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October 8, 2020
Please check our current newsletter for additional information about these and other events, or call AJ's main office for information.
Do you have good news to share? We sure can use it! Let us know and we'll include it in the weekly email.
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IMPORTANT: If part of this column is cut off (for instance, only half of the Service Schedule is showing), it is because your email application can't display an email of this size. Scroll to the bottom of the email and click on "Show entire message."
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Please note: Due to coronavirus, the synagogue building will be closed until further notice. Until then, all services will be held virtually through Zoom. See below for the links. (All of the COVID-19-related information in this weekly email is here.)
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Simchat Torah
Sunday, October 11 at 9:30 AM (via Zoom) |
Join us to celebrate and honor our two Torah honorees: Steve Strauss, as our Hatan Torah; and Tammy Zebovitz as our Kalat Bereishit.
You can read their bios here. Also, see the Zoom link for the weekend at the right, above the service schedule.
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 Drive-Thru Sukkah!
October 3 through Friday, October 9 |
 Pack your family into the side-paneled station wagon and drive on in to our Sukkah in the main parking lot. There's only room for one car at a time. Bring your own lulav if you have it, or there will some available on the tables inside the Sukkah. There will be instructions, too, for those of us (like Rav Shai) who forget on which side the myrtle goes. Shake, shake, shake! The Drive-Thru sukkah will be open 24/7, from October 3 through October 9.
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New Adult Ed. Class: The 6 Ws of Judaism
Beginning Tuesday, October 20 at 7:45 PM |
 The AJ Adult Education Committee is delighted to announce the return of programming in 5781, beginning with Rav Shai's "The 6 Ws of Judaism."
The journalist squeezes 6 Ws into the first paragraph of her article. We'll take 24 sessions. Many of us gravitate toward the why, the who, or the how questions. But what, where, and when are important, too! This series covers all the Ws and starts at the very beginning. After taking this foundational course, you'll have the background to better understand, appreciate, and critique our own Jewish world. This course will be held in two semesters of 12 sessions each.The first semester will begin on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2020, from 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM. There is no charge for AJ members but we do ask that you register so that we can provide the links for the supplemental materials and the course sessions. You may register for one or both semesters. Please register for the first semester by Sunday, October 18. You will have the opportunity to register for the second semester up until it begins on February 2, 2021. Please register at https://www.adathjeshurun.info/form/6Ws.
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Fall Blood Drive
Wednesday, October 21 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
 Perform a potentially life-saving mitzvah by donating blood at AJ between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Please consider being a donor; the supplies are low while the need remains high. To schedule an appointment, go to http://www.redcrossblood.org/. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.
Bonus #1! All donors who come to donate blood will be entered for a chance at a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card!* The Red Cross will be giving away 5! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/unite to learn more.
Bonus #2! The Red Cross does COVID-19 anti-body testing of all who donate blood (to facilitate the discovery of potential plasma donors) and they will make that information available to you. Find out more here. (Obviously, if you are not feeling well on the day of your appointment, postpone your visit.)
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Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached (via Zoom)
Friday, October 23 at 6:15 PM |
Unplug from a busy week with an acoustic Shabbat service led by Hazzan Howard Glantz with familiar tunes that will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. For all ages, from babies to bubbies. Zoom in with your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! Please plan to join us! Zoom info: By computer: https://zoom.us/j/97054037610; By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592; Meeting ID: 970 5403 7610 (Password required) Next Strings Attached: November 6.
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AJWA Sisterhood Opening Event:
Wine, Women, and the White House
Sunday, October 25 at 10:30 AM (via Zoom) |
 Join AJWA Sisterhood on October 25, 2020 at 10:30 AM for a presentation from Professor Myra Gutin, Professor Emerita of Communication, at Rider University, entitled "Ten Defining Moments in the History of the American First Lady." Discover what's behind some unusual actions by First Ladies. For instance:
- How did Eleanor Roosevelt use the White House to fight for civil rights for Black Americans?
- What was the significance of Jacqueline Kennedy's refurbishment of the White House?
