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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If you lost a pair of glasses at the synagogue during the High Holidays, please call the office. We have two pairs!

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Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, sent out a message this morning entitled "We Will Dance Again." You can read it here.

Simhat Torah Evening Service and Family Hakafot

Wednesday, October 23 at 5:45 PM ***TONIGHT***

Bring your family and friends to help celebrate Simhat Torah. Candy apples, music, dancing! Services will begin at 5:45 PM, followed by the Family Hakafot (procession and dancing with the Torah).

Havdalah Rocks!

Saturday, October 26 at 5:50 PM

Yes, Havdalah really can Rock!

On Saturday night, October 26, at 5:50 PM, we are adding to Havdalah an event for all ages with the Dave Zipse Band. Many of you recall dancing for hours to their top-notch party music after the Purim Shpiel, and the atmosphere they brought with them. Rav Shai and Rav Hazzan Glantz will lead the Havdalah Rocks service right there on the dance floor between sets. Refreshments and crafts for the kids will make this an early evening to remember. Click here to learn more and to register.

Jewish Federation: One Year Later: 10/7 Commemoration Service and Program

Sunday, October 27 at 1:30 PM hosted by Har Zion

***Registration is now closed, and they will not accept walk-ins (for security reasons), but you can view the livestream on Sunday here.***

Join us to honor the victims, share messages of hope and resilience and unite as a community. Your presence and participation will make a meaningful difference. Israel has declared that the Hamas attack and massacre will be remembered annually on the 24th day of the Hebrew month, Tishrei. While this will also be our community's annual remembrance date, in observance of Shabbat, we will commemorate this year on Oct. 27.

Fall Blood Drive

Monday, October 28 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Perform a potentially life-saving mitzvah by donating blood at AJ between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Please consider being a donor; the supplies are low while the need remains high. To schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org/. Walk-ins welcome.

Exploring Judaism, "Belonging" Trimester

Begins Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30 PM ***Last Call!***

This series of classes is intended for non-Jews and/or interfaith couples. Exploring Judaism offers 21 sessions divided into three trimesters focusing on belonging, behaviors, and beliefs. For those interested, these sessions will prepare such individuals for conversion to Judaism. If you have friends or family that may be interested, they can learn more at https://www.adathjeshurun.info/exploring-judaism. They can also call Rav Shai at 215.635.6611, x. 115, with any questions or to register. 7:30 PM at AJ and via Zoom. $100 per trimester (no charge to include the Jewish spouse of an interfaith couple). Register here.

AJWA Sisterhood: Bagels and Broadway Brunch

Sunday, November 3 at 9:30 AM

Please join the AJWA Sisterhood for their second chapter of Bagels and Broadway — a brunch with the history and songs of Jewish composers and lyricists performed by our own AJWA Sisterhood members and guests. We will also have a singalong portion of the event. This will be followed by a short meeting. Please register here.

Bereavement Support Group with Rav Hazzan Glantz

Wednesday, November 6 at 7:30 PM

Rav Hazzan Glantz leads this monthly gathering specifically designed to foster a secure, confidential, and non-judgmental environment that encourages individuals to freely express their emotions. Following evening minyan at 7:30 PM at AJ. Find out more here.

Adult Ed Lunch ’n Learn with Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt

Saturday, November 9 at 12:15 PM

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt will give us an update on the successes and challenges facing the Jewish community’s relationship to Israel. Rabbi Weinblatt is the Founder and Chair of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition. The Zionist Rabbinic Coalition fosters love and dedication to Zionism and Israel among generations of American Jews. Their mission is to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among the Jewish communities of Israel and the Diaspora. $18 per person. Please register using the November Service online registration form.

L'olam Kosher 2.0, with Author Sue Fishkoff

Sunday, November 10 at 11:30 AM

Sue Fishkoff, author and writer, will present “Kosher Nation — The Ins and Outs of Eating Kosher in America.” This is a continuation of our discussion and exploration of Kashrut in the 21st century. At 11:30 AM via Zoom and in person at AJ. Please register here.

