The upcoming months are full for the Jewish Federation's Old York Road Kehillah — be sure to save the date!
Yiddish Class
Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join Congregations of Shaare Shamayim for a class teaching yiddish. To register, email office@shaarshamayim.org.
Celebrating Black Jewish Voices
Thursday, Feb. 20 | 4 - 7 p.m.
Drexel University
The Laurie Wagman Initiative in Jewish Studies in collaboration with Drexel's Africana Studies Program and the Pennoni Honors College cordially invite you to a very special one-time live event featuring guests Westside Gravy, rapper; Rebecca S'manga Frank, actress and writer; Fabulous Flores, Holocaust awareness educator; Debra Bowen, rabbi; Rachel Moon, fashion blogger; Brandy Shufutinsky, journalist and activist; Dmitri Shufutinsky, journalist and author; and Gulienne Rollins-Rishon, advocate and dialogue facilitator. To register, click here.
Shabbat Services
Saturday, Feb. 22 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is holding shabbat services starting at 9 a.m. for traditional services and 9:30 a.m. for our egalitarian services. A lovely kiddush follows services. For more information, call 215.677.1600.
“Yellow Piano" Event for the Hostages
Sunday, Feb. 23 | 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC, Wynnewood
Alon Ohel, a gifted pianist, was abducted by Hamas from the Nova music festival on Oct 7. His whereabouts are currently unknown. Alon’s family installed a yellow piano in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square with a sign “You Are Not Alone.” Since then, yellow pianos have been installed in cities around the world, encouraging people to play in support of all the hostages. The Kaiserman JCC is bringing the Yellow Piano to Philadelphia. Join for a musical event to raise awareness of Alon’s story and the stories of all those who remain in captivity in Gaza. Several musicians will perform and we will hear a moving message from Alon’s mother, Idit. Through music, let’s send Alon and the other hostages love, strength, and the reassuring message that they are not alone. To register, click here.
Shishi Israeli - Family Celebration!
Friday, Feb. 28 | 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC
Join the Israeli American Council and Kaiserman JCC for a warm and joyful Shabbat gathering, bringing together families, friends and community. Enjoy an evening filled with music, dancing and delicious food and celebrating the spirit of togetherness. To register, click here.
Israeli Film festival Opening Night Movie and Reception - ‘Bliss’
Saturday, March 22 | 8 - 11:30 p.m.
Weitzman National Jewish Museum of American Jewish History
Step into the lives of Sassi and Efi, an endearing couple whose love and humor light up the screen in Shemi Zarhin's acclaimed film Bliss. As they navigate the struggles of life, including the debts left behind by Sassi’s estranged son, their world is suddenly shaken by the arrival of two young men. Sassi’s free-spirited grandson, and a former student of Efi, bring unexpected challenges and revelations that test the strength of their relationship. With a delicate balance of warmth, wit, and raw emotion, Bliss is a profound exploration of love, loyalty, and the bonds that define us. To learn more and register, click here.
‘Children of nobody’ - Israeli movie (English subtitles) followed by Q&A with Director Erez Tadmor
Sunday, March 23 | 3:30 - 6 p.m.
Weitzman National Jewish Museum of American Jewish History
Set in Tel Aviv’s Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Children of Nobody follows Jackie (Roy Assaf), a former at-risk youth, who inherits the responsibility of running a crumbling shelter for neglected and abused teens after the passing of its founder, Margalit (Tiki Dayan). When the shelter faces demolition to make way for a boutique hotel, Jackie and the residents band together to challenge the municipality and fight for the only home they’ve ever known. Directed by Erez Tadmor (A Matter of Size, The Art of Waiting, both screened at the Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia), this gripping tale captures the struggles of marginalized youth and the power of community. To learn more and register, click here.
Israeli Movie(English subtitles) ‘Soda’
Sunday, March 23 | 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Weitzman National Jewish Museum of American Jewish History
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sea of Galilee in 1956, Soda tells the powerful story of Eva, a seamstress whose arrival in a close-knit community of Holocaust survivors sets off a storm of emotions and questions. As whispers about her past as a possible Kapo during the Holocaust spread, Eva finds herself at the center of a moral conflict. This heart-wrenching narrative explores love, redemption, and the scars of history that refuse to fade. To learn more and register, click here.
