The Weitzman Museum has a packed schedule of diverse events this Fall, and all the fun kicks off in just a few weeks.
The National Museum of American Jewish History will be highlighting talent from around the country in a series of live podcasts, cookbook launches, a film fest, shopping events and more with a Mural Workshop first up on Sept. 7. The class (2 to 4 p.m., free) will be hosted by artist Ella Ponizovsky Bergelson, and comes from a partnership with The Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia.
PJFM’s annual “Unapologetically Jewish” – The Mazel Tov Moment contest will be next up on Sept. 10, and will feature nine finalists of this year’s competition. The evening (6 to 10 p.m., free) will feature a presentation, awards ceremony, nosh and a celebration of the occasion.
Then on Sept. 17, some may recognize the hit podcast ‘Being Jewish with Jonah Platt,’ which explores different aspects of Jewish identity. Platt will be on site for a live recording of the podcast at 7 p.m. ($35 to $60) and limited meet and greets are available to secure.
Next up, locals can support the Museum while watching the Phillies on Sept. 27 with The Weitzman’s “Phundraiser.” On that date, $4 from each ticket purchased in the Museum’s designated sections will go directly back to The Weitzman.
Later in the month (Sept. 29), celebrity chef Jake Cohen will head to the cultural institution for the launch of his book ‘Dinner Party Animals.’ The event (6 p.m., $70 to $75) will also feature a conversation with five-time James Beard-award winner Michael Solomonov and Emmy and Tony winning comedian Alex Edelman.
October will hold a Concert and Conversation with the Saami Brothers and Joey Weisenberg, plus a Book Launch event with Jeffrey Rosen and Jeffrey Goldberg. The former (Oct 16, at 6 p.m., $30 to $35) will showcase the Brothers’ centuries-old Qawwali music (an ancient, deeply spiritual form rarely heard outside of South Asia) to the venue. The latter (Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m., free) will feature National Constitution Center President and CEO, Rosen, and Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Goldberg discussing Rosen’s new book, ‘The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America.’
October’s programming will close out with an event in honor of the first Asian American ordained as a rabbi and cantor, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl. In conversation with renowned cultural journalist Sandee Brawarsky, Buchdahl will be in attendance to share stories from her new memoir, ‘Heart of a Stranger’ (Oct. 23, 6 p.m., $40 to $45.)
November will kick off at The Weitzman with the Only in America Gala (which will honor Ambassador and Penn President Emerita, Dr. Amy Gutmann) on Nov. 5 (5:45 p.m.) and Dorie Greenspan’s ‘Anytime Cakes’ Book Launch and Cake Party on Nov. 9. The five-time James Beard Award winner’s event will kick off at 2 p.m. ($70 to $75.) While there, four Philly bakers – Ashley Huston of Dreamworld Bakes, Siobhan McKenna of Feels Like Sunday, Justine MacNeil of Fiore Fine Foods, and Noelle Blizzard of New June Bakery – will serve samples of recipes from the book, a release notes.
Another launch event is set for Nov. 13. In her new book, ‘Antisemitism, an American Tradition’, acclaimed historian Pamela Nadell will trace nearly four centuries of anti-Jewish prejudice on American soil. The event (6 p.m.) will also feature a conversation between Nadell and Weitzman Museum President and CEO, Dan Tadmor.
The month of November (Nov. 12 to 23) will also feature the 45th annual Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media fall festival. The 12-day event will be packed with Jewish Film and digital storytelling. The month will conclude with the Nosh & Shop: Hannukah Market on Nov. 30.
December will close out the 2025 cultural programming at the venue with showings of the play ‘The Essence: A Yiddish Theatre Dim Sum’ (Dec. 6 and 7, $35 to $45), a ‘Checkpoints’ book launch with Eddie Fishman (Dec. 11), and the annual Being _ At Christmas party (Dec. 25). The book event (6:30 p.m.) will feature Former U.S. State Department official Eddie Fishman, while the event on Christmas is meant to be a free, welcoming space on a day when little else is open. Visitors of all ages can participate in immersive activities, music workshops, dance performances, crafts, and more while there.
For a full schedule and happenings at The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (101 S Independence Mall E), visit theweitzman.org
