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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.


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.

Quick Notes

Dear AJ Community:


In March 2020, the beginning of the COVID pandemic, the AJ building was closed in an effort to keep our community safe. Since that time, AJ COVID protocols have been reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to keep pace with the changing landscape of the pandemic. It is again time for a change. After careful consideration, review of current CDC guidelines, and consultation with outside medical experts, the AJ COVID policy has been updated. 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.


Currently, the community COVID level in Montgomery County is "Medium." 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 the link below and use the drop-down menu there to check for Montgomery County. This link will be posted on the AJ website and in the AJ weekly email (in the Quick Links at the top).   


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html


Wearing a mask is at the discretion of the individual. High-filtration (N95/KN95) masks are recommended as they provide the best protection.


No one with COVID symptoms (fever, chills, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea) is permitted inside the building.


If you have had COVID or have been exposed to someone with COVID, please click on the link below and use the CDC COVID calculator there to determine whether you need to isolate or mask. This link will be posted on the AJ website and in the AJ weekly email (in the Quick Links at the top)



https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fyour-health%2Fquarantine-isolation.html


If you tested positive for COVID, and are not able to utilize the CDC COVID calculator, here are the isolation/masking guidelines:

  • You may not come into the AJ building for 5 days following the day you develop symptoms or, in the absence of symptoms, the day you test positive. 
  • You may come into the AJ building on day 6 following the day you develop symptoms and/or test positive, provided that you are feeling better and have been fever-free for 24 hours. (Per CDC, the day you first have symptoms, or, if you were asymptomatic, the day you test positive, is considered day "0.")
  • You must wear a high-filtration (N95/KN95) mask inside the building through day 10 following the day you test positive.


AJ leadership, clergy, and staff recognize the difficulty that this period of time has imposed on all of us. We sincerely thank you for your understanding and cooperation throughout. As always, we will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic and will respond accordingly should circumstances change.


Howard Levin

Robert Atkins

Judith Stutman Izes

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 clicking here for the November form or here for the December form, or by using the November or December service sign-up form links on the AJ website. Your registration will help us to keep the building secure. Thank you!

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.
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Last Sunday Was a Busy Day!


On Sunday, November 20, AJers braved the cold to get together with fellow congregants!


RIGHT: Rav Shai (not pictured) accompanied AJ teens on a walking tour of Philadelphia.


BELOW: Thanks to Howard Levin, Harry Lessig, Susan Starr, Howard Goldman, Ted Radinsky, Judy Izes, and Ed Moses (and others not pictured) for doing clean-up at the AJ Cemetery on a bitterly cold day!

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Looking for Volunteers!


Have you been looking for an opportunity to volunteer? We have two opportunities in December. On Sunday, December 4, at 4:00 PM, AJ will be hosting "Two Choirs: Jewish and Korean, Creating Community Through Music" when the Nashirah, the Jewish Choir of Philadelphia, and Cheltenham Presbyterian Church Choir collaborate in song:

singing together and separately in Hebrew, Korean, Yiddish, and English! Then, on Sunday, December 18, we'll be presenting a Family Hanukkah Event with Music Monkey Jungle at 4:30 PM and AJ's Third Annual Latke Throwdown at 5:30 PM. Come give us a hand! Call Rachel Palitto in the synagogue office at 215.635.6611.

What's Happening

Adult Ed Fall Scholar Series: Prof. Elaine James and Rav Shai on Psalms

Next Class: Tuesday, November 29 at 8:00 PM (via Zoom)

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Professor Elaine James of the Princeton Theological Seminary will unpack the poetry and explain the original contexts of four biblical psalms. Professor James will illuminate what is distinctive about biblical poetry in general. Rav Shai will then show how those same psalms were recycled by the Rabbis who had a very different set of literary assumptions and in very different contexts throughout Jewish history. Remaining Tuesday evenings, November 29 and December 6, at 8:00 PM, following evening minyan. The first three classes will be via Zoom; for the final class, we hope to have Prof. James at AJ in person. Please register here.

