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 sure can use it! Let us know and we'll include it in the weekly email.
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.
Please note: There is an error in the Jan./Feb. Newsletter in the service schedule. The Fast of Esther and the Purim Shpiel is on Wednesday, Feb. 24, and Purim is Wednesday evening, Feb. 24 and Thursday morning, Feb. 25.
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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.
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SHABBAT SHEMOT
January 8, 9, 2021 | 25 Tevet 5781
Light Shabbat Candles — 4:32 PM
Friday Evening
Kabbalat Shabbat — 6:15 PM
Saturday Morning
Morning Service — 9:30 AM
Pew Pamphlet
Saturday Evening
Minhah-Ma'ariv-Havdalah — 4:35 PM
ROSH HODESH SHEVAT
January 13, 14, 2021 | 1 Shevat 5781
Thursday Morning
Morning Service — 7:00 AM
Through the Zoom platform, congregants can attend services virtually.
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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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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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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Purim Informational Meetings
One Meeting Left: Sunday, January 10 (via Zoom)
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Hazzan Glantz is busy developing a fully integrated Purim celebration online that includes the service, megillah reading, and shpiel but he needs...YOU! The second of two meetings is on Sunday afternoon, January 10 at 1:00 PM. As always, feel free to be in contact with Hazzan anytime at [email protected].
Zoom Info:
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID: 968 1043 9032
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A Discussion with Ruben Amaro Jr.
Sunday, January 10 at 6:00 PM (via Zoom)
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On Sunday, January 10, at 6:00 PM, Adath Jeshurun Men's Association will present a discussion with Ruben Amaro Jr. via Zoom. Ruben Amaro Jr. is a former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder and General Manager. A native of Northeast Philadelphia, Ruben Amaro last season joined the Phillies broadcast team with NBC Sports. Please register here.
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AJ Grandparents Group Program with Guest Speaker David Seltzer
Thursday, January 14 at 7:45 PM (via Zoom)
The AJ Grandparents Group will welcome congregant David Seltzer to speak on the topic "Being Grandparents in an Interfaith Family.” David has many great insights to share with us about his experiences working with interfaith couples and families over the years. Along with these experiences, he has served as an advisor to clergy of many faiths throughout our community. 7:45 PM. You can register here.
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Tour of Sataf, Israel with Kobi Cooper
Sunday, January 24 at 10:00 AM
(via Zoom)
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Kobi Cooper (son of Wendy and Leonard Cooper!) is a tour guide in Israel and will be giving AJ an exclusive tour of Sataf, an ancient village only 10 minutes outside of Jerusalem. Sataf is full of agricultural terraces, springs, and caves, and is famous for its hiking trails and natural beauty. Kobi will also teach about the Seven Species (...a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey...Deuteronomy 8:8), as Sataf is home to five of the seven! 10:00 AM. You can register here.
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AJ Winter Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, January 28 from 2:00 PM to7:00 PM, at AJ
Please consider being a blood donor; the supplies are low while the need remains high. To schedule an appointment, click on the graphic at the left or go to http://www.redcrossblood.org/. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.
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Healing Service with Hazzan Glantz
Thursday, January 28 at 6:15 PM (via Zoom)
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 inclusions. 6:15 PM. The next scheduled healing service is Thursday, March 11.
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Kehillah Tu B'Shvat Event
Friday, January 29, at 12:00 PM
Join us for a unique approach to developing and producing natural organic cosmetics! Owner of Arugot, Esther Lachman, is a specialist in herbs and aromatherapy and she is the head of The Israeli Natural Pharmacy School, where students learn to create their own natural organic cosmetic products. Esther lives in a new community which is engaged in combining Judaism and Ecology. Arugot is located in the town of Netivot, one of our Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Partnership 2Gether communities. Over the past 20 years, the Jewish Federation has invested over $10 million in our Partnership region while building strong relationships that transcend dollars and capital projects, building personal connections between our communities. Please register here. Questions? Send an email to [email protected].
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Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached
Friday, January 29, 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. Zoom in with your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! For all ages, from babies to bubbies. 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: February 12. 6:15 PM
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Save the Date for Sisterhood Weekend!
