The upcoming months are full for the Jewish Federation's Center City Kehillah — be sure to save the date!
Between the Stone and the Flower: The Duality of the Conversos
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 6:30 - 9 p.m.
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
This newly released documentary follows Genie Milgrom, a Cuban-born Catholic, on her quest to uncover her Crypto-Judaic roots, reconnect with her Pre-Inquisition Jewish heritage and her conversion to Orthodox Judaism. Milgrom will share her story and host a Q&A following the film screening. To register, click here.
JRA Food Distribution
Sunday, Dec. 15, Jan. 19 and Feb. 9 | 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
JRA Warehouse
Join this month's distribution and help pack and deliver food for low-income individuals across the Greater Philadelphia area. From 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., join JRA Juniors for ages ten and under to pack boxes and enjoy stories and crafts. Starting at 10:00 a.m., packing for ages ten and older will begin. To register, click here.
Chanukah Happening
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Society Hill Synagogue
Get ready for the Festival of Lights at Happening! Bring your family and friends to celebrate together and enjoy delicious gluten-free latkes from Latke Brigade and sweet sufganiyot (doughnuts), play dreidel games, take photos with Mr. Latke, and get creative with Chanukah art projects. Come dressed to impress (or amuse!) for an “ugly Chanukah sweater” contest, with great prizes! To register, click here.
Challah Braiding with the Challah Prince
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 2 - 4 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC
Join for an unforgettable experience with Idan Chabasov, the renowned Challah Prince, at the Kaiserman JCC! Known for his mesmerizing challah braiding tutorials on TikTok and Instagram and over 2.1 Million Likes, Idan has captivated millions with his unique and artistic approach to this beloved tradition. Born and raised in Israel, Idan combines his love for baking with his passion for community, sharing his skills and stories from his culinary journey. To register, click here.
Shine A Light
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 3 - 5 p.m.
Address Given Upon Registration
Join for the annual Shine A Light program in partnership with the Weitzman Museum of Jewish American History and Eteaches365! First, enjoy storytime in the PJ Library Corner with a delightful story session featuring a special visiting therapy dog. Create a light-inspired take-home craft that sparks creativity. Embark on a fun scavenger hunt throughout the Museum.
Then, experience the premiere of films from jkid4all’s project, "We Belong at the Table," highlighting traditions and history through food. Join filmmaker Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi and jkid4all Director Sarah Kolker as they explore the homes of five Jewish families of color, sharing their favorite recipes and culinary traditions. To register, click here.
Hatishma Koli: Can You Hear My Voice? Songs of Longing, Hope and Praise
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 4 - 5 p.m.
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
Join Nashirah, the Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia, directed by Dr. Julia Zavadsky, Shirei Chesed Community Chorus of New York, directed by Natasha Hirschhorn, and a special guest, Philadelphia Ballet Demi Soloist Yuval Cohen, for an afternoon of reflection, connection, and inspiration. Celebrate the music's ability to touch the soul and bring everyone together through Israeli and Ukranian songs, and beautiful classical settings of the Jewish liturgy. To register, click here.
Six13 Chanukah Concert
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Old York Road Temple-Beth Am
Get ready for an electrifying performance by a renowned Jewish A Cappella group! Known for their sensational hits like "Elton Johnukah" and "Bohemian Chanukah," they bring a unique and vibrant twist to your favorite tunes. To register, click here.
The Dehumanization of Jews in Russian and Soviet Cartoons
Monday, Dec. 16 | 6 - 7 p.m.
Free Library of Philadelphia
Bob Weinberg, Professor of History and International Relations at Swarthmore College will explore anti-Jewish visual imagery from the late Tsarist era to the early years of the Soviet Union, covering popular and official attitudes and perceptions of Russian and Soviet Jewry. To register, click here.
Tribe 12 Annual Hanukkah Celebration
Monday, Dec. 16 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Join Tribe 12 to celebrate Chanukah. They will also honor longtime Fellowship Coach Matt Pincus, longtime fellowship peer Ariella Werden-Greenfield and longtime staff member Danielle Selber for their years of mentorship of young adults in our community! To register, click here.
Latkes & Vodkas Movie Night
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Khyber Pass Pub
It’s time to “latke and vodka” with Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah musical extravaganza! This Festival of Lights, join PJFM for drinks, latkes, and laughter galore with animated classic Eight Crazy Nights. To register, click here.
Being ___ at Christmas 2024
Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Join for a day of family fun, Being ____ at Christmas. Let’s get groovy, crafty and jolly! From top to bottom, the Museum will be jam-packed with performances and activities for members and visitors of all ages. Don’t miss make-and-take crafts, including winter-themed foam sticker picture frames, paper lanterns, paper crowns, and coloring sheets; story time; and a sensory-friendly play zone with a foam floor, blocks, and puzzles. The fun doesn’t stop there: enjoy classic winter movies throughout the day in the Dell Theater, and explore the Museum’s core exhibition, checking out all of the excitement across five floors. To register, click here.
The Know-How of Knowing How
Thursday, Jan. 2 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Congregation Tifereth Israel
Seth Kovnat, an engineer with experience at SpaceX and other top tech companies, will share his journey and timeless lessons about innovation, teamwork and overcoming challenges. To register, click here.
Makom Community House Warming Shabbat Weekend
Friday, Jan. 10 - Saturday, Jan. 11
Makom Community
A weekend of Makom style Tefilah (prayer), learning, playing and growing as a community. There will be child playtime, adult learning and socializing moments. To register, click here.
Community Meeting: Meet the Mural Artist
Sunday, Jan. 12 | 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Virtual
Join the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia for an event to learn about the Holocaust Memorial Plaza’s mural project and artist Ella Ponizovsky Bergelson’s vision for the mural. To register, click here.
Ramah Day at JRA
Sunday, March 23 | 9 - 11:15 a.m.
JRA Warehouse
Join Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah in the Poconos for a morning of volunteering. Help pack and deliver food for low-income individuals across the Greater Philadelphia area. To register, email leannek@ramahpoconos.org.
Tribe 12 Fellowship: Launch Night 2025
Tuesday, May 6 | 6 - 9 p.m.
The 15th annual Tribe 12 Fellowship Launch Night is here! Be the first to witness the unveiling of 12 socially-conscious businesses, nonprofits, and projects poised to make a difference in our community, city, and beyond. Participants will hear firsthand from our 2025 Tribe 12 Fellows as pitch their ventures live on stage. To learn more, click here.
Adult Paperclips Trip
Monday, May 5 - Wednesday, May 7
Visit the Children's Holocaust Memorial (Paperclip Museum), Whitwell, TN. Experience an emotional 3 days with the children who are ambassadors for the project and the principal and teachers who bring to life the principles of diversity and the implications of hatred and intolerance. Activities include a service in their authentic rail-car, exploration of artifacts and letters, as well as meeting residents of Whitwell and some coal miners. Anti-semitism is growing, but this town supports Jews, they live the principle of love your neighbor as yourself and are handing this down to their children. There is HOPE! Join us on this meaningful trip. (Fly as a group, all food is kosher, modern bus transport, stay at Hampton Inn (Hilton). To learn more, email Marcia Levinson at marciafaye01@gmail.com.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Kehillah initiative works to foster vibrant Jewish communities. You can learn more about the Center City Kehillah by visiting jewishphilly.org/centercity or by contacting Community Engagement Specialist Noah Schoenberg at nschoenberg@jewishphilly.org.
Want to see other events happening in your community? Click here to see the community calendar.