A Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia event is more than simply a time to socialize, it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the community, learn about the important work that is being done locally and around the world, and connect with Jewish life. As 2025 comes to a close, let’s take a look back at the moments the Jewish Federation created to bring Greater Philadelphia together. 

Over the past year, the Jewish Federation hosted # events that brought out # people. These programs were led by the Jewish Federation’s various departments, including the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE), NextGen, Women of Vision (WOV), Women’s Philanthropy and the neighborhood Kehillot groups.

Lion of Judah Conference: Jan. 12-14
Lions of Judah from the Jewish Federation joined philanthropic women from across the world in Atlanta, Georgia to show Jewish pride, celebrate rich traditions, empower the next generation of leaders and pave the way to a brighter future for our communities.

JFRE Members Dinner: Feb. 4
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group held an exclusive, members-only evening of cocktails and dinner at Steak 48, an award-winning contemporary steakhouse in downtown Philadelphia. 

Yirmiyahu Danzig Five-Day Speaking Tour: March 17-22
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation, in collaboration with OpenDor Media’s Unpacked for Educators initiative, brought Yirmiyahu Danzig, a social media activist and pro-Israel influencer known as @that_semite, to Greater Philadelphia for a speaking tour. During his five day visit to Greater Philadelphia, he visited 12 different locations — from Jewish Day Schools to universities, synagogues and community centers. 

Old York Road Kehillah Purim Carnival: March 16
Over 500 community members wore their best costumes for the Old York Road Kehillah’s Purim Carnival at Congregation Keneseth Israel. Attendees enjoyed a day full of festivities, pizza, hamantaschen, prizes and inflatables.

Buxmont Purim Joy Project: March 16
The Jewish Federation’s Buxmont Kehillah commemorated Purim with a mitzvah on March 16, making mishloach manot (goodie bags) for the residents of the Horsham Center for Jewish Life.

JFRE at the Laurel: April 1
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group gathered for an evening at The Laurel Rittenhouse Square. Panelists Benjamin Kirshner and Alba Martinez, as well as our moderator Rob Zuritsky, led a dynamic conversation around the future of Greater Philadelphia's commercial and residential development.

March of the Living Mission: April 22-28
Thirty community members from Greater Philadelphia joined thousands from around the world to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau in support of March of the Living, an annual educational program that explores Poland and Israel in commemoration of Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day. Following the march, participants traveled to Israel to celebrate Shabbat and experience the Jewish homeland.

61st Annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony: April 27
Around 200 people gathered at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza for the 61st Annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony. This year’s ceremony included first-hand stories from Holocaust Survivors, commemorative speeches by local leaders, a candle lighting and prayers. The event also embraced the theme l’dor v’dor — the Jewish value of passing traditions and knowledge down from generation to generation.

JFRE Women’s Real Estate Networking Lunch: April 29
Women leaders in real estate development across Greater Philadelphia gathered together at Bastia at Anna and Bel for lunch and an exclusive afternoon of networking hosted by the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group.

Professional Advisors Network: May 7
On Wednesday, May 7, the Jewish Federation’s Professional Advisors Network gathered for a powerful panel on campus antisemitism. Panelists included Chief of the Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council Jason Holtzman, Executive Director of Greater Philly Hillel Network Rabbi Jeremy Winaker and Haverford student Anna Braun for sharing valuable insights – including Anna’s firsthand account of facing antisemitism at Haverford College and the administration’s lack of response.

Women of Vision Spring Event: May 14
Women of Vision members and guests gathered at the annual Spring Event to celebrate the group’s impact on the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls. The event, held at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, welcomed 175 attendees and featured entrepreneurial trailblazer Lily Kanter, co-founder of Serena & Lily.

Lion of Judah Event: May 20
Women’s Philanthropy celebrated their Lions of Judah on May 20 at the Switch House at the Battery. Nearly 200 women who give $5,000 or more to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign attended the annual event. The evening honored Margie Honickman with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award and featured comedian and Emmy Award winner Judy Gold.

Spring Annual Meeting: May 28
On May 28, around 100 people gathered at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park for the Jewish Federation’s Spring Annual Meeting. The program featured leadership updates, an inspiring keynote from Rabbi Mike Uram, and highlighted the impact of the Jewish Federation. Members who contributed $180 or more also voted on the Fiscal Year 2026 Board of Directors.

