Friendship Connections

Women of GJC

Women of GJC brings together all who wish to participate, who represent every minyan, every age group, every interest, and who share the common goal of caring for our synagogue in a unique and vital way. Women across the spectrum build friendships that last forever, connecting with each other both inside and out of the synagogue. Women of GJC work with happy energy to support and build up the community through unique programming that is open to everyone, fun, social outings, and annual fundraisers that give back to Germantown Jewish Centre, directly affecting the quality of day to day operations at the shul. There are many ways to meet new people, and get involved in both short term or long term projects by volunteering your skills, talents and time. Consider this your official invitation!  Read more here…

Men’s Club

Did you ever wish there was a group of intelligent, funny, interesting people to hang out with?  A group that planned activities ranging from sporting events to scotch tastings to author lectures and book signings?  A group where jokes came easy, conversations went deep, and friendships could last a lifetime?  You’ve found that group!  The GJC Men’s Club is a multigenerational group of congregants who come together throughout the year to learn, socialize and serve the Jewish community, and all who wish to participate are invited to join in the fun. The Men’s Club welcomes everyone to join in the various events throughout the year!  Read more here…

HAZAK (55+)

Have you just turned 55? 75? 95? Are you looking for social connections and fun, interesting things to do? HAZAK programs are geared to reflect common interests, introduce new activities, and provide opportunities to nosh and socialize. From a monthly book group to a beloved film & discussion series to day trips, book talks and speakers, HAZAK truly offers something for everyone. HAZAK is for everyone across the spectrum, and provides an avenue to stay connected to GJC and to each other: to venture out and experience parts of our city we haven’t seen before, to read, learn and talk together, to keep everyone strong. Read more here…

People of the Book

GJC’s Jewish Book Reading Group meets at 7:15pm on the second Tuesday of each month at GJC’s Quitman Library. We read fiction and nonfiction books of Jewish interest written mostly, but not solely, by Jewish writers and chosen by the group. Volunteer group members lead the discussion.  For more information, please contact Nan MyersClick here for People of the Book’s current book list. For book listings from past years, please see People of the Book Archives.

GJC Choir

The GJC Choir is an all-volunteer group of singers that performs at High Holiday services and at other holiday celebrations, programs, and community events throughout the year.  Directed by Rabbi Zeff, the choir sings a mix of traditional liturgical pieces, contemporary music, and new compositions, many written especially for the group.  The choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, and rehearsals are always full of laughter as well as singing and learning.  The choir season begins with weekly rehearsals for the High Holidays in the summer and stretches through the High Holidays to Hanukah and beyond, ending with our ever-popular Purimspiel performance in early spring. New members are always welcome!  If you are interested in joining the choir, please contact Natalie Lyalin or call 215-844-1507 x16.

Interfaith Hospitality Network

GJC is part of a network of a dozen congregations in Philadelphia that take turns hosting temporarily homeless families while they look for permanent homes. The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) provides temporary family and child-centered shelter for homeless families in the calm and comforting setting of our Northwest-area churches and synagogues, hosted by nurturing congregational volunteers. Each year IHN helps approximately 20 families transition to permanent housing and to a life of self-sufficiency. We are proud that our guests call us “the shelter that’s not like a shelter.” GJC has been hosting guest families for over a decade. We host the overnight guests in our Religious School classrooms three times a year, for two weeks each rotation. Two GJC hosts stay in the building at all times when our guests are with us. More than 100 synagogue members are active in the program as volunteers. People can get involved in many ways. Volunteers can shop, cook, serve meals, stay overnight, play with children, spend 3-hour shifts on weekends, and help to move guests in and out of the building.  Interested in learning more?  Contact IHN chair Debbie Stern.

Israeli Dancing

The Germantown Jewish Centre Israeli dance group meets virtually ever Sunday morning from 10:00am to 12:30pm from September through June. Under the guidance of an experienced teacher, the sessions begin with instruction and review before moving on to intermediate level dances. It is an informal, friendly group, and always welcomes new dancers! $5 per session.  Special Summer Hours (please check calendar for dates): Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00pm. For more information contact Tamar Magdovitz.