The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is seeking big, bold, audacious, transformative ideas to help create a more collaborative, innovative and engaging 21st-century Jewish community.
Have a great idea for transforming Jewish life in Greater Philadelphia? Learn about the guidelines and how to submit your Jewish Community Moonshot proposal for consideration by clicking here.
The deadline to submit your idea is Monday, June 1.
What Is a Moonshot?
A moonshot is a shared effort that aligns a community around a clear goal and measurable outcomes. It is not about one program or one institution. It is about building momentum across an entire ecosystem.
A moonshot is a big, audacious idea that tackles a Jewish communal challenge in a way that can transform Jewish life in Greater Philadelphia.
A moonshot includes:
- A shared vision with a clear north star
- A time-bound, measurable initiative that enlists the entire community
- The goal is to enable one ecosystem, synagogues, schools, camps and agencies working in synergy toward a vibrant Jewish future
moonshot summit
On June 23, 2026, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will convene a Jewish communal leadership Moonshot Summit to explore innovative approaches and discuss proposals with the potential to transform Jewish life in our region.
Moonshot proposals will be submitted by agencies, congregations and community members. Proposals must be submitted by Monday, June 1, 2026 for consideration.
Attendance at the Moonshot Summit is by invitation only. Invitees will include Jewish agency CEOs/executive directors and their lay chairs, congregational rabbis, Jewish Federation leadership and individuals whose proposals have been selected for discussion.
why is a moonshot needed?
By many measures, Jewish communal life is functioning.
Institutions are operating. Programs are being delivered. Calendars are full.
But activity is not the same as impact.
Our community is facing a period of rapid change. Antisemitism is rising. Loneliness is deepening. Families are under strain. A generation of young Jews is searching not for more programming, but for meaning, belonging and purpose.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote that religion begins with the awareness that something more is demanded of us — not comfort, not routine, but something more.
That demand is now being placed on all of us — not only clergy or professionals, but also lay leaders, parents, educators and community members.
Incremental change will not meet this moment. We need something bolder.
We need a community moonshot.
To learn more about the vision, click here to read President and CEO Michael Balaban’s op-ed and click here to read his follow up piece.
