Main Event

Registration for this event has closed.

We’re taking 125 years of joy, tradition and impact — and bringing it all together for one unforgettable night at the Main Event!

Joining us is Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Debra Messing who will share how we can harness our Jewish pride and speak out with strength as we build a brighter, united future. She will be joined in conversation with moderator Jonah Kaplan, award-winning correspondent for CBS News.

RSVP by Monday, October 12

Event Details

Together, we’ll commemorate our collective impact, honor our leaders of today and tomorrow, and celebrate our shared vision of building a thriving Jewish future.

Date & Time:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026

• Cocktail Reception: 6 p.m. 
• Program: 7 p.m.

And stay after to watch the Sixers’ opening night!

Location:
Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue
4200 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Couvert:

• $125 per person
• $75 for NextGen (age 40 and under)

Additional Information:

• Dietary laws observed.
• Complimentary valet parking or self-parking.
• For security purposes, advance registration is required.
• Government IDs are subject to verification and bags are subject to search.
• By attending this event, you agree to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Terms and Conditions.
• For more information, contact events@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0534. 

FEATURED SPEAKER: Debra MessinG

Emmy Award-winning Actress, Producer & Human Rights Activist

Debra Messing is an Emmy- and SAG Award-winning actress, producer and activist, best known for NBC’s “Will & Grace.” Her credits include “Searching,” “The Alto Knights,” “Smash” and Broadway’s “Outside Mullingar.” She holds a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from NYU.

She has been honored by the HRC as one of the world’s greatest supporters of the LGBTQ+ community both on screen and off screen. Following the atrocities committed on October 7, 2023, she became a preeminent voice advocating for Israel, the release of hostages, and an end to hate and misinformation. She spoke at the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., visited survivors in Israel and served as the executive producer of the documentary “October 8.”

Moderator: Jonah Kaplan

Jonah Kaplan is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning national correspondent for CBS News. Over a 20+ year career, he has interviewed U.S. presidents, covered major national breaking news, and broken exclusive stories on military affairs, foreign conflicts, and high-profile trials. His reporting appears across all CBS News programs and platforms, following investigative and political roles in Minneapolis, Raleigh-Durham and Milwaukee. He holds a degree with honors from Boston University.

Outside the newsroom, Jonah is a musician, avid tennis and ice hockey player and devoted Philadelphia sports fan. As the son of two rabbis, he enjoys chanting and singing with his guitar at area synagogues. He lives with his wife and three daughters.

celebrate 125

125 years have brought us to this moment. Ready to be part of what’s next?

HOnoring the Past

Earlier in the evening, we will pay tribute to those individuals who recently passed away and remembered our community in their estate plans.

RSVP by Monday, October 12

Main Event co-chairs

Main Event Host Committee

As of September 14, 2026

JEWISH FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Effective As of September 1, 2026

Jewish Federation Executive Leadership