Welcome to Historic Congregation Kesher Israel
Our Service Schedule
Weekday Mornings
Shabbat Mornings
Sunday Mornings and Federal Holidays
About
In picturesque Society Hill, Philadelphia, stands the historic building home to Congregation Kesher Israel. Built as the city’s first Universalist Church in 1796 and converted into an immigrant Eastern European synagogue in 1889, this abiding house of prayer has seen history march past and through its doors.
Community is at the heart of everything we do at Kesher Israel. We are a multigenerational congregation of diverse backgrounds, bound by enduring connections and sustained by frequent fellowship. We invite you to visit us and share in the warmth of our cherished spiritual home.
Meet Rabbi Mitchell Romirowsky

“I look forward to meeting and working with each of you in the Historic Kesher Israel community.”
Rabbi Romirowsky has served as a rabbi in the metropolitan Philadelphia area for decades. He is an active, lifelong member of the Philadelphia Jewish community, and is one of several rabbis and Jewish community leaders in his family. He is a graduate of Columbia University, the Jewish Theological Seminary and Marriage Council of Philadelphia.
Currently, Rabbi Romirowsky lives in Merion with his wife, Sheila, and their rescue dog, Molly. They have four children and four grandchildren who have made their homes across the United States and overseas in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Meet Cantor Adam Gilbert

Cantor Adam Gilbert began his relationship with Kesher Israel in 1995, when he came to serve as High Holiday Cantor. In 2004, Adam was called to serve as Cantorial Soloist for the Jewish Community Center in Long Beach Island, NJ, which he did for 3 years. Adam returned to Kesher Israel as Chazzan in 2008 and he continues to serve our congregation with great distinction.
Adam holds a dual degree from Drexel University in Finance and Accounting and he now serves as both a Real Estate Consultant and Certified Appraiser. In addition, Adam is the Owner of B & A Appraisals.
Events

Reserve the Space
Interested in reserving the space for your bar or bat mitzvah, birthday celebration, or other occasion? Email us for more information.

Schwartz Preschool
The Schwartz Preschool at Kesher Israel provides a quality early education program with a child-led philosophy, emphasizing creativity and play. Caring professional educators help lay the foundation for a successful learning experience.

Hebrew School
Children within and outside of our congregation are welcome to participate in our Hebrew School program, which teaches Jewish history and culture. Contact us to learn more about our weekly lessons, children’s services and special events.