KUGEL: Episodes 1 + 2 - Sneak Preview
Tuesday, Feb. 25 | 2 - 8:30 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Years before Akiva Shtisel and Libi (Hadas Naron, FILL THE VOID) crossed paths, KUGEL takes us to Antwerp, Belgium, where Nuchem (Sasson Gabay, THE BAND'S VISIT), a charming yet rule-bending jewelry dealer, juggles ambition, love and family drama. As his marriage crumbles, his daughter, Libi, dreams of becoming a writer — until a chance encounter on an Antwerp tram changes everything. Told with the humor and heart that made SHTISEL a global sensation, KUGEL explores love, ambition, and the delicate balance between tradition and individuality. From the creators of SHTISEL, this is a deliciously complex story you won’t want to miss! To register, click here.
Shabbat Services
Saturday, March 1 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is holding shabbat services starting at 9 a.m. for traditional services and 9:30 a.m. for our egalitarian services. A lovely kiddush follows services. For more information, call 215.677.1600.
Amazing Escape Room with Beth El Teen Mitzvah Club
Sunday, March 2 | 10 - 11 a.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County
Bring your friends to a fun, medieval-themed group challenge to solve the puzzle and escape together - teens only please! To register, click here.
Book Club
Monday, March 3 | 8 - 9:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join for a book discussion to talk about The Women by Kristin Hannah. To register, email office@shaarshamayim.org.
Documentary Film - Campus Antisemitism, at Har Zion Temple, Penn Valley
Tuesday, March 4 | 7 - 9 p.m.
Har Zion Temple
A must-see film about the threat to Jewish life on campus, told through the voices and experiences of students. The film will be followed by a panel with Executive Producer Leonard Gold. 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.
Shabbat Across America
Friday, March 7 | 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Celebrate the annual Shabbat Across America at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim. Thousands of Jews across America will observe Shabbat at their synagogues starting with a lovely dinner, followed by services at 7 p.m. and then concluding with a beautiful Oneg Shabbat. Come enjoy the Shabbat experience with family and friends. The cost for the dinner is $22 per person. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the synagogue office at 215.677.1600.
Purim Fun Day for Teens
Sunday, March 9 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County
Join for a fun filled day for teens - eat pizza-taschen, make mishloach manot and hear the story of Esther! Come in costume. To register, click here.
Preschool and Tot Sunday
Sunday, March 9 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County
Join for fun age appropriate themed activities for children birth to six and their caregivers. The theme for March is Purim. To learn more and register, click here.
March General Meeting
Tuesday, March 11 | 1 - 3 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Hear from Guest speaker Lucy Goldstein. To register, email office@shaarshamayim.org.
Purim: Under the Big Top at Beth El
Thursday, March 13 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County
Celebrate Purim with a pizza dinner, a juggling show, a service and a Megillah reading! There will also be face painting, games and more. To register, click here.
Purim Get Together
Thursday, March 13 | 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding Purim Services and reading of the Megillah. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with a lite dinner, followed by a 7 p.m. Ma’ariv service and Megillah reading. The cost for the lite dinner is $10 per person. Cantor Buzzy Walters will play the piano and lead in song. He will be joined by Yechiel Schur who will lead a most expressive and memorable megillah reading. Please call the synagogue office at 215.677.1600 to register.
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 | 9:00 a.m. - 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.
‘His Own Way’ Documentary Israeli Film (English subtitles) Narberth Movie Theatre
Tuesday, March 25 | 7 - 9 p.m.
Reel Cinemas Narberth Stadium 2
Dive into the extraordinary career of Avi Nesher, one of Israeli cinema’s most iconic filmmakers. This captivating documentary chronicles Nesher’s remarkable journey through five decades of filmmaking, from his groundbreaking debut with The Troupe to beloved classics like Turn Left at the End of the World and The Matchmaker. Combining personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews with family, colleagues, and film scholars, the film paints a vivid portrait of the man behind the lens. To learn more and register, click here.
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.
TikTok Tova: Voice of Survival – Combating Antisemitism and Advancing Holocaust Education
Sunday, March 30 | 2 - 3 p.m.