Bimah Skills, Thrills and More!

Next Class: Wednesday, November 30 at 6:00 PM (in the Strauss Chapel)

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Want to become proficient at skills related to participation in “bimah life”? Whether you have never learned the skills or wish to improve and deepen your understanding, these sessions will help you. Hazzan Howard Glantz plans three series which will focus on traditions that bring us to the bimah, explain the garments and other objects worn and/or observed in Jewish life, and provide an opportunity to learn Torah trope and associated capabilities. No prior proficiency in Hebrew is required.


Part 1: All the Moving Parts (and Some Stationary Ones, Too) of Bimah Life. Hazzan Glantz will review and explain the garments and objects used in Jewish life, focusing on traditions that bring us to the bimah. After presenting the first class, Hazzan was asked to add some additional classes. You don't need to have attended the first class to attend this one:


Wednesday, November 30: From 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM before minyan, and then after minyan until about 8:15 for a period for questions and comments.


December dates for additional sessions of Part 1 will follow. No Hebrew ability is required. Please sign up here. (No need to sign up again if you registered for the Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 dates.)


Part 2 of Bimah Skills, Thrills, and More! will be held on Tuesday, December 13 and Tuesday, December 20 at 7:45 PM. It will focus on Chanting from the Torah. You can register here.

AJWA Sisterhood Trip to the National Liberty Museum

Sunday, December 4 at 11:00 AM

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Join the AJWA Sisterhood at the National Liberty Museum. Among the museum's other offerings, we'll see one of its current exhibitions: This is My Home. The exhibition invites five selected artists to share their personal histories, experiences, and hopes for the future in their own site-specific installations. Each immersive “home” explores an issue critical to liberty today — history and memory, technology, immigration, homelessness — through personal reflections on the powerful forces that connect us all: cultural identity; trauma and loss; ingenuity and innovation; resistance and resilience. (Image from This is My Home: "Afro Bohemian," by Zsudayka Nzinga)


Cost: 

Adult: $11; Senior 65+: $9; Student: $7; Youth 6-17: $5 


We need to reserve for the group and need a minimum of 10 people to get a group rate. Transportation is on your own, but carpooling could possibly be arranged. Click here to register. The museum is at 321 Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia.

INTERFAITH EVENT:

Two Choirs: Jewish and Korean, Creating Community Through Music

Sunday, December 4 at 4:00 PM

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Join us on Sunday, December 4 when Nashirah, the Jewish Choir of Philadelphia, (below left) and Cheltenham Presbyterian Church Choir (below right) collaborate in song: singing together and separately in Hebrew, Korean, Yiddish, and English! The concert will include our High Holiday Choir Conductor, Julia Zavadsky, and her accompanist, Soyeon Bin, and will be held at AJ at 4:00 PM. A reception will follow. Hazzan Glantz is excited to welcome these two great choirs to AJ and will surely lend his own voice in some way. Click here to register.

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AJ Grandparents Group Presents Audrey Tuckerman

Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 PM

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On Thursday, December 8, the AJ Grandparents Group will present Audrey Tuckerman speaking on “Meaningful Ways to Leave a Financial Legacy for Your Heirs: Tips for Transmitting Financial Resources and Other Valuables to Your Children.” Audrey Tuckerman has more than 25 years of experience advising corporate executives, multigenerational families, and successful women about critical inflection points in their financial lives. As a Private Wealth Advisor, she works closely with senior executives who have concentrated stock positions, helping them manage risk and diversify their assets. She also has extensive experience advising multi-generational families about opportunities to grow and transfer their wealth while cultivating sound stewardship in children and grandchildren. Click here to register.

Social Action Committee Shabbat Lunch

Saturday, December 10 at 12:15 PM

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Join us for Shabbat services and stay for kiddish lunch with guest speaker Joanna Zeigler-Guerra. She will be joining us to talk about Dror Israel, an educational and social justice organization in Israel. She is a "Dror Israel Ambassador."


