Annual Philanthropic Year
What is the Philanthropic Year?
Each year, RS offers an annual series of events and programs designed to help support our congregation. This year, Broad Perspectives forms the foundation of this programming.
What is a Patron?
Patrons actively support the philanthropic year by making a gift to RS at one of our Patron gift contribution levels. All of our patrons receive year-long access to Annual Philanthropic events, with the opportunity to attend receptions preceding each event. In addition, with permission, each of our patrons are recognized for their generous contributions in print and digital publications.
How do I learn more?
For more information on becoming a patron, contact Neil Wise, Philanthropy Director, at nwise@rodephshalom.org
This Year: Spring Landmark Celebration Honoring Rabbi Jill Maderer
In Spring 2026, we will come together for a special celebration that reflects our congregation’s enduring
spirit, our deep relationships, and our shared journey through Jewish time, while also honoring Rabbi Maderer’s 25th anniversary of leadership — a milestone woven into the fabric of our collective story.
For more information on these events, contact Neil Wise, Philanthropy Director, at nwise@rodephshalom.org.
For a list of Annual Philanthropic Patrons, click here.
Shabbat Service & Dinner: Friday, April 24: Reflections, music, and shared stories, with special guest, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), followed by a Shabbat dinner. $54/person. Register here for dinner. Annual Philanthropic Patrons are invited to the Shabbat dinner as our guests, with gratitude for their generosity. If you are an Annual Philanthropic Patron, please RSVP to Neil Wise.
An Evening of Celebration: Saturday, April 25:
Patron Reception | Havdalah | Dessert Soirée
RS Stories with New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Weiner.
While there is no cost to attend, we kindly encourage you to make a reservation so we can plan thoughtfully for this special evening. Register here.
Family Program – L’dor V’dor: From Generation to Generation: Sunday, April 26: An intergenerational morning of learning, creativity, and celebration.
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25/25 Campaign: Building the Future of the Jewish Community
The 25/25 Campaign honors Rabbi Jill Maderer’s 25 years of leadership by inviting our community to invest—together—in the future of Jewish life. Jewish life flourishes when it is welcoming, accessible, and rooted in relationship. The 25/25 Campaign reflects this belief by offering an inclusive entry point to giving while also inspiring transformational investment in our shared future.
Funds raised will establish the Future of the Jewish People Fund, an endowment dedicated to expanding outreach and engagement beyond traditional membership models—strengthening Rodeph Shalom and helping grow the broader Philadelphia Jewish community for generations to come. Gifts received by April 5 will be included in Spring Landmark event materials and publicity. Click here to make a donation to the 25/25 campaign.
We Want to Hear Your RS Story!
Storytelling has always been at the heart of Jewish life. From generation to generation, we share memories, moments, and experiences that shape who we are and guide who we are becoming. Through stories, we remember our past, celebrate our present, and carry our values into the future.
We are collecting short Rodeph Shalom stories—memories, moments, or reflections that capture what RS has meant to you and how it has been part of your shared journey. Your story will help reflect the spirit of our community—past, present, and future.
We invite one story per person, and we also encourage children and teens to participate and share their voices as part of our community’s story.
Selected stories and themes will be woven into the RS Spring Landmark Celebration’s Saturday evening program (April 25) with Jennifer Weiner, and all submissions will be collected and preserved in a digital flipbook.
Click here for the story guidelines. Share your story here.
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For more information on these events, contact Neil Wise, Philanthropy Director, at nwise@rodephshalom.org.
