Rajaganapathi temple is one of the temples that brings you memories and divine feeling that takes…read moreyou to Tamil aka South Indian temples. The temple underwent major renovation and hosts weekly and monthly pujas. The parking is enough and during festive days they manage to find overflow parking.

One of the rare and strange experiences of being in a foreign country outside of India is watching…read morea temple being built from the scratch. It's like watching a seed germinate into a plant. First time we saw this temple was in 2016 when I was visiting NJ and now after 6 years I visited this holy place while becoming a resident. That's how times have beautifully changed. The temple is still work in progress with the gopuram still under construction. But the temple's interiors are completed and the deities of the God's look so divine and give you the vibes you expect. The priest is very kind and hospitable. This is definitely a must visit if you are in NJ.

The masjid was always my late dad's favorite masjid, especially because of its informative Jumaah…read moresermons (khutba), therefore dad acquainted me with it since I arrived in the States. I do like the masjid, but I can't fathom, since masjids are crucial community hubs, when the admins will implement social activities and further didactic programs, including field/local and nationwide trips, thorough matrimonial events and services from meetings one's soulmate to marriage ceremony and beyond, sewing and cooking sessions, foreign language classes, etc. Such activities can help develop and improve Muslims' character and life, which the whole universe needs.

I had a warm welcome from the sisters there when I was investigating Islam for the first time. I…read moredidn't know how to pray, but no matter. There were prayer dresses that were very modest. I used to live in Spruce Hill and I walked there. The Imam was very gracious with giving da'waa.

I attended this church [almost] every Sunday growing up and went to the school from Pre-K til 8th…read moregrade. I was raised Catholic so I had my baptism, first communion, and confirmation here (maybe I'll get married here?). There are two parts to the church: the upper church and the lower church. The upper church, usually reserved for large masses and special occasions, is big and absolutely beautiful. There's still the big, original pipe organ up in the choir loft and everything else has recently been renovated. The lower church is mainly used for regular Sunday masses and is also very beautiful. The St. Peter's parish is very close-knit and continues to be involved in the community, from putting on bazaars to help local organizations to prayer services. They're welcoming to all and it's good to see the church still going strong.

I have not been to SOJI Zen sene before Covid 19 hit.I did go there in in the mid-teens. I really…read moreenjoyed it.q I fqinqd it to be very welcoming.

Five years ago I decided I need a more regular sitting practice and for that I needed a group, so I…read morestarted visiting different Buddhist groups and centers in the Philadelphia area. Soji Zen Center is the place that became home, for many reasons. The teacher, Shuzen Sensei, has been practicing and studying for over 30 years and his knowledge and insight is amazing. The people who practice at Soji are all wonderful--warm, dedicated and welcoming. And as someone who cares a great deal about diversity, I am thrilled that Soji not only has women and people of color attending, but women and people of color in positions of authority! The center is small but lovely and while not the most important point, the plentiful and free parking is a nice plus! Soji offers a huge range of options. Sundays there's service with a chanting of the Heart Sutra, three sitting sessions and a dharma talk. Thursday nights is more informal with three sittings. Monday nights there are two sittings. There are workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year, an intensive practice period from March to June and two yearly week long retreats. The center is welcoming to everyone from experienced Zen students to those who have never meditated before (there's free meditation instruction every Thursday) and you can grow your practice here with the guidance of a wonderful teacher and a caring community.

Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel is one of the few remaining synagogues in South Philadelphia. From…read morewhat I understand, there are still sabbath services held at this orthodox congregation. But it has also become a living museum of South Philadelphia Jewry. I toured the synagogue, which is within a 3-story rowhouse deep in South Philadelphia. Hidden Philadelphia was hosting an event and I am so glad they did. This is truly a hidden gem that will allow you to see history in a natural way, without fussy curation and plexiglass boxes. I had learned that there was an active Jewish community in South Philadelphia prior to WWI. In those times, the Irish, Italians, and Jews remained in separate corridors running north and south. And over the next 100 years, the Jewish community dispersed elsewhere, while the next waves of immigrants moved in. The synagogue itself is an amazing sight to see. I live in a South Philly rowhome and I was amazed at the size of the building. The synagogue is situated on the first floor and you can read the fading memorial plaques on the way. Upstairs you can see some of their archived objects, including hundreds of photographs in piles. I believe Hidden Philadelphia may have set that up, but it's fun to pick through the objects and photos like I used to explore my parents' attic when I was young. There is also a sewing exhibit on the second floor, which is part of a special project set up by the ADMK Knit lab. They are using looms to make a textile to put on the front of the building. A synagogue cozy, perhaps. I don't know whether the project is finished, but it was still running through 6/30/2013. The third floor is a vacant apartment, which still kept some objects, furniture and clothing. Some of a former Rabbi's belongings are still there. It's a mysterious place because the area reveals intimate details, but doesn't tell a complete story.

I've been making a pilgrimage to this church every month for more than a decade. It's a very…read morespiritual experience. It may seem weird for others to imagine that the body of a saint resides at the altar but for me it's an amazing and metaphysical connection to what lies beyond. Even just learning about St. John Neumann and his amazing life you can get a sense that this man lived a selfless life. He really worked hard for others and now the Catholic faith honors him. Without going into it too much my family and I have personally experienced miracles with the intercession of St. John Neumann. That is why I continue to come to this amazing shrine.

St. John Neumann is a powerful saint. He healed me and my dad that's why we are devoters of that…read morechurch!

Keeping with their reputation, the Philadelphia Sikh Society is a very welcoming and caring group…read moreof people dedicated to service and the community. They make you feel very welcome and it is always very relaxing to sit and meditate during kirtan.

It was a religious experience that was more than just going to synagogue on Shabbat. It was a…read morefeeling of calm being surrounded by such history and beauty. The members of the congregation are all so welcoming. The rabbi is a kind man with thoughtful words. I am thankful for the experience.

Many years ago I had good experiences there but today is a different story with the present vp and…read morepresident of the synagogue. I purchased a holiday meal recently at the Mikveh Israel website and when I arrived for the meal but late for the services, BIll Vassel, the vp of the synagogue, accosted me at the door and repeatedly yelled "I AM NOT A RESTAURANT" and later threatened to "throw you the f-ck out" because I pointed him out. I later reported this to Eli Gabay, the president, and he threatened me in so many words if I reported it. The Rabbi and several of the congregants saw it and apologized to me for Vassel's behavior. They don't get that it is wrong to turn Jews away from a synagogue, including paying guests. If you pay for a meal there online but don't get there in time for the services, stay away or you could be accosted too.