Philadelphia Showed Up for the Next Generation

On Wednesday, October 28, more than 200 members of the Philadelphia community gathered for a sold-out evening full of meaning, laughter (thank you, Jared Freid!), and Jewish pride. The room was electric from the first hello, and everyone there had come for the same reason: to stand behind the Jewish future. 

We were there to honor Sharyn Berman and Susan Schwartz, two leaders who have turned Jewish pride into action. Through their years of leadership, commitment and generosity, they have helped young Jews in Philadelphia and beyond connect with Israel. The warmth in the room reflected how much they mean to this community. 

Elias Saratovsky reminded the room what it means to say yes to a young person who wants to experience Israel and the possibilities that open when we do.  

Michelle Rojas-Tal brought that impact to life through her own inspiring story. Her experience helped shape her path as a fierce advocate for Israel and the Jewish people, showing how a single trip can change how a young person sees themselves, their community, and their future. 

Sharyn and Susan, thank you for leading by example. A special thank you to Philadelphia Cabinet Co-Chairs Bryna Berman and Diana Cohen and Event Co-Chairs Margie Perilstein Wargon and Sherrie Spiegel, whose passion and energy brought this community together for a night we’ll be talking about long after the last laugh. 

To everyone who joined us in Philadelphia, thank you for filling the room and for investing in the next generation. The photos below capture the evening, and we hope they make you proud of what you helped build.