--- title: Hundreds Attend the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Main Event description: On Oct. 20, 2026, nearly 700 community members gathered at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Main Event. image: https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/facebook-event-cover-1920x1080-Oct-29-2026-02-02-00-6888-PM.jpg --- [![Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/JewishFederation_May2019/images/logo--color.svg)](https://jewishphilly.org/) - [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1) - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/) - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/) - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/) - 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The signature event, co-chaired by Julie Savitch and Sarah and Jeff Vogel, brought the community together to celebrate Jewish joy, shared purpose and collective impact.   Featured speaker Debra Messing, Emmy- and SAG Award-winning actress and producer, was joined by moderator Jonah Kaplan, Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning national correspondent for CBS News. Messing shared her insights on combating misinformation, standing up for human rights, and courageously advocating for Israel and Jewish pride. Board Co-Chairs Michele Levin and Mark Fishman welcomed attendees and celebrated the community’s enduring strength and dedication as the organization marks its 125th anniversary. “Our tradition is about gathering, not retreating. It’s about celebrating life and our mutual accomplishments,” shared Levin at the event. “Over this past year, our community has proven to be strong, resilient, loud and proud. We have *chutzpah*. And we show up with joy, even when times are tough.” Fishman added: “We know what the news cycle looks like these days. It’s easy to feel the heavy burden of living in our Jewish world. But that is not what tonight is about. And more importantly, that is not what Jewish life is about.” During the event, it was announced that $800,000 of the $1 million goal has been raised in new and increased gifts for the Annual Campaign as part of the 125 Challenge, a special initiative running through the end of the year to support the ongoing work of the Jewish Federation. The night also celebrated major milestones in long-term planning. It was announced that the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation is nearly halfway to its goal of raising $300 million as part of its Next 125 Years and Beyond Endowment Campaign. Additionally, new members were inducted into the Legacy Society, whose combined commitments exceed $50 million in permanent support for the community's future. Prior to the Main Event, the Jewish Community Foundation, chaired by Karen Kramer and Susanna Lachs Adler, held the Annual Memorial Service to pay tribute to those community members who passed away in the last year and remembered the Jewish Federation through their estate plans. Jewish Federation’s President and CEO Michael Balaban closed the night by thanking attendees and urging everyone to carry forward a sense of active Jewish pride. “Jewish pride isn’t a passive ideology. It doesn’t just happen on its own – it is something we must create and embody,” Balaban shared. “Because we are a Federation built for generations, by generations.”   ![IMG\_2731](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2731.jpg?width=5712&height=3808&name=IMG_2731.jpg) Attendees heard from featured speaker Debra Messing (right) and moderator Jonah Kaplan (left) about Jewish life today and building a brighter future. ![IMG\_2730](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2730.jpg?width=5712&height=3808&name=IMG_2730.jpg)The Jewish Federation’s Main Event Co-Chairs Jeff Vogel, Sarah Vogel and Julie Savitch with keynote speaker Debra Messing (center) and moderator Jonah Kaplan (right). Courtesy: PCSI Photo ![Board Co-Chair Photo (1)](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Board%20Co-Chair%20Photo%20(1).jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=Board%20Co-Chair%20Photo%20(1).jpg) Board Chairs Michele S. Levin (left) and Mark Fishman (right) welcomed attendees and celebrated 125 years of the Jewish Federation. Courtesy: PCSI Photo   ![Michael Balaban (1)](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Michael%20Balaban%20(1).jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=Michael%20Balaban%20(1).jpg) President and CEO Michael Balaban closed out the evening by calling on attendees to embody and act on their Jewish pride through community involvement, giving and tradition to ensure a strong future for generations to come. Courtesy: PCSI Photo   ![Rabbi Haaz (2)](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Rabbi%20Haaz%20(2).jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=Rabbi%20Haaz%20(2).jpg) Earlier in the evening, Rabbi Seth Haaz of Har Zion Temple led the Mourner’s Kaddish with over 60 people who attended the Annual Memorial Service to pay tribute to those who passed away in the last year and left a legacy of generosity that will be felt for generations. Courtesy: PCSI Photo ![55605608281\_4139e48d8b\_o (1)](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/55605608281_4139e48d8b_o%20(1).jpg?width=4990&height=3327&name=55605608281_4139e48d8b_o%20(1).jpg)Harriet Levin and Dara Goldstein, the mother and sister of fallen IDF soldier Michael Levin z”l, spoke with members of the NextGen’s Levin Society during a pre-reception about Michael’s enduring legacy and the vital importance of supporting the Jewish community. Courtesy: PCSI Photo ![Crowd Photo (1)](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Crowd%20Photo%20(1).jpg?width=5636&height=3757&name=Crowd%20Photo%20(1).jpg)Around 700 community members came together for the Jewish Federation’s Main Event. Courtesy: PCSI Photo   **\*\*\*** You can support the work of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia by participating in the 125 Challenge at [jewishphilly.org/125challenge](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/99975/action/1?utm_campaign=17654852-FY26%20Main%20Event). 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