Welcome to Historic Congregation Kesher Israel
Virtual Daily & Weekly Services
Friday Night Service
Led weekly by Cantor Adam Gilbert, live at 6:30 PM, on our Facebook page.
You may follow along by downloading the Shabbat Evening Siddur HERE.
Shabbat Morning Service
Led weekly by Rabbi Mitchell Romirowsky, live at 10:30 AM, on our Facebook page.
You may follow along by downloading the Shabbat Morning Siddur HERE
Due to COVID-19, all daily & weekly services are virtual until our synagogue reopens. If you would like to be added to our mailing list for updates on virtual services and other live streams, please email office@historickesherisrael.org.
We hope to see you online!
Announcements
To Our Valued Members of Congregation Kesher Israel:
First, and most importantly, we sincerely hope that you and your family are healthy and well. We want to reassure you that safety is our #1 priority for our members, employees, and community during this unprecedented health crisis. We have been, and will continue to, closely monitor the updates around the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Philadelphia Mayor, Jim Kenney, has issued a stay-at-home order for the city until further notice, and this includes the temporary closing of any non-essential businesses. Our synagogue remains closed for the duration of this order, but congregants may still reach us by phone at (215) 922-1776 or by email at office@historickesherisrael.org.
We’re all in this together; our goal is to help ensure everyone stays as healthy as possible during this challenging time. We’ll be sure to send follow-up emails and post notices on our website with all important updates.
Thank you for your continued support of Historic Congregation Kesher Israel; it is our pleasure to serve you, our congregants and community. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.
Weekly Bulletin
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 Eastern European immigrant 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
Siena Palermo’s Bat Mitzvah –
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Although Congregation Kesher Israel is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, our synagogue hosted a very intimate Havdalah Bat Mitzvah for Siena Palermo on Saturday, March 21st, at 5:30 PM.
Because of the strict 10-person gathering order, seven people were in attendance, including Siena’s parents, Laurie and Michael Palermo. Cantor Adam Gilbert officiated this wonderful service. The Bat Mitzvah was videotaped to be played for family and friends the next day.
Congregation Kesher Israel wishes Siena and her family much happiness, and best of luck on her upcoming Bat Mitzvah party!
To book a future Bar/Bat Mitzvah, please give us a call at (215) 922-1776, or email office@historickesherisrael.org.
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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.