Sisterhood Shabbat
Saturday, January 30 at 9:30 AM (via Zoom)
AJWA Sisterhood has scheduled their annual Sisterhood Shabbat for Saturday, January 30 (Parashat Beshalah), when the women of AJ will conduct the Shabbat service and welcome Dr. Rebecca Cherry as a guest speaker for the Annette W. Black Memorial Lecture.
Would you like to participate in the AJWA Sisterhood Shabbat service? Say yes! We are pulling together the service and are currently organizing the parts. If you are an AJWA Sisterhood member (or would like to become one!) and would like to co-lead a Hebrew prayer or participate in an easy, small group English reading, please say so. We'd love for you to be included. If you are interested in participating, send an email to [email protected] or call Mindy Goldstein at 610.506.0632.
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High Tea and History: Stories of Family and Friends from Our China Cabinets
Sunday, January 31 at 4:00 PM (via Zoom)
Please join the AJWA Sisterhood for an afternoon of tea and treats in your home and stories we will share. Our own Judy Szekely will be hosting from her own home to begin, sharing histories and memories of magnificent tableware that traveled to Elkins Park from her native Hungary. However, since this is a party, everyone is invited to share the story of one special plate, bowl, serving piece, or piece of silverware that has meaning to you. High Tea calls for gloves, boas, hats, and pearls — please don't hold back to mix and match a fun outfit! 4:00 PM. You can register here.
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Special Shabbat Service: Learn About KAVOD
Saturday, February 13 at 9:30 AM (via Zoom)
KAVOD was founded in November 2015 by John and Amy Israel Pregulman with the mission of providing emergency aid to Holocaust survivors in need in the United States. John Pregulman has been photographing Holocaust survivors since 2012 and has done 1,174 photos so far across the world. John and Amy will be joining us on Zoom during services to talk about the journey that brought them from doing photos to founding KAVOD. They will also show us the things the organization does to aid Holocaust survivors living in the United States so that they can live out their lives with dignity and honor.
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AJMA Presents: Shirei-Ahava (Songs of Love):
A Virtual Concert with Singer and Guitarist Phyllis Chapell
Saturday, February 13 at 8:00 PM (via Zoom)
Phyllis Chapell has spent her life developing a universal musical style singing "world songs". Her repertoire includes songs in 13 languages from Brazil, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as American folk, jazz, originals, and popular music. Phyllis has been named as one of the top 500 jazz vocalists of all time by Scott Yanow (Down Beat, Jazz Times and AllMusicGuide). She has also won competitions for her original music; and was chosen to be one of Indie-Music's Top 25. Here is the Zoom info:
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 932 8447 3114
Passcode: AJMA2021
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AJWA Sisterhood Presents "For Love of Shocolad (Chocolate)," with Chef-Author Aliza Green
Sunday, February 14 (via Zoom)
We’ll celebrate the Jewish history of chocolate with love and an illustrated talk and recipe demo from Chef-Author Aliza Green. Learn about the surprising history of the Sephardim who first brought chocolate from the New World to Old World places like Antwerp, Belgium; Bayonne, France; and Livorno, Italy. Green will demonstrate how to make a moist, rich Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with Whiskey-Soaked Figs along with Cinnamon-Orange Scented Hot Chocolate, a perfect cold weather treat perhaps spiked with rum. Time TBA. You can register here.
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Mishloach Manot for All!
The Book of Esther insists on party favors for all. Every AJ household will be receiving mishloach manot, a gift consisting of two different types of food (according to their blessings), from all of us at AJ, snugly housed in a newly designed AJ mug! (Additional mugs will be available for purchase.) If you would like to help sponsor the mishloach manot, click here to donate electronically. If you would like to help deliver the mishloach manot, please call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611
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NEW! Shop Local on the AJ Website
When we had to cancel the Hanukkah Palooza, we didn't want to let down the vendors and craftspeople who had committed to selling their items there. We have created a page on the AJ website with links to their businesses so that you can see what they have to offer and maybe make a purchase!
To these businesses, we have also added links for other "AJ swag" that includes Rav Shai's books and Introduction to Judaism course DVDs and AJ Acts magnets.
The link to the Shop Local page is at www.CongregationAJ.org, in the top menu bar, or you can click here. Check back occasionally to see what's new.
