March is Women’s History Month – a time set aside to honor women’s contributions to history, culture and society. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia cares for, enriches and creates a bright future for Jewish people everywhere, which is why we’re proud to support programs that work toward providing a safe space for self-identifying Jewish girls to develop confidence and empowering women in the community. Our affinity groups, Women’s Philanthropy and Women of Vision, also echo our core beliefs by celebrating and supporting women in our Jewish community every day.
The Impact of Our Women's Affinity Groups
Envisioning a Better World for Women and Girls
"We listen. We learn. We ask questions. We support and advocate. Not just in March, but every month, week and day. Women of Vision is committed to shining a spotlight on the most pressing issues impacting the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls. As we learn about these issues, like sexual harassment, pay inequity, access to reproductive healthcare, we advocate for change in our local community and in Israel and invest in organizations that are experts at improving the lives of women and girls.”
- Carly Zimmerman, Chair, Women of Vision
WOMEN OF VISIONimpacts the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls across generations and geographic boundaries through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and educational programs leading to social change and social justice.
500+ Members, with donated assets totaling $4M in the endowment fund
$100,000 Allocated for grants annually
$1M+ Awarded since 2001 to 33 unique organizations
Building Community
“By working together for a common goal, our voices are amplified. We advocate for the most vulnerable in our community and beyond, ensuring that they are getting what they need with compassion and respect. Women’s Philanthropy builds community by connecting women of all ages, providing networking opportunities, peer support, mentoring partnerships and leadership models.”
- Julie Savitch, Chair, Women's Philanthropy
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY believes in the power of community. Through donations and hands-on community service, they travel together, volunteer together, and learn together while helping people in need and keeping Jewish life in Greater Philadelphia and around the world strong and vibrant.
To learn more about Women’s Philanthropy, click here.
170+Women’s Leadership Development Program Alumni
$5M+ Raised of the total $15.5M+ Jewish Community Fund in 2021
650+ Lions of Judah, an international sisterhood of inspiring women who give an annual minimum gift of $5,000 as activists who care deeply about the Jewish future
Helping to Make Our Community Better
“The Jewish Federation helps support our emergency aid program providing financial grants to Jewish women in our community assisting them with rent and mortgage costs, utility payments, medical supplies, home repairs and more at a time most critical.”
- Suzanne Sztul, President, Female Hebrew Benevolent Society
The Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, a Jewish Federation grantee, continues to be an all-volunteer organization serving Jewish women in the five-county Greater Philadelphia area, providing emergency aid, monthly stipends, camp scholarships, emergency response systems, and pharmacy stipend programs.
Engaging the Next Generation of Women
We continue to invest in and engage with the next generation of women in our communities through funding of educational programs, providing scholarships, creating camp experiences that focus on building a Jewish identity, and more.
In Israel, we are currently funding a program that provides small-group training, mentorship and hands-on activities to 12th grade girls in the underserved and poverty-stricken Bedouin population. This collaboration will provide the students marketable skills for immediate employment and access to academic studies.
“Through Diller I have found a group of teens my age that I relate to. This has helped me learn so much about not just Judaism, but also things that go along with Judaism, like social justice, the environment and so much more. Diller has definitely helped me learn, grow and connect with my Jewish identity.”
- Eden Saunders, Diller Teen Fellow and student at Cheltenham Highschool
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 impact lives.
Women of Vision is planning an opportunity to experience the Designing Motherhood exhibit at the Mutter Museum. This revolutionary exhibit meditates on why and how we have developed designs to facilitate reproductive health, and the political, economic, and social implications of how we medicalize reproduction.
Northeast Jewish Life’s Purim Car & Walking Parade
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. Details to follow. Advance registration closes on Tuesday, March 15. Register in advance, so we can ensure there is enough shalach manot for all!
Community in Flight: Supporting the Jews of Ukraine March 20, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.
Join the Old York Road and Center City Kehillah to hear the story of Mushka Gurevitz from Donetsk, Ukraine. Her parents, Rabbi Pinchas and Rebbetzin Dina Vishedsky, are currently helping Jewish refugees at the border. Hear their story and learn about ways to support the Jews leaving Ukraine. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazah, all of Israel is responsible for one another (Talmud).
Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group is excited to invite you to an in-person evening of networking and socializing with real estate and related industry professionals. Enjoy conversation, property tours, drinks and appetizers, and more in the soaring, six-story glass atrium at 1K1, Keystone’s headquarters and the first building in the region to incorporate smart glass technology.
Welcome in Shabbat with NextGen! NextGen members ages 21-45 are invited to choose from various locations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area for a Shabbat Around the City, a memorable night of connection, schmoozing and delicious food at a community leader’s home.
Honor those at rest by joining your community for a volunteer cleanup at Har Nebo Cemetery. Note that this is appropriate for adults and school-age children, accompanied by an adult.
