Are you new to the area, hoping to deepen your Jewish roots or looking to build stronger connections in the community?
For 125 years, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been the central hub for caring for those in need, enriching Jewish life, and uniting communities across Greater Philadelphia and around the world. At the Jewish Federation, you will find countless ways to make a meaningful impact — whether by building relationships, growing as a leader or advocating for change. However you choose to give back, you will find a welcoming community here for you.
Join an Affinity Group
“Our affinity groups bring people together through shared interests, life stages or professions — but more than that, they create space for meaningful connection. Each of our four affinity groups offer unique opportunities to learn, educate, give back and build community, all while ensuring every member of the Jewish community feels that they belong.” – Marni Davis, Director of Affinities and Volunteer Engagement
Jewish Federation Real Estate
The Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group brings professionals together to learn, network and lead the way in creating a more secure Jewish world through philanthropic investments. Founded in 2008, JFRE is a membership-based affinity group of the Jewish Federation.
NextGen
NextGen is the Jewish Federation’s young professional network of leaders and philanthropists, ages 22 to 40, looking to give back and build community. Opportunities to connect include social events, volunteer opportunities and networking with like-minded young leaders.
Women of Vision
Women of Vision (WOV) is Philadelphia’s Jewish Women’s Foundation, which impacts 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. Founded in 1994, WOV is a lifetime membership-based group of the Jewish Federation.
Women’s Philanthropy
Women’s Philanthropy empowers, engages, and connects women at every stage of life to become leaders and ambassadors who work to ensure a vibrant Jewish future. As part of the Jewish Federation, Women’s Philanthropy travels, volunteers, learns, gives and forges meaningful connections between like-minded women.
Explore Your Neighborhood: Kehillot
“The Kehillot are the Jewish Federation's entry point — a way to connect people in new and different ways to the Jewish Federation and the Jewish community. Our Community Engagement Managers seek out future community leaders in our area, connect them to leadership development opportunities and match them to the types of Jewish involvement that best ignites their passions.” – Jeffrey Lasday, Senior Chief of External Affairs
The Jewish Federation supports eight regional Kehillot (neighborhoods in Hebrew) that represent different parts of the Greater Philadelphia region. The Kehillot reflect various Jewish institutions and agencies, host community-wide programs, and connect individuals to Jewish life, each other, and direct service organizations. The Jewish Federation’s Kehillot include: Bucks County, Buxmont, Center City, Chester County, Delaware County, Lower Merion, Northeast and Old York Road.
Strengthen Your Leadership Skills
“We aspire to connect congregational leaders, agency leaders, Jewish Federation staff and lay leaders together to strengthen the Jewish community. Community members who are interested in becoming stronger leaders for the Jewish Federation are able to build their skills, showcase our work and the resources we provide, and build community through collaboration.” – Lori Rubin, Director of Leadership Development & Governance
The Jewish Federation is committed to growing, sustaining and developing leaders, not only within the organization, but also throughout the region. Individuals can explore a range of leadership opportunities through orientation sessions, skill-building workshops and cohort-based programs.
Travel With Purpose
“Going on a mission means travelling with a purpose. When someone travels with the Jewish Federation, they learn about the work we do globally while enriching their lives and ultimately learning about themselves. Every itinerary is carefully crafted to foster connections with the destination, fellow Philadelphians, and the impact of our community investment.” – Erica N. Miller, Mission Manager for Domestic and Overseas Travel
The Jewish Federation’s mission trips allow participants to connect with the Jewish community in Israel and around the world through meaningful travel opportunities. Each mission has a unique sense of purpose, deepening connections to Jewish identity while offering unique cultural experiences. Missions tend to highlight programs that are impacted by the dollars raised and allocated through Jewish Federations various campaigns.
Be an Advocate
Take Action with the Jewish Community Relations Council
“The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)’s mission is to advance a more just and pluralistic society. The JCRC ensures that the voice of the Jewish community is heard in civic life, responds to threats and crises, and advances the Jewish Federation’s mission of creating a strong, safe, and inclusive Jewish future.” – Jason Holtzman, Chief of JCRC
The Jewish Community Relations Council is the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federation, leading the organization’s Center to Combat Antisemitism. The group is composed of civic-minded individuals and local Jewish agency leaders, who engage in public affairs, Israel education and issues that are important to the Jewish community.
Volunteer in Your Community
“For many, volunteer service can be central to Jewish life. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia would not be able to provide services such as the Mitzvah Food Program to the community without our dedicated volunteers, who embody three core Jewish values through their service: tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charitable giving and justice), and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving-kindness). Through this work, the Jewish Federation remains dedicated to serving vulnerable populations and inspiring community engagement. Volunteering for the Mitzvah Food Program is an excellent way to meet this mission.” – Mike Costello, Director of Donor Services and Projects
Whether you're packing food for those in need, creating a fundraising project for your b’nai mitzvah or helping to serve vulnerable populations, there are countless ways to give back to your community. The Jewish Federation funds various organizations that are looking for volunteers. In addition, the Jewish Federation runs the Mitzvah Food Program, which operates four pantries throughout Greater Philadelphia that serve fresh, frozen and nonperishable food with kosher options to individuals and families facing hunger.
To learn more about how to receive assistance from the Mitzvah Food Program or to volunteer, visit jewishphilly.org/mfp. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities, visit jewishphilly.org/volunteer.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to care for those in need locally, support Israel and global Jewry, and secure a vibrant Jewish future — locally and worldwide.
To find more ways to connect with the Jewish Federation, click here.