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Rav Shai's Latest Publication, Coherent Judaism
All of the copies of Rav Shai's latest book, Coherent Judaism, that we had at AJ have been sold. No worries if you haven't bought your copy yet! They are available on Amazon here.
Rav Shai will be happy to sign the books purchased through Amazon. Just drop your copy off at AJ and he will sign them.
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Programs for Seniors at AJ
Kleinlife: Montgomery County suspended onsite activities in March 2020. As of October 2020, they have begun to offer programs via Zoom! You can see the calendar offering learning sessions, yoga, and more 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, which will be put into your car in our drive-by on Thursdays at noon. Call 215.635.5244 for more details.
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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 January 7 through January 21 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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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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Community and Other Events You May Be Interested In |
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Now and for the next few weeks: 2020 Terezin Music Foundation Concert Film. With Garrick Ohlsson, Madeleine Albright, Anna Ornstein, and many more: "I Am Thinking of When We Will Meet Again" Music to heal separation and loss. Terezín Music Foundation (TMF) is a non-profit dedicated to amplifying the musical legacy of the artists imprisoned in Terezín (Theresienstadt), a WWII Nazi concentration camp in what is now the Czech Republic. In Terezín, Gideon Klein, Pavel Haas, Viktor Ullmann, Hans Krasa, and many other artists composed and performed music that nourished their spirits amidst the great suffering all around them. Inspired by the Terezín artists, TMF also sponsors new commissions by emerging composers, to create a vibrant memorial, tribute, and voice to those who perished in the Holocaust and to all who are silenced by war or genocide. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D38FsYSP4oo. Please share it widely! It will available over the next few weeks. To learn more about TMF, click here.
Streaming January 10 to 13: Gershman Jewish Film Festival,"Some Kind of Heaven." SOME KIND OF HEAVEN (Official Selection of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and Co-Produced by The New York Times) is a delightfully strange, hilarious, moving look at The Villages, America’s largest retirement community. Behind the gates of this palm tree-lined fantasyland, the film invests in the dreams and desires of a small group of Villages residents – and one interloper – who are unable to find happiness within the community’s pre-packaged paradise. We hope you enjoy GPJFF's first film of 2021! For tickets and info, visit https://pjff.org/event/some-kind-of-heaven/. Use discount code 2021FestPlus! at check-out for $4 off for the film! Questions? Call at (215) 545-4400 or email [email protected]. (PLEASE NOTE: Accessible to Residents of PA, NJ, DE & FL only.
Ticket buyers will receive a private link to the film after purchase which will activate January 10 at start time.)
Tuesday, January 12, 19, and 26: Break the System! This is an online series exploring systematic racism through speakers, dialogue, and action for teens in 8th – 12th grades. In this interactive online experience, teens will meet with activists from Alabama, Arkansas, and New York to hear personal stories touching on Jim Crow, poverty, mass incarceration, and the criminal justice system. Join us to hear first-hand accounts, engage in dialogue, and participate in an interactive project. Special guests include Michelle and Curtis Browder, Kurtis Jackson, and Hannah Grossman from Repair the World. Presented by The Workers Circle, JTS’s List College, and Repair the World. There is no fee for this program but registering here will ensure that you're sent a Zoom link in advance of the first session. Questions? Contact Abbe Marcus at [email protected]. 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, January 13: Pikuach Nefesh & Kovod Virtual Women's Health Symposium. Join Dr. Chani Yondorf, OB/GYN, for a free virtual Women's Health Symposium Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. For more information contact [email protected] or call 1.800.EINSTEIN. It will feature experts in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Breast Health, Genetics, Disability Etiquette Training, and Stop The Bleed Training. This event is sponsored by Einstein Healthcare Network in partnership with Politz Hebrew Academy and Sema4 Genomic Lab. You can get more info and register here. (This event was originally scheduled for January 20, but was rescheduled so it doesn't conflict with the Presidential Inauguration.)
