

From July 10, 2020
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From June 26, 2020
As the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia continues to provide relief grants to cover basic needs, we want to hear how you are coping with the pandemic. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey so that we – along with our community partners – can better understand the ongoing needs of our diverse communities. This five-minute, anonymous survey will provide a snapshot of how our Greater Philadelphia community has been affected by COVID-19. Results will be analyzed and shared with the community.
Executive Vice President
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From June 12, 2020
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From Jun 5, 2020
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From May 28, 2020
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From May 8, 2020
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From May 1, 2020
- Saturday, May 2nd at 8:00 p.m. Join the Birthday DJ Bash to see performances by Westside Gracy, DJ Itay Galo and more. Click here to join the party.
- Sunday, May 3rd all day, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Check out a day of events for kids & teens, including Israeli music, music talks, a Piven workshop, games and trivia. See the entire program lineup here.
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From April 24, 2020
Since we began our emergency response efforts, we have raised more than $1.2 million and made initial grants totaling more than $665,000 including matching grants. New grants this week include:
- Jewish Relief Agency (JRA): Renewal of grant through the end of June to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for ongoing food distribution
- Federation Housing, Inc.: Three months of boxed lunches, providing 5,000 total meals for low-and-moderate-income senior residents
- United Hatzalah: Funding of the new “Hamal” National Civilian Hotline for citizens in need of help throughout Israel
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From April 17, 2020
We have made 13 initial grants for critical services totaling more than $400,000 locally and in Israel. These initial grants are mainly focused on fighting food insecurity, which remains an urgent need during this time. To continue this essential service the Emergency Response Committee renewed all local food security grants to extend the food supply through May. This includes additional funding to the Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Food Program as a matching grant with Marcy Gringlas and Joel Greenberg, Seed the Dream Foundation, to help alleviate food insecurity and provide healthy and nutritious food for those in our communities with the greatest need during this pandemic.
With grants from the emergency fund and the help of hundreds of volunteers, just last week:
- KleinLife’s Meals on Wheels program distributed 1,900 Passover meals to 200 clients
- The Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Food Program distributed 500 Passover food packages
- KleinLife’s meal delivery program expanded their reach by almost 100 clients, partnering with RSVP Philadelphia. 6ABC featured the program on the news; click here to watch the video.
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From April 3, 2020
Dear Friend,
This year, we are preparing to celebrate Passover during a time in which we may not feel very “free.” Yet the Passover story is more relevant than ever. Our community has the collective power to effect positive change — from hardship and fear, to comfort and hope.
I continue to be inspired by the outpouring of compassion from our community and the ways we are supporting one another. Earlier this week, ShopRite Supermarkets, operated by Jeff and Sandy Brown, donated 550 boxes of Matzah to be distributed to more than 500 households through the Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Food Program, helping to ensure recipients could celebrate the holiday.
In the less than three weeks since we established the Emergency Response Fund, we have raised more than $950,000 and made 12 initial grants for critical services totaling nearly $250,000. View the full list of grants here. This week’s grants include:
- KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF), in partnership with Marcy Gringlas, Joel Greenberg, and Seed the Dream Foundation, to provide basic needs services for Holocaust survivors
- Abramson Senior Care, to provide food and supplies for the homebound elderly
- Jewish Relief Agency (JRA), to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for ongoing food distribution
- Personal Protective Equipment to provide 1,000 masks to partner agencies while they provide ongoing care to serve the basic needs of their clients
- Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (J’CHAI), to provide food and supplies to their developmentally-disabled, home-based adult clients
- Latet Israel, a matching grant with Seed the Dream Foundation, to help the most impoverished and isolated elderly, including thousands of Holocaust survivors
- Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, to purchase nutritionally balanced meals for high-risk individuals
- Orr Shalom, to cover the Passover expenses for the most vulnerable at-risk children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From March 27, 2019
Ten days ago we launched the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, and to date we have raised more than $700,000 to meet the most critical needs. It is important for everyone in the community to know that one hundred percent of the donated dollars will benefit the most vulnerable in our community. This is one of the best ways to perform tzedakah if you are able to do so right now. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we all come together. I am inspired by the outpouring of compassion throughout Greater Philly!
Please consider supporting the Emergency Response Fund with a gift of any size. For more information, please click here. With your partnership, our Jewish community will maintain its strength, health and vibrancy.
