Shabbat Shalom Har Zion,

There’s music, learning, and plenty of community connection ahead! Join Cantor Herman and Cantor Magda Fishman on November 5 for an evening of Israeli pop, cabaret, soulful trumpet, and musical collaboration.

Explore fresh perspectives on Israel with Rabbi Menachem Bombach this Sunday, October 25, and our community shaliach, Guy Dobrin, on November 16. You can also learn about the Community & Synagogue Mission to Israel with Rabbi Haaz at the November 11 information session.

Across our community, JFCS will host a conversation on trauma, community healing, and antisemitism on November 5. Come support Har Zion’s own Jerry Drew and Elliot Rosen at the Jewish Author Book Fair on November 15, and join us for NCCECE Bingo Night on November 19.

Find something that speaks to you, and invite a friend!

What Happens When the Walls Become Bridges: The Israel You Haven't Met Yet

Sunday, Oc‌tober 2‌5 • 1‌1:‌3‌0 A‌M • Har Zion Temple

As founder and president of the Netzach Education Network, Rabbi Bombach is opening new doors for Haredi students through Torah learning, general education, and civic engagement, while preserving the traditions at the heart of their lives.

Over lunch, hear the stories and ideas behind his work and explore what’s possible when education and dialogue bring communities together.

Bring your curiosity and join us for lunch and a fresh perspective on Israel’s future.

Randy & Magda: Jews, Blues and Love Songs

Thursday, November 5 • 7:00 PM
Har Zion Temple

Join us for an unforgettable evening of electrifying performances featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist and trumpet player Cantor Magda Fishman and our very own Cantor Herman.

Longtime friends and musical collaborators, Cantors Herman and Fishman share a powerful chemistry that makes their performances together truly exhilarating. The concert will spotlight Fishman’s Israeli pop & cabaret roots, pairing her expressive vocals and soulful trumpet playing with Herman’s own musical artistry.

Community & Synagogue Mission to Israel

Information Session:
Wednesday, No‌vember 1‌1 • 7:‌3‌0–8:‌3‌0 P‌M

Trip: Ma‌y 6–1‌4, 2‌0‌2‌7 • Israel

Join Rabbi Haaz and fellow travelers from across our local Jewish community for a meaningful journey to Israel filled with learning, connection, and opportunities to give back. Welcome Shabbat in Jerusalem’s Old City, hear from thought leaders, volunteer alongside fellow travelers, and connect with the people and communities shaping Israel’s future. Together, we’ll experience the reflection of Yom Hazikaron and the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Discover what awaits on Wednesday, No‌vember 1‌1, from 7:‌3‌0–8:‌3‌0 P‌M. Gather with Rabbi Haaz at Har Zion in the Levin/Bailis Room to participate in the Federation’s live information session together.

Please RSVP on the trip page whether you plan to attend in person or by Zoom. You can also submit your questions when registering. Zoom details will be emailed to everyone who signs up.

Israeli Elections: A Young Israeli Perspective

Monday, No‌vember 1‌6 • 5:‌0‌0 P‌M
Rudofker Library

Israel votes Oc‌tober 2‌7. What comes next?
Join Guy Dobrin, our community shaliach, to unpack the election results and explore what they mean for Israel’s future through a young Israeli’s perspective.

Sign up and bring your questions!

NCCECE Bingo Night

Thursday, November 19
Doors open at 6:00 PM • Bingo begins at 7:00 PM
Har Zion Temple

Join us for a fun-filled evening of Bingo, sushi, raffle baskets, a silent auction, and prizes! Bring your friends and enjoy a night of games and connection while supporting Har Zion’s Noreen Cook Center for Early Childhood Education.

All proceeds support NCCECE. Everyone is welcome!

Scholar & Artist-in-Residence: Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz

No‌vember 2‌0–2‌2, 2‌0‌2‌6

Join us for a special Scholar & Artist-in-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz exploring the powerful intersection of Torah, Jewish learning and visual art. Through services, study, conversation and hands-on creative experiences for adults and families, we will discover how artists and Jewish thinkers across generations have brought sacred texts, Jewish identity and the story of our people to life.

The Melting Pot

Presented by Theatre Ariel

Now through Sunday, November 8

This work, which popularized the concept of America as a "melting pot" and was hailed by Theodore Roosevelt as a "great play," is coproduced by Philadelphia Artists' Collective as part of America 250.

Trauma Invalidation, Community Healing & the Rise of Antisemitism

Thursday, November 5 • 7:00–8:30 PM
The Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center
345 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA

As Jewish families face increasing antisemitism, psychologist Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern and a panel of JFCS professionals will explore grief, fear, and the experience of having that pain dismissed. Join a thoughtful conversation about building resilience, supporting one another, and creating a more connected and caring community.

This event is free. RSVP required.

Jewish Author Book Fair

Sunday, November 15 | 1–5 PM
Congregation Mikveh Israel
44 North 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Celebrate Jewish stories with 30 local authors, a wide range of topics and genres, author readings, and book signings.

Come support Har Zion’s own Jerry Drew and Elliot Rosen! Jerry will feature The Counterfeit Poles, his father’s memoir of survival under Nazi occupation. Elliot will share The Inheritance (Yurusha): An Autobiography, his grandfather’s life story, which he edited for publication.