- Why did Hillary Clinton decide to run for the US Senate?
Myra's career has spanned over 40 years, she has researched the First Ladies' communication, ceremonial, political and advocacy activities. Through that research she has interviewed former first ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, and Barbara Bush. She is the author of two books and many articles on America's First Ladies. Please pre-register at http://tiny.cc/Firstladies.
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Healing Service with Hazzan Glantz
Thursday, October 29 |
 Hazzan Glantz will be offering a healing service in October, November, and December, at 6:15 PM. The upcoming service is on October 29 and its theme is "Go Forth."
Zoom info:
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Save the Date! A Tour of Jewish Rome (via Zoom)
Sunday, November 8 at 10:30 AM |
 This is a city tour you won't need walking shoes for! Join the Kehillah of Old York Road for a journey to Rome (virtually) with Micaela Pavoncello. Micaela was born in Rome and her Jewish family goes back 2,000 years. Micaela knows how miraculous the existence of the Jewish Community of Rome really is. Now, with a Zoom presentation including pictures and videos, she would like to share that story with you. There will be a 45-minute session with 15-minute break, and then an additional 30-minute session. Register at www.jewishphilly.org/oyr. Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. Begins at 10:30 AM.
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Save the Date! AJMA Veterans Day Program (via Zoom)
Wednesday, November 11 at 8:15 PM |
 Join the AJ Men's Association as they honor our veterans. This program will feature speaker: Ira Cooperman former Air Force intelligence officer who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and worked with the CIA as an intelligence analyst. It is sponsored in loving memory of Dr. Stephen Davidoff, by his nieces and nephews. More info coming soon.
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| Ongoing Virtual Events |
Coming Up!
There has been a nice response to both Hebrew levels Hazzan Glantz teaches (see below). They begin this week so please be in touch ASAP if you have an interest in either level.
"Hebrew from Scratch" (for adults) will continue this fall. There are no prerequisites and the textbook will be provided in PDF form. Contact Hazzan Glantz at 215.635.6611 or [email protected] to let him know you'd like to attend.
"It's Greek...oops! I mean Hebrew to me!" is a class Hazzan Glantz designed for those who can already read Hebrew (even slowly and with mistakes). Students will have the opportunity to improve speed and accuracy while also learning some comprehension. Israeli songs, poetry, and liturgy will help make Hebrew more accessible and meaningful. Please contact Hazzan with your interest.
Hazzan Glantz will be continuing his healing services throughout the fall. They are currently scheduled for October 29 ("Go Forth"), November 24 ("Torah -- Thanksgiving...Really?"), and December 22 (Hanukkah -- Rededication, Yes, But to What?"). The services will begin at 6:15 PM.
Rav Shai will be teaching a multi-session Adult Ed class called "The 6 W's of Judaism (who, what, when, where, why, how)". It will begin on October 20. Stay tuned for more information.
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Attention: 20- to 30-Year-Olds!
Meet Tribe 12
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The Kehillah of Old York Road wants to connect young professionals who have found themselves near Old York Road due to COVID-19. To best support them, the Kehillah is collaborating with Tribe 12, a group that engages 20- to 30-year-olds in Jewish life and community. Ross Weisman runs Tribe 12's programming and will be leading this me-up/brainstorming session.
Please click here for a Doodle poll to indicate your availability to meet up with Ross and tell him what interests you. Some ideas are:- Zoom happy hour/quiz show
- Outdoor services
- Holiday-specific programming (Sukkot/Chanukah)
- Socially distant backyard games
- Outdoor movie night
- Pop-up beer garden
- Take it (ingredients) and make it (Zoom) treats for Hanukkah (with a special guest host)
- Paint night
Please share this information with friends.
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Join JFCS' Teen Empowerment Program!
