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
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 …
Living in Tough Times
This morning feels more serious than usual, and for obvious reason. As most everyone, if not all, people here are aware, this past Thursday night just a few blocks from …
Shabbos: an Active Day of Rest
I would like this morning to discuss a routine matter: Shabbos. After the past month of holidays, each of which is exciting and new and fresh, coming only once a …
Minyan Times
Our daily minyan gathers for morning and evening services:
Weekday Minyan
Sunday Shacharit: 8:00am
Monday-Friday
Shacharit: 6:45am
Sunday to Thursday:
Mincha/Ma'ariv: 7:20pm
PESACH
April 18 | Bedikas Chametz
Mincha: 7:20pm
Bedikas Chametz: 8:30pm
April 19 | Erev Pesach
Shacharit: 6:45am
Followed by syyum for firstborns
Final Time to eat Chametz: 10:52am
Final Time to burn Chametz: 11:59am
Candle Lighting: 7:32pm
Mincha: 7:35pm Followed by learning
Seder begins after: 8:33pm
Chatzots: 1:06am
April 20 | First Day of Pesach
Shacharit: 9:00am
Mincha: 7:35pm Followed by learning
Candle Lighting: 8:33pm
And Preparations for Second Seder
Count First Day of the Omer
April 21 | Second Day of Pesach
Shacharit: 9:00am
Mincha: 7:35pm Followed by learning
Havdalah: 8:34pm
April 22-25 | Chol Hamoed Pesach Times
Shacharit: 6:30am
Mincha: 7:30pm
April 25 | Erev Seventh Day of Pesach
Don't forget to make an eruv tavshilinCandle Lighting: 7:39pm
No Shechyanu Blessing
Mincha: 7:40pm
April 26 | Seventh Day of Pesach
Shacharit: 9:00am
Yizkor: 11:00am
Mincha: 7:40pm
Followed by Shalosh Seudos
Candle Lighting: 7:40pm
April 27 | Shabbos Eight Day of Pesach
Shacharit: 9:00am
Including Shir Hashirim
Mincha: 7:35pm
Havdalah: 8:41pm
You may resume eating chametz sold through KI at 9:15pm
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!