Portrait of Chazzan Steven Friedell standing in black jacket and white shirt with a blue bowtie.

Steve Friedell,
Kesher's new Chazzan

The Board of Directors of Historic Congregation Kesher Israel is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Friedell as Chazzan.
Steve will be leading Kesher religious services on Shabbat and the Holidays. Congregants who recently attended Saturday Shabbat services have already seen and heard him chant our services.
Steve is not a newcomer to Kesher Israel. He was the Chazzan here from the 1990's until 2002. Steve reflected on returning to Kesher Israel: "I'm delighted to return to Kesher Israel. The congregation has changed; I think it has grown and developed. It has a wonderful Rabbi. I still feel the spirit of Abe Mersky (former longtime president of Kesher Israel) when I walk in the door. It's a very special place, very welcoming. I'm looking forward to helping the congregation grow and develop."
Steve is a Professor of Law at Rutgers Law School in Camden, NJ. He also continues to take voice lessons at Settlement Music School in Queen Village.
Steve is married to Ellen and has two adult children. He has lived in the neighborhood for more than 40 years.

Daily minyan

Weekday Mornings, Led by Gabbai Uri Shoham, live from 8:00 AM – 8:40 AM, Sunday through Friday, on Zoom. Please email [email protected] for password access.

This week’s events

Shabbat service

9:15AM - 11:30AM in our shul

This week's

Mi Sheberach

A spread of foods offered at our Shabbat kiddush luncheon

Kiddush

After services, please join us for Kiddush Lunch upstairs in the banquet hall on Saturday, November 30th. This week’s Kiddush is sponsored by Chazzan Steve and Ellen Friedell, in honor of the birth of their granddaughter Kaia Aviva.         Mazel Tov to the whole family!

Tug at My Tallis

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. Judaism doesn’t have to be boring or bewildering. Want to learn more about the Jewish topics that have always puzzled you?

Events & Announcements

Kesher Israel Happenings

         PLEASE JOIN US AS OUR SON                           CHARLES JOSEPH FOXX                                        BAR MITZVAH   

Steve Friedell

Historic Kesher Israel appoints new Chazzan

Dr Asaf Romirowsky

               Israel At War With Hamas                                             Dr. Asaf Romirowsky                   Monday Night October 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM

Announcement

Welcome to Historic Kesher Israel

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.

Effective March 1, 2021, we have reinstated our in-person Shabbat Morning Service. Face masks and 6-foot physical distancing are still required for all congregants and synagogue staff. All visitors will have their temperature taken and recorded upon arrival at the front door.

Our synagogue remains committed to the safety of all who joins us, and congregants may still reach us by phone at (215) 922-1776 or by email at [email protected].

We are all in this together; our goal is to help ensure everyone stays as healthy as possible during this challenging time. We will 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 the community. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.

Leadership

Meet Our Clergy

Leadership

Meet Our Clergy

Mitchell Romirowsky

Rabbi

Steven Friedell

Chazzan

Staff

Norman J. Millan

Executive Director

Stuart R. Herman

Kiddush Coordinator

Uri Shoham

Gabbai

Board of Directors

Rick Millan

Executive Board

Lewis Cohen

Board Member

Ira Schwartz

Board Member

Mark E. Levine

Executive Board

Eli Kowalski

Board Member

Get In Touch

Historic Kesher Israel
412 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147