Let’s show Greater Philadelphia — we are Here As One.
Join us for a celebration of our incredible achievements this past year — and connect with YOUR Jewish community!
Be inspired by Rabbi Mike Uram, author of the bestselling book “Next Generation Judaism,” and cast your vote for the future leaders of the Jewish Federation.
This special evening is open to all in the community who are passionate and invested in our Jewish present and future.
RSVP by Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Date & Time:
Wednesday, May 28
6 – 8 p.m.
Location:
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel
8339 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Couvert:
$36 per person
Meeting Details
- Vote on the Board of Directors’ slate for Fiscal Year 2026, which will be available to view on this webpage as we draw closer to the event. Voting is open to all Jewish Federation members — generous donors who contribute $180 or more to ensure a vibrant, safe and secure future.
- Get a year to date review of the Jewish Federation’s accomplishments and future plans.
- Enjoy a light reception (Glatt Kosher by Deluxe Kosher Catering).
- 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.
- Please email events@jewishphilly.org or call 215.832.0534 for any event-related questions.
More about the Spring Annual Meeting
In 2021, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia launched a Strategic Planning Process that identified key goals for strengthening our organization and community, including:
- Creating a premier philanthropic investor experience
- Delivering philanthropic opportunities with meaningful social returns
- Building a high-performing professional infrastructure
- Establishing a strong Jewish Community Endowment
- Implementing best-in-class governance
In 2022, a Governance Task Force was formed to help us achieve these goals by updating our bylaws. These new bylaws were voted on in August 2024 and began to take effect in FY25.
As part of this governance transformation:
- The Board of Trustees (previously our governing body) has been disbanded.
- Former Trustees have been invited to join the Jewish Federation Community Council or the Board of Ambassadors. You can learn more about these bodies by clicking here.
You’re invited because you are a valued part of our community:
- Affinity Group Member: If you’re part of JFRE, Women of Vision, Women’s Philanthropy, or NextGen, we invite you to celebrate a year of impact and come together with peers.
- Congregational Leader: You’ve been engaged through our Kehillah neighborhood groups and leadership development efforts. Join us as we come together as one Jewish community.
- Agency Leader: You’ve collaborated with others through our network of communal agencies. Let’s gather to reflect and celebrate.
- Donor of $180 or more: Per our updated bylaws, your generous contribution makes you a member of the Jewish Federation. Thank you for your support — this gathering is for you!
- Be inspired – Hear from Rabbi Michael Uram and reflect on how we move forward through challenge and opportunity.
- Be informed – Learn how your dollars are making a difference.
- Celebrate accomplishments – We’ll highlight key milestones from the past year.
- Come together – This is a chance to connect with fellow community members.
- Schmooze! – Enjoy light refreshments and great conversation with new and familiar faces.
Yes. As part of our membership structure, the Spring Annual Meeting includes a vote on the Board of Directors slate — an important moment of communal governance and involvement.
The nominations slate will be available to view on this webpage as we draw closer to the event date. After the voting, the final Board of Directors slate will be available to view here.
Individuals can be nominated to the Board of Directors through two primary methods.
- Nominated by the Governance and Nominations Committee
- Nomination by a member:
- Members have the right to nominate an individual for election to the Board of Directors by submitting a written nomination proposal to the Secretary by 90 days prior to the annual meeting. Written nominations can be submitted via email to boardsecretary@jewishphilly.org.
- This written proposal must identify the person being nominated and must be signed by at least 100 members. The individual being nominated must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Be a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Contribute at a leadership level, created or begun discussions to create an endowment gift and recommend others to solicit contributions to the Jewish Community Fund.
- Cannot be the board chair or chief professional officer of any organization that receives financial support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
- Demonstrate a commitment to the mission and purpose of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
If you cannot attend but are still interested in voting, please contact Director of Leadership Development & Governance Lori Rubin at lrubin@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0828 for more information.
About Our Guest Speaker
Rabbi Mike Uram is the Chief Jewish Learning Officer for JFNA. Previously, he served as the head of Pardes North America and Executive Director of Penn Hillel for 16 years. He is the author of the best-selling book entitled, “Next Generation Judaism,” which won a National Jewish Book Award.
Rabbi Uram has worked with dozens of Jewish organizations including the Wexner and Schusterman Foundations, Hillel International, The RA, CCAR, and many local federations, synagogues and JCCs. Recently, Rabbi Uram co-authored a new educational framework for Birthright Israel.
Rabbi Uram holds a BA from Washington University and Rabbinic Ordination from JTS.
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Board of Directors
Board Chair
Michael Markman
Immediate Past Board Co-Chairs
Gail Norry
David Adelman
Campaign Co-Chairs
Michele S. Levin
George Danneman
President and CEO
Michael Balaban
Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chairs
Mark Fishman
Karen Kramer
Governance and Nominations Chair
Michael Heller
Community Impact Chair
Holly Nelson
Senior Vice Chair and Secretary
Richard J. Green
Treasurer
Andrew L. Cherry
At-Large Members
Caren Barnet
Harris Devor
Mindy Fortin
William Glazer
Dave Gold
Amir Goldman
Jonathan S. Goldman
Tracy H. Gordon
Cristy B. Hollin
Margie Honickman
Bradley A. Krouse
Adam E. Laver
Jason Morgan
Tony Schneider
Susan G. Schwartz
Danielle Weiss
Past Chairs
Bennett L. Aaron
Andrea B. Adelman
David Adelman
Leonard Barrack
Michael R. Belman, z”l
Alan E. Casnoff
Sylvan M. Cohen, z”l
Hon. Abraham L. Freedman, z”l
Morris A. Kravitz, z”l
Susanna Lachs Adler
Frank L. Newburger, Jr., z”l
Bernard Newman
Gail Norry
Edward H. Rosen, z”l
Ronald Rubin, z”l
Sherrie R. Savett
Miriam A. Schneirov
Theodore H. Seidenberg, z”l
Philip S. Seltzer, z”l
Beryl D. Simonson
Joseph Smukler, z”l
I. Jerome Stern, z”l
Hon. Nochem S. Winnet, z”l
Edwin Wolf, 2nd, z”l
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Executive Leadership
President and CEO
Michael Balaban
Senior Chief of External Affairs
Jeffrey Lasday
Senior Chief of Finances and Operations
Livi DiCaro
Chief Planned Giving Officer
Jennifer Brier, Esquire
Chief Marketing Officer
Rebecca Etter
Chief Human Resources Officer
Melissa Gabillon
Chief Strategy and Impact Officer
Dr. Kelly Romirowsky
Chief Development Officer
Sarah B. Solomon
Chief of JCRC
Jason Holtzman