For Bara Levitt, standing up for the Jewish community is crucial. Levitt serves on the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s board for NextGen, the young professional group, as the liaison for Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the organization’s advocacy arm. In addition,  Levitt serves on the board of the Hebrew Free Loan of Greater Philadelphia – a grantee of the Jewish Federation which provides interest free and fee free loans to people in our community.

“I believe that the power of collective and organized giving is among the most effective and efficient pathways to communal impact,” said Levitt, who moved to Philadelphia from Brooklyn four and a half years ago. “My parents have always set an example through their communal involvement and it was never a question in my mind that being an active and involved part of community building would be a core part of my adult life.”

Holding a Masters in Public Administration, Levitt works as a Customer Success Manager for Verbit – an Israeli company that provides media accessibility services, such as captioning and audio description, to a wide range of companies, as well as to colleges and universities. 

The Jewish Federation spoke to Levitt to take a deeper dive into her leadership and advocating for the Jewish Community: 

When did you first join NextGen and what drew you to the group?

My introduction to NextGen happened through the Leadership Development Program (now known as the Pathway Fellowship). Through this program I learned more about the work of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, connected with other individuals who are passionate about making a difference, and gained the skills necessary to take on a board role with the Hebrew Free Loan of Greater Philadelphia shortly thereafter. I sought out NextGen when I moved to Philadelphia, having previously seen the impact of the Jewish Federation through my involvement with UJA while living in New York City. 

What is an organization, program or cause that the Jewish Federation supports that personally resonates with you?

I have been serving on the board of the Hebrew Free Loan of Greater Philadelphia (HFL) for the past two years. HFL provides interest free and fee free loans to people in our community. One of the HFL loan funds is made possible because of a grant from the Jewish Federation. The Jewish Federation’s Women of Vision group also just announced a two-year grant to support HFL’s new initiative with Dinah to establish the first interest-free loan program for women leaving domestic violence or unsafe relationships. I love the work of HFL because I am able to see time and time again how much impact a small loan can have on a person in a time of need. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to join NextGen?

Send an email to NextGen Director Susan Allen at sallen@jewishphilly.org to schedule a 1:1 chat! Susan is an amazing resource about the Jewish community in Philadelphia. She will listen to your interests and make recommendations for ways to get involved that meet you where you are. 

In addition to NextGen, you are also a leader in JCRC. Why are you passionate about both of these Jewish Federation groups and why do you think it is important that the next generation’s voices be heard in advocacy? 

The JCRC provides an organized and effective way for individuals to engage in programing and advocacy on domestic affairs, holocaust education, and Israel and world Jewry. By bringing our voices together to advocate for important issues, we are able to build a stronger, more resilient community for all. While I believe that individuals can make a difference, I am drawn to NextGen and the JCRC because I believe in the amazing power of groups to initiate meaningful connections and change. 

What can the next generation do to advocate for the Jewish people, both at home and in the Jewish homeland? 

On an individual level, one great way to advocate for the Jewish people is to participate in Jewish spaces. Joining together with other Jewish people during this time, whether it’s to celebrate holidays, engage in Jewish learning, participate in Jewish ritual, share a delicious Shabbat meal, or in any other way of your choosing, you are working to strengthen our community from within. On a more outward facing level, there are tons of wonderful resources and opportunities to engage on the Philly Stands with Israel Advocate page. Check it out and start by taking on one action that resonates with you.

What is something people may not know about you?

In addition to my involvement in the Jewish community, I am also on the board of the local civic organization in my neighborhood in South Philly. In addition to hearing requests for zoning variances, this role has given me an opportunity to get to know my neighbors through participation in food giveaways, neighborhood cleanups and reading programs.

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Interested in joining NextGen? Contact NextGen Director Susan Allen at sallen@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0505.