Dear Friends,
It is my honor and privilege to take on my new role of Chair of the Board of the Jewish Federation of
Greater Philadelphia. At this pivotal time for our diverse Jewish communities in our country and in the
world, I am grateful for our legacy of 115 years as the foundational hub serving the needs of Jews locally in
Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; in Israel; and globally. As current events
demonstrate, we remain as vibrant, impactful and necessary as ever. Our future depends upon continuing
to inspire and engage all of us.

We are truly this region’s center of Jewish philanthropy. This year we distributed more than $30 million
in grants and financial support throughout Greater Philadelphia, in Israel, and in 70 other countries around
the world. We also manage the local Jewish community’s largest pool of endowment-related assets, totaling
nearly $300 million. All of that makes us among the Top 5 philanthropic organizations in Philadelphia. Yet
as amazing as that is, there is room to grow: When we measure our giving against that of our Jewish community peers in other large U.S.

cities, we are not even in the Top 10. I challenge us all to move this needle upward. We must prioritize support for our Jewish Federation
among our philanthropic commitments.

The strength of our Jewish Federation is the collective impact we make through coordinating the work of all of our partner program
providers, together with the value-added funding we deliver through facilities and other direct services. Every dollar the Jewish Federation
raises is a strategic investment that knowledgeably and efficiently addresses our communities’ needs. Our grants are informed by extensive
research, planning and experience, and followed up with meticulous accountability. As a result, we make a difference in the lives of hundreds
of thousands of Jews, year in and year out, through an incredible array of social service and Jewish education and identity-building programs.

The sheer span is breathtaking: from birth to preschool; from teenagers to college students; to young professionals; to interfaith families;
to our people with disabilities; to those who are hungry and in need of a meal; to those who hunger to connect, belong and learn; to our older
adults, to whom we owe all our love, respect and gratitude.

We are there, helping to Carry the Light of Jewish values. We do so by continuing our longstanding work of strengthening synagogues,
as well as supporting other innovative, pluralistic forms of Jewish community-building and connectivity which are becoming foundations
of 21st century Jewish life. This moment represents a tremendous opportunity to honor our traditional institutions while also reimagining
the way Jewish life can continue to grow. In so doing, we are cultivating our next generation of young leaders, helping to build a strong and
proud Jewish future.

But the Jewish Federation is even more than just a powerful philanthropy. We are also a leader and mobilizer of our Jewish community.

As the need rapidly grows for public advocacy of our Jewish voices, Jewish Federation serves as the convener of the region’s Jewish organi-
zations and, in times of crisis, the catalyst for action.

Back in March, when the Mount Carmel Cemetery was desecrated by vandals, the Jewish Federation mobilized, connecting more than
300 volunteers with hands-on opportunities to repair and document the damage; as well as securing more than $220,000 in donations from
nearly 3,000 households of all faith traditions. It was also our Jewish Federation that spearheaded “Stand Against Hate,” a unifying rally on
Independence Mall of some 5,000 citizens, including clergy and elected officials, raising our voices to condemn acts of hatred and violence
and to reinforce our shared belief in the power of peace. And as anyone who heard or read about the recent white supremacist rally in Char-
lottesville knows, our work as a Jewish community in opposing hatred and pursuing peace — rodeph shalom — has only begun.

Everything the Jewish Federation does — every life we touch in Philadelphia, Israel and around the world — is possible only thanks to the
devotion of our unique partnership: a seamless whole of philanthropists, volunteers, professionals, partner organizations and agencies, all
working together, guided by our collective core values of Giving, Inclusion and Tradition.

It is only through everyone’s participation and generosity that the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is strong, smart and secure
enough to accomplish all that we do and need to do. For all of that, I thank you. I look forward to serving you over the next three years as
your Board Chair. I encourage you to email me with your feedback and suggestions at selachs@jewishphilly.org. And today I invite every
one of you, whether you are deeply involved in Jewish Federation or a relative newcomer, to allow yourself to discover, and rediscover our
Jewish Federation. Allow yourselves to be delighted, motivated and amazed by our ability to effect positive change in our community, and
in our world.

From my family to yours, I wish you a sweet, happy and healthy 5778.

Susanna Lachs Adler
Chair of the Board, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
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THE GUIDE 2017/2018
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