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.
Kids splashing in pools, running on open fields, playing tag and licking dripping popsicles on blazing hot days—these are the sights and sounds of summer! This year, Jewish camps are providing exciting, educational and meaningful opportunities, with enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols for campers and staff. The Jewish Federation is proud to share a few highlights about the impact that summer camp has on kids in our community, and how we are helping camps succeed after losing a summer of revenue during the pandemic.
MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME After a year of kids learning behind a screen and being isolated from peers, experiential programs, like camp, are more important than ever. The immersive Jewish environment of camp transforms young people’s sense of self and identity.
"As I head out to camp tomorrow there is excitement but also reservation. It has been two years since I have seen my friends and celebrated Shabbat on the Hill. Will it be the same as I remember, the togetherness, the community, in light of the current pandemic times, I hope so!! I am looking forward to yellow food days and BBQ chicken, swimming and rock climbing. Having this time at camp and away from home will bring it back to normality for me and I just can't wait to ride through the gates to hear those words 'Welcome Home.'"
Zack, 15 year old camper
MAKING AN IMPACT
Few things strengthen Jewish values and foster lifelong connections to our Jewish communities more deeply than Jewish summer camp. So far this summer, the Jewish Federation has helped make Jewish camp a reality for hundreds of families in our community.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Camps provide a safe, nurturing, and educational environment in which young people can spend their summers and grow as leaders in new ways. And, of course, they provide an immersive Jewish education through the spirited way that Shabbat is celebrated, the Jewish values that are lived together as a camp community, and the special connection to Israel that camps foster.
"Camp has had a positive influence on my kids’ sense of identity and Jewish roots, their character, and their lives that will last a lifetime... and I couldn’t have given them this experience without the Jewish Federation's support."
Grateful camp parent
STRONGER THAN EVER
The pandemic has created an unprecedented financial crisis for Jewish camps. The Jewish Federation helped raise matching dollars through initiatives by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and Foundation for Jewish Camp to help our local camps come out of this crisis stronger than ever.
"Help[ing] us reach our 2020 Harold Grinspoon Foundation All Together Now Grant was extraordinary. This grant helped us to provide virtual programming in Summer 2020 and to prepare to make Summer 2021 a special experience for our camp families. We are so appreciative of this amazing gift and could not have done it without your help!"
Lisa David, Director of Camp Harlam
To learn more about supporting Jewish camp and exciting philanthropic matching opportunities, please contact Sarah Solomon at ssolomon@jewishphilly.org.
KNOW A FIRST-TIME CAMPER?
Do you have a first-time camper attending second session at Jewish overnight summer camp this year? One Happy Camper grants are still available. Click here to learn how you can receive up to $1,000 towards your child’s first overnight camp experience.
Top 10 Ways to Live Jewishly
Interested in learning more ways for families with kids to live Jewishly in Philadelphia? Check out this blog for our top ten list of ways to find community, explore your heritage, and have fun with your kids!
HELP US CARRY THE LIGHT
When we bring this brightness together, we are united on a shared journey to raise our communities with the mission of our mitzvot, of Tikkun Olam—making our world whole.
Help ensure that the most vulnerable among us are cared for and that Jewish life continues to flourish, locally and abroad, by making a gift to the Jewish Community Fund.
8th Annual Summer Shorts Film Festival, hosted by the Kehillah of Chester County
Wednesday Evenings July 30th – 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.
