Photo courtesy of Kol Tzedek.

West Philly’s reconstructionist synagogue, Kol Tzedek, located at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (48th and Baltimore), is hosting holiday services on Saturday, Dec. 24 and inviting community members to join them. Two holiday events will be held – a sufganiyot (fried doughnut) party and a Joint Service of Light with the Calvary Methodist Church and West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship, both on the first night of Hannukah/Christmas Eve.

The Sufganiyot Party to celebrate the first night of Hannukah will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This event will be followed by a potluck from 6-7 p.m. for those who are staying for the Joint Service of Light. Please bring a dish to share and reusable plates.

The Joint Service of Light will be held from 7 – 8 p.m.

For more information, visit the Kol Tzedek website.

A West Philly opossum named Gary was recently featured on local NBC News dressed in his holiday finest.

We got curious and asked West Philly resident Katy DiSanto how she ended up adopting Gary.

“He was orphaned along with his litter during the heat wave back in August; sadly only he and one of his sisters survived,” she wrote. “Their eyes weren’t open yet and they had no fur.”

“They had to be bottle fed for a couple weeks, and then I took over feeding him formula until he could eat “regular food.” His sister went with a lady who does educational things, and the licensed rescue who was caring for him secured the proper paperwork … so he could come live with us.”  Continue Reading

Spruce Hill and Powelton Village residents have a chance this Sunday, Dec. 18 to show their Christmas carol singing prowess and help light and decorate community trees.

Friends of Clark Park will be hosting the annual Christmas Caroling in the park. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the Community Christmas Tree atop the maintenance house, near 45th and Regent Streets. This wonderful, longstanding event draws many neighbors each year as a hushed winter night falls. Everyone is welcome to come sing traditional Christmas favorites by candlelight with your neighbors, and then enjoy hot cider and cookies.

Also on Sunday, a tree lighting celebration will take place in Powelton, at 3750 Lancaster Avenue (United Bank building). Neighbors are invited to help light the tree and make decorations and memories together. This event will take place from 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Artwork by Laura Murdoch.

Need some holiday gifts with some Philly flavor? The annual Go West! Craft Fest holiday edition is this Sunday, Dec. 18 at The Rotunda (near 40th and Walnut) and will feature more than 100 artisan vendors selling handcrafted, locally made items.

Everything from hand-knitted winter clothing to locally made preserves to handmade toys will be available at The Rotunda. This thing has gotten so big over the years that it has now expanded into The Rotunda’s amazing Sanctuary space.

The Go West! Craft Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and here is a list of vendors.

Santa Claus and Hanukkah Harry Are Coming to Town!

Mark your calendars. On Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2-4 p.m., the one and only Santa Claus is loading up his sleigh with his best friend Hanukkah Harry to serve up family photos, Santa selfies, and the world’s best Latkes to you and your family. Everyone is invited, so don’t hesitate to just stop in and take some quick selfies with the legend… no, not Elvis!

Snacks and refreshments will be provided by Philly Homebrew Outlet, but feel free to bring some of your own treats and liquid concoctions to share.

Huge Selection of Bottles and DIY Kits including Bagels & Cream Cheese, Soap, Mozzeralla, Vegetable Fermentation, Kombucha, Beer, Wine, and More!

Looking to bottle up that special Limoncello, Bitters, Cordial, Hot Sauce or whatever other delicious liquid concoction that you made for gifts? Look no further. Philly Homebrew Outlet is a one stop place for bottles, caps, corks, shrink wrap, wax, and more.

The shop also has new vegetable fermentation kits, kombucha kits, soap making kits, and more!

Philly Homebrew Outlet West is located at 1314 S. 47th Street and open Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat-Sun: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info, call us at 215.596.5408 or visit our website.

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https://www.instagram.com/phillyhomebrew/

Last week, we published information about the annual Cedar Park Neighbors Holiday Basket Drive. There are also a few opportunities to help local women and children in need this holiday season. Here’s information on some more holiday drives and donation opportunities:

Holiday Toy & Personal Care Drive at Local 44 (44th and Spruce)

Through Dec. 15

Join Local 44 once again this year in collecting toys and personal care items to benefit the residents of the People’s Emergency Center (PEC), a West Philly shelter that helps women and children battling homelessness. Bring your donations to the Bottle Shop at Local 44 any time through Thursday, Dec. 15. Click here for a list of useful personal care items accepted by PEC. NOTE: Please bring new and unwrapped items.  Continue Reading