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.

Meetings with Rav Shai

If you would like to meet with Rav Shai, you can now view his calendar online and make an appointment! Click here.

REMINDER: All services are now in person at AJ and available via Zoom. Please continue to register for Friday evening and Saturday morning services by completing the March online registration form, by calling the office at 215.635.6611, or by using the February service sign-up form links on the AJ website. Your registration will help us to keep the building secure. Thank you!

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Master Educator Judy Klistner

Friday Evening, March 17 to Sunday Morning, March 19

Judy Klitsner is senior lecturer on Bible study at the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and has lectured extensively throughout the world at universities and synagogues. An author of several books, including Subversive Sequels in the Bible: How Biblical Stories Mine and Undermine Each Other, she lends her accessible and engaging interactive style of presentation to an exploration of the “vibrant conversations” that take place between the Bible’s many parallel stories. Throughout the weekend, including sessions on Friday evening with dinner after services, Saturday lunch and afternoon, and Sunday morning brunch, Ms. Klitsner’s topics will include: “The Dueling Stories of Noah and Jonah: How Similar Stories Say Opposite Things About Human Transformation,” “Brothers Crying Out from the Ground: The Biblical Origins of Our Divided Society,” and “The Patriarch and the Priest: Why Do Jewish Leaders Have Non-Jewish Mentors?”

***Space for the Friday Shabbat dinner is limited. Please call the office at 215.635.6611 if you would like to attend.***

Passover Program with Hazzan Glantz (Pesah U., Part 1)

Wednesday, March 22 at 6:15 PM at AJ

This pre-Pesach review will cover many of the texts, songs and traditions of the Passover Seder. 6:15 PM in the Strauss Chapel. If you'd like to attend, send him an email at [email protected].

Pesah U (Part 2)

Sunday Morning, March 26: Breakfast at 9:30 AM; Pesah U at 10:15 AM

Pesah U is back! After Sunday morning services and breakfast, two separate time slots will offer a choice of two sessions each. Rav Shai will teach “Secrets of the Haggadah” and “Women of the Haggadah.” And, as a special feature of Pesah U this year, we’ll be welcoming back to AJ a special guest, Dr. David Bernat. Dr. Bernat, who holds a doctorate in Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Brandeis, is the author of Sign of the Covenant: Circumcision in the Priestly Tradition and co-editor of Religion and Violence: The Biblical Heritage. Dr. Bernat, whom you may remember as a visiting scholar last year at AJ, will offer a session entitled “What’s Love Got to Do With It? Song of Songs as Erotic Poetry for Pesah.” This one will be taught during both time slots and is sure to generate a lot of interest! To register for Pesah U, click here. Free for AJ members; $18 per person for non-members. Services: 9:00 AM. Breakfast: 9:30 AM. Pesah U.: 10:15 AM. You can find out more here.

Exploring Judaism

New Trimester Begins Wednesday Evening, April 12 at 7:30 PM

This series of classes is intended for non-Jews and/or interfaith couples. If you have friends or family that may be interested in learning more about Judaism, please provide them with the description below. They can call Rav Shai at 215.635.6611, x. 115, to find out more or to register.

Great news! Exploring Judaism will be offered with a hybrid version...in person, here at AJ, and on Zoom. If you know anybody, anywhere (!), who might be interested in such a class, please let them know.

So much of what non-Jews absorb about Judaism is from popular culture where the priority is not accuracy. If you or someone you know would like something holistic and comprehensive, taught by an expert, Exploring Judaism is for you. Whether you’re thinking about Judaism as a way of life for yourself, or you’re just interested in learning more, Exploring Judaism offers 21 sessions divided into three trimesters focusing on belonging, beliefs, and behaviors.

Should you wish to pursue becoming Jewish, this course satisfies the educational requirements of conversion. The “Belonging” trimester of Exploring Judaism will take place on Wednesdays, beginning April 12 at 7:30 PM, at Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Elkins Park and via Zoom, with a cost of $100/trimester for an individual or an interfaith couple. Your teacher, Rabbi Shai Cherry, PhD, has spent over twenty years in universities and community education teaching about Judaism.

