Balsam Halifa recently marked his one-year anniversary as an independent entrepreneur. The ambitious 34-year-old from the Druze village of Maghar in the Galilee owns a franchise of the Israeli coffee chain Aroma Espresso Bar.
About Us
The Jewish Federation of Reading is the planning, coordinating and fund raising arm of the Jewish community. The Federation raises and allocates funds for The Jewish Federations of North America's collective efforts in support of many vital national and international Jewish organizations. Read more about our core Community Campaign.
Locally, through our Jewish Family Service, financial assistance is provided to those in need. A taxi transportation program benefits the elderly, along with counseling services for individuals and families. Camp scholarships are provided for needy youngsters to attend Jewish day and overnight camps.
The Jewish Education Fund Committee oversees the provision of subsidies for Jewish organizations’ cultural, religious, and social programs such as community Shabbat dinners, Yom Hashoah Observances and Israel Independence Day Celebrations. Our Community Relations Committee is charged with representing Jewish interests to the general community, governments, and schools. The Endowment Committee seeks to ensure the viability of our community’s Jewish future and The Leadership Training Program endeavors to educate young Jewish adults. The Federation publishes SHALOM, a monthly newspaper. RISE, the Reading Israel Summer Experience Program provides matching fund savings accounts for high school students wishing to participate.
A Holocaust Library and Resource Center sponsored by the Federation is based on the campus of Albright College.
Contact the Jewish Federation by email or phone at 610-921-0624.
Fall office hours are 8:30-4:30 Monday through Thursday. 8:30-3 on Friday.
For more about the Federation and its partners, read our FAQ.
To review our most recent annual report, please click here.
Why Federation?
Caring for those in need, nurturing Jewish identity, improving life for Jews everywhere.
Our Mission
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To further the welfare of the Jewish community; to plan for the philanthropic, physical, social, cultural and educational advancement of the Jewish community; and to foster cooperation among local Jewish organizations directed toward that end.
Our Vision
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The Jewish Federation of Reading and the Jewish Cultural Center is committed to celebrating Jewish life and maintaining Jewish connections. We are a place of education and Jewish culture for people of all ages. We are a vital resource where Jewish ideas and ideals are instilled in our children and grandchildren for future generations.
We strive to increase county-wide measurable participation in Jewish life with the goal of having the maximum number of members from our community involved in all expressions of Jewish life, and we nurture Jewish values from generation to generation. We will accomplish this by building partnerships to create multiple strategies and programs that enable:
• Every Jewish child and teen in Berks County to participate in meaningful Jewish experiences that will create lasting Jewish identities.
• Every member of the Jewish community, regardless of age, to actively participate in Jewish living and learning.
• Every member of our Jewish community to live out his or her life in dignity
• Our community to participate in Israel’s future and help to rebuild and revitalize all of Israel
• Us to advocate for Jewish security in Berks County, Israel and throughout the world .
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Making an Impact in Israel
Karen Klein found a deeper connection to Israel through the Federation-supported program Masa Israel Journey. Learn how it made a difference in her Jewish life.
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Building a Future
Federation supports new tikkun olam initiatives, like these community members who tackle much-needed home and building repairs.