Welcome to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s community newsletter — an update on our work, news in the local Jewish community, and ways to get involved and stay connected.

Our Impact

RESPONDING TO CRISIS

There are enormous challenges facing our Jewish communities today, from antisemitism to the long-term impact of COVID-related issues like food insecurity, isolation, financial hardships, and mental health and wellness. The Jewish Federation is committed to ensuring safe, thriving Jewish communities around the world — in crisis and every day. Our community quickly mobilized to provide critical support in response to the pandemic and the rocket fire in Israel.

“Ours is a community of caring individuals. The Jewish Federation’s Emergency Response Funds helped nearly 300,000 people in our region and in Israel. Working with staff, volunteers and generous donors on meeting the needs of those who required support has been a profound and humbling experience.”

-Holly Nelson, Chair, Emergency Response Committee

HELPING THE VULNERABLE

When people can’t feed their families, pay their bills, or find adequate job training, housing, or health care, the effects can be devastating. The Jewish Federation provides resources to help community members in financial and emotional distress find a path to stability, resilience and strength.

“As a retired older adult with respiratory health issues, the pandemic made daily activities risky, turning my life upside down. The Mitzvah Food Program's contactless deliveries were a lifesaver – I made healthy food decisions from the safety of my home. My health has improved and I'm more mobile. Thank you for bringing me hope during such unbearable times.”

-Joseph, Mitzvah Food Program client 

SHAPING OUR FUTURE 

Being part of a vibrant Jewish community is a wonderful way to celebrate Jewish life. The Jewish Federation builds community partnerships and provides Jews of all ages opportunities to learn and grow, helping community members strengthen connections to their Judaism and with one another.

“Before Diller I didn't really know how my Jewish identity played into my larger identity or how it could help me create change in the world. Diller has taught me how to acknowledge and explore my Jewishness and how to use that knowledge to do meaningful work.”

-Jordan Rosh, 2020-2021 Diller Teen Fellow

ISRAEL & GLOBAL JEWRY

The Jewish Federation nurtures bonds through mission trips and other programs, while building our partnership region of Netivot and Sdot Negev by addressing critical needs, encouraging economic growth and contributing to a vibrant and thriving Israel. Through our global partners, we also provide help to Jews in 70 countries across the world. 

“My first trip to Israel was through a Jewish Federation mission. I felt a connection as soon as we landed in Tel Aviv. It was that indefinable something, that sense of belonging which reaches people at all levels of observance. I prayed with friends, walked among catacombs, and experienced the enormity of our Jewish history and of our communal responsibility to each other.”

- Paul Fires, Men’s Entrepreneurship Mission Alumni

Make Your Gift Today!

You are at the heart of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s critical work to inspire and sustain our Jewish community. Make a gift to the Jewish Community Fund to make a difference in Jewish lives.

CLICK HERE TO GIVE NOW

 or call 215.832.3484.

UPCOMING EVENTS

8th Annual Summer Shorts Film Festival, hosted by the Kehillah of Chester County

Wednesday Evenings through August 27th 
7:00 p.m. Zoom discussion

Explore and discover the richness, complexity and diversity of Jewish experiences through film — all in your own home! After registering, you will receive links and passwords to screen the movies and to participate in a weekly Zoom discussion with film experts. Click here for more information and to download the schedule of events. 

Apples & Honey in the Orchard

August 22, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Styer Orchard, 97 Styers Ln, Langhorne, PA 19047

Join Bucks County Kehillah at Styer Orchard! Relax to some music and take a hay ride to the apple orchards. Bring a chair, listen to the shofar and meet some new friends. This event is free, except for the apples you pick on your own. Click here to register.

Virtual Concert by Neta and Amit, the Singing Duo from our Partnership Region in Southern Israel 

Stream the event through August 31, 2021

Neta Elkayam and Amit Hai Cohen, the artists featured in last fall’s hit film, In You Eyes, I See My Country, perform live musical arrangements from their home studio in Jerusalem. Click here to stream the concert.

Web Series with David Horovitz, Times of Israel

September 1, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join the JCRC for our next series of briefings with David Horovitz, Founding Editor of the online newspaper The Times of Israel. During this session, Horovitz will focus on the new Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and regional tensions with Iran. 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.

26th Annual Solomon and Sylvia Bronstein Seminar for Professionals

VIRTUAL Program September 10th | 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Earn your Continuing Education Credits and hear Natalie Choate’s seminar on “Recent Developments in Estate Planning for Retirement Benefits: Planning in a Post-SECURE World” and the presentation of the Edward N. Polisher Award to Robert A. Miller. Click here to register.

Kehillah Fall Sunday Soccer League
11 Sessions: September 12th – November 21st
Is your child ready to play some soccer? The Sunday Soccer League is open for registration! Learn more about details, pricing, discounts and timing here.