A Mission to Remember

"The Israel 75 Mission had a tremendous impact on all 130 participants, from first timers to those of us who have gone on many trips to Israel. We came together as one community, and I know we will continue to gather back here in Greater Philadelphia and leave an imprint for years to come on the future of our Jewish community. 
- Gail Norry, Jewish Federation Board Co-Chair

More than 130 community members traveled to the Jewish homeland to celebrate Israel's 75th anniversary for a week in May. Participants personalized their journey by selecting one of four tracks that spoke to their passions and interests: Adventure; Food, Wine & Culture; Tech & Business; and People, Places & Politics. Throughout their journey, participants built community, strengthened their pride as Jews, and saw first-hand the impact of their support of the Jewish Federation overseas. See a photo montage of their travels together here.  

Ensuring Jewish Continuity: Life & Legacy Announces First Cohort 

We are thrilled to announce the 13 schools, synagogues and agencies participating in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's first LIFE & LEGACY® cohort as part of an initiative in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Successfully operated in 72 other communities around North America, the results-oriented, endowment-building program equips Jewish communal professionals and lay leaders in the Greater Philadelphia area with the skills, knowledge and plans to incorporate legacy giving into their philanthropic culture. Learn more here as we give a big mazel tov to our premier cohort.

Celebrating Pride Month in the Greater Philadelphia Community

Learning to Understand Equity: WOV Annual Spring Event

The Jewish Federation’s Women of Vision affinity group held its annual Spring Event on May 23 at Congregation Rodeph Shalom. Nearly 150 people attended the evening, which focused on “Understanding Equity” and recognizing that people’s circumstances and backgrounds influence the types and amounts of resources needed to have equal opportunities in life. The program featured a conversation with Qian Julie Wang, award-winning Jewish author of “Beautiful Country: A Memoir of an Undocumented Childhood” and champion for underrepresented communities. During the program, Andi Barsky was installed as the new Women of Vision Chair, effective as of September 1.
Learn more here. 

Celebrating Holocaust Survivors

As of last week, June 4 is now officially recognized as Holocaust Survivor Day in the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania through proclamations issued by Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Jim Kenney. In honor of this holiday, the Jewish Federation, in partnership with Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) and Seed the Dream Foundation convened over 80 Holocaust survivors as well as their families to celebrate Holocaust Survivor Day at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Additional partners included ADL Philadelphia, 3G Philly, Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors Association, Gratz College, Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, and Sons & Daughters of Holocaust Survivors. Learn more and see some of the press coverage the event received here.