Harrisburg Advocacy Day: June 24
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) brought a group of 31 volunteers to Harrisburg on June 24 to meet directly with elected officials and staffers, and to share some of the Jewish community’s top priorities and concerns.

JFRE at Chubb: June 25 
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Federation Real Estate members and sponsors got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a skyline-defining project — the future home of Chubb, the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. 

Women’s Philanthropy Summer Series - July 9, Aug. 5 and Sept. 10
The Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy held a three part summer series on Wednesday, July 9, Tuesday, Aug. 5 and Wednesday, Sept. 10. Each session featured dynamic speakers and discussions that explored the values and challenges shared as Jewish women.

BGS Wine and Whiskey: July 16
The Jewish Federation’s NextGen’s Ben Gurion Society members enjoyed a private evening of wine, whiskey and community at their annual event on July 16 at the Morton Contemporary Art Gallery.

Tactical Security Training: July 30
Jewish facility stakeholders, law enforcement, first responders, and security professionals came together for a security training hosted by the Jewish Federation’s Secure Community Network — the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America. Participants received expert instruction from SCN and the Pennsylvania State Police and observed a live safety demonstration led by the Lower Merion Police Department and National Glazing Solutions.

A Conversation With Jewish Advocate Tessa Veksler at the Shore: Aug. 7
On Aug. 7, the Jewish Federation welcomed 144 attendees to the Atlantic City Country Club for a conversation between Jewish advocate Tessa Veksler and JCRC Chief Jason Holtzman. The program explored antisemitism today and how individuals can drive real change.

30th Annual Solomon and Sylvia Bronstein Seminar for Professionals: Sept. 4
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation hosted its 30th Annual Solomon and Sylvia Bronstein Seminar for Professionals at The Lucy by Cescaphe in Philadelphia. The event brought together 150 professionals in the estate planning industry, including attorneys, accountants, trust officers, financial advisors and insurance professionals. Attendees listened to Keynote Speaker Turney P. Berry, Esq.’s presentation on “Planning for the Middle Rich Who Need Our Help,” and helped honor Amy S. Ufberg, Esq. with the Edward N. Polisher award.

Main Event: Sept. 16
Over 600 community members gathered at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue to kick off the New Year and start a year-long celebration of the Jewish Federation’s 125th anniversary. Featured speaker Dan Senor, host of the "Call Me Back" podcast and author of "The Genius of Israel,” shared his insights on Israel’s resilience and his hopes for the future. 

Women of Vision Fall Gathering: Oct. 21
The Jewish Federation's Women of Vision group held its Fall Member Gathering at Congregation Rodeph Shalom. The event welcomed incoming Women of Vision Chair Cindy Warkow, offered members the chance to connect and focused on our shared commitment to uplift self-identifying Jewish women and girls. 

Exploring Jewish Culinary Heritage with Chef Chef Haim Dimri: Nov. 11-16
Chef Haim Dimri visited the Greater Philadelphia region from Nov. 10 to Nov. 16.. During 11 hands-on workshops, participants learned the traditions behind beloved Jewish recipes, explored some of the flavors that bring them to life, and discovered how to make cherished Jewish staples, such as burekas, challah and special desserts. 

Jewish Federation Real Estate Legends and Leaders: Nov. 13
Nearly 600 real estate professionals gathered for the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group’s 13th annual Legends and Leaders event at the Crystal Tea Room for a morning of networking with Philadelphia's brightest in real estate and beyond. The program featured rotating breakout discussions, offering a unique opportunity to engage with multiple expert-led topics. During the program, Mitchell L. Morgan, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Morgan Properties, was inducted into the 2025 JFRE Hall of Fame.

NextGen Signature Event: Nov. 20
NextGen hosted their Signature Event on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Down Town Club. The event brought together over 150 leaders and young philanthropists, ages 22 to 40, for an evening of mingling and conversation. The event featured Jonah Platt and moderator Dan Mozes who explored the evolution of media and misinformation and the shifting landscape for Jews in America.

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These were just a few of the hundreds of events the Jewish Federation hosts for the community. You can see upcoming events by jewishphilly.org/calendar.

As we close this year, your gift helps care for those in need locally, support Israel and global Jewry, and strengthen a vibrant Jewish future — together, Here as One. Make your gift before the year’s end at jewishphilly.org/here or call 215.832.3484.