COMMUNITY NEWS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes
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communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and
around the world.

Bridging Community: Danielle Weiss Prepares
for Role as JCRC Chair
DANIELLE WEISS IS NO STRANGER to leadership positions
at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. In September,
Weiss will begin a new role as chair of the Jewish Federation’s
Jewish Council Relations Committee, bringing along her
wealth of knowledge and experience as a member of the Board
of Trustees, board member of Women’s Philanthropy, board
chair emeritus of NextGen and member of the campaign team.

Weiss hopes to create opportunities and inspire others,
particularly those of the next generation, to become leaders.

As for Weiss’ own inspiration, the attorney and partner at
Haines & Associates looks toward the late Justice Ruth Bader
Ginsburg as a role model for her constant pursuit of justice
through Jewish values.

“Justice Ginsburg once said, ‘Fight for the things that you
care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you,’”
reflected Weiss, who is completing her term as the philan-
thropy co-chair of the Jewish Federations of North America’s
National Young Leadership Cabinet. “I can think of no words
more appropriate to inscribe on my heart as I step into this role,
pledging to do just that.”
We spoke with Weiss to learn more about her and her vision
for JCRC.

all Jews, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation
or denomination feel welcomed and valued in our Jewish
communal spaces.

How have your many past leadership roles within
the Jewish Federation prepared you for your new
position with JCRC?
Incoming JCRC Chair Danielle Weiss
envisions bringing the community
together and creating inclusive Jewish
spaces. Courtesy of Jewish Federation of
Greater Philadelphia
As the new chair of JCRC, what do you envision for its future?
It’s truly an honor to be stepping into the role of JCRC chair. Now is the time
to reinforce our commitment to the core Jewish values of repairing the world,
loving the strange and seeking peace.

The JCRC does incredible work to build strong alliances for the Jewish
community through our social justice initiatives, public policy advocacy work
and engagement with our local, state and federal elected officials. JCRC works
tirelessly to bring awareness to those issues that most deeply affect the Jewish
community, such as creating access to Holocaust education, Israel advocacy and
combating the concerning rise of antisemitism.

Right now, it feels especially important to not only bring awareness to these
priorities, but also to serve as a conduit through which our non-Jewish neigh-
bors can deliver information about key initiatives where the Jewish community
can be an ally. We are a stronger and safer Jewish community when we both
look out for ourselves, as well as support and advance the goals of the broader
community. What key issues are you most looking forward to working on
with the JCRC?
I am most looking forward to working together with organizations outside of
the Jewish community to explore ways that we, as Jews, can be better allies.

When there is hate or discrimination against anyone in our community, we are
all negatively affected. We cannot hope to have the support of our non-Jewish
neighbors if we do not open ourselves up to the concerns facing outsiders to the
Jewish community. Finding common ground is the first step to battling bigotry
in all of its forms, including antisemitism.

I also look forward to working on initiatives that will advance inclusion
within the Jewish community. We can, and must, do more to make sure that
14 JULY 1, 2021
In each of my past leadership positions, I’ve worked as collab-
oratively as possible with the extraordinary people who sit
on each committee and board. There is so much passion and
experience around the table, whether at NextGen, Women’s
Philanthropy, the Board of Trustees, the campaign team and
now at JCRC. I’ve learned the most simply by watching and
listening. But I am unafraid to push for change when I see that
innovation is needed to modernize our organization to better
achieve our goals.

At the same time, I come to any leadership position, this one
included, with the deepest respect for those who came before
me. My greatest champions have been my predecessors and my
Jewish Federation professional partners. I’m thrilled to work
with Laura Frank, Robin Schatz and Jason Holtzman, JCRC’s
professional team, to advance our shared goals for JCRC during
my term.

What is the most impactful advice that the current JCRC Chair,
Arlene Fickler, shared with you?
Arlene Fickler has been a tremendous resource to me as I transition into this
role. She reminds me that JCRC, like the Jewish Federation, is part of a national
network and to look critically at the priority areas announced each year as a
guide for the issues most important to Jews in North America, but not to be
afraid to make sure that our local agenda meets our local needs. She has also
stressed the benefits of standing together with other communities, particularly
the JCRCs across Pennsylvania, to ensure our legislators understand the power
of our collective Jewish community voice.

Why do you give to the Jewish Federation?
I give to the Jewish Federation because I trust that my philanthropic dollars will
be put to the best use to support a thriving Jewish community locally and around
the world. Whether supporting Jewish institutions like synagogues and schools,
providing security, addressing food insecurity, ensuring access to affordable
housing for struggling families or caring for our seniors, the Jewish Federation
makes sure every dollar is spent with purpose and intention. It’s not only my
responsibility, but also my honor to do my part to give back to the community
that has given me so much.

Have you picked up any new skills during the pandemic?
Like many people, I became somewhat of an amateur set designer/movie director
while living my life on Zoom! I tried to find the best ways to get good angles and
light, while hiding the laundry drying on the rack or the clutter on my desk.

For more information about JCRC and to get involved, email JCRC Director
Laura Frank at lfrank@jewishphilly.org.

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