“Over the past several years, our Jewish community has been caught in the crosshairs of hatred and bigotry, but we cannot allow antisemitism or any form of bigotry to remain unchecked. That is why we have come together today – we are here to say Am Yisrael Chai and to send a message. We send a message to those who would do us harm by standing in solidarity as a Jewish community.” Michael Balaban

The Jewish Federation, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and American Jewish Committee (AJC) joined a coalition of over 60 Jewish and non-Jewish organizations and corporations in North America to launch “Shine A Light” this Hanukkah. This national initiative illuminates the dangers of antisemitism through education, community partnerships, workplace engagement and advocacy. On Tuesday, Councilmember Allan Domb moderated our program, which brought together: Mayor Kenney, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, Marcia Bronstein (Regional Director, AJC Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey), Senator Sharif Street and Shira Goodman (Director of Campaigns and Outreach for the Anti-Defamation League) to raise awareness and stand in solidarity. AG Josh Shapiro also shared a statement in solidarity, since he was out of town.

The program received the following media attention:

• Watch coverage from NBC10, Fox29, CBS3 and 6ABC.
  
  
• Read articles from KYW Newsradio, WHYY and The Forward.
  
  
• Watch the recording of the full press event.

The Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Food Program (MFP) helped members of our community enjoy delicious and healthy Thanksgiving meals with their families. The Northeast Pantry at KleinLife in partnership with Old York Road Temple Beth Am gave out 90+ packages – including turkeys – to food insecure families last week.

Ten families living around the Mainline area received food packages and gift cards donated by the Jewish Children’s Folkshul. More than 250 households received gift cards at the Old York Road pantry thanks to Beth Sholom Synagogue.

More than 300 households received gift cards from all four MFP pantry locations thanks to generous donations collected during the High Holiday Gift Card Drive by 21 synagogues, day schools and agencies.

Did you know that 15% of Jewish Greater Philadelphia households are living in or near poverty? Access to affordable housing is critical for all low-income households in this community, and especially older adults hoping to age safely and independently. Unfortunately, subsidized housing options have extremely long or closed waitlists, with no relief in site due to slow turnover and high demand. This includes Federation Housing, an organization that regularly has more than 2,000 older adult households on its waiting list. 

 

Fulfilling our commitment to older adults, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia partnered with local agencies to develop a pilot project for comprehensive case management and wrap-around services for people on the waiting list for subsidized housing. Together with JFCS, Federation Housing, Abramson Senior Care, and JEVS Human Services, we applied for a grant through the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The Foundation recently approved a two-year program grant to help make this pilot project possible, which is supplemented with funding through the Bernard and Etta Weinberg Family Fund of the Jewish Federation.

 

This collaborative model will allow local agencies to work together to standardize an intake process for the housing waitlist and provide applicants access to more immediate and holistic services. These services may include comprehensive care management, referrals for in-home care, benefit application assistance, financial counseling, in-home mental health counseling, senior-specific healthcare needs, career counseling, placement assistance, skill-building workshops, and potentially expanded affordable housing options.

Michael Balaban joined Rabbi Yehuda Shemtov to present the game ball to the referees during the Philadelphia 76ers Hanukkah Night, sponsored by the Chabad of Greater Philadelphia. The celebration included a menorah lighting, Hanukkah children’s games, a musical performance during halftime and a win over the Orlando Magic.

“It's an honor to be working within two incredibly vibrant and diverse Jewish communities. Jewish life and learning are central to who I am, and it's a privilege to be able to find creative ways to share those passions with others.”

Rochelle "Shelley" Rappaport is a native Philadelphian, who grew up in the West Oak Lane area of the city. Educated within the Philadelphia school system, and a graduate of Philadelphia High School for Girls, she studied Fine Arts at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in its coordinated degree program with the University of Pennsylvania. She began her formal Jewish education at the Hebrew Sunday School Society, which was founded in 1838 by Rebecca Gratz and the women of Congregation Mikveh Israel. Inspired by that experience, Shelley taught for many years at several of the organization's locations throughout the area, including in the basements of private homes in the Oxford Circle neighborhood, where she currently lives.

Jewish education and participation has always been an important part of Shelley's Jewish community life. She started her Jewish communal career within the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Women’s Division, and has held a number of positions within our community.

Meet Shelley virtually on January 22 at KALLAH: A Night of Jewish Learning. The event includes thought-provoking entertainment and learning opportunities for intellectual fulfillment. Visit jewishphilly.org/kallah to learn more about the program and classes offered, or email Shelley at chestercounty@kehillah.jewishphilly.org or delawarecounty@kehillah.jewishphilly.org.