This year was filled with moments: from the Jewish community’s collective grief following the Oct. 7 massacre to neighbors and allies leaning on each other in the face of unprecedented antisemitism to Greater Philadelphia banding together to show Jewish strength. Through it all, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia was here to support and uplift the Jewish community – whether in sorrow or joy, but always with pride.

As the Annual Campaign comes to a close on Aug. 31, let’s take a look back at the moments the Jewish Federation and its 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 – created to bring the community together.

Advocacy Day: Sep. 12 

Over 65 local leaders advocated at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA on issues of importance to the Jewish community, such as antisemitism, hate crimes, violence prevention, religious rights, non-profit security grants and reproductive health.

Lion of Judah Event: Sep. 27

Nearly 180 people attended Women's Philanthropy’s annual Lion of Judah Event at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue. Five remarkable women who have served as board chairs of the Jewish Federation were honored: Ande Adelman, Susanna Lachs Adler, Gail Norry, Sherrie Savett and Miriam (Mimi) Schneirov.

Philly Stands With Israel Rally: Oct. 9 

Two days after the Oct. 7 attacks, over 2,500 people showed up for Israel in solidarity, strength and hope at the Kaiserman JCC. The Jewish Federation’s peaceful rally featured Jewish and non-Jewish clergy and local officials.

Philly Stands with Israel March: Oct. 16

Around 5,000 community members peacefully took to the streets to march, sing, pray, share messages of hope and show solidarity with Israel. The Jewish Federation’s march had the support of nearly 100 agencies and congregations.

Emergency Mission to Israel: Oct. 18 - Oct. 22

Jewish Federation President and CEO Michael Balaban and Immediate Past Board Co-Chair Gail Norry traveled to Israel as part of the Jewish Federations of North America special delegation to witness and understand the on the ground needs in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 massacre.

Cemetery Cleanup: Oct. 22

Lost but not forgotten, volunteers spent the afternoon cleaning up the historic Har Jehuda Cemetery. This effort was part of a cleanup series led by the Friends of Jewish Cemeteries, a special initiative of the Jewish Federation.

Legends and Leaders: Oct. 20

Over 400 real estate professionals gathered for the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group’s 11th annual Legends and Leaders event at the Kimmel Center to network and learn from industry experts. Through a dollar-for-dollar match, the attendees raised over $524,000 for the Israel Emergency Campaign.

Challah and Demo Exercise: Oct. 26

Women from the Greater Philadelphia region met for a challah braiding demonstration followed by an exercise class at Adath Israel on the Main Line. Participants heard about the Jewish Federation’s impact locally, in Israel and around the world.

Israel Emergency Solidarity Mission: Nov. 5 - Nov. 7 

Eleven local rabbis from Greater Philadelphia traveled to Israel on an Emergency Solidarity Mission with the Jewish Federation and the Board of Rabbis to provide humanitarian relief and get a firsthand account of the emergency situation.

National March for Israel: Nov. 14 

Over 2,500 Greater Philadelphians attended the Jewish Federations of North America’s March for Israel in Washington, D.C. Nearly 300,000 Jews and non-Jewish Americans came together for the largest Jewish gathering in United States history to demonstrate their solidarity with Israel.

Legacy Society and Remembrance Event: Nov. 15 

Over 60 people came together at Congregation Rodeph Shalom to honor the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future. The program recognized the generous members of the community who have left or plan to leave a gift to the Jewish Federation in their estate plans.

NextGen at Fitler: Nov. 30 

NextGen came together as a community to mix and mingle with other professionals while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails at the Fitler Club. 

Chanukah Celebration: Dec. 10 

Families enjoyed crafts and candle lighting at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History with the Center City Kehillah and jkidphilly.

Period Pack at JRA: Dec. 14

Women’s Philanthropy and Women of Vision joined with the Jewish Relief Agency to pack feminine hygiene products and toiletries for women in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Lizzy Savetsky: Jan. 8 

Nearly 500 women joined Women’s Philanthropy at Congregation Beth Or to hear from digital influencer Lizzy Savetsky about rising antisemitism, the war in Israel and the role social media can play in supporting the Jewish community.

Jewish Federations of North America’s Advocacy Fly-In Mission to D.C.: Jan. 30 - Jan. 31, 2024

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia joined over 400 Jewish Federation activists from 65 communities in Washington, D.C., meeting with over 190 congressional offices to advocate for legislation supporting Israel, combat antisemitism, and help secure Jewish communities.

NextGen’s Pathway Fellowship: February - May

Thirteen young professionals participated in NextGen’s Pathway Fellowship to learn about the issues facing the Jewish community and the role they can play in addressing them with the Jewish Federation.

Buxmont Purim Joy Project: Mar. 10

The Buxmont Kehillah came together to make Mishloach Manot (goody bags) for Horsham Center for Jewish Life residents to celebrate Purim.

NextGen Mission to Cuba: April 3 - April 7

Twelve young adults visited Havana’s Jewish community on NextGen’s Mission to Cuba. In a time of unprecedented Jewish hate and isolation, the participants were able to connect with fellow Jews in another country, learn about their culture, and deliver almost 500 pounds of emergency aid while on the ground.

The Symposium on Antisemitism for High School Students and their Parents: April 7 

The Jewish Federation and community partners met for an afternoon symposium on addressing antisemitism in high schools at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. Participants learned from experts advocacy skills to navigate spaces when facing antisemitism and how to speak up for the Jewish community.

‘Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew’: May 1 

The Jewish Federation hosted New York Times bestselling authors Noa Tishby and Emmanuel Acho at Har Zion Temple. Over 420 people attended the Philadelphia launch of their new book, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew.”

60th Annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony: May 5 

Over 150 people gathered for the 60th Annual Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony at Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel to observe Yom HaShoah, ensure that we Never Forget about the six million Jews who perished in the Shoah and that we continue to honor the survivors living in our communities.

Through Her Words: Mizrahi Judaism Featuring Israeli Poet Adi Keissar: May 10 - May 20

Israeli Poet Adi Keissar completed a 10-day residency as part of the Venture Israel Fellowship – a program which offers special opportunities for participating synagogues and organizations. Adi  shared her poetry and experiences about growing up in Israel, her family’s Yemenite background and how personal identity impacts culture in Israel. 

WOV Spring Event: May 21

Women of Vision celebrated 30 years of transforming the lives of self-identifying women and girls at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History for their signature Spring event. At the event, they heard from bestselling author and activist Jennifer Weiner and acclaimed sports commentator Jamie Apody.

JCRC and Culture Changing Christians advocate in Washington, D.C.: May 21 - May 23

JCRC joined Culture Changing Christians (CCC) for a mission to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the shared interests of their respective communities, meet with members of Congress, explore Black and Jewish history, and make their voices heard.

Bucks County Jewish Festival: June 9

Over 500 people attended the Bucks County Jewish Festival at Bucks County Community College, where they enjoyed music, activities, crafts and food.

Circle of Partners: June 10

The 26th Annual Circle of Partners event was held at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel to celebrate the community members who have supported the Jewish community for 25 years or more. 

Nextgen at the Phillies: June 18

NextGen enjoyed a night at Citizens Banks Park for the Phillies Jewish Heritage Night. 

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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 clicking here. 

Help continue to make moments like this by making a gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia by Aug. 31 by visiting jewishphilly.org/makemoments.