Jewish Federation Launches
Israel 75 Celebrations
Greater Philadelphia Celebrates
In 1948, despite all odds, Israel became a state. Fast forward 75 years,
the Jewish homeland has become a central hub of history, culture and
innovation. In commemoration of this major milestone, the Jewish
Federation of Greater Philadelphia is hosting four exciting, area-wide events:
a Community Mitzvah Day, Shabbat Gatherings, a Taste of Israel Festival and
an Israel 75 Mission.

“Even when not physically being in Israel, the Jewish people have an
intrinsic connection to the Land of Israel,” said Jeffrey Lasday, the Jewish
Federation’s senior chief of external affairs. “When we celebrate Israel 75 in
Greater Philadelphia, we are celebrating our historic connection to our Jewish
homeland, the amazing accomplishments of a country that is only 75 years
young, and the promise and possibilities of the future.”
One way that local community members can help shape “the promise and
possibilities of the future” is with Community Mitzvah Day, a day of good
deeds and giving back. On April 23, there will be over 25 hands-on volunteer
opportunities offered by organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia
area, in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s
neighborhood Kehillot, for people of all ages and abilities. Each volunteer
project focuses on one or more of the following seven interest areas: social
justice, food insecurity, poverty, older adults, conservation and restoration,
arts and culture and lone soldiers.

“Even when not
physically being in
Israel, the Jewish
people have an
intrinsic connection
to the Land of Israel.”
“All of the celebrations are
representative of each of the ways that
we build community,” explained Gail
Norry, board co-chair of the Jewish
Federation. “These are amazing
opportunities to reconnect after the
nationwide lockdown and bring more
people closer to the work of the Jewish
Federation and to each other.”
This sense of reconnection will surely
be felt on April 28-29, when community
Jeffrey Lasday, the Jewish Federation’s
members are invited to attend various
senior chief of external affairs
Shabbat Gatherings with their families
and friends. There are three ways to
participate in a Shabbat Gathering: attend a public Community Shabbat
Experience – led by local synagogues, organizations, and schools with
the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood Kehillot – host a private Shabbat
Gathering in one’s own home, or, for those ages 20 - 40, join a young adult
Shabbat Gathering in partnership with OneTable.

“I am so proud that we are going to be able to celebrate this major milestone,
and all that it symbolizes, within Greater Philadelphia,” expressed Margie
Honickman, Israel 75 event co-chair. “Israel is more than a geographical
location, it is a peoplehood and a testament to Jewish perseverance.”
Exploring this deeper understanding of Israel is the goal of the Taste of
Israel Festival on May 7, which aims to showcase Israeli culture through the
history of the country’s cuisine. The afternoon at the Saligman Campus will
include a tasting area and cooking demonstrations by five-time James Beard
Foundation Award-Winning Chef Michael Solomonov and other top local
chefs, a number of food and craft vendors, performances by the renowned
male a cappella group Six13, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

All food that is prepared and presented by Michael Solomonov and other
vendors in the main demonstration tent will be under the supervision of
Keystone-K Community Kashrus of Greater Philadelphia and certified as
Glatt kosher. Food provided by other vendors outside of the main demo tent
will be clearly marked indicating their level of dietary observance.

“The Greater Philadelphia Jewish community is one of the strongest in
America,” noted Tamar Silberberg Shiffman, Israel 75 event co-chair. “We
10 MARCH 2, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
have faced challenges and now have the opportunity to celebrate and travel to
Israel. It is time to show our strength.”
Over 150 community members will demonstrate that strength by traveling
to Israel from May 14-21. A meaningful, eight-day trip, the Israel 75 Mission
features four personalized tracks to guide their journeys in the Jewish
homeland: adventure, food, wine and culture, tech and business, and people,
places and politics.

“I’m excited to honor Israel’s achievements and get to know more of our
local community members at these festivities,” said David Adelman, Jewish
Federation board co-chair. “Whether you’re looking to strengthen your sense
of community, show your pride for Israel or learn something new about the
Jewish state, there’s a way for every person and their family to participate in
these celebrations.”
Learn more about Israel 75 at israel75.jewishphilly.org
Israel 75 Volunteer Leadership
Israel 75 Chairs
Margie Honickman
Tamar Silberberg Shiffman
Shabbat Gatherings Chairs
Yoella Epstein & Jeremy Kriger
Meredith & Stephen Moss
Community Mitzvah Day
Chairs Allison Goodman
Corie Moskow
Matthew Moskow
Sarah Vogel
Shabbat Gatherings
Committee Members
Robyn Barret
Joyce Brown
Abby Gilbert
Max Novick
Scott Noye
Lysa Puma
Sharon Rhodes
Nason Russ
Josh Weinberg
Community Mitzvah Day
Committee Members
Renanit Baker
Robin Bender Stevens
Rachel Fox
Barbara Glickman
Beth Ladenheim
Robin Rifkin
Barbara Rosenau
Tori Rultenburg
Shelley Sanders
Thierry Steenberghs
Amy Wittenstein
Taste of Israel Festival Chairs
Paula Glazer
Cari & Alan Lasdon
Shelby Zitelman
Taste of Israel Festival
Committee Members
Allison Benton
Alex Freedman
Beth Joseph
Amy Kaminsky
Jacques Lurie
Adi Ozery
Marty Roffman
Selma Roffman
Debbie Rosenberg
Israel 75 Mission Chairs
Jessica & Josh Katz
Susan Schwartz
Mission Track Captains
Adventure: Gregg & Sandi Epstein
Business & Technology:
Harold & Sherri Middleberg
Food, Wine & Culture:
David & Jodi Miller
People, Places & Politics:
Cara Levinson
Mission Bus Captains
Zach & Emily Berman
Steve & Robin Katz
Jon & Meredith Stevens
Brett & Lisa Studner
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Leadership
Board Co-Chairs
Gail Norry
David Adelman
President and CEO
Michael Balaban
Chief Development Officer
Sarah Bernstein Solomon
Senior Chief of
External Affairs
Jeffrey Lasday