Aging in place.
Maintaining a support network.
Living out a vibrant life with dignity.
Having a community to call one’s own.
This is the dream for older adults who wish to remain in their homes. But, for many, barriers, like the lack of accessible housing and socialization, can make it difficult to maintain this independence.
That is why Shtetl 2.0: NWPhilly Jews and Friends Aging in Community was created. Inspired by the spirit of mutual support in Eastern European shtetls — or “little village” in Yiddish — the organization is focused on building a community for older adults in Northwest Philadelphia to promote a supportive aging environment where seniors have a comprehensive support network of community members and the opportunity to join social programs that emphasize independence, peer support and Jewish life for older adults.
This year, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Bernard and Etta Weinberg Family Fund, allocated $25,000 to Shtetl 2.0 to help hire a part-time administrator to develop member services and expand their programming.
This support has helped people like Sherri Cohen, age 62, who first got involved with Shtetl 2.0 through a six-week online program called “Aging Alone, Together,” in collaboration with the New York City nonprofit DOROT.
For Cohen, who was new to Mt. Airy, the program opened her eyes to a new community and introduced her to a network of peers navigating similar life transitions. She quickly became more involved and now serves as the vice chair of the organization.
Sherri Cohen, vice chair of Shtetl 2.0. Courtesy: Cohen
“Through Shtetl 2.0, I’ve built meaningful friendships — people I now see for walks, dinners, movies and theater — a supportive network that is there for me during challenging times and has connected me with Jewish life, even though I’m not affiliated with a synagogue,” said Cohen.
The idea of Shtetl 2.0 was conceived in 2023 when members of the Germantown Jewish Centre were concerned about solo agers who lacked adequate family and social support. The program expanded with endorsements from Mishkan Sholom, P’nai Or Philadelphia and Folkshul and Jewish Family and Children Services. In July 2024, Shtetl 2.0 formally joined the Mt. Airy Community Services Corporation, which serves as a nonprofit umbrella for four projects in the Northwest section of Philadelphia.
Shtetl 2.0 offers a mix of social, educational and cultural programming. While some programs explore Jewish themes and traditions, others explore broader topics, such as aging, housing and local history. As its membership grows, Shtetl 2.0 will be developing a network of mutual support services, such as helping people with local rides, errands, home maintenance and other day-to-day needs.
The Jewish Federation's Weinberg Fund echoes Shtetl 2.0's commitment to helping older adults age with dignity. The fund continues the legacy of Etta Weinberg by supporting the causes she valued most, prioritizing geriatric counseling and care management, Jewish education and services for older adults like Cohen.
“Shtetl 2.0 works to connect the Northwest Philadelphia Jewish community, so they can maintain their independence and age in place,” said Shtetl 2.0 Board Chair Rivkah Walton. “The generous grant from the Jewish Federation's Weinberg Fund has allowed us to hire a part-time administrator to help develop our member services and communications, expand our programs and enlarge our grassroots membership.”
The Weinberg Fund is the Jewish Federation’s largest restricted endowment fund, granting over $1 million to 16 programs across Greater Philadelphia and Israel in Fiscal Year 2026.
“The Weinberg Fund helps to honor the older adults in our community and ensure they can age with dignity,” said Weinberg Fund Committee Chair Ron Perilstein. “By supporting programs that care for our seniors and strengthen Jewish learning, we honor Bernard and Etta Weinberg’s legacy, while strengthening our Jewish community and the values that tie us together.”
Managed by the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation, the Weinberg Fund is a testament to how making an endowment offers community members the opportunity to create lasting philanthropic legacies and secure the long-term interests of the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community. Currently, the Foundation manages over 850 funds, including 260 donor advised funds, and more than $440 million in assets.
“No matter your age, background or income, there is a legacy plan for you that is both tax-smart and will enable you to help provide the next generation with what they need to live proudly and safely as Jews,” said the Jewish Federation’s Chief Planned Giving Officer Jennifer Brier. “The Jewish Community Foundation would be honored to help you create a planned gift today to ensure our Jewish community is supported for tomorrow.”
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The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Philadelphia is a branch of the Jewish Federation. The Foundation is steadfast in its commitment to providing top-tier, customized service to individuals, families and Jewish institutions by growing aspirations to create a better future and actualizing them through smart investments today. To learn more about how you can support the Jewish community for generations to come, visit jewishphilly.org/tomorrow.