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The upcoming months are full for the Jewish Federation's Old York Road Kehillah — be sure to save the date!

 

Book Club: The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende
Sunday, Sept. 28 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County

Join Congregation Beth El of Bucks County for a lively book club discussion related to the book of the month “The Wind Knows My Name” By Isabel Allende. Participants will build a richer understanding of the book and have opportunities to share and listen to member's perspectives and insights. To register, click here.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Kibitz Club
Monday, Oct. 20 | 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County

Join Congregation Beth El of Bucks County for fun Yiddish stories and experiences, Jewish music and jokes to keep Yiddish alive. No previous Yiddish knowledge required. All dialects and levels are welcome. To register, click here

 

Yizkor Community Services
Thursday, Oct. 2 | 3:30-4 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County

On Yom Kippur we set aside time to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. If you would like to attend a Yizkor service, please join Congregation Beth El of Bucks County during the afternoon. 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.

 

Mahjong Mondays with Sisterhood
Monday, Oct. 13 | 1-2 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County

Join the Sisterhood at Congregation Beth El of Bucks County to pay mahjong. To learn more and register, click here

 

Polychromatic Simchat Torah
Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 6:30-9 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County

Join Congregation Beth El of Bucks County for a vibrant Simchat Torah celebration with music, Hakafot (parade with Torahs), dancing, color and community fun. To register, click here.

 

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.

 

Culture and Cream Cheese
Sunday, Oct. 19 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County

Discuss all the interesting Jewish themed genres, including art exhibitions, authors, books, cultural happenings and more. To register, click here. To register, click here

 

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.

 

Dorie Greenspan’s “Anytime Cakes” Book Launch and Cake Party
Sunday, Nov. 9 | 2-4 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Join for a delectable evening with five-time James Beard Award winner and beloved baking authority Dorie Greenspan as she returns to The Weitzman to celebrate the release of her newest cookbook, “Anytime Cakes.” In conversation with food writer and podcast host Noelle Blizzard, Greenspan will share the inspiration behind her 15th book — a joyful collection of 100 unfussy, crave-worthy cakes designed for any day and every occasion. To register, click here.

 

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.

 

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

 

Cook For A Friend
Tuesdays: Nov. 18 and Dec. 16 | 4 - 7 p.m.
Congregation Beth El of Bucks County 

Prepare, package, and provide healthy, nutritious, and delicious meals for homebound seniors affiliated with JCC Klein Branch in Northeast Philadelphia. 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

 

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

 

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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.