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 JFCS' Teen Empowerment Program (TEP) is designed to provide teens ages 13 to 16 with a springboard to become future leaders in the community. TEP enables teens to experience philanthropy firsthand and explore the Jewish tradition of giving back to the community through volunteer opportunities. Through TEP, teens learn community leadership by working with JFCS' professional staff who encourage thinking about and acting upon the values of tzedakah (giving back) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). TEP plants the seeds for future leaders and philanthropists in our community. Registration is open now. Click here for more information.
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Attention: 7th and 8th Graders!
Singers Wanted |
HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir is looking for singers entering the 7th and 8th grades to join HazaPrep, the first Jewish Choral Preparatory program in America, conducted by Dr. Marsha Bryan Edelman.
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Signs of Solidarity
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 Adath Jeshurun's social action committee, AJ Acts, has launched a campaign called Signs of Solidarity to express our rejection of the injustices that are systemic throughout our country and which have been brought to the fore by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. You can sponsor the placement of an 18" x 24" lawn sign along the Old York Road corridor, or purchase a sign (or signs) for yourself, your neighbors, and/or friends by clicking here. There are two options available: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and "Justice, Justice we shall pursue". Any profits will be donated to Project Home.
 NEW! We now have magnets for your car that read "Love your neighbor as yourself"! They are $5 each, or 3 for $10. Buy them for your family, friends, and neighborsYou can order one or more magnets here!
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American Mothers of Israel Olim
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A group has been formed through the auspices of Women's League for Conservative Judaism: "American Mothers of Israel Olim." The group was actually formed a number of years ago and it was an email communication. Now it has been revitalized and has had two Zoom meetings. Meetings will be held on a (roughly) monthly basis. If you have children who have made Aliyah and are interested in joining a Zoom group, contact Violet Zeitlin at [email protected].
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| Let Hazzan Glantz Help You Celebrate! |
Do you know someone who is having a birthday and could use help celebrating? If so, contact Hazzan Glantz at [email protected] and he'll record a birthday song for your child or relative!
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Sunday, October 18: Israel Bonds Event. The Israel Bonds online event scheduled for Wednesday, October 7 has been canceled. Isreal Bond invites you to join their final event in the online High Holy Days series on Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 PM. The event will feature greetings from President Reuven Rivlin and Minister of Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevich highlighted by a Women's Division Exclusive Archaeological Tour of the Ancient Talmudic Village of Korazim in the Golan Heights with Women's Division Chairperson Laura Orzy and International Business Development Director Sara Friedman. Click here for a link to the invitation.
Sunday, October 25: Gratz@home Webinar: The Battle for Jewish Rights. Taught by Dr. Andrew Zalewski, in partnership with Gesher Galicia. This year's headlines about streets in turmoil, social justice and elections would sound familiar to those living in Europe in 1848. During that year's political upheavals, Jews of the Austrian Empire hoped for liberal reforms and long-awaited emancipation. The battle for Jewish rights played out differently across the multiethnic empire. In Galicia, with the largest Jewish population in Austria, Jews joined civic petitions, wrote pamphlets, and served in a citizen's guard. New cultural choices and synagogue reforms also stirred conflicts in Jewish communities. Through images of exuberant crowds, political cartoons, and unique records we will discover Jewish voices from Vienna to Lemberg, speaking about their vision of a better future. 1:00 - 2:00 PM. $10. Register here.
Sunday, October 25: American Antisemitism in Historical Perspective.
Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna is University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University, where he directs the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies. He also chairs the Academic Advisory and Editorial Board of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati, and serves as Chief Historian of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Presented by St. Joseph's University Institute of Jewish-Catholic Relations. This webinar is offered in collaboration with the Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations. You can get more info here.
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Needed! Homemade Masks for Einstein Patients
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The City of Philadelphia has a significant number of new COVID-19 cases & hospitalizations continue to rise. Inner city neighborhoods are being hit harder by this highly communicable disease. Masks help stop the spread. Einstein is in need of hand-crafted masks to give to our patients to help keep others safe and preserve medical grade masks for staff. Can you help? You can download the instructions here. Your support would be much appreciated!
