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 leader in our Jewish community who continuously invests in our efforts to Carry the Light. Together, we make our communities, and the world, a better place.
Like many legacy nonprofits, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has long rested on the assumption that our deep communal roots were strong enough to last the test of time. However, with changes taking place all around, in philanthropic trends, an explosion of options in personalized philanthropy, technology altering how individuals connect and with the Jewish community, these assumptions no longer hold. The Jewish Federation must be relevant, meaningful to those involved, trustworthy, and transparent. I am honored to have been chosen to help lead the evolution of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia into a high performing, cutting-edge, twenty-first-century organization.
Recently, Jewish Federation leaders Gail Norry, Sherrie Savett, Tracy Ginsburg and Sharon Kestenbaum joined a JFNA Leadership Solidarity mission to Israel. Participants visited areas impacted most heavily by the recent conflict with Hamas and attended meetings and consultations with local officials and experts. The group also heard stories of fear, pain and sacrifice from residents that had suffered so much loss and trauma. Our leadership shared that the visit was an unforgettable experience and reminder of the strength of the Israeli people who are able to meet every attack and threat with resolve, resilience and hope.
Young leaders transform communities through the impact they make. Recognizing trailblazers early in their leadership journey encourages their long-term commitment and engagement. Please be a part of nominating this year's Young Leadership Award recipient.
Click here to learn more and submit your nomination for an outstanding young leader in our Jewish community that is aged 25 to 45. Nominations close this Sunday, July 25.
As a follow-up to the food truck incident where an Israeli vendor was disinvited from participating in a food festival, our Jewish Community Relations Council played a leadership role in convening community organizations and representatives from Eat Up the Borders and Sunflower Philly, the organizers behind the event, in a meaningful conversation. The meeting was a chance for the groups to discuss and reflect on the incident, and to assist the event organizers in their efforts to become better educated on Israeli and Jewish history and to host events that truly celebrate diversity and inclusion. The JCRC will continue to work with these groups as part of our ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.
Twelve leaders from our community joined hundreds of the Jewish community’s most committed philanthropists and volunteer leaders in DC for “Cabinet Activation Against Antisemitism,” a full day of meetings with elected officials, government representatives and thought-leaders to help fight antisemitism in the U.S. In recent months, the surge in domestic antisemitism reached record highs prompting rallies and condemnation, but this event had a laser-focused goal: to galvanize JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet to shape policy and change history in the critical fight to protect North American Jews from the wrath of abhorrent antisemitism. This event is the precursor to JFNA’s General Assembly (GA) in October, this year focused on a strategic plan for a communal response to antisemitism including the recent launch of JFNA’s LiveSecure initiative to broaden and deepen the security umbrella for the 146 Jewish communities it serves. Click here to learn more about the GA and sign up for updates.
If you have made your 2021 campaign gift, thank you for your generosity!
If you have not made your gift — please consider making it today. You can speak with your gift officer, call 215.832.0865, or make your gift online at jewishphilly.org/donate.
Briefing on Ben & Jerry's and Unilever with the Israeli Consulate July 27, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. JCRC, in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel in New York, is hosting a briefing about the potential implications of the announcement from Ben & Jerry's and Unilever to discontinue sales of ice cream inside Jewish communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Hear ways to get involved in pushing back against the decision. Click here to register.
Make the New Year Especially Sweet and Delicious A Very Israeli Rosh Hashanah September 1, 2021 | 8:00 p.m. (with schmooze rooms prior) It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays. Why not have Michael Solomonov and Adeena Sussman help you prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah this year? Join us on September 1 at 8:00 p.m. for an interactive cooking experience with Jewish community members from across the country. Make sure to connect with friends and neighbors from our local community during virtual schmooze rooms starting at 7:30 p.m. Click here to register.
Be Part of the Agenda for the Jewish Future GA2021: What’s Next October 3 - 5, 2021 (Washington, D.C. and streamed globally) The last year has seen dramatic events with far-reaching consequences for the Jewish community, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the recent and drastic rise in physical and verbal acts of antisemitism. It’s time for the leadership of our community to build our collective response to ensure the health, safety, and continued wellbeing of the Jewish people. We are ready to answer the question: What’s next? This year’s General Assembly (known as the “GA”) will include free virtual access. Registration for virtual participation will be available soon. Click here to learn more and sign up for updates.
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, 2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States, 215.832.0500
