Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

“Hakarat hatov” is Hebrew for “gratitude,” but more accurately translates to “recognizing the good.” This Thanksgiving, we recognize the good in our commitment to: 🔸Provide resources so no one goes hungry 🔸Ensure our Holocaust Survivors age with dignity 🔸Create a Jewish future that is inclusive and safe We also recognize the good in you – our Jewish community who stands up when others remain seated, speaks out when the room stays silent and shows the world that we are Here As One. From all of us at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, we wish you and your family a happy and meaningful Thanksgiving!

At the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, we are proud to support KleinLife — an organization that brings connection, dignity and community to tens of thousands of our neighbors each year. Yesterday, KleinLife welcomed more than 200 seniors for a Thanksgiving celebration filled with music, joy and the comfort of being together. For many who live alone or far from family, this wasn’t just a meal — it was their holiday table. They also celebrated with children, many of whom are new to this country. For these young families, Thanksgiving became an introduction to the best of American values: hope, belonging and the chance to begin again. KleinLife’s work reflects what we strive for: ensuring every person who walks through the doors of our Jewish communal institutions feels seen, supported and at home.

For Mitchell Benson, donating to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia means helping to provide meals and healthy food options to members of our community. Since 1996, the Mitzvah Food Program has provided fresh, frozen and non-perishable food to individuals and families in need at four pantries across Greater Philadelphia with sites in Old York Road, Main Line, Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia. Join him in helping to strengthen food security across the region by donating today at https://hubs.ly/Q03VPTGb0.

"Prepackaged food boxes often miss the mark for families with [specific dietary needs]. We've seen how empowering people with choice and providing them with the food they will actually eat maintains dignity while meeting their nutritional needs." - Jewish Federation’s Project Director Michael Costello The Mitzvah Food Program operates four pantries throughout the region with sites in Old York Road, Main Line, Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia. Last fiscal year, the program distributed more than 1 million pounds of food to more than 8,000 people in need throughout Greater Philadelphia. To learn more, visit https://hubs.ly/Q03VHyZM0.

Giving Tuesday is next week! Your gift can help care for those in need in Greater Philadelphia, support Israel and Jewish communities around the world, and secure a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come. Can’t wait to make a difference? Make an impact now — give to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia at https://hubs.ly/Q03VHbVp0.

“In times like these, it is our community coming together that is a testament to our region’s strength. With increased need, every act of service — big or small — helps bring warmth and stability to someone’s winter.” - Jeffrey Lasday, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Senior Chief of External Affairs. Winter brings shorter days, colder nights and, for many in our community, greater need. While families are gathering indoors and celebrating the season, thousands of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity and isolation. To learn how your helping hands can make an even bigger difference right now, visit https://hubs.ly/Q03VHMZ10.

Did you know your donations to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia help nourish more than 8,000 people through our Mitzvah Food Program? Since 1996, the program has served thousands of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity in Greater Philadelphia. Operating out of four pantry sites in Old York Road, Main Line, Bucks County, and the Northeast, clients can choose their own groceries and are encouraged to make healthy selections through a special points system. Support this work by making a gift today: https://hubs.ly/Q03V4S0c0.

This week, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Brandeis Law Society explored the laws around the First Amendment and hate speech in schools. Over 60 community members gathered to hear from experts from the U.S. Department of Education and FIRE, who broke down Title VI Shared Ancestry Harassment and shared real-world cases. A special thanks to our speakers: Regional Director Beth Gellman-Beer and former Chief Attorney Amy Niedzalkoski of the Philadelphia Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education; and Faculty Legal Defense/Student Association Counsel Zach Greenberg of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). To learn more about JCRC, visit https://hubs.ly/Q03VnTnS0.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is excited to share that our HR Department was recognized with two major honors at this past week’s Delaware Valley HR Department of the Year Awards: 🏆 HR Department of the Year 🏆 HR Excellence Award for Employee Relations These awards are especially meaningful given the highly competitive field of for-profit and nonprofit organizations considered each year. A huge mazal tov to our incredible HR team — led by Melissa Gabillon, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Kim Cianciotti Hiller, Human Resources Manager — whose dedication and expertise strengthen our organization every single day.

We are thrilled to share that the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Director of Educational Tax Credit Programs, Ellen Horowitz Matz, spoke at this year’s Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly — a premier gathering of Jewish communal leaders and professionals. Drawing on her experience facilitating Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program on behalf of Philadelphia's Jewish community,, Ellen spoke about the new federal K–12 tax credit program launching in 2027, and how the Jewish Federation communities across the country can leverage this new program to increase access to and strengthen Jewish education and our communities. The Jewish Federation is proud to partner with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools (FJDS), raising state tax credits via the EITC to fund need-based scholarships for Jewish day and preschool students — and support innovative Jewish curriculum programs for public school students. To learn more about the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, visit https://hubs.ly/Q03V0s-y0.