Wednesday, January 21 at 12 PM
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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, 20269:30–10:30 AMHar Zion Temple
Presented by the HSA. We can’t wait to see you there!
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
Back to MLK Day Schedule
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.
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.
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.
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.
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Help prepare meals for those in need in the greater Philadelphia area.
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.
RSVP Now
1:00PM – 6:00PM
1:00PM – 3:00PM
Help organize and sort donated goods for distribution to local charities.
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.
Create snack bags for children in need through The Breathing Room Foundation. A hands-on project for 1st–6th grade volunteers.
Donation collection at Har Zion Temple will run until January 19, 2026 at 1:00PM.
Below are the charities who will be receiving our donations.
Kitchen wear (small appliances, dishes, pots & pans, glassware & utensils)
Women’s and children’s clothing
Men’s, Women’s and children’s WINTER coats & jackets
Men’s clothing, toys & books
Clean towels, flat sheets & pillow cases, cat & dog soft food treats, cat toys, wine corks
Eye Glasses
Gently used & new bras
Regular sized toiletries, feminine hygiene products and baby wipes & diapers (can be open boxes)
Home decor items, costume jewelry, hand bags, men’s & women’s shoes
Non-perishable food items
