Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch
Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch is the founding rabbi and spiritual leader of Mekor Habracha/Center City Synagogue. Since its inception, Mekor has experienced remarkable growth and has contributed significantly to the flourishing Jewish life in downtown Philadelphia.
Under Rabbi Hirsch's leadership, Mekor has helped foster a dynamic community, providing vibrant Shabbat and holiday services and daily morning and evening minyanim in the Rittenhouse neighborhood.
Rabbi Hirsch serves as the Director and local halachic advisor for the expansive Center City Eruv and is the rabbinic administrator of IKC Kosher Certification in Center City, which has facilitated the substantial growth of kosher establishments in this area.
He has also served as the sponsoring rabbi for dozens of geirei tzedek (Orthodox converts to Judaism) through the Philadelphia Beis Din under HaRav Dov Aaron Brisman zt"l, as well as through several RCA-affiliated batei dinim. In addition, Rabbi Hirsch and the Mekor congregation played a key role in bringing our community mikvah to fruition.
Rabbi Hirsch has made unwavering support for Israel a cornerstone of Mekor, articulating a fervent voice for Israel, and celebrating the many Mekor congregants who have made aliyah. In recognition of his pro-Israel advocacy efforts across the Philadelphia region, Rabbi Hirsch was honored in 2019 with the Guardian of Israel Award from the Philadelphia Chapter of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA).
In addition to leading Congregation Mekor Habracha, Rabbi Hirsch serves as Dean of Jewish philosophy at Genesis University, a distance-learning college based in Suffern, NY.
Rabbi Hirsch received rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland, and Yeshivas Ohr Reuven in Monsey, NY. During his almost two decades of study in yeshiva, he forged close relationships with prominent rabbinic leaders and received years of training from renowned halachic authorities.
In 2010, Rabbi Hirsch was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's Disease, an incurable and progressive neurological condition. Since publicly sharing his diagnosis, Rabbi Hirsch has welcomed inquiries from individuals across the globe seeking halachic and spiritual guidance to cope with significant personal hardships. You can read Rabbi Hirsch's reflections on Parkinson's Disease and emunah.
Rabbi Hirsch has written three books about Jewish holidays to offer practical guidance and inspire a deeper, year-round connection to Torah and Jewish life:
Through his writing and teaching, Rabbi Hirsch illuminates the Torah's enduring relevance for Jews of all backgrounds.
Rabbi Hirsch and his wife Miriam have made Center City their home, finding deep meaning in building Jewish life and serving their beloved community.
Read more on Rabbi Hirsch's Substack, or reach him at rabbiehirsch@mekorhabracha.org.
