Donations
If you'd like to make a donation to AJ, you can make a donation online, on our website. Or, you can click here to download a donation form.
***Please note: AJ offices will be closed on December 24 and December 31. The AJ office will also be closed between 12/26 and 12/30 and office staff will be working from home those days. If you need to reach the office, please leave a message in the general mailbox, and someone will return your call.
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Purim Shpiel Informational Meetings
Wednesday, January 5 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, January 9 at 4:00 PM
(in person and via Zoom)
It’s time to start planning for the Purim Shpiel! Hazzan Glantz will be holding two informational sessions: Wednesday evening, January 5, at 7:30 PM; and Sunday afternoon, January 9, at 4:00 PM. Everyone can contribute to the production. All ages have the option to come ready to sing a song (any key, with or without a track). Contact Hazzan Glantz at hglantz@gmail.com or 215.635.6611 if you have any questions. (In person and via Zoom.)
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Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached
Friday, January 7 at 6:15 PM (in person and 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. Bring your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! Next date: February 11 (K'lei AJ).
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Fridays with Friends!
Upcoming Dates: January 14, February 25, and March 11 (In person)
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Children ages 0 to 3 and their caregiver are invited to join Morah Onit for a special story time, activity, and singing on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Adults* can:
- Chat with other parents
- Socialize
- Gain ideas and have fun
Babies and children can:
- Get out in a safe, clean environment
- Meet other babies
- Participate in fingerplays and developmentally appropriate activities
- Sing and just be babies!
Morah (Hebrew for ”teacher“) Onit is a mother of three and a teacher to thousands. Through stories and songs, Morah Onit offers a loving approach to engaging little ones in activities using their five senses and their own interests. $5 suggested donation. RSVP to ozisserman@adathjeshurun.info. The community is welcome!
*Attending adults must be vaccinated.
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Grandparents' Group Program with Rabbi David Levin
Thursday, January 20 at 7:30 PM (note revised time) (via Zoom)
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Our theme for the year, “Telling our Story,” continues with a two-session series entitled “Ethical Wills: Modern Approaches,” led by Rabbi David Levin of the Jewish Relationships Initiative. Rabbi Levin’s work includes a reimagining of Ethical Wills. He has written and developed many creative ways of transmitting our values, beliefs, and ethics to our children and grandchildren, including how to use new technological platforms to do so, as well as guidelines for making sure you create the stories you want your family to remember. All adults are welcome to these sessions — you don’t have to be a grandparent! Part 1 of 2. (Part 2 is on March 24.) Please register here.
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The View From Jerusalem, with NPR Correspondent Daniel Estrin
Sunday, January 23 at 11:00 AM (via Zoom)
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Daniel Estrin will share his experience as a frontline correspondent covering the politics, culture, technology, and everyday happenings from Israel. Rav Shai will be interviewing Daniel and the event will be live on Zoom, with Daniel joining us from Jerusalem. Co-sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood and AJ Men’s Association.) You can register here.
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Jan. 30, Feb. 6, and Feb. 13 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
(In person and via Zoom)
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Many Jews are familiar with the tensions between the Hasidim and Mitnagdim in 19th-century Europe. In the competition between these two broad ideologies emerged distinctive teachings and practices including what came to be known as the Mussar Movement. This three-session class will introduce Rabbi Israel Lipkin of Salanter, the founder of the movement within the Lithuanian yeshiva world of the Mitnagdim. His emphases on self-control and virtuous behavior will be explored through his writings and those of his students. We will also introduce some of the exercises he pioneered in order to instill those character traits. Please register here.
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AJWA Sisterhood: Art Exhibit and Lecture
Sunday, January 30 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Old City Jewish Arts Center)
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AJWA Sisterhood will be hosted for a special tour and lecture from award-winning printmaker, sculptor, and mixed media artist Diana Myers at the Old City Jewish Arts Center. “Branching Out” is a multi-media/multi-dimensional exhibit commemorating the holiday of Tu B’Shevat. It honors trees featured in the Bible and celebrates the four seasons. The exhibit was influenced by Diana’s experience living in Israel as well as her love of Jewish life and ritual. Diana is the aunt of congregant Denise Portner. Light refreshments will be served and chairs will be available for those who need to sit during the talk. Transportation is on your own. Parking near the gallery can be secured at Old City parking lot (304–12 Race Street) or the Wyndham Hotel Garage (400 Arch Street). Questions? Please send an email to Karen Moses at karedlon@aol.com and put “Art Exhibit” in the subject line. You can register here.
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Beginners' Israeli Dancing Group at AJ
Tuesday Afternoons from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
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Do you have ru’ach (spirit?) Did you do Israeli dancing a while ago and want to do it again? Never done it? Just want to do some easy dances? Join Susan Novack each Tuesday*, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM for a beginner group. The basic steps and dances will be taught and reviewed. The group meets in the Orleans at AJ. Email Susan at susan@novack.net to sign up. *No meeting on December 28.*
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Beth Sholom and Adath Jeshurun Players Present…
The Addams Family!
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Weekly Update!
Behind the scenes, work is continuing to ensure that The Addams Family is a success!
BELOW LEFT: Rina Cherry helps with set construction!
BELOW RIGHT: For over a decade, Barbara Wertheimer (left) and Mary Panitch (right) have led the Set Design and Scenery Painting team which creates the beautiful worlds that our cast members inhabit. This year, Barbara is also portraying GRANDMOM, a totally "meshugena" character which must not be missed.
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Save these performance dates for The Addams Family:
Thursday, February 17 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 19 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 20 at 3:00 PM
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An Adult Education Resource for AJ Congregants
Congregation Adath Jeshurun, dedicated to the Jewish value of learning for its own sake (Torah lishmah), is excited to announce a partnership with the Orange County Community Scholar Program (CSP). As a partner with CSP, we’ll join a small group of synagogues enjoying the best Jewish learning available. AJ has the distinction of being the first Pennsylvania synagogue to partner with CSP.
You can find details on all of the programs and the presenters for December at https://occsp.net/current-online-events/. If you register and can’t attend, a link will be sent after the event to a recording. There is also an archive of classes that you can view here.
***PLEASE NOTE: the start times on the CSP website are Pacific time, so remember to add three hours for the Eastern start time.***
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Community Events You May Be Interested In
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If you’re looking for something fun to do this Saturday (December 25), the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is putting on a virtual event called “Being ____ on Christmas: Annual Day of Family Fun.” They say, “Fill in your own blank and join us for our annual day of family fun!” The main program livestream is running from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM and is being hosted by the Bible Players! The program will have many different activities including concerts and crafts. For more information and to register, you can visit the event page on their website here.
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Jewish Camping Info Sessions
Jewish Federation will host a virtual presentation on Jewish Summer Camp. Learn about funding for first-time campers, financial aid, choosing the best camp for your child, and more. We will provide this session two times, so please select the date that works best for you. Register at www.jewishphilly.org/oyr.
Option 1: Monday, January 3 | 7:00 PM
Option 2: Thursday, January 13 | 12:00 PM
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Sunday, January 30, 2022: Parent Education Series with Lynn Lyons:
What Do Families Need Now? Helping Children (and Parents) Move Forward As We Reemerge. As we emerge from a year like no other, adults need strategies for instilling the skills children need to confront and reduce the negative impacts of anxiety and stress both at school and home. Lynn Lyons is a psychotherapist and author specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults and children. 7:00 - 8:30 PM. You can register here. You can see a short video of Lynn Lyons by clicking here.
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Hebrew Ulpan Classes
Want to improve your Hebrew before the 2022 AJ trip to Israel? Gratz is offering Hebrew Ulpan classes in the spring. Their Continuing Education department is offering a number of sessions at various levels and times. To register for any of them, click here. https://gratzcollege.formstack.com/forms/language_spring_2022.
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SHABBAT SHEMOT
Dec. 24, 25, 2021 | 21 Tevet 5782
Light Shabbat Candles: 4:22 PM
GUIDELINES:
To enter the synagogue, you must be vaccinated and masked. Masks must be worn during services.
PLEASE NOTE:
Friday evening and Saturday morning services this week and next week will be via Zoom only.
Friday Evening
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:15 PM
Via Zoom
Saturday Morning
Morning Service
9:30 AM
Via Zoom
You can see a Pew Pamphlet
Saturday Afternoon/Evening
Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah,
4:25 PM
Via Zoom
*See the info below regarding
COVID-19 requrements and
pre-registering for in-person services.
REGULAR WEEKDAY SCHEDULE
Evenings
Sunday through Thursday: 7:00 PM
Mornings
Sunday: 9:00 AM
Monday and Thursday: 7:20 AM
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday:
7:30 AM
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Through the Zoom platform, congregants can attend services virtually.
We have three Zoom links for AJ services.
For Friday evening and Saturday morning services:
By computer:
By phone:
Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID: 970 5403 7610
(Password required)
For Saturday evening services:
By computer:
By phone:
Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 933131679
(Password required.)
Congregants should see the separate email for the latest password for Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening services.
For all other services (Sunday through Friday morning and Sunday through Thursday evening services):
By computer:
By phone:
Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 109428724
(No password required.)
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Attending AJ Friday Evening or Saturday Morning Services in Person
Our current COVID-19 requirements are below:
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Pre-register for services by completing the December online registration form or calling the office.
- Use hand sanitizer before entering the sanctuary. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
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Only fully vaccinated people may attend in-person services and events at AJ everyone must wear a a properly fitting mask covering both nose and mouth.
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NEW: All adults entering the AJ building must have had their booster shot by January 1, 2022, so that they reach peak protection by January 15, 2022.
If you would like to attend Friday evening and/or Saturday morning services, you must pre-register by 2:30 PM Friday afternoon.
All other services will still be by Zoom only.
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If you are having trouble with links for AJ services or events that are held via Zoom, here's another way to get into a meeting.
1. Go to https://zoom.us.
2. Click on "Join a Meeting" in the upper right. It looks like this:
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You'll see a screen that looks like this:
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3. A meeting ID is included with all Zoom information we distribute. Type or copy and paste the meeting ID into the box (just the numbers).
4. Click "Join." You will be placed into the meeting or be put in a "Waiting Room" until the meeting starts, or until the host of the meeting lets you in. Enjoy your meeting!
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Lifecycle Notices
We are saddened to share that our congregant, Carolyn Platt, wife of Frank Platt, entered olam haba, the coming world, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.
We are saddened to share that our congregant, Richard Zeitlin, husband of Violet Zeitlin, entered olam haba, the coming world, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.
We offer this list as a courtesy. If there is a lifecycle event you would like included, please contact the office at 215.635.6611.
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Help the AJ Early Learning Center Help the Homeless
The AJ Early Learning Center (previously, the Preschool) is collecting items for Blessing Bags for the homeless. The items will be packed by the AJELC children as a community service project on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Please help us by donating:
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- Winter gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Granola bars
- Socks
- Deodorant
- Mouthwash
- Chapstick
- Band Aids
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Please drop off NEW ITEMS ONLY in the bin at the AJELC entrance now through January 14, 2022. Thanks in advance!
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AJ is Israel Bound in 2022!
Thursday, October 13 to Thursday, October 27, 2022
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In just under a year, AJ will be embarking on our first Israel tour with Rav Shai as the congregation’s rabbi. He made two executive decisions, and then our tour operator, Keshet, and our amazing Israel committee filled in the framework. We’ll be leaving for our two-week trip on October 13, 2022 — Hol HaMoed Sukkot! That means that we’ll be spending the first four days of the trip in Jerusalem celebrating Sukkot, Shabbat, and Shmini Atzeret/Simhat Torah. You’ll be able to grab falafel or schwarma and eat it in a sukkah. You’ll also be able to check out a variety of shuls from Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue to a Modern Orthodox minyan where women read Torah to the Conservative synagogue on Agron Street. The program will be run on two tracks. The first track, the “Pioneers,” is for folks with limited exposure to Israel. The second group, the “Veterans,” will be focusing on food, energy, and the environment. Every night we’ll reconvene for dinner, swap stories from the day, and, sometimes, enjoy another program for all of us.
We’ve tried to make the trip affordable — $5,099 per person, double occupancy, land only. The detailed itinerary for the "Pioneers" is here, and the itinerary for the "Veterans" is here. Since you’re wondering — YES! It will sometimes be possible to jump tracks on occasion. We are capping each track at 24 people.
We just received pricing for the flight on El Al: Economy is priced at $1,244 each and premium at $2,304 each.
Bernie Dishler is chairing the Israel Committee. Send him an email to let him know if you’re interested, if you have questions, or if you’re ready to put down a deposit. We’ll start meeting in January 2022 to best prepare.
Rainbow Connection to Jerusalem!
The photo below was taken on Tuesday by a friend and colleague of Hazzan Glantz who was reared at AJ, Rabbi Hayim Leiter.
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Three Opportunities for Teens to Visit Israel!
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Ramah Israel Seminar 2022
Ramah Israel Seminar is a six-week travel program in Israel, designed for entering 12th graders who are graduates of the ten Ramah overnight camps in North America. For over 50 years, Ramah Seminar has been an outstanding way for teens to experience Israel. Seminar is an intensive experience of study and travel, combining hiking and trekking throughout Israel with text study, challenging discussions and hands-on learning.
Seminar participants travel Israel from north to south, gaining an in-depth perspective of Israel’s history and future. Seminar is an opportunity to live the Ramah life in Israel, combining all that is central to camp – community, connection and growth. You can learn details at https://seminar.ramah.org.il.
Dates
Seminar Classic: June 26, 2022 – August 8, 2022
Poland Add-On: Jun 19, 2022 – June 26, 2022
Scholarships & Grants
Each participant will be eligible for a RootOne* Voucher (R1V) subsidy in the amount of $3,000 this coming kayitz, to ensure greater participation in our 2022 Ramah Israel Seminar! This significant reduction to our price will enable us to connect, explore and grow together in Israel. More information regarding this subsidy to follow. By opting into this voucher, participants will be expected to participate in online Seminar related assignments prior to the summer.
*RootOne is seeded through the generosity of The Marcus Foundation, and is powered by The Jewish Education Project. Please visit www.RootOne.org for more information.
Registration
TRY (Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim)
TRY is a semester of study at Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim, the Ramah Jerusalem High School, a fully accredited international secondary school program. TRY offers 10th, 11th, and 12th graders two different opportunities to live and learn in the land of Israel, a two-month program and a four-month program. There are scholarship opportunities including TRY and USY High participants can earn a Dream Israel grant of up to $7,500 by fundraising for a Jewish National Fund-USA project. Dream Israel grants are available to participants in both the fall 2022 and spring 2022 TRY sessions.For more information, go to https://try.ramah.org.il/.
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A New Program for Aspiring Sports Media Professionals
Maccabi Media – Israel, Summer 2022
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Maccabi USA is proud to present a new program offering a unique international experience for aspiring sports media professionals who are Jewish. Following a comprehensive application process, a team of 14 students will be selected to cover the 2022 Maccabi Games in Israel and participate in Maccabi USA’s Israel Connect program from July 5-26, 2022. The application process will open in October and close Jan. 1, 2022.
Eligibility is open to:
- Current college undergraduates (including those who will be freshman in Fall 2022)
- College graduates no older than 25 years old by July 5, 2022
- High school students who will become seniors in Fall 2022 (Class of 2023)
- Applicants must be enrolled in, intend to enroll in, or have graduated with a university-level communications-related program/major such as sports media, mass/electronic communications, TV/radio/film production, journalism, digital media, etc.
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NEW! AJ Early Learning Center Shomer Shabbat Program
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AJ Early Learning Center is proud to offer a Shomer Shabbat program for children 18 to 36 months. Its features include:
- Keystone Star 4 Early Childhood Education Program
- Warm and safe environment with experienced, loving teachers
- Curriculum that includes Tefilah, preparations for Yamim Tovim, Shabbos and birthday celebrations, nature, music, Hebrew language, cooking, baking, yoga, potty readiness, and more
- Extended hours
- State-of-the-art playground
- Acceptance of ELRC
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It's Not Too Early to Think About Summer Camp!
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One Happy Camper Grants
This program is for first-time overnight campers who attend a Foundation for Jewish Camp-approved camp. Campers must be attending 12+ consecutive days of camp. One Happy Camper provides grants of up to $1000 to families with children attending nonprofit Jewish overnight camps for the first time. One Happy Camper, a program of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, is funded locally by Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Families can learn more and apply here.
Need-Based Day & Overnight Camp Scholarships
This program is for financial aid scholarships for camp. Campers can receive up to 30% of the cost of camp; determination is made based on need. The website has been updated so that the criteria are very clearly laid out, and there is another important change: awards will be made on a rolling basis. The sooner parents apply, the sooner they will know about their award. Families can learn more and apply here.
Also see info above under "Community Events You May Be Interested In" for some additional camp info.
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Programs for Seniors at AJ
Finally! Kleinlife: Montgomery County has reopened! Phase 1 began Tuesday, July 6, and is a short-term, one-month minimum reopening to get everyone comfortable with socializing and new procedures. Only exercise classes will be offered during Phase 1. from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Reservations are a MUST, and space is limited. Click here for the full guidelines and click here for the class schedule. In addition, they are still offering programs via Zoom! You can download the September Newsletter here. You can find their calendar of events here.
Grab & Go Meals! Kleinlife is now offering Grab & Go frozen meals once a week from AJ. You MUST RESERVE at least a week ahead of time for 5 frozen kosher meals. Thursday is the regular pick-up day, between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Call 215.635.5244 for more details.
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Do you have a question about any of the events or announcements in this email? Call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611.
Do you have good news to share? We can always use it! Let us know and we'll include it in the weekly email.
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DECEMBER
12/24
AJ Offices Closed.
NEW: ***Please note: The AJ office will also be closed between 12/26 and 12/30. Office staff will be working from home; if you need to reach the office, leave a message in the general mailbox, and someone will return your call.
12/31
AJ Offices Closed.
JANUARY
1/1
New Year's Day. Morning Service. 9:30 AM, via Zoom only.
1/3
Rosh Hodesh Shevat. Morning services at 7:00 AM, via Zoom.
1/5
Purim Shpiel Informational Meeting #1. It's time to start planning for the Purim Shpiel!. Hazzan Glantz will be holding the first of two sessions at 7:30 PM. Everyone can contribute to the production. All ages have the option to come ready to sing (any key, with or without a track)! Contact Hazzan Glantz at hglantz@gmail.com or 215.635.6611 if you have any questions. At AJ or via Zoom.
1/7
Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached. 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. Bring your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! Then stay for Oneg Shabbat (lite dinner bites and gathering with friends). 6:15 PM. At AJ or via Zoom.
1/9
Purim Shpiel Informational Meeting #2. It's time to start planning for the Purim Shpiel!. Hazzan Glantz will be holding the second of two sessions at 4:00 PM. Everyone can contribute to the production. All ages have the option to come ready to sing (any key, with or without a track)! Contact Hazzan Glantz at hglantz@gmail.com or 215.635.6611 if you have any questions. At AJ or via Zoom.
1/10
Executive Committee Meeting. Beginning with evening minyan, at 7:00 PM.
1/10
Robyn Orodenker Book Club. January's book is The Vixen: A Novel, by Francine Prose. Please read the book before the meeting! 7:45 PM. If interested, please contact Violet Zeitlin at razeitlin@aol.com. Sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood.
1/17
Offices Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
1/17
Tu B'Shevat.
1/20
Grandparents Group Program with Rabbi David Levin. Our theme for the year, “Telling our Story,” continues with a two-session series entitled “Ethical Wills: Modern Approaches,” led by Rabbi David Levin of the Jewish Relationships Initiative. Rabbi Levin’s work includes a reimagining of Ethical Wills. He has written and developed many creative ways of transmitting our values, beliefs, and ethics to our children and grandchildren, including how to use new technological platforms to do so, as well as guidelines for making sure you create the stories you want your family to remember. All adults are welcome to these sessions — you don’t have to be a grandparent! 7:30 PM. Part 1 of 2. (Part 2 is on March 24.)
1/23
The View from Jerusalem — with NPR Jerusalem Correspondent Daniel Estrin. Daniel Estrin will share his experience as a frontline correspondent covering the politics, culture, technology, and everyday happenings from Israel. Rav Shai is very excited about interviewing Daniel and the event will be live on Zoom, with Daniel joining us from Jerusalem. Co-sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood and AJ Men’s Association.) You can register here.
1/26
Healing Service with Hazzan Glantz. Hazzan Glantz leads this service that includes healing prayers that may be familiar, steeped in our ancient liturgy, as well as more contemporary and current selections. Join him on Zoom at 6:15 PM.
1/30
Adult Ed. with Rav Shai: The Mussar Movement. Many Jews are familiar with the tensions between the Hasidim and Mitnagdim in 19th-century Europe. In the competition between these two broad ideologies emerged distinctive teachings and practices including what came to be known as the Mussar Movement. This three-session class will introduce Rabbi Israel Lipkin of Salanter, the founder of the movement within the Lithuanian yeshiva world of the Mitnagdim. His emphases on self-control and virtuous behavior will be explored through his writings and those of his students. We will also introduce some of the exercises he pioneered in order to instill those character traits. Go to the RSVP page on the AJ website to register. At AJ and via Zoom. 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
1/30
AJWA Sisterhood: Art Exhibit and Lecture. AJWA Sisterhood will be hosted for a special tour and lecture from award-winning printmaker, sculptor, and mixed media artist Diana Myers at the Old City Jewish Arts Center. “Branching Out” is a multi-media/multi-dimensional exhibit commemorating the holiday of Tu B’Shevat. It honors trees featured in the Bible and celebrates the four seasons. The exhibit was influenced by Diana’s experience living in Israel as well as her love of Jewish life and ritual. Diana is the aunt of congregant Denise Portner. Light refreshments will be served and chairs will be available for those who need to sit during the talk. Transportation is on your own. Parking near the gallery can be secured at Old City parking lot (304–12 Race Street) or the Wyndham Hotel Garage (400 Arch Street). Questions? Please send an email to Karen Moses at karedlon@aol.com and put “Art Exhibit” in the subject line. 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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