Through truly innovative education based on dialogue and understanding, Dror Israel teaches leadership and responsibility for self and community. They promote social activism to drive positive change. Their ranks include 1,300 trained educators in 16 communities on the social and economic periphery. Dedicated to social justice, they live in the neighborhoods we serve, bridging gaps, solving local problems. Through our youth movement, schools, and local and national programming, we better the lives of 150,000 people every year.


Please use the December online service form to let us know you are coming for lunch.

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25th Annual Middle Atlantic Region

FJMC Man of the Year Dinner

Sunday, December 11 at 4:30 PM

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We are excited to announce that Sheldon Smith has been chosen as the AJ's Man of the Year! He will be honored at the Man of the Year Dinner at Temple Sinai, in Dresher, PA. the event begins at 4:30 PM. The cost is $90/person. Please also consider placing an ad in the program book! You can RSVP, provide payment, and submit an ad for the Tribute Journal here. You can also view the ceremony from the comfort of your home; please RSVP to receive the link. RSVPs are due by November 27.

Old York Road Kehillah Hanukkah Laser Show

Saturday, December 17 at 6:15 PM at Beth Sholom

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What better way to celebrate the Festival of Lights than with a laser light show? Join your Jewish community for an evening of wonder for ages 0 to 100. Enjoy a Havdalah service, snacks and a laser show that will bring the miracle of lights to life with bright and colorful displays. To accommodate the needs of our community, there will be a concurrent quiet Hanukkah experience with jkidaccess. Following the light show, all families are invited to a camp fair to give the gift of camp this Hanukkah. Meet and explore various day and overnight Jewish camps, and find the right fit for your child. Register at jewishphilly.org/oyr.


So far, the response for this event has been tremendous! If you'd like to attend, register as soon as possible.



If you'd like to volunteer at the event, you can sign up here!

The following two programs are made possible through the generosity of Pam and Joe Yohlin in loving memory of Jeanette Yohlin.


Family Hanukkah Event

Sunday, December 18 at 4:30 PM

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Young families are invited to an afternoon of Hanukkah music and fun! Music Monkey Jungle 2.0 brings Lori to Adath Jeshurun and she is ready to rock out in honor of Hanukkah. Her original songs, dances, and games are amazingly catchy, interactive, and high-energy. Her joke-breaks are borderline hilarious and whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, you’re sure to have a rockin’ good time. She just might invite others up to jam on the mic, bust their dance moves, or explore an instrument or two! Through music and movement, we’ll celebrate friendship and bring our community together. Hazzan Glantz will join in with Hanukkah songs. Feel free to come early...from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM we'll have bubbly “fun in the foyer” with Mike of NJbubbleparties.com. To register, please click here.

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Third Annual Latke Throwdown

Sunday, December 18 at 5:30 PM



What makes a good latke? Is potato the only option? What about toppings? You be the judge! Five new teams are competing in this year’s competition to prove that they have what it takes to beat the reigning champion with their gourmet latke recipes. One of them will have their name engraved on the golden spatula! Start your Hanukkah right with latke tasting, music, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, games for kids, and more! And the bubbles from the Family Hanukkah event will continue. The fun will start at 5:30 PM. To register, please click here.


Our Competitors! 

Reigning Champ: Judy Izes

Challengers: Remy Glantz; Lorna Rosenberg; Renee and Iris Winegrad; and Jason Roe!

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SAVE THE DATE!



The Adult Education event with author Kathleen Balgley has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 7. It will be via Zoom only rather than in person but it will still be a fascinating program. Stay tuned for more information!


Copies of Author Kathleen Balgley's Book Available for Purchase

In preparation for the rescheduled Adult Education program with Kathleen Balgley, you can purchase her book at a 50% discount of only $20Her memoir, Letters to My Father: Excavating a Jewish Identity in Poland and Belarus, charts her hunt for her family roots while exploring the living traditions of Judaism that were absent from her upbringing. You can read the book ahead of time for a deeper understanding when she speaks about the book and the process of writing her story. Come to the synagogue office during weekday hours to pay for and pick up a book (cash or check only).

