel Gardens, a new 54 one-bedroom apartment building for seniors 62 years and older. The facility is named in loving memory of Annabel Flesher Lindy (Rusty) by her children, a beautiful tribute to her legacy of caring for our Jewish community. Alan, Elaine and Frank Lindy made the lead gift through the Jewish Federation to fund the project. Additional funders include: Low Income Housing Tax Credits administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), financing from PHFA, Montgomery County, Federation Housing, Inc., and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

Slated for completion in late fall of 2022, Annabel Gardens will provide much-needed affordable housing and services that empower low- and moderate-income seniors to live independently and with an enhanced quality of life. 

Click here to learn more about the project.

“I took the leap after witnessing firsthand the hardships this past 18 months has placed on so many people.”

- Debra Zweben, a Loyal Lion of Judah

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Lion of Judah, Women’s Philanthropy is excited to announce Lion’s Leap. Lions of Judah are an international sisterhood of women who proudly share a commitment to their local communities and to ensuring a vibrant Jewish future. Each Lion makes an annual gift of $5,000 or more to their local Jewish Federation.

Women in the community can Take the Leap by becoming a new Lion, leaping to a higher Lion level, or establishing a Lion of Judah Endowment Fund. Click here to learn more about the Lion’s Leap campaign or click here to hear why some of our Lions took the leap. 

“The vision of the Kehillah, a Center City Jewish Community that works together to strengthen us all, resonates loudly in my neshama, my soul. I feel privileged to be stepping into a role where I can do my part to continue strengthening our Jewish community.”

Rebecca Krasner has worked in the Jewish community since 2010. Her personal and professional growth has been influenced by her passion for thinking creatively about community building and connecting people. Rebecca believes that every Jewish community should see and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of all of its members. She grew up in a Modern Orthodox community in New York and has been part of many different Jewish communities across the country. 

Rebecca began her role as Director of the Center City Kehillah earlier this year, after having represented BZBI in the Kehillah for three years. She is also the Administrative Coordinator for the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia. During the pandemic, Rebecca found a sense of comfort, purpose and friendship through the Kehillah as she connected with fellow representatives. She is particularly proud of the three-part racial justice series that the Kehillah collaborated on to continue the conversation on how to make a more inclusive Jewish community.

You can meet Rebecca at the Center City Kehillah Hanukkah Candle Lighting in Rittenhouse Square on December 1st at 5:15 p.m., or email her at centercity@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. At the event, they will be collecting new and gently used items for Bethesda Project, which serves people experiencing homelessness. Please bring sweatshirts and hoodies, wallets, belts, and sports-themed winter hats to donate.

“NextGen's Leadership Development Program showed me how the Jewish Federation impacts the community through numerous funding efforts and hands-on events that are extremely important for those on the receiving end. My mentors showed me paths to ways I could impact positive change…
and professionally, I have been able to expand my network and build even stronger relationships.”
- Noah Kimelheim, Leadership Development Program Alum

Do you know a young adult in their 20s or 30s who is ready to take their next leadership step in the Jewish community? NextGen's Leadership Development Program (LDP) helps young Jews become informed and insightful philanthropic leaders through hands-on training and cohort-based learning. Applications for the program are open through Friday, December 3 at noon. Click here to learn more about the program, and click here to complete the brief application.

As part of a national initiative, the Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council, Anti-Defamation League-Philadelphia, American Jewish Committee-Philadelphia, local politicians and other organizations are coming together in Love Park for a press event featuring a candle lighting on Tuesday, November 30 at 11:30 a.m. Together we will shine a light on antisemitism and raise the profile of this critical issue and dispel the darkness of hate.

On the third day of Hanukkah, community leaders, interfaith partners, civic leaders and elected officials are gathering together to reaffirm our commitment to teaching about the consequences of hate and unchecked bigotry. 

Click here to sign up on our Facebook page to livestream the event.