The Jewish Federation supports a vibrant alliance of synagogues, community volunteers and representatives from Jewish community organizations all over Greater Philadelphia. These kehillot (communities) work together within geographic areas to create inspired Jewish communities and offer programming and enrichment for all ages. A fully interactive map of all the kehillot is available by clicking here.
BUCKS COUNTY
Reaching from the river town of Yardley in the east to Doylestown in the west, picturesque New Hope to the north and Bensalem to the south, Bucks County is home to a vibrant and diverse Jewish community with 16 synagogues serving Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, and Reform denominations as well as learning centers and other Jewish organizations.
BUXMONT
Central Montgomery County is home to 14 percent of the Jewish population of Greater Philadelphia. Buxmont is home to more than 27,000 Jewish with multiple synagogue options across the denominational spectrum and some of the best public and private schools in the area. This corner of the northwestern Philadelphia suburbs is the perfect place for young Jewish families to settle.
CENTER CITY
As a hub for Jewish life, the Center City kehillah strengthens individual and communal connections by creating accessible entry points and in-depth opportunities to grow. Its participating organizations include synagogues and congregations; cultural, educational, and social justice institutions; and nonprofit initiatives. The Center City kehillah’s region includes Center City, South Philly, West Philly, and Northwest Philly.
CHESTER COUNTY
Chester County, founded in 1682 by William Penn, consistently ranks among the top places to live, work, and raise a family, due to its fine cultural attractions, history, educational opportunities, well-known teaching hospitals, and diverse employment choices. The Chester County Kehillah is an active force in maintaining a strong Jewish community for people who have migrated from metropolitan Philadelphia and for those who have relocated from other communities.
DELAWARE COUNTY
Delaware County, located south and west of Philadelphia, is home to a diverse, vibrant, and engaging Jewish community, which offers many opportunities for connection and involvement. Though small in size, the area features a robust coalition of Jewish professional and volunteer leadership who come together to collaborate and share ideas, challenges, and successes.
LOWER MERION
In Lower Merion, you can find everything within an easy commute (including Center City, Philadelphia’s downtown). Located in Montgomery County, this community of beautiful residential homes, apartments and bustling business districts is the heart of the historic Main Line. Jewish life is especially vibrant with over 13,000 Jewish households, congregations and minyanim of all denominations, day and congregational schools, a full-service Jewish Community Center and kosher restaurants. The area has a higher percentage of Jewish children than Montgomery County or Greater Philadelphia overall. The Kehillah of Lower Merion is unique in its collaborative activities for all ages.
NORTHEAST
Northeast Philadelphia is a lively, multi-ethnic section of Philadelphia with a down-to-earth vibe and a 1600+ acre green space (Pennypack Park) embraced by its residents. It hosts a vibrant Jewish community with many synagogues and Chabad centers, mikvahs, kosher markets and restaurants, early learning centers, a premier Orthodox day school and a vibrant community center, the KleinLife JCC.
OLD YORK ROAD
The Old York Road Corridor is home to a Jewishly diverse, warm, close knit community with many options to engage. The OYR Kehillah includes the people and institutions along Old York Road (Route 611) of Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Abington, Huntingdon Valley and beyond. Over 25,000 Jews live in this lively and culturally rich neighborhood.