Centennial celebrations mark milestones. Here at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania the community celebrated its 100th anniversary. This special event honored Rabbi Gerald Wolpe. His sons including Rabbi David Wolpe spoke in his memory. Rabbi Wolpe led the congregation for 30 years.
Har Zion Temple has a rich history. It began in 1923 in Wynnefield. This is located in West Philadelphia. Harry and Phillip Publicker donated the land. Harry Cohen became the first president.
The temple grew over time. In the early 1960s a Radnor Campus and day camp opened. By 1976 both campuses united in Penn Valley. This central location is where Har Zion Temple stands today.
Har Zion Temple’s history includes Cantor Isaac I. Wall. He served as Cantor for 47 years. His service lasted until his retirement in 1991. Cantor Wall immigrated from Russia. He came to Denver, Colorado at the age of three. His father guided his religious training. By age nine, he showed talent for Hazzanut.
The Wall family moved to New York. There Isaac studied Talmud, liturgy and voice. He learned from great cantors. At 13 Cantor Wall led services. He davened as Hazzan for High Holidays in Hartford, Connecticut. Dignitaries came to hear “the wonderchild with the beautiful voice.” Before Har Zion Temple, Cantor Wall served in New York synagogues. He also served in Houston, Texas. During World War II he traveled the state. He conducted services for the armed forces.
Cantor Wall founded the Cantors’ Assembly. He also served as its president. He was a fellow of the Cantors’ Institute. He taught at Solomon Schechter Day School for 20 years. He also helped to found the school. Cantor Wall served on its board.
Har Zion Temple approaches its next century. It focuses on the next generation. The synagogue’s members helped create local Jewish institutions. These include Perelman Jewish Day School. Also, they helped create the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. They were also instrumental in founding Camp Ramah. The temple opened the first accredited afternoon religious school. It was accredited by the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism.
Today Har Zion serves 720 family units. Rabbi Seth Haaz, Cantor Eliot Vogel and President Josh Friedman lead. Rabbi Haaz arrived in 2018. He came from a Connecticut synagogue. Cantor Vogel joined in 1991. President Friedman joined in 1994.
Har Zion Temple adopted a new mission statement. This reflects the congregation’s values. Inclusivity and community stand out. These are key to their vision. Rabbi Haaz explains their shared journey. Members of the Jewish community walk together.
Leaders felt COVID pushed people away. This made their mission even more important. Har Zion’s membership has decreased since World War II. It went from 1500 family units to about half that number. Community has become countercultural according to Haaz.
Har Zion wants to bring people back. The leaders are working to make it inviting. The synagogue held its first Pride event. This included a movie about a gay Israeli man. He moved to London after his family rejected him. An inclusivity committee was formed. It ensures everyone feels welcome. The bar and bat mitzvah program changed. It is now called B mitzvah. This recognizes that not everyone fits the binary. Students now learn in groups.
Har Zion is building a covered outdoor space. This allows gatherings during events like COVID. Playgrounds are being renovated. They will be more accessible. A hiking trail is being built behind the synagogue. This encourages community. The membership structure changed. Dues are now based on the number of family members joining.