Our History

Throughout its history, Har Zion Temple has been a local and national leader in Conservative Judaism. We are proud of our heritage, and equally proud of our membership who continues to be committed to developing spiritual and inclusive communities both within our walls and in our endeavors throughout the worldwide Jewish community.

Har Zion Temple was officially chartered in 1923 in Wynnefield, PA from land donated by Harry and Phillip Publicker, with Harry Cohen serving as its first president.

Over the years Har Zion Temple grew, adding a Radnor Campus and day camp in the early 1960s. In 1976, both campuses were consolidated into a central location in Penn Valley, PA where Har Zion Temple resides today.

Hallmarks in Har Zion Temple’s History

• Har Zion Temple’s first Rabbi, Simon Greenberg, went on to become Provost of the Jewish Theological Seminary.
• Har Zionites were instrumental in the creation of two local Jewish Day Schools – The Solomon Schechter (now Perelman) Day School, and Akiba (now Barrack) Hebrew Academy.
• First American synagogue to erect a building in Jerusalem – the Bet Hamidrash at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
• First synagogue chapter of the Zionist Organization of America.
• Har Zionites participated in the first UJA congregational mission to Israel.
• Har Zion Temple is home to the first afternoon religious school accredited by the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism. We continue to win awards in all areas of childhood through adult education.
• Har Zionites were instrumental in the formation of Camp Ramah in the Poconos.
• Har Zion Temple’s award-winning Madregot program continues to provide opportunities in Jewish education for special needs children in the community.
• Har Zion Temple’s role in the Soviet Jewry movement from twinning Bar and Bat Mitzvot, through raising funds for emigration served as an example throughout the American Jewish community
• Har Zion Temple continues its commitment to Tikkun Olam through its constituent groups, Cook for a Friend programs, Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs, and the annual Martin Luther King Day of Service.
• Leadership of Har Zionites in local and international Jewish community organizations continues to be a source of pride. From JTS, Israel Bonds, JNF, The Abramson Center, Golden Slipper, Camp Ramah, AIPAC, Federation and it’s many agencies; Har Zionites serve all aspects and areas of the Jewish community.

Rabbi Emeritus, Gerald I. Wolpe (z”l)

Reprinted from a resolution authored by Ralph S. Snyder, Past President, Har Zion Temple

Cantor Emeritus, Isaac I. Wall (z”l)

Immigrating from Russia to Denver, Colorado at the age of three, Cantor Isaac I. Wall began his Jewish religious training under the guidance and inspiration of his father, a very scholarly and pious man. Cantor Wall had already shown a talent for Hazzanut by the age of nine, when he moved with his family to New York. There, he studied the Talmud and liturgy, as well as voice with some of the great cantors of the day. By the age of 13, Cantor Wall was leading services, davening as Hazzan for the High Holidays in Hartford, Connecticut where the Governor of the state, as well as other dignitaries, came to hear “the wonderchild with the beautiful voice.” After serving for several years as Cantor in a number of New York synagogues, he took a position in Houston, Texas, where he traveled the state conducting services for the armed forces during World War II. In 1944, he became Cantor of Har Zion Temple and served for 47 years until his retirement in 1991. Cantor Wall was a founder and past President of the Cantors’ Assembly. He was a fellow of the Cantors’ Institute, honored for his many years of service to the Conservative Movement. He taught for 20 years at the Solomon Schechter Day School (now the Perelman Jewish Day School), which he helped to found, and served on the organization’s board. Cantor Wall and his late wife, Sheva, were blessed with three children and 13 grandchildren.