With the start of the new fiscal year, we officially welcome our new affinity leadership:

• Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE): Jonathan Morgan
• NextGen: Adam Klazmer
• Women of Vision: Carly Zimmerman
• Women’s Philanthropy: Julie Savitch
  

These exemplary leaders will partner with their committees and professional team to achieve the goals of each affinity group and the organization. Get ready for another year of inspiring programming, creative ways to learn and connect, and meaningful opportunities to strengthen our community.

Earlier this week, Michael Balaban met with Governor Tom Wolf, Hank Butler (Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition), Marc Zucker (Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition Chair) and Robin Schatz (Interim Director of Jewish Community Relations Council and Director of Government Affairs). Building relationships within this administration is crucial for our work to advocate for the priorities of the Jewish community. During this meet and greet, the group discussed security funding, hate crimes, the recent flood damage across our Greater Philadelphia community, and Governor Wolf’s trip to Israel in 2020.

Pictured left to right: Hank Butler, Michael Balaban, Governor Wolf, Marc Zucker and Robin Schatz

The last year has seen dramatic events with far-reaching consequences for the Jewish community, from the pandemic to thousands of rockets falling across Israel. But we have shown, once again, that when we work together we can tackle anything.

On October 3rd, join Jewish community members from around the world from 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. EST (virtually) for this year's General Assembly. Be part of the discussion about what's next for the Jewish community, and help leadership build our collective response to ensure the safety and continuing vitality of the Jewish future. Click here to register and share your voice as we reflect, learn and explore several important areas of Jewish life that are on our communal agenda at this critical time. 

“I have witnessed so much kindness in the Old York Road neighborhood, and am passionate about helping to find meaningful ways to grow this strong Jewish community.”

If you have attended an event in the Old York Road Jewish community in the last 15 years, you likely encountered one particularly outgoing community member along the way: Kim Decker. She is an Occupational Therapist who has either volunteered or been involved with the Jewish institutions in the neighborhood. It is this love for her community that fueled her interest in becoming the Kehillah Director of Old York Road three years ago.

Old York Road’s close-knit community engages in many meaningful programs throughout the year and stands together during challenging times. During the pandemic, the Kehillah managed a vaccine clinic for seniors, transitioned their annual communitywide Purim Carnival to be a CARnival in partnership with all of the neighborhood’s synagogues, institutions and agencies, safely brought hundreds of people together (both virtually and in physically distanced settings) for a series of 3 cantor concerts, featuring 6 different institutions, and just started their annual soccer program with over 200 players in the community.

Contact Kim to learn more about the free trip to Israel she is leading this November for mothers with children under the age of 18. Or you can find her on the soccer field at the Mandel Campus where she runs the Kehillah Fall Sunday Soccer program. (A few spots are still open, if your child is interested.) 

Email Kim at oldyorkroad@kehillah.jewishphilly.org.

While Thelma and Isador Segall moved from Philadelphia to Florida many years ago, through a bequest in their trust, they have created a legacy that will help our local Jewish community for generations to come. We were recently notified that Thelma and Isador made plans to establish the Isador and Thelma Segall Fund, a permanent endowment fund which will provide scholarships for Jewish education. The Jewish Federation is grateful for their tzedakah and honored to be able to carry out their intentions for the benefit of those in need.

If you're interested in learning more about how to create your Jewish legacy, contact Jennifer Brier, Director of Planned Giving and Endowments at jbrier@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0528.