Exploring Judaism with Rav Shai

Starting Wednesday, January 11 at 7:30 PM

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This series of classes is intended for non-Jews and/or interfaith couples. For those interested, these sessions will prepare such individuals for conversion to Judaism. If you have friends or family that may be interested, 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.


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, behaviors, and beliefs. Should they wish to pursue becoming Jewish, this course satisfies the educational requirements of conversion. Exploring Judaism will take place on Wednesdays, beginning January 11 at 7:30 PM at Congregation Adath Jeshurun. REDUCED COST: $100 per trimester (no charge to include the Jewish spouse of an interfaith couple). 

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].

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 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.

An Adult Education Resource for AJ Congregants

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. 

NOVEMBER COURSES


From Andalusia to Cairo: The Life, Works and Thought of Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (RaMBaM), with Shai Cherry

Four-Part Tuesday Series, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Remaining classes:

November 29: Part 3, The Goal of Life and the Means Thereto

December 6: Part 4, Mitzvot, Mysticism, & Avraham Maimuni, Mitzvot, Mysticism, & Avraham Maimuni

Register here. See the description below!

 

Conversation with a Curator: Doug Dreishpoon, with Tobi Kahn

Monday, November 28, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Register here.


* * *

If you missed the Adult Education class on Maimonides that Rav Shai gave in the winter of 2020, you’re in luck! He is presenting it again for CSP and the first class was November 15. It will be held on four consecutive Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 PM. Here’s the description:


Perplexed? Discover Maimonides’ Transformative Philosophy


It is impossible to overstate Moses Maimonides’ influence on Judaism. Born in 1138 in Cordoba, Spain, at the height of the Islamic enlightenment, Maimonides, a preeminent physician, was also one of the most influential Jewish scholars of the Middle Ages. Steeped in high Islamic culture and deep Jewish learning, he systematized, codified, and rationalized the Jewish traditions which he had inherited. In shocking ways, he turned Judaism into a religion. 


This four-week course will immerse us in the family, life, times, works, and thought of Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (RaMBaM). We’ll travel from the poetry-infused life of Andalusia to the medical clinic RaMBaM ran outside of Cairo. We’ll look at his commentary, code, philosophy, and letters. Finally, we’ll see how his son’s attraction to Sufi mysticism was both predictable and an uncanny precursor to post-Enlightenment Judaism. 

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NEW! For those of you interested in Maimonides, take a look at the display case just outside of the AJ Art Gallery area that celebrates the history of OCJCC-BI. Ed Moses has kindly loaned several pages from his father's stamp collection that commemorate Maimonides for display there. The entire collection includes Maimonides stamps from all around the world!


* * *


You can find details on all of the programs and the presenters 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

Thursday, December 8: Attend a Barrack Hebrew Academy Open House! 

Call 610.922.2350 or send an email to [email protected] to learn more. You can download a flyer here. 7:00 PM.


Sunday, December 11: "We'll Light Up Your Life!" Hanukkah Concert. Join the talented Chazzanim of the Delaware Valley Region of the Cantors Assembly as they present their first in-person concert since 2019: Under the direction of Chazzan David Tilman, the concert showcases the Cantors Ensemble and cantorial soloists representing the Delaware Valley. Come let your heart soar and your neshama (spirit) be stirred. 4:00 PM at Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park. To register, download this flyer or go to mbiee.org.


Wednesday, December 14: Hate Speech Series from the JCRC and ADL. Join the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and ADL for a virtual panel discussion on the history, and current state of hate speech in America. 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Click here to register.


Jewish Relief Agency

Looking for a way to give back to the community this winter? Join the Jewish Relief Agency during their December Hanukkah Food Distribution! JRA delivers nutritious food to over 3,400 households in the Greater Philadelphia area every month, and in December, they are adding in Hanukkah goodies like latke mix and gelt for each family! In addition, JRA is delivering Holiday Gifts to over 450 children, which were purchased by generous members of the community! Volunteers can pack boxes and bags of food and supplemental household items during our packing shifts, and have the opportunity to deliver the food and items, plus the gifts, to neighbors in need. Delivery opportunities are available across the Greater Philadelphia area. 


Thursday, December 8: 10:00 AM to12:00 PM — Packing 

Volunteers pack bags of family-friendly food and household items, as well as build and tape boxes for packing.

Friday, December 9: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Packing 

Volunteers build and tape boxes, and pack boxes of food. 

Sunday December 11:

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM — JRA Juniors Packing 

Families with children 10 and under pack boxes of food at a kid-friendly pace. 

10:00 AM to 11:30 AM — All Ages Packing

Volunteers pack boxes of food using our assembly-line-style system, carrying a box down a line as it’s filled with food! 

9:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Food Delivery Pick-Ups 

Volunteers deliver boxes of food, bags of supplemental items, and holiday gifts directly to JRA recipients. 

Monday December 12: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Food Delivery Pick-Ups

Volunteers deliver boxes of food, bags of supplemental items, and holiday gifts directly to JRA recipients.

Tuesday December 13: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Food Delivery Pick-Ups 

Volunteers deliver boxes of food, bags of supplemental items, and holiday gifts directly to JRA recipients.


To sign up for any of these mitzvah opportunities, click here. Questions? Email JRA at [email protected], or call 610.660.0190.

Service Schedule

NEW GUIDELINES:

Effective immediately, wearing masks is OPTIONAL for services.

Up-to-date vaccinations and boosters are still required for entry.

See updated protocols here.


All services are in person and via Zoom (except where noted).


ROSH HODESH KISLEV

THANKSGIVING DAY

November 24, 2022 | 30 Heshvan 5783


Thursday Morning

Morning Service

9:00 AM


Thursday Evening

Evening Service

7:00 PM

***Via Zoom only***


ROSH HODESH KISLEV

November 25, 2022 | 1 Kislev 5783

Friday Morning

Morning Service

7:00 AM


SHABBAT TOLEDOT

November 25, 26, 2022 |

2 Kislev 5783


Light Shabbat Candles: 4:19 PM


Friday Evening

Kabbalat Shabbat

6:15 PM


Saturday Morning

Shabbat Morning Service

9:30 AM


You can see this weekend's pew pamphlet here.


Saturday Evening

Mincha-Ma'ariv-Havdalah

4:20 PM


See below for COVID-19 requirements 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


PLEASE NOTE:

We have resumed sharing breakfast

after weekday morning minyans on Thursdays.


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:

https://zoom.us/j/97054037610

By phone:

Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.

Meeting ID: 970 5403 7610

(Password required)


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

(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:

https://zoom.us/j/109428724

By phone:

Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592. 

Meeting ID#: 109428724

(No password required.)

Attending AJ Friday Evening or Saturday Morning Services in Person


Our current COVID-19 guidelines are:

  • Pre-register for services by completing the November online registration form or December online registration form, or 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 "Medium." 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.

Announcements

Get an Addition of an Edition!


When the new Seder Avodah edition was printed in 2008 (the 150th anniversary of AJ), the price for those who wished to have their own copy was $60. Even with recent inflation, and after all these years, we never raised the price. Now, for a limited time, as we approach the gift-giving season, AJ offers members a deep discount to purchase a copy of Seder Avodah of your own or as a gift...$36 per copy.


In Hazzan Glantz’s class, "Bimah Skills, Thrills, and More," he encouraged attendees to procure their very own copy. Hazzan suggests that this simple change, having a personal siddur, can increase kavannah (intention, meaning, purpose) and allows one to write notes, and feelings, and add sources upon which to reflect.


