The upcoming months are full for the Jewish Federation's Center City Kehillah — be sure to save the date!
Babi Yar Remembrance Ceremony
Sunday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Shalom Cemetery
Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center will host a gathering to honor the victims of Babi Yar. To register, email Jacob Dupre at Jacob@hamec.org.
From Trauma to Healing: Supporting Israel’s Dental Community
Sunday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation
Join us for an inspiring event to explore the journey from trauma to healing within Israel's dental community. Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation is hosting a powerful gathering marking two years since Oct. 7 to discuss Trauma and how to help the Israeli dental community heal. To register, click here.
Jake Cohen’s “Dinner Party Animal” | Book Launch
Monday, Sept. 29 | 7-9 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Four friends. One stage. Endless stories. Join cookbook sensation Jake Cohen, chef Michael Solomonov, songwriter Benj Pasek, and comedian Alex Edelman for a night celebrating food, laughter, and friendship. These longtime friends bring their signature humor, heart and creativity to Philadelphia in a conversation you won’t forget — plus nosh inspired by Jake’s new book Dinner Party Animal during the book signing. Come hungry for connection, joy and a truly one-night-only experience. To register, click here.
Break The Fast
Thursday, Oct. 2 | 7-9 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim for an annual Break the Fast immediately following the conclusion of Yom Kippur services. The cost is $34 per person. For more information or to register, call 215.677.1600.
“A Letter to David” Film Screening
Saturday, Oct. 4 | 8-10 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Filmmaker Tom Shoval crafts a personal cinematic letter to David Cunio, who was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7, 2023, and has been held hostage in Gaza ever since. David and his brother Eitan played the lead roles in Shoval’s award-winning debut film, ‘Youth’ (Berlinale 2013), which centered around a kidnapping and depicted their strong bond. Shoval revisits that film’s raw footage, unedited behind-the-scenes material, and auditions, weaving them together in a documentary that serves as both a personal letter and a multi-layered portrayal of the new reality in war-torn Kibbutz Nir Oz, where many were murdered or abducted. This affecting visual journey reflects on what was and never will be again, the cruel separation of the brothers, and the inexplicable connection between life and cinema, memory and reality. The film does not use footage from October 7th but relies on existing materials as a testimony to the unimaginable. To register, click here.
Remember Oct. 7
Sunday, Oct. 5 | 5-7 p.m.
Adath Israel on the Main Line
Join the Israeli American Council for an evening of commemoration and reflection. Together in solidarity, grief and healing, the community will honor the victims of Oct. 7 and call for the release of all hostages. To register, click here.
Dinner in the Sukkah
Sunday, Oct. 12 | 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim for their annual steak and salmon in the sukkah dinner. The cost is $39 per person. For more information or to register, call 215.677.1600.
Sisterhood October General Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 1-3:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join the Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim for their October general meeting. The meeting will feature Molly Golubcow, author of “The Hotel On St. James Place.” For more information or to register, call 215.677.1600.
Meet the Candidates
Sunday, Oct. 19 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim for their annual Meet the Candidates Brunch. This event is open to the community and there is no charge. Come out and ask the candidates the important questions and listen to what issues are important to them. To register, call 215.677.1600.
Sisterhood Opening Luncheon
Thursday, Oct. 23 | 1-3:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join the Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim for their opening luncheon meeting. There will be a hot salmon lunch and entertainment by Dennis Matthews, who will sing and play the keyboard. The cost per person is $40. For more information or to register, call 215.677.1600.
“Heart of a Stranger” Book Launch with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Thursday, Oct. 23 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Join for an inspiring evening with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the groundbreaking Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and the first Asian American ordained as a rabbi and cantor. In conversation with renowned cultural journalist Sandee Brawarsky, Rabbi Buchdahl will share stories from her deeply personal new memoir, Heart of a Stranger — a moving reflection on identity, faith, leadership and belonging. To register, click here.
JRA Food Distribution
Sunday, Oct. 26, Nov. 16 and Dec.14 | 9:30 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.
Czech Scrolls
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12-3:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim for the Czech Scrolls Program. Trustee and United States Representative of the London based Memorial Scrolls Trust, Lisa Roman, will tell participants about the history of the scrolls. There will also be a luncheon. The cost per person is $20. For more information or to register, call 215.677.1600.
Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival: Celebrating 45 Years of Bold Jewish Storytelling
Wednesday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 23
Celebrating 45 years of bold Jewish storytelling, Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media (PJFM)’s annual film and media festival returns Nov. 12-23 to Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. PJFM’s 45th festival brings unique Jewish international films and digital media content from across the globe, from Philadelphia movie premieres to repertory cinema and collaborative events with local organizations. The 45th Annual Festival will reflect its growing mission to create connection and community through Jewish cinema and digital storytelling. To learn more and get tickets, click here.
Joyful Connections: Honoring Dr. Catherine Verrier Piersol
Thursday, Nov. 13 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Center for Design
ARTZ Philadelphia will be celebrating the power of joyful interactions around the arts to enhance the lives of people affected by dementia and their care partners. The event will honor Dr. Cathy Verrier Piersol, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP, Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, and Director, Jefferson Elder Care, for her extraordinary partnership, collaboration and support of the ARTZ Philadelphia community since 2018. To register, click here.
Antisemitism, An American Tradition | Book Launch & Conversation with Pam Nadell and Dan Tadmor
Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Antisemitism is not an aberration in American history — it’s a thread woven through it. In her urgent and sweeping new book, Antisemitism, an American Tradition, acclaimed historian Pamela Nadell traces nearly four centuries of anti-Jewish prejudice on American soil, from Peter Stuyvesant’s attempt to expel Jews in 1654 to modern-day acts of deadly violence and hate. Join for a timely and eye-opening conversation between Nadell and Weitzman Museum CEO Dan Tadmor, exploring how antisemitism in the United States has endured, evolved and been met with fierce and creative resistance. To register, click here.
Americans for Ben-Gurion University Tribute Brunch
Sunday, Nov. 16 | 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Americans for Ben-Gurion University
Join Americans for Ben-Gurion University to celebrate and honor the work of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). BGU is the beating heart of the Negev — where education, research and community are leading the Way Forward. To register, click here.
Chanukah Market at The Weitzman
Sunday, Nov. 30 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Browse one-of-a-kind creations from local artists, makers and Museum Store favorites, then treat yourself to delicious bites from some of Philadelphia’s most exciting food purveyors. With music, flavor, and flair, it’s the perfect way to shop small and start the season bright. To register, click here.
The Essence: A Yiddish Theatre Dim Sum
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Witty, fast-paced, and unapologetically irreverent, The Essence: A Yiddish Theatre Dim Sum is a genre-bending theatrical revue that delivers a crash course in Yiddish stage history — with zero nostalgia and maximum laughs. Created by and starring Allen Lewis Rickman and Yelena Shmulenson, with live musical accompaniment by Steve Sterner, this 83-minute performance distills 150 years of Yiddish theatre into a whirlwind of sharp sketches, cheeky songs, and lovingly crafted satire. To register, click here.
Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare | Book Launch and Conversation with Eddie Fishman
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 7-9 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
What happens when the world’s most powerful nation turns its economy into a weapon? In his gripping new bestseller “Chokepoints: American Power in the Era of Economic Warfare,” former United States State Department official Eddie Fishman reveals how the United States has reshaped global conflict — not through troops or tanks, but by weaponizing its dominance in finance, trade and technology. With unprecedented access and insider perspective, Fishman takes participants behind the scenes of America’s economic campaigns against Russia, China and especially Iran, where sanctions have become a central tool in the high-stakes struggle over nuclear ambitions and regional power. To register, click here.
Medal of Honor Ceremony
Sunday, Dec. 14 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Join Maccabi USA to bestow the Medal of Honor upon visionary leaders who have advanced this organization and strengthened our collective Jewish future through the power of sports. To register, click here.
Tribe 12's Annual Hanukkah Celebration
Monday, Dec. 15 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Join Tribe 12 for their annual event to honor members of the community and raise funds to support their work engaging young adults in Greater Philadelphia's Jewish community. To register, email megan@tribe12.org.
Being _ at Christmas!
Thursday, Dec. 25 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Fill in your own blank and join the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History for their annual day of family fun. To register, click here.
Holocaust Survivor Concert
Tuesday, March 10 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Keneseth Israel Synagogue
Commonwealth Youth Choir will host a concert with the Holocaust Awareness Museum to sing to local Holocaust survivors and the audience. After the performance, participants can meet survivors. To register, click here.
Diller Teen Fellowship
Applications for the 2025 -2026 Diller Teen Fellowship cohort are now open. The Diller Teen Fellows is a year-long teen leadership program for 10th and 11th graders. Participants explore their Jewish identity, their connections to Israel and engage in meaningful Tikun Olam and social justice opportunities alongside Jewish teens from across Philly. To learn more and apply, click here. The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 1.
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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.
