Shabbat Shalom Har Zion,

This week, we’re highlighting opportunities to connect with Israel through film, conversation, and a journey together. Join us for Wrestling Jerusalem with Aaron Davidman, explore a different side of Israeli society with Rabbi Menachem Bombach, and hear a young Israeli’s perspective from our community shaliach, Guy Dobrin.

Looking ahead, learn about the Community & Synagogue Mission to Israel in May 2027 with Rabbi Haaz and fellow travelers from across our local Jewish community. Details about the November 11 information session are below.

There’s plenty to enjoy closer to home, too! Join us for NCCECE Bingo Night on November 19, and come support Har Zion’s own Jerry Drew and Elliot Rosen at the Jewish Author Book Fair on November 15.

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

Wrestling Jerusalem: Screening & Discussion

An Evening with Aaron Davidman

Monday, Oc‌tober 1‌9 • 7:‌0‌0 P‌M

Join us for a powerful evening with acclaimed writer, director, and actor Aaron Davidman, creator of the award-winning one-man play and feature film Wrestling Jerusalem and the newly released feature film American Solitaire.

This is a free event sponsored by The Link at Har Zion.

Dessert will be served for all.

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.

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 to attend in person or submit your questions. Prefer Zoom? You’ll also find registration links there.

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.

Israel Bonds Women’s Division

Fall Aviva Program

Wednesday, Oc‌tober 2‌1 • 1‌0:‌3‌0 A‌M • Lower Merion

A special book club session with Dr. Emil Pitkin, who will present The Penny Is Gone: A Soviet Jew’s Meditations on the Jewish Question, written by his late grandfather, Emil Bezverkhny.

The Melting Pot

Theatre Ariel’s newest production

Opens Wednesday, Oc‌tober 2‌1

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.

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.