Pesah Bowl!

Saturday, April 1 at 9:30 AM

Test your knowledge of Passover for prizes! During morning Shabbat service.

Ordination of Hazzan Howard K. Glantz

Thursday, April 20 at 4:00 PM (streaming only)

Hazzan Glantz's Ordination at the Academy for Jewish Religion, Yonkers, NY. The Board of Trustees and Faculty at Academy of Jewish Religion are honored to invite you to join them as they livestream AJR's 2023-5783 Ordination Ceremony and Graduation. To pay tribute to this year's ordinees and honorees and support AJR through their Ordination Journal, click here. Livestream information will be sent in advance of the ceremony.

4:00 PM

AJ Annual Fundraiser (SPEC)

Sunday, April 23, at 7:00 PM

Congregation Adath Jeshurun invites you to AJ’s 2023 Annual Fundraiser as we honor Lana and Bernie Dishler featuring the comedy and storytelling of Ophira Eisenberg. Lana and Bernie have a long history of joint activism locally, nationally, and internationally. From involvement in causes such as civil rights, the anti-Vietnam war movement, Ethiopian jewry and Israel, and the freeing of Soviet Jews, to various roles in local professional and Jewish organizations, they have been repairing the world together, with a lifetime of community leadership.

Ophira Eisenberg is a stand-up comic, writer, and storyteller. She is the host of the new comedy podcast “Parenting Is A Joke” with iHeart Radio and Pretty Good Friends. She also hosted NPR’s “Ask Me Another” where she interviewed hundreds of celebrities. She is a regular host and storyteller with “The Moth” and her stories have been featured on “The Moth Radio Hour” and in their best-selling books. She is the author of a comedic memoir and has been seen at numerous comedy clubs and on TV shows. Her solo show, Leaving A Mark: A Comedy About Scars, recently made its off-Broadway debut to rave reviews and won the Women in the Arts & Media Award for Solo Show Scripts. You can hear her work on "The Moth" here and on YouTube.

Doors open at 6:45 PM; the program starts promptly at 7:00 PM. A dessert reception will follow.

If you are an AJ member and received an invitation in the mail, please use the response card to purchase tickets and place an ad in the Tribute book honoring the Lana and Bernie. Alternatively, members and non-members can click here to register online. We thank you in advance for supporting AJ and recognizing the achievements of the Dishlers.

Sing Hallelujah

Wednesday, April 26 at 8:00 PM at Verizon Hall

In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the State of Israel, Kimmel Cultural Campus presents an Evening of Israeli Music with Sing Hallelujah, featuring singer, songwriter, and humanitarian Noa, as well as choral singers from throughout the Delaware Valley. Cantor David F. Tilman conducts. Hazzan Glantz will perform a duet with Cantor Agar from Beth Sholom. It will be sung with the large combined community choir which includes about a dozen AJers. The song is “Ani Noladeti Lashalom” (“I Was Born for Peace”), written to celebrate Israeli peace with Egypt in 1979, by the late Uzi Chitman. To purchase tickets, click here. You can use the promo code "OYRK15" to get 15% off. If you are interested in a bus that will provide round-trip transportation, click here.

Beginners' Israeli Dancing Group at AJ

Tuesday Afternoons from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

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 PM 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 [email protected] to sign up.

Congregation Adath Jeshurun, dedicated to the Jewish value of learning for its own sake (Torah lishmah), has partnered with the Orange County Community Scholar Program (CSP). As a partner, 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 do so. You can download a list of the courses and registration links for March here and for April here.

