Triple Chai is Society Hill Synagogue’s social group for congregants ages 54 and older. Chai (with the “ch” pronounced like in “challah”) means “living” in Hebrew and is a word formed by two Hebrew letters whose numerical value totals 18. Hence Triple Chai!
Recent Triple Chai programs and activities have included outings to theatre and a meal, specially guided tours of local art galleries, renowned speakers, and Jewish journeys to Morocco and to Italy. We welcome all adults ages 54 and older — singles and couples — to join us and build deeper bonds in a fun, welcoming ambiance. For more information, please contact Triple Chai Co-Chairs Robin Cohen and Natalie Landro at triplechai(at)societyhillsynagogue.org.
Together, we’ll discover some of New England’s most fascinating literary, artistic, and historical destinations. Highlights include a visit to the renowned Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Yiddish literature and culture; the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, where America’s beloved author wrote many of his most famous works; the Smith College Museum of Art; and the historic Connecticut State Capitol.
Monday – 11/9/26
– Depart Philadelphia – Lunch (pay on your own) – Visit the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut – Check into the hotel in Amherst, Massachusetts – Dinner at a local restaurant
Tuesday – 11/10/26
– Continental breakfast at the hotel – Tour of the Yiddish Book Center (lunch – pay on your own) – Visit the Smith College Museum of Art – Dinner at a local restaurant
Wednesday – 11/11/26
– Continental breakfast at the hotel – Depart the hotel – Visit the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford – Lunch (pay on your own) – Return to Philadelphia
Cost includes round-trip motor-coach transportation, hotel lodging including continental breakfast, two dinners including tax and gratuity, and all admissions (except for a suggested donation to the Yiddish Book Center). Cost does not include motor-coach driver gratuity. Please note: Itinerary is subject to change.
Informational Meeting: Jewish Heritage Journey to Mexico
Tuesday, August 4 @ 7:00 pm Society Hill Synagogue
Pack your bags — we’re heading to Mexico! Join us February 28 – March 10 for an unforgettable journey featuring seven nights in vibrant Mexico City and three nights in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende.
Interested in learning more? Come together for an informational meeting on August 4 at Society Hill Synagogue. We’ll enjoy delicious Mexican treats as representatives from the tour company share the full itinerary, answer your questions, and help you learn more about this exciting adventure.
Sunday, October 18 12:00 pm (Lunch) and 1:00 pm (Performance) Society Hill Synagogue $10 Society Hill Synagogue Members | $36 General Public
Join Triple Chai for lunch and an entertaining performance by Jewish American folk singer and guitarist Les “Doc” Rachlin. His repertoire includes beloved songs by Jewish American songwriters such as Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, along with surprising favorites you may not know were written by Jewish artists. Blending blues, ballads, rock, country, and show tunes with engaging storytelling, Doc creates a performance that is both enlightening and highly enjoyable.
Les “Doc” Rachlin began his folk career in the early 1970s, opening for Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, and Loretta Lynn before pursuing a career in medicine. Encouraged by his family, he returned to music in 2001 and has been captivating audiences ever since.
Lunch & Speaker — “The Foundations of Jewish Success”
Sunday, December 13 11:00 am Society Hill Synagogue Included with Society Hill Synagogue Membership | $18 for General Public
Join Triple Chai for lunch and an enlightening talk by Dr. Joseph Berger on “The Foundations of Jewish Success.”
This talk explores the remarkable achievements of Jews and people of Jewish descent since the Enlightenment, examining their representation in fields such as science, medicine, finance, and the arts. Dr. Berger will discuss historical, cultural, educational, and genetic factors that have been proposed to help explain these patterns, including the impact of Jewish migration, historical limitations on employment and land ownership, the value placed on education and scholarship, and the possible role of inherited traits and neurological conditions found more frequently among Jewish populations.
Dr. Joseph Berger is a semi-retired academic neurologist. He currently holds emeritus status at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Kentucky and the University of Miami.