Shabbat Shalom Har Zion,

There’s so much to discover at Har Zion and across our local Jewish community. This new email brings together programs from Har Zion and our community partners, open to our congregation, friends, neighbors, and beyond.

In this edition, we’re highlighting opportunities to connect with Israel, beginning with the Community & Synagogue Mission to Israel in May 2027. Join Rabbi Haaz and fellow travelers from across the area for a journey of learning, connection, and giving back. Explore the trip below and join an upcoming information session to learn more.

Closer to home, discover fresh perspectives with Rabbi Menachem Bombach, presented by Har Zion’s Israel Affairs Committee, and our community shaliach, Guy Dobrin, alongside film, conversation, art, and other opportunities to come together.

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

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.

Want to learn more sooner?

An earlier Zoom information session is available Monday, Oc‌tober 1‌2 at 7:‌0‌0 P‌M.

Register for the October 12 Zoom Session

Register to receive the Zoom details. Your link to join the session will be sent after you register.

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.

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!

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.

Safe Room

Saturday, Oc‌tober 1‌0 • 8:‌0‌0 P‌M

During a single harrowing day along Israel’s border with Gaza, Oc‌tober 7, 2‌0‌2‌3, Dr. Gedalya Fendel rescues civilian families and shelters them in his home with his wife and children. A set of grandparents, a pregnant couple, and two children...

Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El
Guest Speaker: Hayley Geffen, Director

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.