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 (except where noted) on the CSP website are Pacific time, so remember to add three hours for the Eastern start time. The times above are Eastern time.***

Community Events You May Be Interested In

Sunday, March 26: The Prince of Egypt Screening, presented by Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media. After 25 years, The Prince of Egypt celebrates its anniversary this year. Since its release in 1998, this animated classic has astounded viewers, viewers of all religions, with its epic adaptation of the Book of Exodus. Take a trip down memory lane and follow Moses’ powerful transformation from Egyptian prince to the chosen one of the Hebrews. Feast your eyes on the extraordinary, hand-drawn animation and breathtaking moments, from the Ten Plagues of Egypt to Moses parting the Red Sea. Featuring the voice talent of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, and so many more acclaimed actors, this mesmerizing musical will forever go down as one of the most iconic, non-Disney animated films of all time. In this family-friendly event – taking place just two weeks before Passover – PJFM encourages all children and parents to come early for arts and crafts, food, and storytime preceding the film. Singing is encouraged, but not required! At the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Doors open at 10:15 AM. Film begins at 11:00 AM. For tickets and info, visit PhillyJFM.org/The-Prince-of-Egypt/.

Thursday, March 30: The Greatest Story of All Time, with Dr. Saul P. Wachs. At Gratz. More than 70% of Jewish Americans take part in the most celebrated Jewish tradition: the Passover seder. Arguably the greatest story of all time, the Haggadah provides a framework to tell the Passover story and recall shared family experiences. Just in time for the holiday, this discussion focuses on how the historic text stimulates meaningful conversations and the recollection of family members, both past and present. How can we make the Seder an opportunity to think about the issues of our time? How can we involve the relative who comes with only one question:"when do we eat?" We'll share memories and ideas and take home some practical strategies for bringing the Seder to life. Be sure to bring your questions! 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. $10 (Includes Continental Breakfast) Register here.

Volunteer Opportunity!

The Susan G. Komen organization is looking for volunteers to help with their MORE THAN PINK Walk taking place on Sunday, May 14 at Parx Casino. They are especially in need of General Event Set-Up (5/13); Support for various event tents such as Registration, Hope Village, VIP, Pillars, etc. (5/14); and Event Break-Down (5/14). If you are interested in volunteering, you can download a flyer here, or click here to sign up.

Attending AJ Friday Evening or Saturday Morning Services in Person

Our current COVID-19 guidelines are:

• Pre-register for services by completing the March service sign-up form, by calling the office at 215.635.6611.
• Use hand sanitizer before entering the sanctuary. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
• Vaccinations and boosters: While all those eligible to receive COVID vaccinations and boosters are strongly encouraged to do so, vaccination against COVID is no longer a requirement to attend AJ services and events.
• Masking: Currently, the community COVID level in Montgomery County is "Low." As long as the level remains either “Medium” or “Low”, masking will be optional. Should the level become “High,” masking will be mandatory. For current community levels according to the CDC, please click here and use the drop-down menu to check for Montgomery County. This link will also be posted on the AJ website.
• If you have had COVID or have been exposed to someone with COVID, please use the CDC COVID calculator here to determine if you need to isolate or mask. This link will also be on the AJ website.
• Anyone who presents with symptoms of possible COVID-19 will not be admitted to the building.
• You can see our updated guidelines here.

If you would like to attend Friday evening and/or Saturday morning services, you must pre-register by 2:30 PM Friday afternoon.

Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles

(A project of the Federation of Jewish men’s Clubs)

Sharing Light for Remembrance

Light candle at sundown on Monday, April 17, 2023

For several years AJMA has raised funds for KAVOD, an organization that provides immediate relief to Holocaust survivors in the Philadelphia area. KAVOD partners with the Jewish Family Service.

Candles are available now at AJ on the counter in the lobby outside the sanctuary (one candle per family please). 

To receive a candle by first class mail, kindly send your request to Ed Moses at [email protected]. An envelope addressed to AJ and a donation form will accompany each boxed candle. Alternatively, you can donate online (any amount is deeply appreciated) here.

Adath Jeshurun Men’s Association thanks you!

Interested in Learning Some Yiddish?



