Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

THIS SUNDAY - Meet the Jewish Federation’s newest Shinshinim! Welcome the newest members of the Jewish Pittsburgh community and learn more about them through fun games. Register now: https://jewishpgh.org//yom-haatzmaut-shinshinim-teen-event/

SUPER SUNDAY is today! This year, our super heroes are saving lives by staying home. Make sure to pick up your phone and make a pledge when you get a call today!

Chag Sameach to all! Visit jewishpgh.org/chanukah this evening to see our 24/8 Virtual Menorah!

Celebrate Sigd tomorrow at 12pm or 7pm! What is it? Learn from Qes Efraim, the spiritual leader of the Ethiopian Jewish community, and our partner the Jewish Agency for Israel.

PJC STATEMENT ON ELECTION FAIRNESS The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and its constituent Federations are cognizant of the divisive rhetoric that has permeated t...his election season and the threats of voter intimidation and suppression that have surfaced in recent weeks. We reaffirm that the bedrock of American liberty is a strong, thriving democracy and an engaged citizenry, and that the clearest manifestation of that principle is the exercise of one’s right to vote. We are fortunate in Pennsylvania that, although the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered our lives, our ability to vote whether by mail or in person remains intact. The exercise of that franchise is critically important. Consistent with longstanding nonpartisan tradition, we encourage all citizens in this Commonwealth to vote and encourage our government officials to ensure that every vote is counted and everyone can participate in our democracy. As national interfaith leaders, including the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, recently affirmed, Our nation can only live up to its democratic ideals when all are confident that they can vote freely and without undue hardship for the candidates of their choosing. Polling places must be equally accessible, safe, orderly, and free from intimidation. All votes must be counted in a fair and transparent manner. The decision of the majority must be upheld with a peaceful transition. These core democratic ideals should be fiercely protected by all of us, regardless of political persuasion or religious affiliation. An election ‘won’ by undermining democratic processes is a loss for us all. We call upon all government leaders, candidates and election officials at every level and branch of government, regardless of party affiliation, to recommit to these core democratic principles and anticipate and diffuse any incendiary response to the outcome of the election, from whatever source. In the case of contested or close elections we ask for patience and trust in the system, as we allow for every valid vote to be counted. We ask civic and faith leaders to set a standard of civil discourse, oppose violence and encourage peaceful engagement in the political process. We must sustain and carry out these ideals and principles in both our words and our actions at this critical moment in our history. If you are voting by mail: Pennsylvania voters have several options on how to return their mail ballot: by mail, at a drop box, at their county board of election office or other officially-designated location. Under Pennsylvania law, voters must return their own ballots. The only exceptions to this are for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing to deliver their ballot. To find your county mail ballot return or early voting locations and to read the instruction about how to fill out your ballot go to https://www.votespa.com//Pag/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx If you are voting in person: Because of COVID-19 many polling places have changed in the past few weeks. Before you head out to cast your ballot, double check your polling place here: https://www.votespa.com//Pa/Voting-at-a-Polling-Place.aspx Respectfully Submitted, Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation of Reading PA Friedman Jewish Community Center York Jewish Community Center Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition