Poker Night
Author: mgreenspoon
Open a Book: Tim Brady
Tim Brady
Wednesday, January 21 at 12 PM
Tim Brady
12:00 PM
Tim Brady explores a pivotal moment in early American history, tracing the moral choices and personal struggles of individuals whose lives unfold in A Light in the Northern Sea.
RSVP BELOW
About the Book
A Light in the Northern Sea is a sweeping historical novel by Tim Brady that brings to life a pivotal moment in early American history through the lens of courage, faith, and survival. Set against the harsh and uncertain landscape of the North Atlantic world, the novel follows characters whose lives are shaped by religious conviction, political upheaval, and the dangerous promise of a new land. As old loyalties are tested and new identities forged, Brady explores the moral choices individuals must make when belief, power, and freedom collide.
Blending meticulous historical research with vivid storytelling, A Light in the Northern Sea illuminates the little-known Jewish experience in the colonial era and the broader struggle for tolerance in a world defined by rigid authority and perilous journeys. The novel captures both the brutality and hope of the age, offering a deeply human story about perseverance, conscience, and the search for belonging.
About the Author
Tim Brady is an award-winning novelist, journalist, and educator whose work often explores American history, journalism, and the ethical challenges faced by individuals in moments of crisis. A former reporter for major newspapers, Brady brings a journalist’s eye for detail and historical accuracy to his fiction. He is the author of several acclaimed novels and nonfiction works, many of which examine themes of truth, justice, and moral responsibility.
Brady has taught journalism and writing at the university level and has received multiple honors for both his reporting and his literary work. Through his fiction, he seeks to shed light on overlooked chapters of history while telling compelling stories that resonate with contemporary readers.
Family Havdalah
Bring your Pre-K through 2nd grade kiddos for a warm, joyful evening as we say goodbye to Shabbat and welcome a new week together.
Families will gather for a family-friendly Havdalah service, followed by an evening of games, a hands-on craft, and plenty of laughter. A kid-friendly dinner will be served, so no need to eat beforehand.
This program is free of charge and open to all families with children in Pre-K–2nd grade. Teachers and classmates are encouraged to join in the fun.
Please register in advance so we can plan food and supplies. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Shabbat Sha-Blue Jeans
We hope you’ll join us this Friday for Shabbat Sha-Blue Jeans — our relaxed, kid-friendly Shabbat experience designed for families.
We’ll gather indoors for a welcoming Shabbat service followed by a casual pizza, pasta, and salad dinner. Children will have time to play and enjoy a simple creative activity to take home.
This program is free, BYOB (kosher), and no RSVP is needed — just come as you are and enjoy Shabbat together in a warm, family-friendly setting.
Please see the flyer below for details, and feel free to reach out with any questions. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Community Leadership: Fran Held – Mitzvah Circle
Har Zion has long been a synagogue whose reach extends beyond our walls. Members of our community, along with close friends of Har Zion, serve as leaders across the Philadelphia Jewish community, helping to strengthen and support vital organizations throughout our region.
Beginning this Shabbat, we are launching a new series that highlights this leadership. On Shabbatot without a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a guest will offer a brief presentation during services sharing the mission of an organization they are deeply involved with, how they became connected to the work, and ways others may engage.
This Shabbat, January 10, we are honored to welcome Fran Held, a longtime friend of Har Zion and a leader at Mitzvah Circle.
Mitzvah Circle works to provide dignity and essential resources to individuals and families facing poverty and insecurity. Fran will speak about the organization’s mission, her personal involvement, and the impact this work has across our region.
We hope you will join us for services and learn more about the meaningful work being done by leaders connected to our Har Zion community.
Tot Shabbat
Join us for a joyful Tot Shabbat filled with singing, dancing, movement, and time together with friends, capped off with a simple nosh.
This relaxed, welcoming Shabbat experience is perfect for our youngest community members and their families. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all encouraged to join—or invite a grandparent to bring your child for a special multigenerational Shabbat moment.
We hope you’ll join us for a sweet and meaningful morning together.
Sunday Funday
Join us for a joyful Sunday morning of laughter, music, and imagination at Puppets Pizzazz! This fun and engaging puppet show is perfect for our youngest learners and their families.
This free event is open to all NCCECE families, and breakfast will be provided. No RSVP is needed—just come and enjoy a relaxed Sunday “funday” together.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
9:30–10:30 AM
Har Zion Temple
Presented by the HSA. We can’t wait to see you there!
Sisterhood Game Days
Play your favorite games at Har Zion — Mah Jongg, Canasta, board games (think Scrabble), etc.
Snacks will be provided.
This event is free for Sisterhood members.
You are welcome to bring your friends who are not members at a cost of $5 per person.
Make sure to bring your game sets with you.
RSVP needed by Monday, January 5, 2026 to Aimee Silverman, camin113@comcast.net
NCCECE MLK Day 2026
NCCECE MLK Day 2026
Monday, January 19 – 10:30AM – 12:00PM
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of kindness, service, and community, NCCECE children are invited to take part in a special hands-on craft activity as part of Har Zion Temple’s MLK Day of Service.
Children will create age-appropriate crafts that spread joy and support our broader community service efforts. A kid-friendly lunch will be provided during the program.
This activity is designed for NCCECE children and will take place alongside the congregation-wide MLK Day programming.
This program requires an RSVP.
RSVP Now
Please complete the form below to RSVP for the NCCECE MLK Day Craft Activities. This information helps us prepare enough materials and food for all participating children.
Event Details
Families do not need to arrive exactly at 10:30 AM to participate.
This is a family participation event. Children should attend with a parent or guardian.
Lunch will be provided for children, so an RSVP is important to help us plan appropriately.
NCCECE siblings who are not currently enrolled may attend with their family.
MLK Day 2026
MLK Day 2026
Monday, January 19, 2026
Join Har Zion Temple on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a meaningful day of service honoring Dr. King’s legacy through action.
Throughout the day, individuals and families of all ages are invited to take part in hands-on volunteer opportunities that support our neighbors and partner organizations. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, give blood, or help assemble needed items for local charities, there is something for everyone.
Below you’ll find the full schedule of activities and the organizations we’re supporting.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Day 2026 Actitivities
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Cook for a Friend
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Help prepare meals for those in need in the greater Philadelphia area.
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NCCECE Craft Activities
10:30AM – 12:00PM
In celebration of Dr. King’s message of kindness, service, and community, our littlest learners will create crafts that spread joy to others.
This program requires an RSVP and is for NCCECE children only.
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Red Cross Blood Drive
1:00PM – 6:00PM
Donate blood to those in need. -
Donation Sorting
1:00PM – 3:00PM
Help organize and sort donated goods for distribution to local charities.
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Children’s Arts & Crafts
1:00PM – 3:00PM
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and compassion, children will take part in hands-on arts and crafts projects created to be shared with others. This program is open to all children and families.
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Snack Bags for Kids
1:00PM – 3:00PM
Create snack bags for children in need through The Breathing Room Foundation. A hands-on project for 1st–6th grade volunteers.
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Dogs (& possibly cats) for Adoption
1:00PM – 3:00PM
Dogs will be onsite for petting, snuggling and possible adoptions! -
Shul Stitchers
1:00PM – 3:00PM
Shul Stitchers will be creating cozy, hand-crafted items to donate to organizations that support families in need. Novice through experienced stitchers welcome.
Donation Information
Donation collection at Har Zion Temple will run until January 19, 2026 at 1:00PM.
Donation bags should be labeled with either
the charity the items go to or the actual contents of the bag.
Charities We’re Supporting
Below are the charities who will be receiving our donations.
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Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
Kitchen wear (small appliances, dishes, pots & pans, glassware & utensils)
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Our Closet
Women’s and children’s clothing
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Mitzvah Circle
Men’s, Women’s and children’s WINTER coats & jackets
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Vietnam Veterans
Men’s clothing, toys & books
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Francisvale Home for Small Animals/Providence Animal Center
Clean towels, flat sheets & pillow cases, cat & dog soft food treats, cat toys, wine corks
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Lions Club
Eye Glasses
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I Support The Girls
Gently used & new bras
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Laurel House
Regular sized toiletries, feminine hygiene products and baby wipes & diapers (can be open boxes)
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Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County
Home decor items, costume jewelry, hand bags, men’s & women’s shoes
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Narberth Food Bank
Non-perishable food items