Gershman Y

I find it amusing that the Gershman Y is home to Jewish high-​holiday services and Gay Bingo, but I guess that’s a positive quality for a good multi-​purpose room.
While I’ve only attended Gay Bingo, I had a good experience on the 3^rd floor of the Gershman Y. Multi-​purpose in nature, the tables & chairs set up for Gay Bingo seemed like they could easily be moved or rearranged for another event. The 4^th floor had balcony seating that overlooked the 3^rd floor, and I believe were more like stadium-​style seats.
The building is a little older, but every nook I encountered seemed functional. There was an option of elevators or stairs, and the areas I was in seemed like they could hold a crowd without actually being crowded. The areas I was in for Gay Bingo weren’t too aesthetically pleasing, but again I stress the functional part.
Three stars to this practical, multi-​purpose facility.

I came here yesterday for the screening of Hong Kong film «Drug War.» The place is spacious and bathroom is clean, although it was creepy where the bathroom was on the main floor. On the way down from the third floor, there were many paths and stairways. I was thought I was going to get lost. And the staffs were really friendly and helpful.

Gay bingo here is always absolutely amazing! The venue itself is gorgeous. Elevators can be a little scary but as the balcony is on the fourth floor, most people will be taking the lift. Just be prepared for a crowd!

I first came to Gershman Y for its annual overcrowded yet overly delicious Latkepalooza event which celebrated the latke and gave several area restaurants and chef the chance to provide their own spin on it (the Indian latkes from Tashan were total win!). while West Philadelphia Orchestra played in the backdrop. But since that time I found out that the Y provides a number of eclectic artistic and cultural events, whether they’re predominately Jewish or not.
Along with its annual palooza the Y hosts the Philadelphia Jewish Music Festival, and the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival. But through its many corridors you might come across art displays, interesting lectures, theater productions and more. And when I attended a special screening of Ken Roach’s latest, The Angel’s Share (
), I learned that it’s where the Philadelphia Film Society hosts a number of their advance screenings.

The Y has an extensive and eclectic selection of classes (music, art, education, and making sushi among others), interesting lecture series (from politics to cultural and almost everything in between) and fun social events (singles, couples, family and kids, gay and lesbian friendly, … You name it). A real community resource.

I have been coming here for gay bingo for like 3 years now… ALWAYS a blast! Best advice for gay bingo– buy your tickets early because they sell out!

Wow there are some fun events here! I’m going to start checking it out more often.
We were there for the Latkepalloza (which was awesome). We showed up on Sunday at 1:30 for the 2pm event. Although it might not have been *that* organized, they did the best they could with tons of people in a gym fighting for some of the city’s best latkes. Kids running around for more food and a marching band wandering around.
Price for the event was extremely reasonable (15 $) and they had people of all ages and a great turn out from some of the city’s hottest restaurants (Estia, Talula’s Garden, Federal Donuts, etc)
I would go to the event again and I’m going to start seeing what else they have to offer. Their next event is Moo Shu Jew — a comedy show with chinese food. How could anyone turn that up!