Who We Are

Mekor Habracha began in 1999 as a community-led congregation in the Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia. Since its inception, it has attracted a diverse group of people ranging from students, young professionals, families, and empty nesters. For eight years the group met under the auspices of the Etz Chaim organization. In 2006, Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch was recruited from New York to lead the congregation, and since his arrival the congregation has grown and flourished. In 2008, the synagogue became an independent organization serving the Center City Philadelphia community. Please join us soon for a unique Shabbat experience!

Our Mission

The mission of Mekor Habracha is to serve the spiritual, social, and educational needs of Center City's diverse Jewish community. We aspire to provide an environment where people of all ages and religious backgrounds are welcome to participate in the synagogue's activities and Orthodox services.

Our Leadership

Dr. Jonathan Block
Professor of Mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania. Jonathan has lived in Philadelphia since joining the faculty at Penn in 1992; he is originally from California.

Dr. Deborah Diamond
President of Campus Philly. Deborah grew up in Center City and makes her home there with her husband, Dr. Jonathan Block, and their two sons, Aaron and Eli.

Ellen B. Geller
Director, Executive Office, The College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and Scientific Coordinator for the Center on Substance Abuse Research at Temple Medical School. Ellen has lived in Center City since 1972 and is the synagogue's treasurer.

Bethany Nikitenko, Esq.
A lawyer with the firm McLaughlin & Lauricella. Bethany grew up in Philadelphia, is a Temple University Law School graduate and has lived in Center City since beginning law school in 2003.

Dr. Bruce Taubman
A pediatrician with a practice in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He has lived in Center City since 1972 and is the synagogue's president.

Our Rabbi

Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch received rabbinical ordination and a Masters Degree in Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland, rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva Ohr Reuven in Monsey, New York, and a post graduate degree in Advanced Rabbinics and Synagogue Management from Touro College. He also serves as dean of Jewish philosophy for the Association for Hebraic Studies Institute. He has worked for leading Jewish organizations in both the United States and Israel, including Aish HaTorah Jerusalem, Yeshivat HaKotel, The Chevra, The Etz Chaim Center, Great Neck Synagogue, Bruria High School and Project SEED. Once an aspiring rock star, Rabbi Hirsch still enjoys playing and writing music when he can find the time.