We are extremely grateful to our volunteers who are on the front line of this work; please click here for more information about opportunities on how you can help. A few to consider include:
- Sign up here to deliver pre-packed bags of food and emergency supplies through the Mitzvah Food Program
- Email John Eskate at jeskate@kleinlife.org to deliver pre-cooked meals through KleinLife’s Home Delivered Meals Program
- Sign up here to call and check in with a local senior as part of the “Phone-a-Friend” program
- $34,600 to Kleinlife’s Meal Delivery Program for older adults, providing 8,100 kosher prepared meals during March and April
- $20,700 to the Mitzvah Food Program for those who have recently become food insecure, to offset the cost of food and supplies for an increasing client base
- $25,000 to Jewish Family & Children’s Services to provide grants of $500 to 50 households for basic needs such as rent, mortgage or utility payments
- $1,500 to Philly Friendship Circle to help families of children with disabilities to pay for basic necessities including support staff
- More than 1,700 meals were delivered through Kleinlife’s Meals on Wheels
- Nearly 90 people volunteered to deliver necessities to the vulnerable and homebound through the Mitzvah Food Program
- 136 grocery bags were packed and distributed by Mitzvah Food Program’s Mainline pantry, totaling nearly 2,500 pounds of nonperishable and fresh produce
- 680 households received a total of 24,000 pounds of food from Mitzvah Food Program’s five pantry locations
- More than 300 members of the community joined webinars to hear crucial updates, share ideas, and gain insight and inspiration from faith leaders
- Nearly 80 people signed up for the Phone-a-Friend program, and will begin contacting homebound older adults next week
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From March 19, 2020
This is an unprecedented time that demands an extraordinary response. We are committed to providing essential resources throughout this time of need, and are coordinating with all Jewish-affiliated organizations, schools, synagogues and agencies in the region to assess and address emerging needs.Most importantly, we want to make sure you are aware of the resources available for all of us as we navigate the current conditions. Visit this page of our website for ongoing updates including tools for families and children; volunteer opportunities; resources for students and young adults; offerings from local synagogues; and resources for older adults, those now finding themselves food insecure or displaced from work.
If you are able, we ask you to join us in our life-saving work by making a gift to the Emergency Response Fund so we can continue this critical work. A mailbox for contributions has been posted on our Jewish Federation website: https://jewishphilly.org/emergency-fund/.
We are at the beginning of what will certainly be a long road for our community. At this moment, we know the financial needs facing us will be significant. We are still working collaboratively with our community partners to identify hard costs, with the knowledge that these will change and increase over time.
While we are all aware of the uncertainty that COVID-19 is having on the financial markets, the dire needs of the community and those most at risk remain paramount. With your generosity, we will be able to ensure the safety and strength of our Jewish communities and those most directly affected by the risks presented.
A gift of any size will have an immediate impact and will support many at-risk populations, including:
- Seniors and other members of our communities who are home-bound due to their high risk of contracting the virus
- Our food insecure populations already being served by our agencies and by us
- Those who now find themselves food insecure due to a loss of wages and or jobs, or loss of income as small business owners
- People with developmental or physical disabilities whose regular care may be interrupted
- Those who are served by community programs that run on the power of volunteers who are no longer able to carry out this important work.
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
From March 12, 2020
In times of uncertainty, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has always been a safe haven for people to turn to for help, guidance and comfort. Now we are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic by ensuring that our critical work continues with vigor. The elderly, infirm, hungry and most vulnerable individuals in our region need our help. And we are here for them.
We have begun evaluating community needs and we are making contingency plans to maintain delivery of critical services. Beginning tomorrow and continuing weekly as needed, the Jewish Federation will hold conference calls with leaders of local agencies, synagogues and day schools to obtain needs assessments, discover opportunities for collaboration, and share updates. We are also working with partner agencies who provide services to the most vulnerable individuals. We are resolute in our goal to ensure all needs are met.
Following the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, local officials and our own Emergency Response Committee, all Jewish Federation events scheduled from now through the end of Passover are postponed. Updated information will be communicated via email and on our website — Jewishphilly.org.
Likewise, we are taking every precaution to keep ourselves and our staff safe so we can continue to effectively and efficiently serve our community. On Monday, March 16th, Jewish Federation professionals will conduct a work-remotely test day to ensure that all of our virtual systems are in place. In the event of mandatory self-quarantines, we want to make certain we are prepared.
While keeping our community safe during the COVID-19 outbreak is our top priority, we are planning future events and programs that will build upon our welcoming, vibrant Jewish community and engage people of all ages in extraordinary Jewish experiences. Your generous support is imperative, and we ask for your continued participation in maintaining the work of our organization.
We offer prayers of healing to those affected worldwide. Please keep yourselves and your families safe by following CDC precautions to stay healthy during this outbreak. Additional information can be found at World Health Organization. And please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns.
Sending you all wishes of sustained good health.
Sincerely,
Susanna Lachs Adler
Board Chair
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia