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June 19, 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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| Dear Friends.... |
As we welcome the official start of summer, we have a joyful Shabbat planned.
We wish the Hartman family Mazel Tov as they celebrate three simchas:
- Mervin's 94th birthday,
- Mervin and Harriet's 64th wedding anniversary, and
- Granddaughter Ayelet Beazley's engagement to Amichai Horwitz.
Many members of the Hartman family will take part and daven and as we all celebrate these wonderful occasions.
The AJ Keshet Connection Group will offer original prayers and poems as we celebrate Pride Shabbat. We will come together (virtually) to celebrate inclusivity and honor our vibrant LGBTQ community.
Shabbat Shalom,
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 Celebrate Pride Month at Pride Shabbat This Saturday
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The month of June is designated as Pride Month, in recognition of the need for total equality and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, as well in celebration of the world expanding to allow people to be themselves. AJ has a group called the AJ Keshet Connection which was formed several years in conjunction with training through the national organization,
www.keshetonline.org
. Keshet Online has amazing resources that we encourage everyone to explore -- whether it is to expand community for yourself or a family member -- or to learn to be a supportive ally.
During Shabbat services this Saturday morning, we look forward to honoring Pride Month with readings and prayers around inclusion and connectedness to Judaism.
We ask that anyone who is "Zoomed in" on Shabbat, and wants to participate, please change your Zoom background to a Pride flag that resonates with you.
Here is a helpful tutorial on how to change your Zoom background:
Try to play around with changing your background before services. If you need additional help, J Fassler may be able to talk you through it. They can be reached at [email protected].
We've compiled a few to choose from here, but there are dozens of flags and signs out there to consider. You can click on any of the flags below, and then right-click to download the image.
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Philadelphia Pride Flag
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Chai Repeat
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Magen David Repeat
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So? What do all these flags represent?
Here's a site
that explains the symbolism of various Pride flags.
And what about all these terms? Non-Binary? Cisgender? Human Rights Campaign has some helpful definitions.
We look forward to a lovely Shabbat together.
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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
.
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Summer Kick-off Trivia Event for Rising 4th to 9th Graders
Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30 PM |
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Stay tuned for details!
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Coping with COVID: Sharing and Support Bi-Weekly Sessions
Next Session: Wednesday, July 1, at 7:30 PM |
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We have introduced a new bi-weekly event, led by Rabbi Sandi Berliner. Come share and support each other during this challenging time. What's going on with you? How are you doing? Every other week we'll spend 45 to 60 minutes talking together about feelings and concerns in the age of COVID-19.
The meeting will following evening minyan at 7:30 PM. You can drop into any sessions you'd like.
The next one will be on Wednesday, July 1.
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Drive-In Havdalah Under the Stars!
Saturday, June 27, at 8:00 PM, at AJ!
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Good news!
Havdalah Under the Stars
has been rescheduled. The new date is
Saturday, June 27
.
Shake, Rock, and Roll on over for an inspirational Havdalah service, followed by Hairspray at the AJ Drive-In. Don't forget to wear your poodle skirt! There will be a prize for the best 50s hairdo! Goodie bags will be provided. Please bring your own beverages.
Please arrive at 8:00 PM to get settled in before the service begins. In keeping with guidelines set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the yellow phase of the reopening plan, there is a limit to the number of people who will be able to attend. Strict social distancing guidelines will be observed. Please know that the hope is to schedule another outdoor Havdalah and movie later this summer. Those who signed up for the June 6 Havdalah will get first priority to sign up for June 27. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Merril Stup at
[email protected]
or 215-782-3735.
Min
hah/Ma'ariv at 8:15 PM; Havdalah at 9:15 PM
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UPDATE: Healing Services
Selected Thursdays, via Zoom |
Hazzan Glantz has changed the night and time of the healing service he offers; he will now offer them on selected Thursdays, at 6:10 PM. The next healing service will be on Thurs
day, July 2
.
Why attend a healing service?
Some folks attend a healing service for themselves. Others may be motivated to be present for a loved one who is suffering. For some, wounds and ailments are visible and more obvious, but many people hurt and suffer from pain that cannot be so easily seen. The healing service has the potential to help participants seeking to find balance or solace or spirituality within.
Unlike a standard prayer service, there is no set structure that has been handed down through the generations. Although there will be a 'seder', an order to things, there is no haggadah that guides us in our choices. I like to include music, brief meditations, a ritual washing of hands, prayers that are both communal and personal, aloud and in silence. The service includes healing prayers that may be familiar, steeped in our ancient liturgy as well as more contemporary and current inclusions. Toward the end of our (approximately 45-minute) time and space, I warmly offer participants the option of sharing something brief about their experience.
We will end with a reminder that what has been shared in this service is private and confidential and that this promise is upon all of us to keep for each other.
Zoom info:
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First Meeting of AJ's New Grandparents Group Scheduled
Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 PM |
Grandparents! Come one, come all -- both current AND future grandparents and acting ones!
We are initiating a Grandparents' group at AJ for all our AJ grandparents, including great-grandparents, significant others, and even parents who want to find out the secrets of of effective and fun grandparenting. All are welcome.
We are excited to announce our kick-off program:
Zoom Away Grandparents -- Techniques and Activities for Enhancing the Zoom Experience with Your Grandchildren. Our guest speaker will be Lisa Litman, Director of jkidphilly, which is a part of the Jewish Learning Venture. The program is scheduled for
Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 PM, following minyan. We think you will find this a helpful, interesting, and fun zoom.
We see this new grandparents' group as providing informative programming. What are some tips and techniques for sustaining our loving and fun relationships with grandkids and for helping us address challenges.
Please RSVP to AJ (
[email protected]
) if you can attend, and we will send you the Zoom link after we receive your RSVP.
Email Barbara Shotz (
[email protected]
) or Sheva Cohen (
[email protected]
) with your interest in being a part of this group, even if you are unable to attend our first meeting, or with any questions or comments.
The Jewish Grandparents' Network has been a wonderful resource. Check out their website (
https://jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org
) for some good information. The Network carried out a national demographic study on grandparenting that we think you will enjoy reading.
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Ongoing Virtual Events
All events, except where noted, will use this Zoom link:
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#:
109428724
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On Tuesdays and Thursdays
Adult
Ed with Rav Shai: Introduction to Judaism
UPDATED!
Continuing on Tuesday nights
, at 7:45 PM, Rav Shai will teach a 24-part
Introduction to Judaism. ***Note: Classes will be held on Tuesday nights only until the series is finished in August.***
Zoom information:
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 969452689
On Thursdays
Learn from Alef with Hazzan Glantz.*
Maximum class size is four; first registered, first served. Hazzan will gladly add times as needed.
Learn to read in Hebrew starting with the Alef-Bet. Prerequisite: Only the desire to be able to read the letters and vowels from the Hebrew texts. 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Talmud Class with Hazzan Glantz.* Hazzan will share what he is learning in Talmud Class. No prerequisites, geared toward adults. 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
On Fridays
Mesibat Shabbat with Hazzan Glantz.
Geared toward preschool age, but likely fun for 1st and 2nd graders too. All ages welcome. 9:30 AM
*Preregistration for these classes is appreciated; just send an email to
[email protected].
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| Do You Know a Young Leader? |
Every year, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia recognizes a few distinguished young leaders in our communities. You are invited to submit nominations for the Young Leadership Awards:
- Myer and Rosaline Feinstein Young Leadership Award
- Mrs. Isadore Kohn Young Leadership Award
- Jack Goldenberg Young Leadership Award
Eligible candidates should be between the ages of 25 and 45 and have the following qualifications:
- An exemplary record of participation and performance in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Philadelphia's Jewish communal affairs;
- Leadership giving to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's annual campaign and Philadelphia Jewish communal organizations;
- Demonstrated potential for significant future growth within the leadership ranks of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and its partner agencies, Jewish organizations and synagogues.
Know someone who fits the description? Please fill out the nomination form by c
licking here; nominations are due July 17.
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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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| From Jewish Federation: Make Sure You Know How the CARES Act Affects Charitable Gift Planning |
The CARES Act, designed to help the nation recover from the pandemic, has five important implications for charitable giving.
- New Charitable Deduction for Non-Itemizers: Taxpayers who take the standard deduction can nevertheless claim a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash donations in 2020.
- Higher Deduction Limits: Individuals will be able to deduct cash gifts in 2020 to the extent of their entire adjusted gross income rather than a cap at 60%.
- Increased Deduction Limits for Corporations: The contribution limit for corporations has been raised to 25% for cash contributions this year.
- Required Minimum Distributions Waived: For the year 2020, there will be no mandatory distributions from retirement accounts, thus allowing those accounts to recover. Once they do recover, retirement funds are a tax-wise giving strategy.
- Waiver of Penalties When Retirement Funds Are Used for Coronavirus Purposes: If you are under the age of 59½ and withdraw money from your retirement plan to cover expenses incurred by you or a family member related to treatment of the coronavirus, the 10% tax penalty will not apply. In the future you may consider a retirement fund gift.
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Two Great Opportunities for High School Students!
JTS JustCity and CityStage: Transformational Summer Programs for High School Students
The pre-college summer institutes of JTS,
JustCity and CityStage, hold transformational summer programs for high school students. This summer, they are offering an online course entitled "Justice and Art in Moments of Crisis" from June 28 through July 12.
Course Description:
Explore the intersection of Judaism and justice,
earning 1 college credit. As part of this online program, you'll let your creative juices flow and produce your own works of art, while building friendships with teens from across the country.
Schedule:
Monday-Friday:
1:00 PM -- 2:30 PM ET: Judaism & Justice Deep Dive
3:00 PM -- 4:30 PM ET: Creative Arts Workshop
8:00 PM -- 9:00 PM ET: Community Time: Learning from each other and guests from the field
Shabbat and Sunday programming, too!
Cost:
$500
You can download a flyer here. You can learn more about the program and register here.
Hartman Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Thought Leaders: Together@Home
Another program for teens is the Hartman Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Thought Leaders: Together@Home. This program is for graduating current seniors and rising juniors and rising seniors. It will be a four-week exploration of Jewish peoplehood, at-homeness, and contemporary challenges facing North American Jewish identity for high school students.
The Jewish people are facing important questions about citizenship, nationalism, democracy and the societies in which we live. COVID-19 has already reshaped our attitudes about collective community and what it means to be 'at-home,' and is raising issues of theology, spirituality, and social responsibility.
Join this national cohort of exceptional high school students and meet virtually with top Hartman scholars like Tal Becker, Elana Stein Hain, Yehuda Kurtzer, and Mijal Bitton to grapple with these issues through interactive webinars, study groups, and intimate discussions for a month-long exploration of Jewish peoplehood, at-homeness, and the contemporary challenges facing North American Jewish identity in this moment.
Please click here for more information.
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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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Monday June 22: Reflections on the Moment: Moving Forward Together -- A Conversation with our Black Elected Officials (via Zoom). Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), in partnership with ADL, AJC, the Urban League of Philadelphia, the Barrister's Association of Philadelphia, Inc., and the Louis D. Brandeis Law Society for a panel discussion and conversation
with a group of our Black legislators from Greater Philadelphia. They will talk about the events that have taken place following the death of George Floyd and others, and pending legislation to address racial injustice and police brutality. We will also discuss how the Jewish community can effectively partner with the Black community to address racism and inequality in America. 7:30 PM. Register here.
Sunday Afternoons: The Bible Players.
Looking for a Family-Friendly Event?
The Bible Players present "Live and Inside," a streaming improv comedy event, every Sunday at 4:00 PM. You can get more info about these events on their
Facebook page
, and about The Bible Players, in general, on their
website
.
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| AJ's Virtual Services |
Through the Zoom platform, congregants can attend services virtually. You can find information about how to use the system
here
.
We have two links for AJ's servic
es:
For Saturday evening services:
By computer:
https://zoom.us/j/933131679
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 933131679
For all other services (Sunday through Friday morning and evening services, and Shabbat services):
By computer:
https://zoom.us/j/109428724
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 109428724
You can find
PDFs of Seder
Avodah
here.
Please note:
To avoid the possibility that any of our services will be interrupted by hackers or other unwelcome interlopers ("Zoombombing"), we are making a couple of changes in how we use Zoom. There will now be a virtual waiting room and the host will welcome each guest into the meeting. You may want to call or log in a few minutes ahead of the start time so that the host has time to welcome each guest. There will also be a co-host assigned so that any interlopers can be removed from the service quickly.
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| Changes at AJ Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
This is a reminder that we have added a page to the AJ website that explains our actions and policies for dealing with the virus to date.
Here is the direct link to the COVID-19 page on the AJ website:
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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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| Update Regarding the AJ Website |
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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| Kosher Meals from Betty the Caterer |
Betty the Caterer is offering kosher meals for pickup at MBIEE. The menu for June 18 through July 2 is
here. And they have just created offerings for weekend meals called "Weekend in a Box" and you can find the flyer
here. You can find out more about Betty the Caterer
here.
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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 p
oultry, 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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| Jewish Federation Needs You! |
The Jewish Federation's Emergency Fund is currently raising money for food, counseling, and other basic necessities for our Jewish social safety-net agencies. We anticipate that the funds will go to additional needs as they arise, and as funds are raised. Jewish Federation is uniquely situated to assess the needs, raise money, and distribute funds quickly, as the needs change. All of our Jewish safety-net agencies serve both Jews and non-Jews throughout Greater Philadelphia. Please consider making a donation to Jewish Federation's COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
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| Helpful Resources |
Looking for things to do while you "Stay at Home"? Here is a
link to a number of resources our Director of Programming, Ilana McAfoos, has compiled. You can also find it on the
COVID-19 page on the AJ website.
US Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey has links to a wide range of resources that can help you, your family, and your community navigate the challenges of this difficult time. They include easy-to-understand descriptions of provisions from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act just passed by Congress. You can find those links here.
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| Donations and Notification Cards |
We want to let you know that all donations are being processed but until the AJ building is opened again, we will be delayed in sending out cards. We appreciate your continuing donations.
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KleinLife: Montgomery County
Programs for Seniors at AJ
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KleinLife will be closed until further notice.
KleinLife: Montgomery County Dr. Gabriel z"l and Alma Elias Center operates at AJ on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 9:45 AM to 2:00 PM, in the Braemer Auditorium. Anyone 60 and older is invited to join us. The program is free of charge but space is limited. Please call to sign up! For more information, contact Gail Korostoff at 215.635.5244 or
[email protected]. You can download the current newsletter with programs and activities
here and a general flyer
here.
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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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Eradicating D
omestic Abuse
is a J
ewish R
esponsibility.
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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