BALTIMORE, MD—Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh has announced its Fall/Winter 2026 programming, featuring family-friendly, educational, cultural and community-centered events designed to bring people together through learning, conversation and shared experiences. The season lineup includes musical performances, arts and crafts, comedy, thought-provoking discussions and community gatherings that celebrate Baltimore's diversity and create opportunities for people to connect, learn and build relationships.
"We're excited to share this season's Happenings Guide and invite the community to experience all that Third Space has to offer," said Rabbi Jessy Dressin, Third Space's founding executive director. "A third space is a place beyond home and work where people can gather, connect and build community, and that spirit is at the heart of everything we do. Now in our third year, we're continuing to build on the connections we've created by offering programs that inspire learning, meaningful conversation and a deeper sense of belonging. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and first-time guests throughout the season."
As part of its ongoing commitment to making Third Space a "third place" for all, the organization will host a series of recurring events, including co-working opportunities on the first Wednesday of each month, offering remote workers and professionals a free space to work and connect; a book club meeting on the first Sunday of each month, beginning with The Calamity Club in September; and a Dungeons & Dragons Club, also meeting on the first Sunday of each month.
Some of the events kicking off the season include:
Sept 4: Third Space will host In the Kitchen: Challah & Cornbread from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Led by Kohenet Dr. Harriette Wimms, this hands-on experience invites participants to explore cross-cultural breadmaking by preparing both challah and cornbread, play cards, chat and connect with fellow beadmakers. The event offers a chance to begin the Jewish new year with an experience centered on food, community, culture and reflection.
Sept. 20: Third Space, in partnership with Bolton Street Synagogue, will host A Taschlich Festival: A Morning of Refresh, Renewal and Release at the Lakeside Pavilion in Druid Hill Park from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will offer a fun and communal way to celebrate the High Holiday season with a morning of activities, treats and music. Rabbis Andy Gordon and Jessy Dressin will lead a brief program beginning at 11 a.m., featuring stories, songs and guidance on participating in the tashlich ritual.
Sept. 30: From 6–9 p.m., Third Space will host Sukkot Harvest Moon Happy Hour and Concert, featuring an evening of storytelling and song in the sanctuary with Kedmah, an ensemble that celebrates Middle Eastern Jewish expression through liturgical poems and songs. Throughout the evening, leaders Rabbi Yosef Ya'ish Goldman and Yoni Avi Battat will share stories of their ancestry and musical journeys, inviting audiences to add their voices to the echoes of past generations.
Oct. 11: Third Space will host Scene Partners: An Afternoon with Hollywood Actors Adam Shapiro & Katie Lowes. During the event, the husband-and-wife actors, who have appeared in shows including Shonda Rhimes' "Scandal," Mindy Kaling's "Never Have I Ever," "The Beach," "Inventing Anna" and "The Hunting Wives," will offer candid insights into navigating Hollywood, the ways their Jewish identities have influenced their careers and family life, and the role faith plays in their lives.
Nov. 12: Third Space will host The Art of Fighting with Priya Parker, an evening of conversation about conflict. During the event, facilitator and bestselling author Priya Parker will share insights from her experience navigating conflict and explore how challenging situations can strengthen trust and create opportunities for something generative to emerge. Participants will leave with a new perspective on conflict — not as a threat to community, but as a force that can help groups grow, adapt and remain connected over time.
Rounding out the season are additional highlights, including:
Dec: 6: From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Third Space will host a Hanukkah-themed Jewish Studio Process (JSP) session at the JSP Baltimore Community Studio at Third Space. Participants will explore the themes of Hanukkah through JSP, a unique methodology that blends text study, intuitive artmaking and reflective writing.
Dec. 10: Third Space will host Hanukkah Brew Ha Ha from 6:30–9:30 p.m. This annual celebration will mark the seventh night of Hanukkah, welcoming those who celebrate the holiday as well as those interested in learning more about the "Festival of Lights." The evening will feature a menorah lighting, latke and doughnut bar, beer from Union Craft Brewing, music, surprises and plenty of holiday spirit. Guests are encouraged to bring friends, wear something sparkly and join the unofficially competitive dreidel action. The evening will bring together holiday tradition, community, light and a little Baltimore-style chaos for a memorable night.
"Entering our third year has given us the opportunity to reflect on what our community values most while continuing to introduce new experiences that bring people together," said Rabbi Dressin. "Whether someone joins us for a discussion, a holiday celebration or simply to connect with others, we want everyone to feel welcomed, included and inspired. With several affordable events open to all, we're proud to offer accessible experiences that bring people from across Baltimore together.
To view the complete lineup of programs scheduled from August through January 2027 and reserve a spot or purchase tickets, visit https://www.thirdspacest.org/happenings/.
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ABOUT THIRD SPACE Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh is an innovative organization based in a century-old synagogue building. It is a place of belonging where a full calendar of Happenings invites participants to stretch their minds, nurture their souls, find their people and safely try on new rituals, ideas and practices. Through learning, cultural events and joyful celebrations in community, Third Space animates Jewish tradition, weaving timeless wisdom into our lives in ways that are meaningful and relevant.
The concept of a "third space" is based on the idea that a healthy society is shaped by three environments: a private space, a space of contribution and a third space for connection and community.