KleinLife has a Yiddish group that meets on Zoom once a month, led by Marcia Babbitt. It is mostly in English, with some stories or songs in Yiddish. It is the first Wednesday of each month, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. If you are interested, contact Gail Korostoff at 215.635.5244 or [email protected].

Earn Money for AJ by Shopping at House of Kosher!

For any amount that an AJ member spends, House of Kosher will give 2% of the sale to AJ! All you need to do is mention AJ's unique Shopper Code 6611 and the discount is immediately applied as a credit to your organization.

Any first-time customer that is a member of AJ will receive a 10% discount on your in-store shopping of over $100! House of Kosher is located at 9806 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19115.

In addition, House of Kosher now has a special for 10% OFF gift cards today through March 13. The cards can be used starting March 14.

AJ Family,

When you support Torah Fund you help to educate Jewish students all over the world—and you align yourself with those who value knowledge, learning—and provide future generations with skills to enrich our people.

Your generosity helps provide scholarships and programs to train future leaders of our communities. Torah Fund helps develop future rabbis, cantors, educators, synagogue administrators, social workers, scholars, researchers, lay leaders, and others.

Please mark Sunday, May 21 on your calendar. At that time we will honor Ann Kalmanor as our Woman of Achievement. She will join a list of esteemed women and men that we have celebrated in the past.

Kindly take some time and make your contribution (or pledge) to our 2022-23 Chazak v'Ematz campaign. You may send a check payable to "Torah Fund."

Please consider a contribution of Benefactor, Guardian, or higher. Contributions of $180 and up will receive the pin in recognition of your generous support. The pin symbolizes the story of the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land when the leadership transfers from Moses to Joshua. The Israelites were instructed to “be strong and courageous.” We are also adding a new category of giving—Chazak will be a contribution of $80.

The costs of everything continue to rise. In addition to showing support of the Torah Fund mission, your minimum donation of $18 will help maintain excellence and resources at the five global Conservative/Masorti institutions of higher education. Your steadfast commitment to Torah Fund inspires and ensures another successful 80 years!

Questions? Call Merril Stup at 215.782.3735.

Buy a Brick to Support the AJ Early Learning Center

The AJ Early Learning Center debuted a new Toddler playground last month! A brick path will be built from the sidewalk to the entrance of the playground. You can customize a brick to honor your child, a favorite teacher, the school, or family name! We're selling two sizes: 4" x 8" for $36 and 8" x 8" for $54. Click here to purchase your customized brick that will create the memorable path! 

KleinLife: Montgomery County Update

Programs for Seniors at AJ 

Our Montgomery County location is OPEN for one in-person exercise class 10:30-11:30 AM, Tuesday through Thursday, with some virtual classes still available, as well as other special programs. Reservations are appreciated one week in advance to partake in the in-person classes. You can also sign up for lunch after Tuesday class. For more information and/or to reserve your spot, please call 215.635.5244 or email [email protected]. You can find their calendar of events here. Here is a March/April flyer specific to the KleinLife located at AJ, and here is the KleinLife Newsletter for March and April.

UPDATE! KleinLife: Montgomery County has resumed a regular schedule of Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. They have also resumed in-person lunch with a boxed lunch on Tuesdays, and hot lunches on Wednesday and Thursday.

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.

NEW! If you attend a service or other event via Zoom, please identify yourself with your name on your Zoom account. This is helpful in maintaining security on Zoom.

How to change your name on Zoom when joining a meeting:

1. Join a Zoom meeting on the Zoom desktop client.
2. Enter the meeting ID number.
3. Add/Update your name if desired.

How to change your name on Zoom during a meeting:

1. Join a Zoom meeting on the Zoom desktop client.
2. On the Zoom in-meeting controls, click Participants.
3. Hover your mouse over your name, then click the ellipses.
4. Click Rename.
5. A pop-up box will appear.
6. In the pop-up box, enter your display name.
7. Click Change.