With the heatwave that has been keeping Greater Philadelphians out of the sweltering sun, picking up yarn and knitting seems to be the last thing on anyone’s mind. However, members of the Jewish community have been taking to knitting by storm, making hats to be sent to soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Last winter, when knitter and Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Community Engagement Specialist for Chester County Kehillah and Delaware County Kehillah Rochelle “Shelley” Rappaport found a knitting pattern online to help the IDF, she was inspired. She set off to create a volunteer opportunity – Hats for Heroes – as a way to connect the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community and provide them with an avenue to show their support for Israel in times of crisis.
“The response to Hats for Heroes has been very positive so far, especially since it's only existed for about two months,” said Rappaport. “I believe this outpouring of support, from knitting groups to individual crafters to organizations volunteering to be drop off locations, stems from the collective desire to be with our community during these dark times and be there for our Jewish brothers and sisters who are putting their lives on the line.”
From people who have been knitting for years to new knitters, this is an opportunity for all skill levels to craft and make a difference.
“The people who do it, it makes them feel like they’re doing something hands-on for Israel,” said Hats for Heroes volunteer Marilyn Bamash.
Currently, dozens of hats have been collected from the 12 dropoff locations across all eight of the Jewish Federation’s Kehillot (communities): Buxmont, Bucks County, Chester County, Center City, Delaware County, Lower Merion, Northeast and Old York Road. Some of these dropoff sites, such as the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, have knitting groups which have now focused their attention on this new initiative.
For volunteer Eilleen Dwell, the act of knitting hats has brought her joy and connection with other volunteers in her knitting group, who hail from all over the Greater Philadelphia area. In times of distress, this is a way for her to provide support and aid to Israel.
“I put a personalized note in each of the hats,” said Dwell. “I say something along the lines of ‘this hat was made with love for you. Sending prayers that you quickly and safely to your family.’”
In the late fall, the hats will be distributed to the Lone Soldier Center in Israel. The knitted crafts will be worn under helmets to protect IDF soldiers from the cold.
“Our Kehillot offer a wide variety of opportunities for connection, which is an important aspect of our goal to engage all members of the Jewish community regardless of background or affiliation,” said Jewish Federation’s Director of Community Development Max Moline. “I love that we can offer something to our community like Hats for Heroes that allows members to use their hobbies and passions in a way that connects them with one another and helps to perform a mitzvah for our brothers and sisters in the IDF.”
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Want to knit hats for IDF soldiers? Click here for more information.
Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we invest more than $61 million each fiscal year to care for those in need, support Israel and global Jewry, and secure a vibrant Jewish future. Help the Jewish Federation finish the year off strong by making a gift before the Annual Campaign ends on Aug. 31 at jewishphilly.org/give.