Holocaust Awareness Museum
This event offers a rare and powerful opportunity to hear from Tova Friedman, a Holocaust survivor who was a child in Auschwitz. Friedman will share her deeply personal story, providing a unique perspective on the Holocaust that will leave a lasting impact. In addition to sharing her testimony, Friedman has embraced the digital age, connecting with a new generation through her TikTok account, TovaTok (@TovaFriedman). With over 500,000 followers and 10 million likes, she engages Gen Z innovatively and meaningfully. To learn more and register, click here.
AARP Two Day Driver Course
Monday, March 24 - Tuesday, March 25 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is pleased to be hosting an AARP drivers 2 day refresher course. There are no tests to pass and most insurance companies provide a discount for completing the course. $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-AARP members. Payment to AARP is needed to hold your spot. For more details, please call the synagogue office at 215.677.1600.
Bingo
Wednesday, March 26 | 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim Sisterhood is proud to announce the return of in person Bingo. Please join for a wonderful afternoon of fun. The cost is $42 per person and includes one bingo card and a delicious home cooked luncheon. Of course, additional bingo cards and bingo specials will be available for purchase. To register, call 215.677.1600.
Annual Brunch
Sunday, March 26 | 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding its annual congregation brunch. The cost is $42 per person which includes a delicious brunch and a musical presentation by Bob Butryn, Michael Gart and our own cantor, Buzzy Walters. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the synagogue office at 215.677.1600.
Cultural Trip
Thursday, March 27 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim sisterhood is planning a cultural trip. Meet at Beth Sholom Synagogue for a 90-minute docent led tour. Beth Sholom is a National Historic Landmark and the only synagogue designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The cost is $15. For more details, please call the synagogue office at 215.677.1600.
‘The Ring,’ a Tale of Survival Movie, Hebrew with English Subtitles
Saturday, March 29 | 9 - 11:30 p.m.
Gratz College
The Ring is a poignant tale of survival, redemption, and family inspired by true events. In 1944 Hungary, a young Jewish mother saves herself and her infant son from deportation by bribing a soldier with her cherished ring. Decades later in Israel, her son, now an observant Jew and estranged from his daughter, sets out to recover the ring as his mother’s health declines. To register, click here.
Poker Tournament
Sunday, March 30 | 12 - 5 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County
Lay your cards on the table at the Men's Club Poker tournament! Advanced registration is required. Admission includes lunch and beverages. To register, click here.
‘Matchmaking 2,’ A delightful romantic Israeli comedy (English subtitles)
Sunday, March 30 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Weitzman National Jewish Museum of American Jewish History
Matchmaking 2 (2024), directed by Erez Tadmor, is the delightful sequel to the acclaimed romantic comedy Matchmaking (screened at the Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia in 2023). Returning to the vibrant world of macthmaking in the Orthodox Jewish community, the film offers a fresh and witty exploration of love, relationships, and tradition. To register, click here.
AARP Driver Course
Monday, March 31 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is pleased to be hosting an AARP drivers 1 day refresher course. Sign up for this refresher course if you have taken the two-day driver safety course in the last three years. There are no tests to pass and most insurance companies provide a discount for completing the course. $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-AARP members. Payment to AARP is needed to hold your spot. For more details, please call the synagogue office at 215.677.1600.
April General Meeting
Tuesday, April 1 | 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Hear from Cantor Buzzy and Ellen Walters, who will share their experiences last year in India. To register, email office@shaarshamayim.org.
Book Club
Monday, April 7 | 8 - 9:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join for a book discussion to talk about Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson. To register, email office@shaarshamayim.org.
Kim Redden Yiddish
Tuesday, April 22 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim
Join the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim yiddish club to llearn and enjoy all things yiddish. To register, email office@shaarshamayim.org.
Bingo at Beth El
Sunday, April 27 | 12 - 2 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County
Bring your family and friends for bingo and pizza! To register, click here.
The 2025 Ida S. Mandell Event featuring Modi
Saturday, May 23 | 7 - 9 p.m.
Adath Israel
Join for a comedy show from the next generation of catskills style Jewish comedians, Modi. 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.
