By Stephen Silver
The calendar is just now turning to February, but spring is around the corner.
Here are some highlights of Jewish and Jewish-adjacent events scheduled between now and May:
Unpacking the Jewish Journey
The Temple Judea Museum at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park). Running February through November.
In this art exhibition, a group of artists led by guest curator and artist Leon Chudzinski takes a “unique look at the Jewish diaspora” with the help of multimedia art and historic objects from the Temple Judea Museum collection.
Sam Morril: The Errors Tour
Miller Theater (250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia), Thursday, Feb. 6
Jewish stand-up comedian Sam Morril plays South Broad Street. Shortly after Oct. 7, Morril made news after he did battle with a heckler.
‘Ain’t No Back to the Merry-Go-Round’ film screening
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia), Wednesday, Feb. 26
Directed by Philadelphia-based filmmaker Ilana Trachtman, “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round” is a documentary about a Black/Jewish civil rights protest in Washington, D.C., in 1960. Narrated by actors Jeffrey Wright, Mandy Patinkin and Dominique Thorne, the film won the Best Documentary Feature award at the DC Black Film Festival.
‘It Takes Chutzpah’ author event, with Senator Ron Wyden
Parkway Central Library, Free Library of Philadelphia (1901 Vine Street), Tuesday, Feb. 11
The Jewish U.S. Senator from Oregon will appear in Philadelphia to discuss his new book, “It Takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change,” which invokes the Yiddish concept to talk about what’s needed in our politics. Books will be available for purchase.
Story Songs of the ’70s
City Winery (990 Filbert St., Philadelphia), Thursday, Feb. 13
This music event will feature songs that those of us of a certain age who attended Jewish summer camp probably heard around the campfire, including the work of Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens and Gordon Lightfoot. Tom DiMenna and friends will perform the music.
‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker’ book signing, launch and discussion
Weitzman Museum, Thursday, Feb. 13
Philly native and star of the Netflix series “Jewish Matchmaking” Aleeza Ben Shalom will launch her new book, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” with a live event, featuring a discussion with Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter of the South Philadelphia Shtiebel.
Michael Rapaport
The Fillmore Philly (29 E Allen St, Philadelphia), Friday, Feb. 14
The veteran actor and comedian is probably better known these days for his Israeli advocacy than for his work, but he’s coming to town to perform stand-up on Valentine’s Day. Rapaport played a rabid Eagles fan in the movie “Big Fan.”
‘Kugel’: Episodes 1 and 2
Weitzman Museum, Tuesday, February 25
Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media presents the first episode of a new Israeli TV series from the creators of “Shtisel.” Directed by Erez Kav-El, “Kugel” “explores love, ambition and the delicate balance between tradition and individuality.”
Rick Glassman
Helium Comedy Club (2031 Sansom St., Philadelphia) Sunday, March 2
The Jewish actor and comedian, the only major comic to have played high school basketball against LeBron James in Ohio, comes to Philly for a single stand-up show.
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive
Keswick Theatre (291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside), Friday, March 7
The legendary singer and actor comes to town to sing songs by the likes of Stephen Sondheim, Meredith Willson, Harry Chapin and even Freddie Mercury. Adam Ben-David will accompany him on piano.
Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia
Various venues, including Weitzman Museum and Narberth Theater; March 22-30
The Israeli Film Festival returns for another year, this time featuring such Israeli films as “Full Support,” “Bliss,” “Soda” and “Children of Nobody.”
Secret Chord Concert Live: The Shvesters
Weitzman Museum, Wednesday, March 26
The latest in this concert series features a Michigan-based duo, Chava Levi and Polina Fradkin, who provide a “refreshing take on Yiddish oldies.”
‘The Goldsmith,’ by Sharone Sayegh, Theatre Ariel
Har Zion Temple (April 26 and 27), Congregation Rodeph Shalom (May 3 and 4)
Theatre Ariel presents a series of stories about her family from Sharone Sayegh, described as a “first generation Iraqi, Israeli, American Jew.”
Sandra Bernhard: Shapes and Forms
Keswick Theatre, Sunday, April 27
The singer and comedian brings her latest show, featuring lots of stories and songs. The show had a run last year at Joe’s Pub in New York.
‘Centered: Joe Lieberman’ film screening
Weitzman Museum, Wednesday, May 7
This documentary film about Lieberman, the longtime senator who in 2000 became the first Jewish person on a major American political party’s presidential ticket, features extensive interviews with Lieberman before his death in March 2024. Co-presented with Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media.
Stephen Silver is a Broomall-based freelance writer.