About the Congregation
Kesher Israel Congregation is located in the beautiful state capital of Harrisburg, PA, nestled along the majestic Susquehanna River– as the center of the warm and vibrant traditional Jews of South Central PA. People are attracted to our community for the broadness of our Jewish life, the stable economy, affordable cost of living, the relaxed feel of life, and proximity to the natural resources and richness of Central PA.
Visit Kesher Israel
Visit Kesher Israel and our beautiful city of Harrisburg for Shabbos and see if it’s right for you!
We are unable to provide overnight Shabbat hospitality if you do not provide us with information about your current synagogue affiliation, including email contact for your Rabbi. We request, if at all possible, one week advance notice for overnight and Shabbat meal requests
Recent Sermons
Rosh Hashana – A Blow to Improvement
Rosh Hashana is the New Year on the Jewish calendar, but according to Jewish tradition it is also the day of Judgement for the coming year. If I were to …
“Let the year end and its curses”
Ki Tavo starts off unassuming, but turns to a lengthy litany of curses which will befall the Jews should they abandon the ways of the Torah. This section is referred …
Reviewing or Relearning
This morning we read the Ten Commandments. Of course, this is not the first time we are hearing it, and I’m not referring to my hope that all of the …
Torah Study as Community Building
We read this morning the highlight of Jewish history. God appears to the Jews on Mt. Sinai and gives them the Torah – the rules and ideas which will now …
Rav Eliezer Silver – in Remembrance
This Tuesday is the yahrtzeit of Rav Eliezer Silver, founding rabbi of our shul and one of the greatest rabbinic figures in American Jewish history. Although it would be better …
Chanukah and the Non-Observant
In a NY Times Op-Ed for this Chanukah, “The Hypocrisy of Chanukah” (Dec. 1, 2018) we read of a Jewish novelist – Michael David Lukas’ – soul searching regarding the …
Undeserved Blessings
I don’t think there’s a better parsha to celebrate a birth than Vayetzei – filled as it is with births and baby namings. And we’re glad that here at KI …
Facing Tragedy
This week we are gathered to celebrate a wonderfully happy occasion for our community – the aufruf and upcoming marriage of X, who grew up in our shul and reflects …
Jews of All Stripes
If I were to poll the people in this room regarding their definition of Judaism, most answers would likely involve halacha, Jewish law, in some way. Judaism, as we think …
Are you considering relocation?
Are you planning to visit or relocate in Harrisburg, we have a dedicated team to help those families and individuals to join our great community in town with job search, real state and home hospitality.
Visit Kesher Israel
Come join us for a Shabbos to see if Harrisburg is right for you!