Did you know Greater Philadelphia is home to the largest Martin Luther King Day of Service in the nation? Commemorating its 31st anniversary, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is once again proud to sponsor Global Citizen’s Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service on Jan. 19, 2026. You can visit Global Citizen's website for a full lineup of local volunteer opportunities in commemoration of the holiday.
Out of the various programs being held throughout the week, Jewish Greater Philadelphia is showing up by hosting a number of volunteer events for community members to take action and to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Tikkun olam or repairing the world, chesed or acts of loving-kindness, and mitzvot or good deeds – these are cornerstones of Judaism,” said Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. “On Martin Luther King Day of Service, we come together to do good. And we must keep that spirit alive by serving our community all year long.”
In addition, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is proud to once again sponsor the Global Citizen Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, which showcases a full list of volunteer opportunities you can do in commemoration of this national holiday.
Featured Event:
Film Screening: "From Swastika to Jim Crow"
Tuesday, Jan. 20 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Doors Open at 5:15 p.m. | Film begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.
The Skyline Room, Free Library of Philadelphia
Join the Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council and Challah & Soul for a film screening and panel discussion of "From Swastika to Jim Crow," a documentary that explores the little-known story of Jewish refugee scholars teaching at historically black colleges before and during the Second World War. Snacks will be provided. To register, click here.
Community Events:
Virtual MLK Shabbat Service with Temple Judea
Friday, Jan. 16 | 7 p.m.
Zoom
Join Temple Judea for a special Shabbat honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and the legacy of desegregation. In 1957, the Myers family, with their three kids, was the first Black family to move into Levittown, PA. Their supportive Jewish neighbors, the Wechsler's, stood by them despite pressure to push them out. Our special Zoom guests will be Lynda Myers, one of the Myers' children, and Kathy and Nick Wechsler. They will share their inspiring story with us. To register, click here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend with Beth Am Israel
Friday, Jan. 16 - Jan. 19
Various Dates, Times & Locations
Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Beth Am Israel for a weekend full of prayer, music, service, dialogue, and learning. Families and individuals of all ages are invited to join us. To learn more about the lineup of programs and to register, click here.
Or Hadash Annual MLK Jr. Social Action Fair
Jan. 18 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Or Hadash
Join Or Hadash’s annual MLK Social Action Fair with social justice actions and activities for children, teens and adults. Come make a difference! To learn more, click here.
Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) - MLK Day of Service Distribution
Sunday, Jan. 18 | Various Times
JRA Warehouse
Join JRA for various opportunities to pack and deliver boxes of nutritious food to hungry people throughout Greater Philadelphia while commemorating the extraordinary life of Martin Luther King Jr. Advance registration is required. To sign up, click here.
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As a proud sponsor of Global Citizen’s Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, click here to see a for a full lineup of local volunteer opportunities.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization that is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding political activities, such as campaign activities and lobbying. While individuals have the right to express their political opinions and engage in political activities, as an organization, we do not support or attempt to influence political campaigns legislation, or initiatives either through donations or endorsements.
Looking for ways to volunteer all year-round? Check our volunteer page.
