Creating a vibrant Jewish future starts at home. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia works to support organizations that make all feel welcomed in the community. To continue to keep Jewish life alive from generation to generation — l’dor v’dor — the Jewish Federation invests in organizations that provide opportunities for families with young children and teens to deepen their Jewish identity, create welcoming Jewish spaces and inspire parents to bring Jewish traditions into their homes.
“When thinking about the larger questions concerning the future of our Jewish community, we must focus our attention on the next generation. In what ways are we connecting our youth and their family members to Judaism and the community at-large?” said Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. “That is why the Jewish Federation is so deeply committed to supporting organizations that creatively engage families in Jewish life. These organizations provide dynamic programs, inclusive resources and empower parents to share the joys of being Jewish.”
See below for just some of the Jewish Federation’s supported organizations, which are multigenerational centers for Jewish life in Greater Philadelphia.
“We would not be where we are today without the Jewish Federation. Families with young children are the future of the Jewish community. To continue our chain of Jewish tradition, we need to create Jewish experiences that meet families’ needs, and make Jewish life and wisdom accessible and a part of their lives.”
– Terri Soifer, Director of Strategy, Makom Community
Makom Community provides Jewish after-school education, enrichment and day camp in Center City, Philadelphia. Hebrew for "place," Makom is the "place" that embraces children, ages 4 to 18, and their families for who they are and invites them to experience the joys of community and Jewish identity in ways that are personally resonate and accessible. By engaging families through hands-on, child-led learning, guided through its unique Jewish Placemaking pedagogy, Makom helps parents and children explore Jewish life together and build lasting connections to tradition and community.
“We believe that we have a responsibility to create a welcoming space so that community members know that they can rely on us as providers in times of need, transition and crisis. Programs like Teen Empowerment focus on philanthropy and giving back as a way of life, instilling these values at a young age.”
– Paula Goldstein, President and CEO, JFCS
JFCS of Greater Philadelphia supports families, children and teens through parenting programs, mental health services, adoption support, enrichment activities and more. In addition to providing direct services, JFCS also connects youth with volunteer opportunities so that they can connect with the larger Jewish community and develop a lifelong sense of responsibility to give back.
“Support from the Jewish Federation has been essential to launching new initiatives and sustaining the core of what we do. Their partnership enables us to create meaningful Jewish moments for families at every stage, strengthening the fabric of our community.”
– Barrie Mittica, Director of Engagement, Kaiserman JCC
The Kaiserman JCC is dedicated to enriching life in Greater Philadelphia by fostering connections, enhancing lives, and promoting Jewish peoplehood through educational, cultural, and recreational programs. Located just west of the city, the campus serves a diverse community with activities for families, children and teens, and older adults. Notably, the Kaiserman JCC hosts the Diller Teen Fellows, a global initiative where teens explore leadership, Jewish identity, and tikkun olam or repairing the world.
“For many individuals in the Northeast, KleinLife is not just a community center, it is the only place where they can congregate, celebrate their heritage, and fulfill their religious needs. The support of the Jewish Federation has been instrumental in providing resources that cater to the diverse needs of our community, from youth to seniors. Their funding and collaboration enable us to offer educational, cultural and social services that strengthen our communal bonds across all generations. By partnering with the Jewish Federation, we can ensure that our initiatives are inclusive, impactful and sustainable, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity within our Jewish community.
- President and CEO Andre Krug, Kleinlife
KleinLife is a vibrant community resource that provides social, educational, and cultural programs, and vital health, wellness, and social services to the Philadelphia community and beyond. KleinLife supports families with young children by offering programs like Sunday school, STEM Academy, camp, after-school care and holiday celebrations that help parents and children explore Jewish life together.
“We are grateful for the Jewish Federation’s commitment to families raising Jewish children, and their shared understanding that to help us meet the challenges that the American Jewish community faces today, we must start by supporting Jewish life in the home. Investing in families with young children is a step towards stronger Jewish communities of the future.”
– Elana Rivel, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Learning Venture
Jewish Learning Venture (JLV) collaborates, empowers and inspires Jewish journeys. JLV engages families in Greater Philadelphia through programs like jkidphilly and PJ Library, which offer playdates, holiday events, mitzvah projects and free Jewish books to children from infancy through age 8. These shared experiences connect parents and children to Jewish values, traditions and each other, which lays the foundation for a lifelong connection to Jewish identity and community.
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Help continue creating a strong, vibrant and connected Greater Philadelphia Jewish community by making a gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia before its Annual Campaign ends on Aug. 31 at jewishphilly.org/give.