Mekor Habracha began as an independent chavura in the Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia in the 1990s.

 

From 1999 to 2001, the group met under the auspices of Etz Chaim (now Aish Chaim), before returning to a primarily lay-led model. In 2006, Etz Chaim recruited Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch from New York to serve as the group’s rabbi.

 

Since Rabbi Hirsch’s arrival, the congregation has grown and flourished—becoming an independent synagogue in 2007—and is now a vital force in strengthening Jewish life in Center City. Mekor has played a key role in supporting the expansion of kosher dining, helping establish a community eruv, and spearheading the building of a mikvah.

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In 2024, Rabbi Steven Gotlib joined Mekor Habracha as Associate Rabbi. His thoughtful leadership, strong Torah scholarship, and deep sense of connection to the community have already made a meaningful impact, complementing Rabbi Hirsch’s vision and helping guide the congregation into its next chapter.

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You can read more about Mekor's origins and development here, and find a recent article about our community here.