Jewish Federation’s Impact on
underrepresented Communities
The Jewish Federation is proud to support and
advocate for underrepresented groups, such as Jews
of color, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA+
community and others. Striving to help members of
these groups access important services, resources
and connect with their Jewish identity fuels the
Jewish Federation in supporting endeavors through
Tribe 12, HIAS Pennsylvania, the Jewish Relief
Agency, KleinLife, Mitzvah Food Program and the
Jewish Community Relations Council.

Of Jewish households in Greater Philadelphia*:
1 in 10
include a Jew of color, where an
adult identifies as Hispanic, Black,
Asian or another race
1 in 10
17 %
6 %
include someone who
identifies as LGBTQIA+
of Jewish adults were born
outside of the United States
are Russian-speaking and 2% are
Russian-only speaking
*According to the Jewish Federation's 2019 Community Portrait
Impact by the Numbers (Fiscal Year 2021)
18,000 $
granted to
LGBTQIA+ programming
through the Jewish
Community Fund
36,000 200 +
granted through the
Jewish Community Fund
to provide citizenship
and family reunification
services to immigrant and
refugee families
people engaged in
Jewish Community
Relations Council
programs about Jews
of Color and diversity in
the Jewish community
$ Meet Marianna and Elvera,
Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) Staff
The fact that the Jewish Federation is dedicated to funding
inclusive organizations and those specifically running
LGBTQIA+ programming (and is a member of the J.Proud
Consortium) is more helpful than you can know. It’s important
that these programs exist and that people know that they are a
valued part of the Jewish community. If the Jewish Federation
is supporting something, it’s letting the Greater Philadelphia
Jewish community know what our values are.

Galia Godel, Program Manager of LGBTQ Initiatives,
Jewish Family and Children’s Service
20 JUNE 3, 2021
JEWISH EXPONENT
Roughly 1,500 Russian-speaking Jews
utilize our food delivery services. During
the pandemic, we have had to make
some major adjustments to meet this
population’s needs. Since face to face
communications have been limited over
the last year, our Russian phone line is
busier than ever. For our volunteers, we
created a handout with common Russian
phrases and recordings, which they use
to communicate with clients. In May’s
food delivery box, we included a CDC
handout in Russian that explains the
COVID-19 vaccine. All in all, we try to
always keep in mind who the population
is that we’re serving, what special needs
they may have, and how to best offer
culturally appropriate foods.

JEWISHEXPONENT.COM



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KAIDEN ZAYN STONE
Joshua and Reshma Stone and his sisters Alivia
and Suri of Horsham announce the birth on
May 17 of Kaiden Zayn Stone.

Kaiden is the grandson of Steve Stone of
Upper Dublin, Terry Stone of Montgomeryville,
and Hemant and Daksha Patel of Harrisburg.

Kaiden was given the Hebrew name “Shmuel
Yosef Yamai ben Yaacov” in honor of his great-
great grandfather Samuel Joseph Stone and
great-grandfather Herman Carl Henschen.

J E W I S H E X P O N E N T . C O M /
S U B M I T - M A Z E L - T O V
Photo by Joshua M. Stone
COMMUNITYBRIEFS Civic Volunteer Joy C. Lindy Dies at 94
JOY C. LINDY, who helped secure Center City
resident parking and also brought the Tall Ships to
Penn’s Landing for the Bicentennial, died May 10,
according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. She was 94.

Lindy was active in
the Jewish community,
including the American
Jewish Committee, where
she served as program
chairperson and was
a member of its urban
affairs and communal
activities committees,
according to a 1972 Jewish
Exponent article.

Joy C. Lindy
That article noted her
Jewish Exponent archives
appointment as admin-
istrative coordinator of
the “Y” Arts Council at the YM-YMHA Branch of
the Jewish Ys, and her role as program chair for the
Sisterhood of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel.

Other roles in the community at that time included
serving as administrative assistant to Maurice Kaplow,
maestro of the Pennsylvania Orchestra; vice president of
administration of the Allen Lane Arts Center; seminar
chair of the Fellowship Commission; chair of volunteers
for Planned Parenthood Association; and chair of a
reception to honor Broadway producer Harold Prince.

R&R, which was located in Philadelphia’s
Overbrook Park neighborhood, was in business
since 1982, offering kosher fish, produce and grocery
items, along with catering services, according to its
Facebook page.

The store’s Facebook page, which hasn’t been
updated in a year, does include thank you messages
from customers who heard about the closing.

from 6:30-9:20 p.m., Monday through Thursday
between June 21 and Sept. 6. Reservations are
required for the 6:30-7:50 p.m. and 8-9:20 p.m.

time slots. Members can pay $10 per night and
an unlimited summer basketball membership for
$100 will also be available. Proof of vaccination
is required.

The JCC said its fitness center and studios will
remain closed until the end of summer because space
Kaiserman JCC Adds Usage Availability
is needed for Camp Kef, which is at full capacity.

The Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood announced that Group fitness classes will still be available online
it is increasing usage in some parts of its mostly and outside.

closed fitness center.

Starting June 7, reservations will no longer be Local Woman Named Executive Director of
required for lap swimming, although capacity limits Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom
will be maintained. When lap swim only is in effect, The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom — an organization
12 swimmers in all may use the pool for 45 minutes of Jewish and Muslim women that fights hate and
— two in each lap lane.

promotes social justice — announced that it named
Reservations will still
Tahija Vikalo of Bala Cynwyd as its new executive
be required for recre-
director. ational swimming. Four
She replaced Sheryl Olitzky, who co-founded the
families will be able to use
nonprofit eight years ago.

the designated rec area
Vikalo holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from
for 45 minute per session.

the University of Pennsylvania and has been the
Locker room access will
co-leader of the organization’s Philadelphia chapter
be available from the
for three years. She joined the organization’s board of
pool deck starting June
trustees in 2020, becoming its president.

7. Masks must be worn at
“I am honored and excited to start this new chapter
the pool area except when
in my life. It comes at a time when world and national
swimming. events require both Muslims and Jews to stand up
R&R Produce & Fish Closes
In addition, basket-
and be counted in their support of all marginalized
R&R Produce & Fish of Philadelphia recently closed, ball will be available in
people,” she said. l
Kaiserman JCC
Photo by Andy Gotlieb
Community Kashrus of Greater Philadelphia announced. the facility’s gymnasium
— Compiled by Andy Gotlieb
www.jewishexponent.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM
JEWISH EXPONENT
JUNE 3, 2021
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