Kol Tzedek
| Kol Tzedek | |
|---|---|
Hebrew: קול צדק | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reconstructionist Judaism |
| Leadership | Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 5300 Whitby Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
Location in West Philadelphia | |
| Coordinates | 39°56′44″N 75°13′43″W / 39.945612°N 75.228685°W |
| Website | |
| kol-tzedek | |
Kol Tzedek is a Reconstructionist synagogue in West Philadelphia.
The congregation was founded in 2004 in the Cedar Park neighborhood as part of a Jewish resurgence in West Philadelphia.[1][2] For many years they were housed in the Calvary United Methodist Church at 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue, but in 2024 they moved into their own space at 53rd Street and Whitby Avenue, only a few blocks away.[3]
The synagogue often hosts fundraisers to benefit the local community, such as their 2020 Hanukkah party benefitting YEAH Philly, an organization offering resources to teens affected by gun violence,[2] or their 2022 Purim celebration where the money went to cancelling medical debt.[4] The congregation has been described as diverse, welcoming of LGBT congregants,[1] and predominately left-wing, and has been outspoken in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.[5]
The founding Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann stepped down in 2014, and the synagogue has since been led by Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari.[6] The congregation has among its members Philadelphia City Councilmember Rue Landau.[7]
External links
- Official website
- Wikidelphia entry
- Interview with founding Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann
- Video recording of the Kol Tzedek Simcha Klezmer Band
References
- ^ a b Batcha, Becky (13 April 2013). "Where We Worship". Inquirer.com. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ a b Brod, Robby (15 December 2020). "West Philly synagogue's virtual Hanukkah party raises thousands for neighboring nonprofit". WHYY. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ Feldman, Leslie (20 March 2024). "A New Lease on Jewish Life: Kol Tzedek Finds a New Home". Jewish Exponent. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ Lang/Levitsky, Rosza Daniel (1 December 2023). "'Side by Side by Side', in the street". Studies in Musical Theatre. 17 (Sondheim from the Side): 183–192. doi:10.1386/smt_00129_1.
- ^ Saffran, Jarrad (21 November 2023). "Kol Tzedek Rabbis and Congregants Join Cease-fire Actions". Jewish Exponent.
- ^ Colletta, Jen (15 September 2016). "Leading in Fatih: Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari". Philadelphia Gay News. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "Councilmember Rue Landau". Philadelphia City Council. Retrieved 19 February 2026.