Har Zion Temple

A House of Prayer and Self-Renewal
A House of Learning and Study
A House of Service and Friendship

"What is holy must be renewed, and what is new must be made holy." - Rav Kook

This is the guiding principle of Conservative Judaism. It speaks to a movement that values tradition, yet respects contemporary responses to faith in God, the performance of mitzvot, the welfare of the Jewish people and support for the State of Israel.

Har Zion Temple embodies the tenet of Conservative Judaism that inspires us to create modern responses to traditional challenges.

Our History

In 1922, when Wynnefield was one of the younger Jewish communities in Philadelphia, a group of families, who regularly walked the many blocks to the closest synagogue at 40th and Girard on Holy Days, began discussing the creation of their own synagogue. Soon, some of the men began the old European custom of "Rimpling", i.e. visiting from house to house after services, making Kiddush in every home, and at the same time getting pledges for the fund that would build the new synagogue.

In 1923, Harry Cohen, who would go on to become the congregation's first President, brought together 100 families in the neighborhood to charter Har Zion Temple. Harry and Phillip Publicker donated the grounds for the synagogue, at 54th and Wynnefield Avenue. Construction was completed in August of 1924.

Over the years the congregation grew and flourished, becoming a center for religious, social and cultural activities of its members. However, the facilities were eventually outgrown. In 1962 Har Zion purchased property for a day camp in suburban Radnor, PA. In response to demand from members of the local Radnor Jewish community, a synagogue was soon established to serve that community. Parallel programs of education and full religious services were maintained in Wynnefield and Radnor until 1976 when both groups were consolidated in the present Penn Valley synagogue.

Today, Har Zion is a congregation of more than 1100 member-families. Our size is the source of our strength, demanding diversity and choice in every aspect of synagogue life. At the same time there is an atmosphere of intimacy that fosters personal contact and sharing of individual interests and concerns.

We encourage you to explore this site to discover the many resources Har Zion offers its members.