Jewish Relief Agency

The Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) is a charitable organization and independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which serves over 6,000 diverse low-income individuals across Greater Philadelphia.

JRA's work is fueled by volunteers who serve those in need in a variety of ways – including, packing and delivering a box of food, giving seniors and the disabled rides to the doctor and grocery store, making friendly visits to isolated members of the community, and more. JRA volunteers come from many backgrounds, age groups, and abilities. This includes a wide range of community organizations including Jewish camps, Hillel branches, synagogues and churches, colleges, schools, corporations and others. On an average, 1,000 volunteers participate monthly to pack and deliver food packages at JRA's Food Distributions.

Founding and history
In an attempt to fill the aid gap they saw in the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community, the Agency was founded in September 2000 by Marc Erlbaum and Rabbi Menachem Schmidt. They began with three volunteers serving 19 Russian speaking families with just one U-haul truck and purchased food from BJs. Today, JRA serves over 6,000 individuals of all backgrounds in more than 3,200 households.

Services and volunteer opportunities
JRA provides many services to its recipients, and primarily through volunteer participation. JRA recipients are eligible for services if their household income is within 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and they live in JRA's service area (some exceptions may apply based on need).

JRA services include the following:


 * A monthly supplemental box of Kosher pantry staples and fresh produce (from September through May)
 * Donated household items, toiletries, kids' apparel, diapers and adult incontinence supplies.
 * Other services, dependent on volunteer availability.

JRA expansion locations
Various communities, inspired by JRA's work in the Greater Philadelphia region, have opened JRA programs in their locations including Chicago, Greenwich, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, MetroWest New Jersey, and South Jersey. These programs are operated independently of the Philadelphia organization.