As we conclude the 2026 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, I am grateful for the generosity, commitment, and vision of our community.
This year, our campaign theme, Here for Good, served as both a promise and a reminder. It reflects our long-term commitment to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life, support Israel, and ensure that future generations will have a vibrant, secure, and connected Jewish community. Thanks to our donors, volunteers, community leaders, and partners, that promise was fulfilled every day throughout the year.
The impact of your support can be seen across every aspect of Federation’s work.
Through our beneficiary agencies, the Jewish Day School, Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Family Service, and our synagogues, Federation programs, and community partnerships, individuals, and families throughout the Lehigh Valley received critical support, meaningful Jewish experiences, and opportunities to connect with one another.
At our JCC, children, adults, and seniors gathered for educational, cultural, recreational, and wellness programs that strengthen community every day. The Jewish Day School continued its mission of providing an outstanding Jewish and secular education while nurturing the next generation of engaged Jewish leaders. Jewish Family Service provided essential counseling, food assistance, senior support services, and emergency aid to vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring that help was available whenever and wherever it was needed.
From early childhood through older adulthood, Federation investments created meaningful Jewish experiences that connected people to our heritage, traditions, and values. Programs such as PJ Library, Shalom Baby, Jewish Heritage Night with the IronPigs, holiday celebrations, educational programs, and community-wide events cultivated a strong sense of belonging throughout the Lehigh Valley. This year also marked the establishment of the Eva and Larry Levitt Jewish Learning and Cultural Center, in collaboration with our Holocaust Resource Center, creating a vibrant new hub for Jewish learning, engagement, and community connection for generations to come.
Our community stood firmly with Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Through emergency assistance, advocacy efforts, educational programming, and our Partnership2Gether relationship with the Yoav region of Israel, we strengthened personal connections and demonstrated that the bonds connecting Jews across the globe remain strong and unwavering. Whether through solidarity gatherings, educational forums, or ongoing support for communities affected by conflict, our community responded when it mattered most.
In a time of rising antisemitism, Federation continued investing in security, preparedness, education, and advocacy. Through partnerships with security professionals, community-wide trainings, and the work of our Community Relations Council, we helped ensure that Jewish institutions remain safe, informed, and resilient. We also continued to educate, advocate, and build relationships while promoting constructive dialogue and understanding throughout the broader community.
The strength of our Federation is also reflected in the many opportunities for leadership, philanthropy, learning, and engagement that bring people together and inspire participation. A highlight of the year was the Maimonides Society’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, marking four decades of leadership, service, and philanthropy among healthcare professionals while honoring the society’s lasting impact on our community. Women’s Philanthropy brought together dedicated leaders through educational programs, celebrations, and philanthropic initiatives, including a special major gifts and Lion of Judah/Pomegranate event featuring noted educator and advocate Shai Davidai, a Dollar-a-Day event featuring Noa Cochva, Miss Israel 2021 and IDF veteran, and a women’s empowerment event with Shai Albrecht. NextGen continued to engage young adults and young families through social gatherings, educational opportunities, the NextGen Book Club, and family Shabbat experiences. The Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group fostered collaboration and dialogue among religious leaders across the community, strengthening relationships and addressing issues of shared concern. The Selichot program, “Strings of Hope,” featuring Israeli musician Udi Bar-David, provided a meaningful and uplifting spiritual experience through music, reflection, and resilience. Partnership2Gether, the Community Relations Council, and numerous volunteer committees provided meaningful opportunities to build relationships, strengthen Jewish identity, and help shape our community’s future.
In another major highlight, the “Unity in the Community 2.0” concert brought together individuals from across the Lehigh Valley in a powerful celebration of shared values and community spirit. Programs, including a military analyst briefing and other timely forums, helped community members better understand the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people. The moving “Humans of October 7th” exhibit offered personal and powerful perspectives on the impact of the attacks in Israel. For Yom HaShoah, the Memorial Scrolls Trust initiative connected our community to Jewish history and remembrance. Our Yom HaZikaron commemoration with Project Heroes and Gilad Segev and then our Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration, reminded us of our close tie to the State of Israel. All of these Jewish Federation experiences strengthened the bonds that unite our community and reinforced our commitment to being Here for Good.
As we close this campaign year, we celebrate not only what was accomplished, but also what was made possible through collective action. Every gift, every volunteer hour, every act of leadership, and every partnership strengthened our community and expanded our capacity to serve.
On behalf of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, thank you for believing in our mission and investing in our future. Because of YOU, we are truly Here for Good.
May we continue to grow, serve, and build together in the year ahead.