The upcoming months are full for the Jewish Federation's Lower Merion 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. - 2:00 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.
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.
Six13 Chanukah Concert
Sunday, December 15 | 4 - 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.
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 Histor
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.
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.
Souls Shot Portrait Project
Monday, Feb. 3 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Beth Am Israel
The Souls Shot Portrait Project connects fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims’ loved ones to learn about the lives they lived and create diverse works that in some way relay the essence of the person being portrayed. Through these intimate collaborations, the project aims to memorialize the victims and raise awareness about gun violence. To learn more, click here.
Community Music Group
Tuesday, Feb. 4, March 4, March 18, April 1 and April 15 | 4 - 5 p.m.
JFCS The Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center
Join us in a fun and inclusive space where people of all abilities and ages can come together to create, listen, explore, and grow through music! Participants will enjoy singing, songwriting, sharing music, playing instruments, moving to music, and improvising - all while fostering connection and creativity. To register, click here.
Proud Grandparent Circle: Supporting LGBTQ+ Family Connections
Wednesday, Feb. 5 - March 12 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.
JFCS The Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center
Join JFCS for a six-week series for grandparents of LGBTQ+ children or adults. Create community while addressing fears and hopes for your grandchildren, learning how to stay current with changing language, and discussing the challenges and joys of being in their lives. To register, click here.
Mid-Day Israeli Dancing with RakDan
Wednesday, Feb. 5 | 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC
Israeli dancing is a fun way to move at a slow to moderate pace while enjoying traditional Israeli music, socializing with others, and utilizing your brainpower to remember steps. No prior dance experience is expected. You can choose to participate in the dance lessons, or come to listen to the music and watch the dancing if you prefer. Even after the class is done, you will be smiling and singing the songs! This gems-sponsored class is open to adults of all ages. To lean more and register, click here.
Poetry Workshop
Thursday, Feb. 13 | 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
Beth Am Israel
Cathy Cohen is a gifted poet, artist and teacher. Cathy will read and talk about poetry, and guide those who would like to "take a stab" at expressing themselves through poetry. Writing and sharing poetry is not required. Each year this has been a lovely and meaningful gathering of folks to enjoy sharing, listening, or both. To register, click here.
Empowered Parenting: Navigating Life with LGBTQ+ Children
Tuesday, Feb. 18 - March 25 | 6:30 - 8 a.m.
JFCS Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center
Build community and find support in this six-week series for parents of LGBTQ+ children. Discuss your children’s needs, communicating with family and friends, advocating for your children in school and the community, and processing changes in your life. To learn more and register, click here.
Commonwealth Youth Choir Concert Honoring HAMEC Survivors
Wednesday, March 5 | 7 - 8:24 p.m.
Keneseth Israel Synagogue
Commonwealth Youth Choir will sing to local Holocaust survivors. Audience members will also have a meet and greet with survivors after the concert. This is a very special opportunity to come and honor our local Holocaust survivors. Families are encouraged to attend! To register, click here.
JRA Food Distribution
Sunday, March 23, April 27, May 18, June 22, July 20, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, 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.
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.
Arnold and Esther Tuzman Memorial Holocaust Teach-In
Sunday, March 30 | 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Gratz College
How will we impart the lessons of the Holocaust to future generations when all the eyewitnesses are gone? In his keynote lecture, creative director and film producer Ken Winikur will discuss new developments in experiential technology and the strong impact they are having on Holocaust education and memorialization. Additional breakout sessions include USC Shoah Foundation's Dimensions in Testimony, a survivor presentation, CLE for attorneys on the History of Antisemitism in the American Legal Profession, Nazi Doctors and the Holocaust and Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma. To learn more and register, click here.
Cantor Randy Herman’s Musical Magic and Mischief Concert
Sunday, March 30 | 4 - 8 p.m.
Har Zion Temple
Join for an extraordinary musical journey with Cantor Randy Herman in the newly established concert series, featuring world-class performances that celebrate the rich tapestry of Jewish music and culture. The series kicks off with an unforgettable concert showcasing the talents of Greek-Israeli-Sephardic music legend Avram Pengas and klezmer violin virtuoso Alicia Svigals. Cantor Herman, known for his energetic and passionate performances, will lead this multicultural musical exploration, bringing together rhythms and melodies that resonate with the soul. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Jewish music.
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 Lower Merion Kehillah by visiting jewishphilly.org/lowermerion 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.
