Coolanu: Culture & Community

Coolanu (Hebrew for “all of us”) brings together Society Hill Synagogue congregants across and within generations for fun outings, arts and culture programs, and specially curated social gatherings at the synagogue and select locations.
Recent highlights include our sukkah building and decorating, Salsa ‘n’ Sips in the Sukkah, the Philadelphia Architecture and Public Sculpture Walking Tour series, the “Boldly Hanukkah Sweater Contest,” our Hamantaschen Bake-Off Contest, an evening with Philadelphia Union and Israel national team soccer star Tai Baribo, and our Lag Ba’Omer barbecue celebration.
Please contact Coolanu Chair Lesli Reich at coolanu(at)societyhillsynagogue.org with any questions or ideas for programs. If you would like to join our Coolanu Committee, we’d love to have you!

Upcoming Events:

Sukkah Building & Decorating

🗓️ Tuesday, Sep. 22
🕒 4:15 – 6:30 pm

On Tuesday, September 22, from 4:15–6:30 pm, join us for an afternoon of creativity, community, and getting ready for Sukkot! Together, we’ll build and decorate our Society Hill Synagogue sukkah, transforming it into a beautiful and welcoming space for the holiday. Bring your creativity and ideas, lend a hand with decorating, and help us create a sukkah that feels festive, joyful, and ready to welcome our community. All are welcome to join in the fun!

Sign up here

Salsa ‘n’ Sips in the Sukkah

🗓️ Sunday, Sep. 27 (rain date Sep. 28)
🕒 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Join us on Sunday, September 27, from 5:00–7:00 pm for our third annual Salsa and Sips in the Sukkah! (Rain date: Monday, September 28.) Come enjoy an evening of delicious food, festive drinks, and great company as we gather together in the sukkah. We’ll be serving up a dairy vegetarian Mexican dinner featuring fish tacos, soy chorizo tacos, and plenty of tasty accompaniments, along with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations.
Bring your appetite and your friends, and get ready for a fun and festive evening!

RSVP here

Walking Tour

🗓️ Sunday, Oct. 4
🕒 1:00 – 3:00 pm
On October 4, from 1:00-3:00 pm, Society Hill Synagogue member, Jerry Silverman, will be leading a walking tour called “Forgotten North Broad Street — a walk up the vein of architectural and historical gold, from Spring Garden to Temple University.”
One hundred years ago, North Broad was THE signature place to live in Philadelphia. Enormous mansions, such as the Widenerhome, a vibrant Jewish neighborhood, and great high schools were the pride of this neighborhood. The walk will begin at Broad Street and Spring Garden Street and will cover 1.5 miles. Registration will be limited to 18 participants, so please watch future Society Hill Synagogue communications for additional details.

Mahjong for a Cause

🗓️ Sunday, Nov. 8
🕒 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Join us on Sunday, November 8, for Mahjong for a Cause, a fun and welcoming afternoon of Mahjong, community, and giving back! Open to Society Hill Synagogue members and the general public, this event welcomes players of all skill levels — from seasoned players to those who are newer to the game.
This special event is jointly sponsored by Coolanu and Mahj with Heart, bringing people together around a shared love of Mahjong while supporting a meaningful cause. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Old Pine Community Center, our congregation’s weekly partner in the fight against food insecurity.
Come play, connect, and make a difference! Additional details will be shared in future Society Hill Synagogue communications.