The upcoming months are full for the Jewish Federation's Old York Road 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.
Holiday Pop Up Shop and Local Author Book Fair
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Temple Judea Museum & Meyers Library
Come shopping in the Temple Judea Museum and pick out gifts from an incredible selection offered by our artisans. The authors are all from the local area. The books and topics will range from Children’s books to Memoirs, from Comic to Serious; from Fantastical and Fantastic to Documentary Non-Fiction, etc. There will be a book sale where you can purchase these authors’ books. Think: Chanukah gifts! Keep this date on your calendar. To learn more, click here.
Local Authors Book Fair
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12 - 3 p.m.
Meyers Library
There are so many talented writers in our area! The Meyers Library is sponsoring a book fair to provide a platform for local writers to showcase their work, connect with interested readers, share their experiences with the writing process and network with other authors. It is an exciting event for readers to explore new authors, talk with them, learn about the writing process and have books signed as well.
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, Dec. 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.
Chanukah Olive Press and Menorah Workshop
Tuesday, Dec. 17 | 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Chabad Jewish Center
Create oil from olives in an authentic oil press. Build your own menorah and enjoy Chanukah treats and surprises. 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.
Chanukah Dinner and Celebration at KI
Friday, Dec. 20 | 5:45 - 9 p.m.
Keneseth Israel
Join Keneseth Israel for a Chanukah Shabbat dinner and service. Participants will also enjoy a menorah lighting. To register, click here.
Ladies Chanukah Night: Organic Spa Night
Monday, Dec. 23 | 7:30 - 10 p.m.
Chabad Israeli Center
Come and learn healthy skincare products, and become inspired to be a shining light, starting with self care! 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.
Lights & Strikes
Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 3 - 5 p.m.
Tilted 10, Willow Grove Park Mall
Celebrate Chanukah with two hours of bowling a pin menorah lighting and kosher chinese food. Space limited, rsvp to reserve your spot. To register, click here.
Unity Chanukah Celebration
Thursday, Dec. 26 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
610 Old York Road, Jenkintown
Join for a giant menorah lighting with fresh donuts, hot latkes and a gelt drop. To register, click here.
Annual Chanukah Celebration
Monday, Dec. 30 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Shaare Shamayim Synagogue
Join Shaare Shamayim Synagogue for latkes, sufganiyot & music by Ken Ulancey. Participants will also help build a 10 foot tall menorah made of soft pretzels!
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.
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.
2G speaker series webinar: Mary Romney Schaab
Monday, Feb. 3 | 7 - 8:19 p.m.
Virtual
Join Mary Romney-Schaab as she shares the powerful narrative of her father, Lionel Romney, one of the few Black civilians to survive the Nazi concentration camp system during World War II. Through extensive oral histories and her own poignant reflections, Mary explores Lionel’s harrowing experiences and her visits to the camp that held him captive. To 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.
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.
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 Old York Road Kehillah by visiting jewishphilly.org/oyr or by contacting Community Engagement Specialist Isabella Duarte at oldyorkroad@jewishphilly.org.
Want to see other events happening in your community? Click here to see the community calendar.
