Purim is one of the most joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar. We celebrate by reading the Book of Esther and reveling in the festive spirit, especially for children. As I sat in my synagogue last night listening to the Megillah, I was struck by the joyful chaos—kids in costume running around, making noise and fully embracing the Purim spirit. This vibrant energy reminds me of our Federation’s commitment to Jewish engagement and education for our community’s children. We provide substantial support to our three Jewish Day Schools—core partners of the Federation—through campaign allocations and Educational Improvement Tax Credits, helping families afford this transformative experience. Research consistently shows that Jewish day schools are one of the most powerful influences in building lifelong Jewish identity.
Beyond day schools, our One Happy Camper program—funded in deep partnership with the Papernick Family Foundation—has provided incentive grants to hundreds of first-time Jewish overnight campers, ensuring they experience one of the most immersive Jewish environments. We also support every synagogue-based supplemental religious school in our community.
Last year, we permanently endowed the PJ Library program, ensuring that every preschool-aged child in our community receives free Jewish books each month. Additionally, the Federation funds a dedicated staff member at the JCC to provide enriching programs for PJ Library families.
Our investment in early childhood Jewish education continues through ElevatEd, a national initiative we’re coordinating right here in Pittsburgh. By strengthening early childhood centers in our synagogues and day schools, we’re fostering Jewish engagement not just for children but for their families as well.
And it doesn’t stop there—Israel travel scholarships for teens, funding for Jewish youth groups, Shinshinim (young Israeli emissaries) in our community, teen engagement programs at the JCC—the list goes on. Through these efforts, the Federation is investing in our people’s future.
As we celebrate Purim today, let’s also celebrate our children—the heart and future of our Jewish community.
Chag Purim Sameach!
Shabbat Shalom.