Make a personalized cover — It’s yours, so feel free to write directly on pages or use post-its notes to recall your inspiring take on the text. Add tabs to turn to sections easily. Hazzan even has a label maker to provide personalized labels identifying your Seder Avodah from the outside cover and spine.


Whether you bring your 'addition of an edition' back and forth to shul or keep it at home, we will still have copies for you at AJ.

Torah Fund 5783

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The year is drawing to a close so take the opportunity to include Torah Fund in your charitable donations for this year! Please take a moment to fill out the card that was mailed to you in September and return it in the envelope to AJWA Sisterhood. (If you can't locate the card, you can download and print one here.) 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? Send an email to Merril Stup at [email protected].

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" x8" for $54. Click here to purchase your customized brick that will create the memorable path! 

Looking for Teachers for the AJ Early Learning Center!

The AJ Early Learning Center is hiring! We have immediate openings for both full-time and part-time educators. If you or someone you know has experience working with children and enjoys the attention, love, and responsibility the position requires, please apply today. Contact Tracey Perchick at [email protected] or 215.635.3490.

AJELC is an equal opportunity employer in the state of Pennsylvania.

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.


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.

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.
Calendar

NOVEMBER

11/24

Thanksgiving/Rosh Hodesh Kislev. Morning Service at 9:00 AM. PLEASE NOTE: The evening service will be via Zoom only.

11/25

Rosh Hodesh Kislev. Morning Service at 7:00 AM.

11/28

Robyn Orodenker Book Club. The Last Kings of Shanghai, by Jonathan Kaufman. Please read the book before the meeting! 7:30 PM. If interested, please contact Violet Zeitlin at [email protected]. Sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood.

11/29

Adult Ed Fall Scholar Series. Elaine James, Associate Professor of Old Testament at the Princeton Theological Seminary, and Rav Shai will collaborate on an exploration of the Psalms. 8:00 PM via Zoom. Session #3 of 4.


DECEMBER

12/4

AJWA Sisterhood Trip to the National Liberty Museum. Join the AJWA Sisterhood at the National Liberty Museum. Among the museum's other offerings, we'll see one of its current exhibitions: This is My Home. The exhibition invites five selected artists to share their personal histories, experiences, and hopes for the future in their own site-specific installations. Each immersive “home” explores an issue critical to liberty today — history and memory, technology, immigration, homelessness — through personal reflections on the powerful forces that connect us all: cultural identity; trauma and loss; ingenuity and innovation; resistance and resilience. Cost: Adult under 65: $11 • Senior 65+: $9 • Student: $7 • Youth, 6-17: $5. RSVP by November 16. We need to reserve for the group and need a minimum of 10 people to get a group rate. Transportation is on your own, but carpooling could possibly be arranged. Click here to register. The museum is at 321 Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia.

12/6

Adult Ed Fall Scholar Series. Elaine James, Associate Professor of Old Testament at the Princeton Theological Seminary, and Rav Shai will collaborate on an exploration of the Psalms. 8:00 PM. Session #4 of 4.

12/8

Grandparents Group Program. On Thursday, December 8, the AJ Grandparents Group will present Audrey Tuckerman speaking on “Meaningful Ways to Leave a Financial Legacy for Your Heirs: Tips for Transmitting Financial Resources and Other Valuables to Your Children.” Audrey Tuckerman has more than 25 years of experience advising corporate executives, multigenerational families, and successful women about critical inflection points in their financial lives. As a Private Wealth Advisor, she works closely with senior executives who have concentrated stock positions, helping them manage risk and diversify their assets. She also has extensive experience advising multi-

generational families about opportunities to grow and transfer their wealth while cultivating sound stewardship in children and grandchildren.7:30 PM. Register here.

12/9

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

12/10

Sunrise Walk. Join Rav Shai on a Shabbat morning walk. Location TBD.

