Jewish Federation's November Newsletter: Messages of Gratitude

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Messages of Gratitude

As we welcome this season of gratitude, we want to thank YOU for helping us care for, inspire and connect with our Jewish communities each and every day. Community is the Jewish way of life. It’s key to building strength, resilience and joy. As the hub of our region’s Jewish communities, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia works tirelessly to uplift our community and ensure a vibrant Jewish future for all of us.

Here are a few stories from community members about what they’re thankful for this time of year:

Helping in a Time of Need

“My husband Yoni and I became regular delivery drivers for the Mitzvah Food Program, delivering pre-packed bags of food and emergency supplies to individuals in need in our community. Seeing the people on our route week after week especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was a transformative volunteer experience. The gratitude we received from the recipients for the services that the Jewish Federation provides was immeasurable.”

Jackie Drobny, NextGen Executive Board Member, Vice Chair of Women’s Philanthropy and Member of Board of Trustees

Connecting the Whole Community

“As a parent and educator, I am grateful for Jewish Federation's support of life-long Jewish learning. Because of the Jewish Federation's support, I know that my children will have access to PJ Library books, that Jewish summer camp will be affordable for them and their friends, and that every Jewish student who calls Philadelphia home for college will be able to find connection and meaning through Jewish community. I'm thankful that Jewish Federation believes there is no one way to be Jewish and consistently supports a wide array of Jewish learning opportunities that affirm the value of the diversity of our community.”

Rabbi Isabel de Koninck, Executive Director and Campus Rabbi of Hillel at Drexel University and mother of two young children

Strengthening Jewish Identity

“Rabbi Sacks wrote, ‘Community is where our grief is halved and our joy doubled by being shared with others.’ We are so grateful to the Jewish Federation for enabling thousands of Jews in the area (and beyond) to experience the immense benefit of being part of the Jewish community in so many ways.”

Rabbi Daniel Levitt,
Rabbi and Executive Director of
Hillel at Temple University

Fostering a Vibrant Community

"RSJ Moishe House has provided me the opportunity to build a community that celebrates Russian life and to bring people together around Shabbat and High Holidays! Growing up Bukharian and being surrounded by Russian Jewish culture, I learned that helping others was important to me. It's one of the reasons I got involved with the JRA in the Northeast. I want to thank the Jewish Federation for its generous support!"

Jonathan Yakubov,
RSJ Moishe House Resident

Brightness in Times of Need

“Earlier this year, we used video technology to help nearly 50 seniors at KleinLife, including many Holocaust survivors, travel to Israel virtually. We found a creative way to bring Israel into the homes of homebound seniors, and give them something to look forward to each week. This reinforced to me the power of the collective, and the commitment of our community. It’s rewarding to know that with a little brainstorming we can improve and enrich lives, one day at a time.”

Susan Schwartz,
Mission Committee Co-Chair

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.

From all of us at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, we wish you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

CLICK HERE TO GIVE NOW

or call 215.832.3484.

UPCOMING EVENTS

8 Ways to Safely Celebrate Hanukkah this Year
While Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights, this year marks a modern day miracle. Community members are once again able to come together and celebrate this holiday in person, a beloved tradition missed dearly since the pandemic began. The Jewish Federation and its neighborhood Kehillot are providing safe, family-friendly opportunities for the whole community to partake in the Festival of Lights. Click here to learn more.

NextGen's Parks and Pints (for Ben Gurion Society Members)

November 16th | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Join Ben Gurion Society members for views and brews. Enjoy a guided tour of Rail Park with Jon Broder, former Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer at Conrail. Jon was directly involved in the projects that led to the creation of Philadelphia’s Rail Park, New York's High Line and more. During this tour, explore the first phase of the innovative and elevated park that stretches from 1300 Noble Street up onto the Viaduct. Afterwards, regroup at Love City Brewing for some drinks and convos. First round is on us! Click here to register.

Antisemitism: A Bipartisan Problem with a Nonpartisan Solution
Hosted by ADL and the JCRC

Part 2: How Conservatives Can Counter Antisemitism on the Right

November 18th | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Antisemitism is a serious and growing problem across the political spectrum. People have the power and responsibility to counter antisemitism wherever it comes from, but they have the most impact against antisemitism on their own side of the aisle. Join the ADL and JCRC and learn from esteemed leaders from across the political landscape who have courageously pushed back against anti-Jewish bigotry from their political allies. To register, "How Conservatives Can Counter Antisemitism on the Right."

Turtle Time: An Outdoor Event
November 21st | 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC (Front Field) | 45 Haverford Rd. Wynnewood, PA 19096
Join the Lower Merion Kehillah for an author’s reading and discussion of Lori Samlin Miller’s book “Stay Where I Can See You,” an unforgettable family story of safety and kindness through a Jewish lens. Fun for children ages 2-8, come create your own turtle art and enjoy a healthy turtle snack! Wear your favorite green shirt. Signed books will be available. Lori is a Philadelphia area native, popular journalist, and award-winning children’s book author. To register for this free event, please email Eden Aaronson, Kehillah of Lower Merion Coordinator, at lowermerion@kehillah.jewishphilly.org

Offering Victims Validation, Compensation & Sense of Empowerment
December 2nd | 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Join Women of Vision for a talk with Jordana "Jordy" H. Feldman, Esq. who has administered compensation programs for victims of 9/11 and Jeffrey Epstein, with a focus on offering not only financial relief, but also validation and a step toward healing. Click here to register.