Welcome to FedFive, a Jewish Federation communication to keep you updated on our impact, accomplishments, and newsworthy items that your support makes possible. Thank you for being a committed member of our Jewish community who continuously invests in our efforts to Carry the Light. Together, we make our communities, and the world, a better place.
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is partnering with OpenDor Media and its Unpacked division to provide free exclusive, entertaining and educational content for educators to utilize within the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community. These positive Jewish and Israel education assets can help combat anti-Israel and antisemitic content online.
“Our partnership with OpenDor Media will allow us to access the tools we all need, old or young, to greater articulate the importance of Jewish values in our lives and to feel confident as we talk about our support of Israel when doing so may seem challenging, or even, sadly, unsafe,” said Danielle Weiss, JCRC Chair.
JCRC professionals will host a virtual training session for educators throughout the Greater Philadelphia community on Wednesday, March 9, to introduce the Unpacked for Educators content that can be implemented into curricula. Educators can register here. Learn more about the new partnership here.
JEVS Human Services, a Jewish Federation grantee, now provides an expanded network of employment services in collaboration with the new Project EM initiative, providing job seekers access to workshops, technical skills training, personalized career coaching and connections to local employers. JEVS is one of 19 Jewish human service agencies nationwide administering and supporting this project to address unemployment resulting from the pandemic. The Jewish Federation is a proud supporter of JEVS and its programs like Helping Hands, an employment coaching and job placement initiative.
Mazel tov to Lauren Danneman, for being named one of two new National Young Leadership Cabinet Co-Chairs for The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Cabinet is JFNA’s premier young leadership development program designed to educate and connect the next generation of global Jewish leaders and philanthropists. Only the third Philadelphian to be recognized with this honor, Lauren looks forward to expanding the diversity initiative, and to creating a Cabinet Retreat, a domestic mission and a study mission in the coming year.
Lauren's leadership has been demonstrated throughout her involvement in Cabinet, previously serving as Israel & Overseas Co-Chair, Jewish Life Co-Chair, Associate Vice-Chair of Global Education, and First-Year Orientation Chair. In addition to Cabinet, she chaired and led the first JFNA Birthright trip, targeted at young professionals, during the summer of 2019. She has also made a large impact on our local community, serving her sixth year on the Committee of Jewish Life and Learning and Women’s Philanthropy Executive Board.
The Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) affinity group has opened their annual RFP for projects that will make significant contributions towards a tangible and enduring capital need aligned with the Jewish Federation's priorities. Grants will range between $5,000 and $50,000 for one year, although larger grants are possible. Based on current community needs, projects related to affordable housing and security will be prioritized. Through the JFRE Fund, the Jewish Federation has granted $3+ million in allocations to capital projects and has partnered with 34 local and 17 Israeli agencies. JFRE projects are focused on enhancing Jewish life and connect the community with its heritage by contributing to its infrastructure.
More than 350 people registered for the Aging & Person-Centered Trauma-Informed Care zoom workshop on February 15, hosted by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS). The workshop covered tools for understanding trauma in older adults and strategies for working with the specific challenges of the age group including physical, cognitive, social and spiritual impacts of aging; tips to support Holocaust Survivors and older adults with a history of trauma; and caring for older adults during COVID-19. Attendees were also serenaded by the New Yorker Pandemic Person of the Year, Adam Weiner, with two songs during the workshop break. Adam is Jewish, hails from Cherry Hill, NJ, and currently lives in South Philadelphia.
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In The News
Read all about what it means to be Jewish in Philadelphia! Check out the latest editions of the Jewish Exponent by reading the February 10 issue and February 17 issue.
Don't miss these articles that reference the Jewish Federation's work in the community:
Pennsylvania Statewide Forum on Hate and Extremism
February 22 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (multiple sessions)
Interested in learning more about topics like securing religious institutions; legislative advocacy and action; talking to children about acts of bias and violence; and more? Don't miss the statewide virtual forum on rising extremism and hate, open to all members of the community. Join one or all of the seven discussion sessions throughout the day. Register here
Take Control of Your Health: What Genetic Testing Can Do For You February 23 | 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
As part of National Cancer Prevention Month, the Jewish Federation’s Kehillot, Women of Vision, Women’s Philanthropy and NextGen are proud to partner with JScreen for a community-wide virtual gathering about the importance of testing for Jewish genetic diseases. For all stages of life, we want to empower you to know your health markers — for yourself, your family and your future loved ones.
Join JFNA for JDAD to come together virtually from diverse communities across North America to harness our collective power and break down barriers to opportunity and inclusion. Help us advance policies that can empower millions of individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Learn, take action, and be inspired!
The Changing Landscape: Work and Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities
February 28 | 12:00 p.m.
In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, join JCRC and JEVS to learn how the pandemic impacted employment for people with disabilities and what new opportunities have emerged for those seeking employment. Hear from employers, advocates, service providers and clients with first-hand experience navigating the labor market during COVID.