Know Your Medicare Options — Refresh

Two Sessions on Tuesday, October 29: 10:30 AM at AJ and 7:30 PM via Zoom

During this seminar, you will learn:

• How Medicare works and what it covers
• Timelines to enroll to avoid a late enrollment penalty
• How Part D prescription cards work and how to pick the right one for you, and how plans and coverages are changing for 2025. Big changes are occurring for 2025.
• The difference between Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage plans.

This seminar is suitable whether you have decisions to make during the upcoming Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7), turning 65, or retiring in next 6-12 months.

Presented by AJ’s own Terry Smerling, Medicare planning specialist with Delval Senior Advisors. Please register by calling the AJ Main Office at 215.635.6611. Feel free to submit any questions ahead of time to tsmerling@delvalseniors.com.

Orange County Community Scholar Program (CSP)

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). You can see their October offerings at https://occsp.net/csp-online-zoom-events/. You see which classes Rav Shai is recommending 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.

You can see November's classes here.

COVID Guidelines

If you are planning to attend services or an event at AJ, you can find our current COVID-19 guidelines as of March, 2024 here.

Lifecycle Notices

We are saddened to share that Marvin Weilerstein, husband of Lillian, and father of Kenny Weilerstein, entered olam haba, the coming world, on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

We are thrilled to announce the birth of Elyse Jules Rosenberg, granddaughter of our congregants, Lorna and Murray Rosenberg, daughter of Ari Rosenberg and Jillian Luks. Elyse was born on Friday, October 18, 2024. Mazel Tov to the Rosenberg and Luks families!

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.

Substitute Teachers Wanted!

Do you love children? We have a wonderful opportunity for you! Join our Early Childhood Staff as a substitute teacher! Make some extra money and have fun doing it. All you would need are clearances and a desire to make a difference in a child’s day. Our Early Learning Center serves children from 3 months to 5 years of age. Please contact Tracey Perchick, Early Childhood Director for more details at tperchick@adathjeshurun.info. Reminder: All staff must have a complete background check to work alone with children. Please let Tracey know if you can help in any way. Thank you!

Looking for High School Graduates!

Sign Them Up for Prozdor! (formerly College Connection)

We want to keep your high school graduate connected with AJ! If you have a child that is within six years of their high school graduation—whether they are attending, traveling the world, working, or still figuring it out—AJ wants to send them the bi-monthly AJ News newsletter and holiday greetings and gifts. Call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611 to register your child. (AJ members only.) This program is enthusiastically sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood.

AJ Space for Families

Stay and listen, stay and pray, stay and play.

We have spaces for you to step out of the pews when you need a short break. In the back of the sanctuary you'll find a family corner with a bin of books and small toys. We've also created a new family space adjacent to the main lobby. This space is designed to give families with young children a place to stretch or take a break without going far from the sanctuary. We welcome your joy and encourage you to come to services with your whole family this year! We can’t do this without you!

Upcoming Opportunities for Tikkun Olam

September 30 through October 28: Federation Mitzvah Grocery Gift Card Drive. You can purchase grocery store gift cards to be distributed directly to clients of the Mitzvah Food Program so they can purchase items they need from their local grocery store. Find out more on Federation's 5785 High Holiday landing page.

Now through October 22: Helen F. Fox Fall Clothing Drive. Bring your gently used clothing, linens, and shoes (shoes tied together) to AJ! Bins will be on the lower level of the synagogue. Items will be donated to Purple Heart.

Do you know an extraordinary adult?

Nominate them for the Wexner Heritage Program.

The Wexner Heritage Program will be coming back to Philadelphia in the summer of 2025. Thanks to the generosity of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with the Wexner Foundation, another group of outstanding volunteer leaders will benefit from this extraordinary two-year adult Jewish learning and leadership program. Ideal participants are approximately 30-45 years old and have demonstrated the capacity to be transformative leaders in their communities and beyond. They are seeking candidates from all sectors of the Jewish community, representing a broad range of community affiliations, volunteer positions, denominations, and identities. Nominations will be open until November 1, 2024. You can find out more here. 

Calling Out for Tutors!

The Cheltenham School District is looking for tutors to help students with basic skills in all subjects. Over the pandemic, many students lost a good amount of academics and are in need of additional support. Tutors should be 16 years and older. If you are interested or need more information, contact Tutoring Coordinator Toby Grubman at tobgru@aol.com or 215.663.0657. Sponsored by Champions for Cheltenham.

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.