Mekor Habracha/Center City Synagogue

09/01/2026

08/20/2026

We are pleased to announce that Cheezy Vegan, a vegan restaurant located at 1216 S. 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 is kosher certified (excluding Passover) under the Orthodox supervision of IKC Philly effective immediately! (Note that the Something & Nothing Premium Sodas are NOT under supervision.)

Please support our efforts by informing them that you are a kosher consumer.

07/20/2026

As we approach Tisha B'Av, we are reminded that strong Jewish communities are built through the commitment of their members.

One of the foundations of Jewish life in Center City is our eruv. It is an essential part of Shabbat for many in our community, enabling families with young children, those who use mobility aids, and countless others to carry food to Shabbat meals, visit friends and neighbors, and fully participate in community life on Shabbat. Maintaining the eruv and upgrading its infrastructure requires ongoing care and significant resources.

Although our campaign officially runs July 26–28, we are inviting early contributions before Tisha B'Av. If the eruv has made a difference in your Shabbat experience, please consider making a contribution through the Mekor Habracha team page to help improve its long-term reliability and ensure it continues to serve our community for years to come.

To make a contribution, please visit:
https://thechesedfund.com/centercityeruv/ep2026/teams/mekorhabracha

Thank you for your partnership in supporting this vital community resource!

07/03/2026

Happy 250 USA!

The Soul That Held the Spear

02/18/2026

We are pleased to announce that Zevi's Bakery, a pareve bakery in South Philadelphia, is now Certified Kosher under the Orthodox supervision of IKC.

Please support these efforts by informing them that you are a Kosher customer

02/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that Casa Borinqueña, a vegan restaurant serving Puerto Rican cuisine, is now Certified Kosher under the Orthodox supervision of IKC.

Casa Borinqueña is located at 2557 Amber Street.

Please support these efforts by informing them that you are a Kosher customer.

01/27/2026

Dear Mekor Habracha Community,

We proudly join the Jewish people in joy and celebration for the return of the last hostage from Gaza, Ran Gvili hy”d.

As we approach Shabbat Shirah, we acknowledge this time to sing with joy, to feel Hashem’s guiding hand, and to lift our voices in gratitude and celebration. After so much darkness, Am Yisrael bursts forth in song, hope, and faith, embracing the light and the happiness of this incredible return. For the first time in a decade, there are no hostages in Gaza!

May we continue to see miracles, peace, and redemption speedily in our days.

Sincerely,
The Mekor Habracha Team

12/14/2025

Dear Mekor Habracha Community,

We are heartbroken by the horrific massacre at the Bondi Beach menorah lighting ceremony in Sydney, Australia. As of now, 11 Jews, including one of the local Chabad shluchim, were murdered simply for being Jewish while publicly performing a mitzvah on Chanukah.

At minyan this morning, our rabbis led Tehillim and learning for the zechut of all those who were murdered and injured, and for their families and community. Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Australian Jewish community during this unimaginably painful time.

May the memories of those who were murdered be a blessing, and may those who were injured experience a full and speedy recovery.

Tonight, let us light our chanukiyot in their merit, recommitting ourselves to combating the darkness of the world with Jewish light, courage, and faith.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Hirsch, Rabbi Gotlib, and the Mekor Habracha Team

12/05/2025

We are pleased to announce that Luhv Food is now offering their packaged products at the Hudson News kiosks in the Philadelphia International Airport. All Luhv products are manufactured under the Orthodox supervision of IKC. Please support these efforts by informing them that you are a Kosher customer.

12/02/2025

We have so much to be thankful for this year. We've built a thriving, welcoming shul rooted in Torah, Tefilah, and our shared love of Judaism and Israel together with all of you. We have a large eruv, over two dozen kosher establishments, and so many new members in our community, with several children born in the last few months alone.

If you are grateful for our minyanim, classes, programming, and the many services Mekor provides to the community, please remember to donate to Mekor for Giving Tuesday. Your support fuels our continued growth and sustains the tireless work of Rabbi Hirsch, Rabbi Gotlib, and our dedicated Board.

Thank you again for being an important part of our community!

The generosity of members and visitors who make donations to our shul are vital to help us continue serving our congregation as well as members of the wider Jewish community. Making a donation is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions, honor your friends and family, or commemorate the yahrtz...