Kosher and Jewish Life in Philadelphia

TJT’s guide for kosher and Jewish travelers in Philadelphia. Information about kosher restaurants, cafes, shops, bakeries or delis, kosher near me location based (GPS) search, & Jewish points of interest, such as shuls, mikvahs, kosher and observant friendly hotels and Jewish community centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One — Samuel Borges Photography / Shutterstock

^*Jewish Observant Friendly (?)

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About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed – and other American Revolutionary sites. No less iconic are the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in the film "Rocky." In 1681, William Penn founded the city to serve as capital of the Pennsylvania Colony. The area's many universities and colleges make Philadelphia a top international study destination, as the city has evolved into an educational and economic hub. The city contains many art museums, such as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Rodin Museum, the city's major art museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is one of the largest art museums in the United States. Areas such as South Street and Old City have a vibrant night life. The Avenue of the Arts in Center City contains many restaurants and theaters, such as the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Academy of Music, home to the Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Ballet.

Are you a Philadelphia Kosher establishment or tour operator?

Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Philadelphia

Congregation Mikveh Israel, the first Jewish congregation in Philadelphia, had its beginnings about 1745 and is believed to have worshiped in a small house in Sterling Alley. Jews have lived in Pennsylvania from Colonial American times. Large immigrant populations from Russia moved into the Jewish Quarter, in today’s Society Hill and Queen Village. In 2013 there were about 145,000 Jews living in Philadelphia, but many of these live in suburbs outside of the city of Philadelphia to the North and West, in the 1910s Jewish populations had moved into areas such as West Philadelphia and Strawberry Mansion, by the 1990s Jewish populations had gravitated to areas like Bala Cynwyd and Merion.

Check out our blog post, Philly Uncovered: Discover the Historic Landmarks, Jewish Roots, and Kid-Friendly Adventures, to help you plan your kosher vacation to Philadelphia.

Please note:

Shabbat times on this page are based on the common Candle lighting formulas - in most locations it is 18 minutes before sunset.
Some communities, mostly during Summer, will accept Shabbat earlier than the common times.
It is best to contact the local Rabbi for advise.
If you have any comments or questions regarding Shabbat Times on this page, please contact us

What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!