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| Are You Suffering From Loneliness? |
The social distancing required to defeat the coronavirus has upended our lives. We have been separated from family, friends, and coworkers. If you are experiencing loneliness or know of someone who is, please let us know how we can help . You can reach Rav Shai at 215.992.4112 or [email protected], or Hazzan Glantz at 215.439.5033 or [email protected].
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| Kosher Meals from Betty the Caterer |
Betty the Caterer is offering kosher meals for pickup at MBIEE. They are offering weekend meals called "Weekend in a Box" and you can find the flyer here. The October 2 through October 16 menu is here. The October 20 through November 5 menu is here. You can find out more about Betty the Caterer here. Stay informed about their services and money-saving specials on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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| Kosher Foods Available Through KMF Food Distribution |
KMF Food Distribution is a locally owned family business with over 35 years of experience in Kosher food service distribution. Our commitment to customer service and high-quality products have allowed us to be a reliable source for Kosher consumers nationwide. COVID-19 has effected our community in numerous ways including severe interruptions in our food supply. As a result, we are offering poultry, beef, lamb, veal, deli, fish, cheese, Heat N' Serve, and other traditional items.
In partnering with Congregation Adath Jeshurun, KMF Food Distribution would like to offer a special group delivery order. Orders placed by Sunday will be delivered to Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El on Wednesday between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. The minimum order has been reduced to $100. KMF Food Distribution: 615 Deer Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
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KleinLife: Montgomery County
Programs for Seniors at AJ
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KleinLife will be closed until further notice.
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All events below will be held via Zoom, except where noted.
10/9
Hoshana Rabbah. Morning service at 9:00 AM.
10/9
Evening Service. At 6:15 PM.
10/10
Shemini Atzeret. Morning service at 9:30 AM. Yizkor at approximately 11:30 AM.
10/11
Simhat Torah Morning Service. Join us to celebrate and honor our two Torah honorees: Steve Strauss, as our Hatan Torah; and Tammy Zebovitz as Kalat Bereishit. 9:30 AM.
10/11
Simhat Torah Evening Service. 6:00 PM.
10/13
JTC's First Tuesday Session.
10/18
JTC's First Sunday Session.
10/18
Etgar's First Sunday Session.
10/18
Rosh Hodesh Heshvan. Morning service, 9:00 AM
10/19
Rosh Hodesh Heshvan. Morning service, 7:00 AM
10/19
Board of Directors Meeting. Via Zoom, beginning with evening minyan, at 7:00 PM.
10/20
Adult Ed: 6 Ws of Judaism. Rav Shai will be teaching a multi-session Adult Ed class called "The 6 Ws of Judaism (who, what, when, where, why, how)". It will begin on October 20. See article above.
10/21
AJ Fall Blood Drive. Perform a potentially life-saving mitzvah by donating blood at AJ between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Open slots are still available. Please consider being a donor; the supplies are low while the need remains high. To schedule an appointment, go to http://www.redcrossblood.org/. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. See special bonuses offered in the article above!
10/23
Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached. (via Zoom) Unplug from a busy week with an acoustic Shabbat service led by Hazzan Howard Glantz with familiar tunes that will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. For all ages, from babies to bubbies. Zoom in with your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! Please plan to join us! Zoom info: By computer: https://zoom.us/j/97054037610; By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592; Meeting ID: 970 5403 7610 (Password required) Next Strings Attached: October 23. 6:15 PM
10/25
AJWA Sisterhood Opening Event: Wine, Women, and the White House. With Professor Myra Gutin. See the article above.
10/29
Healing Service with Hazzan Glantz. (via Zoom) Hazzan Glantz will be offering a healing service in October, November, and December, at 6:15 PM. October's theme is "Go Forth."
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In Case You Missed It...
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Below are some stories that were in previous weekly emails. We still think they are important enough to include for those who missed them or didn't need the info at the time they were originally published!
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Update Regarding the AJ Website
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Some congregants have inquired about the words "Log In" that appear in the upper right corner. The ability to log in to the website is a feature that is not activated, and can only be used by the site administrator at this time. The congregation will be advised if this feature is activated in the future.
