Second Sunday at The Weitzman is a monthly free community day in Philadelphia featuring family activities, hands-on experiences, special programs, and opportunities to explore American Jewish history and culture. Located on Independence Mall in Philadelphia’s Historic District, each Second Sunday offers a new theme and new ways for families and visitors of all ages to discover, create, and connect.
Second Sunday Schedule:
9-11 am Sensory-friendly morning, with reduced lighting, sound, and motion
10 am Community Day activity
5 pm Museum closes
Join us as we launch Second Sunday, our first Community Day, on November 8, 2026, with the theme of Celebrating Jewish Diversity by marking Sigd, an Ethiopian Jewish holiday.
Sigd (pronounced sihgd with one syllable) is celebrated on the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, exactly 50 days after Yom Kippur. The name “Sigd” means “prostration” in Ge’ez, an ancient South Semitic language. Sigd commemorates Ethiopian Jews’/Beta Israel’s desire to return to Jerusalem and the building of the Third Temple. Sigd is a time for renewing the Israelite covenant with God, preserving Jewish identity, fasting and praying in communal repentance, and creating unity.
The Sigd holiday begins with a half-day fast and is followed by a feast and dancing. Traditionally, Beta Israel wear white on Sigd.
We invite all visitors to the Museum to wear white. We will be creating versions of traditional Ethiopian tapestries as our family activity.
Keep the party going with a very special Sigd concert that evening!
Second Sunday returns each month with a new theme, family activity, and way to experience The Weitzman. From Jewish holidays and culture to art, history, music, and seasonal celebrations, each free Community Day offers something new to discover. Check back for upcoming Second Sunday themes and programs throughout 2027.
