Monthly Series Begins Nov. 8 with Free Museum Admission, Sensory-Friendly Morning and Celebration of Jewish Diversity

PHILADELPHIA (October 26, 2026) – The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (The Weitzman) will launch Second Sunday, a new monthly Community Day offering free museum admission and special activities on the second Sunday of every month, beginning Nov. 8.

Each Second Sunday will bring a new theme and a different way to experience the museum, from Jewish holidays and culture to art, history, music and seasonal celebrations. Admission will be free throughout the museum, including The First Salute: An Untold Story of the American Revolution and Colors of Creation, along with a drop-in activity tied to the month’s theme.

The day will begin early with a Sensory-Friendly Morning from 9 to 11 a.m., offering reduced lighting, sound, and motion throughout the museum. Since The Weitzman normally opens at 10 a.m., this gives visitors who prefer a quieter experience an extra hour in the museum before regular hours begin.

Nov. 8: First Second Sunday celebrates the Jewish Diaspora

The series begins Nov. 8 with a celebration of Sigd, an Ethiopian Jewish holiday centered on faith, community, renewal, and the historic connection between Ethiopian Jews and Jerusalem. Visitors are invited to wear white, traditionally worn for Sigd, and make their own versions of traditional Ethiopian tapestries during the day’s hands-on activity.

The celebration continues that evening with a separate Secret Chord Concert featuring Ethiopian Israeli musician Gili Yalo, whose music blends Ethiopian roots with soul, funk, psychedelic, and jazz influences. Yalo sings in Amharic, Hebrew, and English, and his music is deeply connected to his family’s journey from Ethiopia to Israel during Operation Moses in 1984. Light bites begin at 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance, $30 for Weitzman members, and $40 day-of, with a discount for Second Sunday attendees.

Upcoming Second Sunday themes:

Dec. 13: Light & Joy

Jan. 10: Resolutions

Feb. 14: Love Hurts

March 14: Women in STEM

April 11: Passover & Freedom

May 9: JAHM & Mother’s Day

June 13: Pride

July 11: America250

Aug. 8: Summer Camp

Sept. 12: Elul

Second Sunday is free and open to all. Walk-ins are welcome, though advance registration is recommended, particularly for Colors of Creation.

Learn more.

PRESS PHOTOS

Families in the Museum; Credit lines enclosed

Museum images; Credit lines enclosed

 

ABOUT THE WEITZMAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Standing as a joyful bulwark against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate, The Weitzman serves to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. www.theweitzman.org 

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