12/11

FJMC Man of the Year Dinner. We are excited to announce that Sheldon Smith has been chosen as the AJ's Man of the Year! He will be honored at the Man of the Year Dinner at Temple Sinai, in Dresher, PA. the event begins at 4:30 PM. The cost is $90/person. Please also consider placing an ad in the program book! You can RSVP, provide payment, and submit an ad for the Tribute Journal here. You can also view the ceremony from the comfort of your home; please RSVP to receive the link. RSVPs are due by November 27.

12/12

Executive Committee Meeting. Begins with evening minyan at 7:00 PM.

12/13

Bimah Skills, Part 2: Chanting from the Torah. Learn the Ta’amei Hamikra (trope) for chanting from the Torah scroll. This is a class that actually never ends. Once these skills are learned, they are only honed by taking on parts and reviewing them with Hazzan or another more seasoned reader before actually chanting in prime time. Two Tuesday evenings, December 13 and 20, at 7:45 PM, following evening minyan. Students will have the option of scheduling additional meetings to review parts. Session 1 of 2. Register here.

12/17

Hanukkah Bowl. How much do you know about Hanukkah? Come to Shabbat services to see and compete for prizes! 9:30 AM

12/17

Kehillah Hanukkah Laser Show. At Beth Sholom. What better way to celebrate the Festival of Lights than with a laser light show? Join your Jewish community for an evening of wonder for ages 0-100. Enjoy a Havdalah service, snacks and a laser show that will bring the miracle of lights to life with bright and colorful displays. To accommodate the needs of our community, there will be a concurrent quiet Hanukkah experience with jkidaccess. Following the light show, all families are invited to a camp fair to give the gift of camp this Hanukkah. Meet and explore various day and overnight Jewish camps, and find the right fit for your child. Register at jewishphilly.org/oyr. 6:15 PM.

12/18

Family Hanukkah Event. Young families are invited to an afternoon of Hanukkah music and fun! Music Monkey Jungle 2.0 brings Lori to Adath Jeshurun and she is ready to rock out in honor of Hanukkah. Her original songs, dances, and games are amazingly catchy, interactive, and high-energy. Her joke-breaks are borderline hilarious and whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, you’re sure to have a rockin’ good time. She just might invite others up to jam on the mic, bust their dance moves, or explore an instrument or two! Through music and movement, we’ll celebrate friendship and bring our community together. Hazzan Glantz will join in with Hanukkah songs. Feel free to come early...from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM we'll have bubbly “fun in the foyer” with Mike of NJbubbleparties.com. To register, please click here.

12/18

Third Annual Latke Throwdown. What makes a good latke? Is potato the only option? What about toppings? You be the judge! Four new teams are competing in this year’s competition to prove that they have what it takes to beat the reigning champion with their gourmet latke recipes. One of them will have their name engraved on the golden spatula! Start your Hanukkah right with latke tasting, music, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, games for kids, and more! And the bubbles from the Family Hanukkah event will continue. The fun will start at 5:30 PM. To register, please click here.

12/19

Hanukkah, Day I. Morning service at 7:10 AM.

12/19

Board of Directors Meeting. Begins with evening minyan at 7:00 PM.

12/20

Hanukkah, Day II. Morning service at 7:10 AM.

12/20

Bimah Skills, Part 2: Chanting from the Torah. Learn the Ta’amei Hamikra (trope) for chanting from the Torah scroll. This is a class that actually never ends. Once these skills are learned, they are only honed by taking on parts and reviewing them with Hazzan or another more seasoned reader before actually chanting in prime time. Two Tuesday evenings, December 13 and 20, at 7:45 PM, following evening minyan. Students will have the option of scheduling additional meetings to review parts. Session 2 of 2. Register here.

12/21

Hanukkah, Day III. Morning service at 7:10 AM.

12/22

Hanukkah, Day IV. Morning service at 7:10 AM.

12/23

Hanukkah, Day V. Morning service at 7:10 AM.

12/26

Synagogue offices are closed.

12/26

Hanukkah, Day VIII and Christmas Day (observed). Morning service at 9:00 AM.