By Jodi Krasilovsky Miller
On Feb. 24, Jewish communities will come together across the Greater Philadelphia region to help raise crucial funds for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Super Sunday, as it’s called, is one of the most important days of the year for Jewish communities and, ever since my first experience nearly a decade ago, I find it to be most inspiring.
On this day, we officially jumpstart our annual campaign to fund all the critical and lifesaving work that the Jewish Federation accomplishes each year. And we come together to celebrate our success, connect with new members and learn more about where our support is most needed.
The Jewish Federation is deeply enmeshed in the fabric of our communities, affecting each and every one of our lives every day. From young children who need access to pre-K education, to the teens involved in leadership programs, to the adults who need career advice and networking and to the elder adults who need assistance to continue to live in their home — the Jewish Federation is there.
Every day, this organization and its connected agencies provide lifelines to so many of our most vulnerable community members locally, in Israel and around the world.
With so many causes in need of support, the Jewish Federation eliminates any guesswork on where donations might create the biggest impact. As chair of the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy affinity group, I see firsthand the intricate budget, allocation and strict evaluations that go into every dollar raised and spent. With many diverse voices contributing to the process, Jewish Federation donors can rest assured that their dollars are used in accordance with our Jewish values to collectively achieve the most good.
Through this process we are creating bonds with those who share our values and are dedicated to the same cause. And we are opening our doors and our hearts to people and communities who are in need of extra support.
It is not an easy time to be Jewish: Following the terrible events at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and the continued rise in anti-Semitism in our country, I’m consistently reminded why the work of the Jewish Federation is so important. Just one day after this recent tragedy, the Jewish Federation brought together people of all faiths for a community vigil. And the day after that, a high-level security briefing was organized to deliver much-needed information to all of our local Jewish groups.
As Jews, we understand the importance of building bridges and working with all people of all faiths to strengthen our communities. It is critical now more than ever for us to stand together in order to continue to grow and thrive. Fortunately, the Jewish Federation is poised to address these challenges — and by giving to the Jewish Federation, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community that truly benefits everyone.
This year’s event is extra special because Super Sunday is coming right to our doorstep: Our Main Line community will conveniently have its own event at the Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center of JFCS in Bala Cynwyd. By hosting five Super Sunday locations across Greater Philadelphia, our Jewish Federation is giving neighborhoods the opportunity to come together to raise money, make new friends and show our collective strength in order to secure a strong Jewish future for generations to come.
In challenging times, it is enormously important for Jews to continue to help other Jews in every step of their lives. Super Sunday is the best way for the Jewish community to meet face to face and work side by side to ensure our most critical needs are met and that our children will share a bright, Jewish future. I look forward to seeing you there. And for those of you who aren’t able to make it, join in the spirit of the occasion and answer that phone call.
Jodi Krasilovsky Miller lives in Wynnewood. Super Sunday will be held on Feb. 24 at five locations across the Greater Philadelphia region. For a listing of all locations, times and directions, visit jewishphilly.org/SuperSunday.