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Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity?
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Looking for a way to make a difference during these challenging times?
Are your kids looking for meaningful activities this summer?
Here is a great opportunity to fill an important need!
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel is working with the Montgomery County Anti-Hunger Network, (MAHN) to help distribute needed food to families experiencing food insecurity due to the economic ramifications from COVID19. The food pick-up will be held on Wednesdays between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. It is a community effort with volunteers being asked to help with: - Traffic management: Directing cars to proper lines for food pick up and exit routes
- Safety: Holding signs that would describe things like mask wearing, keeping windows open, and directing people to open their trunks for food pick-up
- Unloading pallets from the truck
- Placing boxes in the trunks of cars
- Collecting zip code information
Masks and gloves will be provided for the volunteers.
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Learn and Live in Israel -- Programs for High School Students and Recent Grads
From Ramah:
With the great uncertainty surrounding the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year, many families are considering alternatives to traditional high school and college programs. Ramah is delighted to share news about two exciting Israel experiences for high school students and 2020 high school graduates. Both programs are based in Jerusalem.
- Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY) is a transformational high school semester in Israel for students entering grades 10-12! TRY offers both a fall and spring semester. Click here for more info.
- Nativ, the Conservative Movement's leadership training gap-year program, is offering a new Ramah Hadracha Leadership Track. Click here for more info.
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Eradicating Domestic Abuse is a Jewish Responsibility.
15-20% of all Jewish households experience some form of abuse or violence and Jewish survivors stay in abusive relationships twice as long as the national average. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please contact us at [email protected] to talk with one of our intake volunteers.
Dinah is a comprehensive legal services center providing low-cost and pro bono legal representation to survivors of domestic abuse in the Jewish Community of Greater Philadelphia. By partnering with existing Jewish social service providers, Dinah combats intimate partner violence through advocacy, education and representation. Visit dinahphilly.org for more information.
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Lunch and Learn Noontime Torah Now Being Held at AJ
CANCELED until further notice.
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Feed your soul at Noontime Torah!
The Rabbinical Assembly-Mid-Atlantic Region invites you to join us weekly at noon for the study of Torah on Tuesdays at AJ from noon to 1:00 PM. A Rabbi and other like-minded individuals await you to engage in exciting discussion and thoughtful analysis of the weekly Torah portion or other stimulating topic. Each class is self-contained so you can plug in at any given week, in any given location.
Join Us and Grow!
Bring your dairy or pareve lunch and a Bible, drinks will be provided. All are welcome. Classes are not held on major Jewish holidays. For more information, call at any of the locations for details or the main coordinating office of Rabbi Gary Charlestein (610.239.6003).
You can also attend Noontime Torah in Center City at the Offices of Cozen & O'Conner on Tuesdays from noon to 1:00 PM, or in Plymouth Meeting/Norristown at the Offices of Premier Dental Products on Wednesdays from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Download a flyer for more info.
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Laurel House Shelter Needs Your Donations!
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AJ Caring Community
Committee
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We all experience times of need. For many of us, family and friends step in to provide support. For others, those resources are less present, less apparent and asking for help can be embarrassing and complicated. This is where the AJ Caring Community Committee (AJCCC) comes in with varying levels of support, anything from a phone call to a meal.
Should you know of someone who has such a need or if you find yourself in a difficult situation please get in touch with us. You can leave a message with Beryl (215.635.6611) in the office, or with Rav Shai at [email protected] or Naomi Atkins, the chair of the AJCCC at [email protected].
Your AJ family is here to help you.
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College Connection
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We Would Like to Connect with Your College Student!
Surprise your college student with a taste of home! College students enrolled in the AJ College Connection Program will receive the monthly AJ News and enjoy holiday packages sent to school. Children of member families only. Please send the following information to Sandra Goldberg at [email protected] or call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611: Student Name, School Address, Student Email Address, Parent Email Address and Expected Year of Graduation. This program is enthusiastically sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood.
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