Mondays, February 1, 8, 15, and 22: This is What Jewish Looks Like. For Black History Month, The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center will celebrate our richly diverse experience through the personal stories of four prominent Black Jews who will talk about life as a minority within a minority and discuss what the Jewish community needs to do to turn the word inclusion into a reality. It’s long been a point of pride that Jews are a multicultural people with roots in every corner of the planet; that we are of all hues; that our grandparents spoke Yiddish and Hindi, German and Malayalam, Hebrew and Amharic. After all, our global Jewish community is composed of the descendants of Jews who moved to present-day Iraq after the Babylonian Exile, Chinese Jews whose ancestors were Persians traveling the Silk Road, European Jews living all across the Continent long before the word Ashkenazi was ever uttered and African Jews scattered from Ethiopia to Mali for thousands of years. Their descendants, in turn, migrated to the United States, where an estimated 12-15 percent of the Jewish community are Jews of color, including many of African descent. Feb. 1: Writer, feminist and activist, Rebecca Walker. Feb. 8: Filmmaker and photograph, Avishai Mekonen. Feb. 15: Senior Jewish Educator and Reform Rabbi at the Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale (Yale Hillel), Rabbi Isaama Goldstein-Stoll. Feb. 22: Writer, culinary historian, and educator, Michael W. Twitty. Go to the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center website to register for any or all of the talks. All talks are at 11:00 AM and are free.
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JANUARY
1/10
Purim Informational Meeting #2. Hazzan Glantz is busy developing a fully integrated Purim celebration online that includes the service, megillah reading, and shpiel but he needs...YOU! There are two informational meetings to accommodate everyone's schedules (just pick one): Wednesday night, January 6 after minyan for all those interested, followed by another on Sunday afternoon, January 10 at 1:00 PM. As always, feel free to be in contact with Hazzan anytime at [email protected].
1/10
AJMA Program with Ruben Amaro Jr. On Sunday, January 10, at 6:00 PM, Adath Jeshurun Men's Association will present a discussion with Ruben Amaro Jr. via Zoom. Ruben Amaro Jr. is a former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder and General Manager. A native of Northeast Philadelphia, Ruben Amaro last season joined the Phillies broadcast team with NBC Sports. Please register here.
1/12
Adult Ed. Class: 6 Ws of Judaism. With Rav Shai. Semester 1, Class 9 of 12.
1/14
Rosh Hodesh Shevat. Morning service at 7:00 AM.
1/14
Grandparents Group with Guest David Seltzer. Topic: Stop Pacing the Floor and "Save Your Sole": Seeking "Shalom Bayit." David has many great insights to share with us about his experiences working with interfaith couples and families over the years. Along with these experiences, he has served as an advisor to clergy of many faiths throughout our community. We know that all in our AJ family will find this an informative and helpful talk. 7:45 PM Register here.
1/18
Martin Luther King Jr Day. Synagogue offices closed.
1/19
Adult Ed. Class: 6 Ws of Judaism. With Rav Shai. Semester 1, Class 10 of 12.
1/24
Tour of Sataf, Israel (via Zoom). Kobi Cooper (son of Wendy and Leonard Cooper!) is a tour guide in Israel and will be giving AJ an exclusive tour of Sataf, an ancient village only 10 minutes outside of Jerusalem. Sataf is full of agricultural terraces, springs, and caves, and is famous for its hiking trails and natural beauty. Kobi will also teach about the Seven Species (...a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey...Deuteronomy 8:8), as Sataf is home to five of the seven! 10:00 AM. You can register here.
1/26
Adult Ed. Class: 6 Ws of Judaism. With Rav Shai. Semester 1, Class 11 of 12.
1/28
Tu B'Shevat.
1/28
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 inclusions. 6:15 PM. The next scheduled healing service is Thursday, March 11.
1/28
AJ Winter Blood Drive. 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.
1/29
Kehillah Tu B'Shvat Event. See description above!
1/29
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: February 12. 6:15 PM
1/30
Sisterhood Shabbat. Stay tuned for details about this annual event! 9:30 AM.
1/31
High Tea and History: Stories of Family and Friends from Our China Cabinets. Please join the AJWA Sisterhood for an afternoon of tea and treats in your home and stories we will share. Our own Judy Szekely will be hosting from her own home to begin, sharing histories and memories of magnificent tableware that traveled to Elkins Park from her native Hungary. However, since this is a party -- everyone is invited to share the story of one special -- plate, bowl, serving piece, silverware that has meaning to you. High Tea calls for gloves, boas, hats, and pearls -- please don't hold back to mix and match a fun outfit! 4:00 PM. You can register here.
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