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Welcome to the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE | THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Jewish Cultural Center

An extention of Jewish life beyond school, the workplace and houses of worship.

Jewish Family Service

Responding to the needs of a large elderly population in need of services.

Lakin Holocaust Resource Center

Providing community awareness, information, audio-visual support and education.

Literatour is a community-wide celebration in its second year with 28 exceptional events featuring authors, celebrities, and cultural influencers throughout Berks County from September 2020 to June 2021. Literatour is being presented by Jewish Federation of Reading in partnership with Exeter Community Library and Sinking Spring Public Library.

While this year’s Literatour season will begin virtually our goal is to resume in-person author events in 2021 as determined by local health guidelines. All programs through end of 2020 will be held virtually.

REGISTER

Local Holocaust Story Shared Nationally

3GNY Stories Live

"Luck Through Misfortune -- Our GG's Story"

Featuring Stacy Seltzer and Her

Grandmother, Esther Bratt

In case you missed Stacy sharing the story of her maternal grandmother, Esther Bratt, who was born on March 8, 1929 in the "Jerusalem of Lithuania," Vilna. During the war, she survived the Vilna Ghetto, Hakapeh Labor Camp, and in the small cellar of a local farmer. She had many sliding doors moments that could have changed her story (and that of her family).

Click here to watch on YouTube

code of conduct

We know that these are uncertain times and Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks is doing its part to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in our community.

Based on the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to limit large gatherings and to practice social distancing Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks has taken the precautionary step to cancel all non-essential meetings and programs through mid-May. The situation in Berks County will be continuously monitored to ensure appropriate decisions of whether to hold or cancel future programs and meetings.

To encourage a healthy community we invite you to learn the signs and symptoms of Coronavirus and know what to do if you are symptomatic:

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

* Stay home when you are sick

* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

* Limit movement in the community

* Practice social distancing, meaning remain out of congregate settings, avoid mass gatherings and maintain distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.

If you need non-medical assistance during this time Jewish Family Service is here to help. Please call the JCC at 610-921-0624 or email or call Bill Franklin (610-927-7136).

The Federation offices will continue to operate during this time but the situation will be monitored with Pennsylvania and Berks County health officials. If the JCC and Federation office closes, updated information will be sent to the community.

Please keep yourselves and your families safe by following CDC precautions to stay healthy during this outbreak. Please look for emails, our website and social media for timely updates.

Best,

William D. Franklin, President

Email: williamf@jfreading.org

Office: 610-921-0624

New to Reading, PA?

We would like to welcome you with information about our Jewish Community. Your "Welcome Packet" has the most recent SHALOM publication, program guides, and other handy information.

Get Welcome Packet >

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