Jewish Federation's February Newsletter: A Stronger, Inclusive Community

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A Stronger, Inclusive Community

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia continuously strives toward building a more accepting, diverse and inclusive future, where Jewish spaces are welcoming for all who want to participate.

Inclusivity Matters

By providing opportunities for people of all abilities to achieve their highest potential and lead independent, fulfilled lives, our Jewish community is cared for, welcomed and accepted. We create a more inclusive community by providing funding and needed resources to partners and agencies that serve the disability community.

“Through the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, we are able to create specially-designed inclusive programming for families raising Jewish children with disabilities and provide accommodations such as an ASL interpreter for any jkidphilly program. We are continually grateful for the partnership and support of the Jewish Federation which allows us to do this important work!”

- Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Chief Program Officer for Jewish Learning Venture

Our Impact

The Jewish Federation brings dignity and compassion to our work with children, adults and families so that everyone can reach their potential, no matter their circumstances. This includes funding programs for children and adults living with disabilities that provide coordinated support from education and hands-on training to skill-building and socialization.

“Our son Matthew has Fragile X syndrome and is a JCHAI client. With the pandemic, we knew it would be difficult for him to give up in-person socialization, but he has found fulfillment in participating in their virtual programs. He is a hardworking young man living a life not so different from other young adults, and he is worthy of the same opportunities as everyone else.”

- Cristy Hollin, mother of Matthew, a Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (JCHAI) client

JCHAI, a Jewish Federation grantee, provides cutting-edge inclusive, supportive, vocational and living programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Mental Health Resilience in Israel

Our partnership communities of Netivot and Sdot Negev are within 10 kilometers of Gaza, making regular rocket fire a tragic reality. Living under constant trauma and stress triggers, residents are at an increased risk for mental health issues – with limited access to treatment. Our funding provides professional resources to reduce symptoms, prevent further trauma and strengthen individuals and communities to cope better with crisis.

Our Communities Depend on You!
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.

jcrc JDAIM and JEVS disability month footer v2

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pennsylvania Statewide Forum on Hate & Extremism

February 22 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

In ongoing efforts to secure the safety of our Jewish communities, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Secure Community Network (SCN) and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition are hosting a day of learning. Sign up for Zoom sessions on topics including securing religious institutions, legislative advocacy and action, talking to children about acts of bias and violence, and more.

Register here

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.

Register here

Jewish Federation's Women of Vision Present:
Offering Victims Validation, Compensation & Sense of Empowerment

February 24 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Let’s create safe spaces for self-identifying women and girls by listening and understanding. Join Women of Vision for a talk with Jordy Feldman, who has administered compensation programs for victims of 9/11 and Jeffrey Epstein, with a focus on offering financial relief, validation and a step toward healing.

Register here

JPRO’s Content Marketing with Micah Hart of Who Knows One?

February 24 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m

In this workshop led by Micah Hart, learn what makes content marketing successful and how to approach building out an effective content marketing strategy.

Register here

Super Sunday

February 27

Invest in Jewish community by Answering the Call and making a gift to the Jewish Federation to provide for the most urgent needs of our community. You can make your gift today by visiting jewishphilly.org/give.

JCRC: The Changing Landscape of Disabilities in the Workplace

February 28 | 12:00 p.m.

In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, join JCRC and JEVS to learn more about the important work JEVS does locally to train adults with disabilities for jobs.

Register here

JCRC Web Series with David Horovitz

March 2 | 12:00 p.m.

David Horovitz, Founding Editor of the Times of Israel will give an account of the current political situation in Israel and the Middle East.

Register here

Old York Road Purim Carnival with an Israeli Twist

March 13, 2022

Pre K: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | General: 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

$10 advance online family registration | $20 per family at the door

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

The entire family is invited to enjoy delicious kosher food, exciting inflatables, Israeli-themed fun, Magic Mirror photo studio, music, hamentashen and prizes. Cost includes all activities. Food and drink available for purchase. Online registration closes March 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Register here

Kehillah of Lower Merion’s PurimFest ‘22

March 13, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Kaiserman JCC; 45 Haverford Rd

Put on your costumes, and join the Kehillah of Lower Merion and Kaiserman JCC for a family-fun day of crafts, games and activities, theatrical performances, mask making and a moon bounce. Can’t you smell the hamantaschen already?

Register here

Northeast Jewish Life’s Purim Car & Walking Parade

Sunday, March 20, 2022 | 1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Don’t put your costumes away just yet! Get dressed up, and join Northeast Jewish Life for a Purim car and walking parade. The day will include community, music, shalach manot goodie bags and even more fun. There will also be a contactless opportunity for matanot l’evyonim, charitable gifts to the poor. Register by March 15 so we can ensure there is enough shalach manot for all!

Register here

NextGen Shabbat Around the City

March 25, 2022 | 7:00 p.m.

Various locations

NextGen is organizing a Shabbat Around the City, where NextGen members (ages 21 - 45) will have the opportunity to gather in select homes throughout Greater Philadelphia for a Shabbat meal. Space is limited.

Register here