Dear Mekor Community,
For nearly 20 years, Mekor Habracha has been at the heart of Jewish life in Center City Philadelphia. Together, we have built not only a warm and vibrant shul community, but also the foundation that has enabled Jewish life to flourish throughout our city. From providing daily, Shabbat, Yom Tov, and High Holiday prayer services, an array of Torah classes, maintaining the Center City eruv each week, supporting the growth of kosher restaurants and businesses, helping establish the Center City mikvah, providing conversion guidance, pastoral care, meaningful programming, and so much more, Mekor has played a central role in creating the thriving Jewish community we are blessed to have today.
Central to this mission is our commitment to welcoming all Jews and prospective Jews, regardless of background or level of observance, and to helping every individual find a meaningful connection to Torah, the Jewish people, and Israel. Since October 7, we have also expanded our efforts to stand proudly with Israel, combat antisemitism, and provide educational and community programs that strengthen Jewish identity and unity during these challenging times.
This work has been strengthened by the leadership and contributions of many throughout our community. We are grateful to our Associate Rabbi, Rabbi Steven Gotlib, for his dedicated service over the past two years, particularly his work to expand Mekor's educational programming and to enrich our community life.
At the same time, the financial realities have become increasingly challenging. Inflation and rising operating costs have significantly increased the expense of maintaining our shul and sustaining the many programs and services that our members value. Like many Jewish institutions today, we have also experienced increased security-related expenses. Together, these rising costs make membership support more important than ever.
The bottom line is simple:Center City Jewish life depends on Mekor Habracha, and Mekor Habracha depends on your membership.
Every membership helps ensure that Mekor can continue serving our community and strengthening Jewish life in Center City.
As we approach the New Year, I invite you to renew your membership or, if you are not yet a member, to join the Mekor family. Your support is an investment in the future of Jewish life in Center City and will enable us to continue serving our community for many years to come.
To join or renew your membership, please click here:
Please note: We want everyone interested in membership to be part of the Mekor family, and cost should never be a barrier. If you are interested in learning more about assistance with membership fees, please reach out to our treasurer, Ellen Geller, at gellerellen@gmail.com, the shul office at admin@mekorhabracha.org, or Rabbi Gotlib or me. All inquiries are kept in the strictest confidence.
Thank you for your friendship, your partnership, and your commitment to Mekor.
Wishing you and your family a sweet, healthy, and meaningful Shana Tova,
Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch