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: The AJ building is now open for Friday evening and Saturday morning services, and selected events. See below for details for attending in person. All other services will continue to be by Zoom only. (Shabbat services can also be seen on Zoom.)
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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.
We have introduced two new donation funds:
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The Tamhui Fund. A Tamhui was the Jewish version of a Soup Kitchen. We’re repurposing the Tamhui to provide funds for food and meals for those in a temporary crunch.
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The Jewish Summer Camp Fund. Summer camp is expensive, and Jewish Summer Camp is one of the best ways to instill a sense of Jewish pride and identity in our youth. This fund helps AJ subsidize those in need.
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SHABBAT NITZAVIM
September 3, 4, 2021 | 27 Elul 5781
Light Shabbat Candles: 7:10 PM
NEW GUIDELINES:
To enter the synagogue, you must be vaccinated and masked. Masks must be worn during services.
Friday Evening
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:15 PM
In Person and Via Zoom*
Saturday Morning
Morning Service
10:00 AM
In Person and Via Zoom*
You can see a Pew Pamphlet
Saturday Afternoon/Evening
Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah,
7:10 PM
Via Zoom*
See details below.
*See the UPDATED info below regarding 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
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Through the Zoom platform, congregants can attend services virtually.z
We have three Zoom links for AJ services.
For Friday evening and Saturday morning services:
By computer:
By phone:
Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID: 970 5403 7610
(Password required)
For Saturday evening services:
By computer:
By phone:
Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 933131679
(Password required.)
Congregants should see the separate email for the latest password for Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening services.
For all other services (Sunday through Friday morning and Sunday through Thursday evening services):
By computer:
By phone:
Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 109428724
(No password required.)
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Attending AJ Friday Evening or Saturday Morning Services in Person
Because cases of COVID-19, delta variant, are increasing in Montgomery County, we are updating our requirements to say that all people entering the AJ building MUSTbe vaccinated and must wear masks. This update is reflected below.
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Pre-register for services by completing the August on-line registration form or calling the office.
- Use hand sanitizer before entering the sanctuary. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
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Only fully vaccinated people may attend in-person services and events at AJ everyone must wear a mask.
If you would like to attend Friday evening and/or Saturday morning services, you must pre-register by 2:30 PM Friday afternoon.
All other services will still be by Zoom only.
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If you are having trouble with links for AJ services or events that are held via Zoom, here's another way to get into a meeting.
1. Go to https://zoom.us.
2. Click on "Join a Meeting" in the upper right. It looks like this:
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You'll see a screen that looks like this:
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3. A meeting ID is included with all Zoom information we distribute. Type or copy and paste the meeting ID into the box (just the numbers).
4. Click "Join." You will be placed into the meeting or be put in a "Waiting Room" until the meeting starts, or until the host of the meeting lets you in. Enjoy your meeting!
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Important Information About the High Holidays
If you want to attend the High Holiday services in person but haven't yet let us know, you MUST call the office by 2:30 on Friday afternoon and we MUST have proof of your vaccination. The office number is 215.635.6611.
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All congregants must be vaccinated and masked in order to participate in services upstairs in the Sanctuary.
- Masks are not required for those on the bimah or in the choir.
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For children 6-12, there will be supervised programming downstairs in the Braemer. Parents will drop off and pick up their children downstairs, and children will not be allowed upstairs.
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For children 1-5, there will be childcare available. Please call the office to let us know the children’s names, ages, and which days they will be here. This service will be available on September 7 from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and September 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
- The Strauss Chapel and Orleans A will be opened to the sanctuary in order to provide for more physical distancing.
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There will be no indoor food or drink on the upstairs level except for a relief room on Yom Kippur. The scheduled Break the Fast event has also being cancelled. Funds will be returned to members who have already registered for it. Grab-and-go individually packaged snacks will be provided outside following Rosh Hashanah morning services and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
- The rabbi and hazzan are economizing the elements of the services in order to make our time in the sanctuary less lengthy.
- In addition, instead of an in-person family service on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, we will post a pre-recorded family service to our website that families can enjoy from home.
For those who don't want to attend in person, services will be live-streamed on YouTube; links will be emailed tomorrow.
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Tomorrow, we will send an email to all congregants
with the Zoom links for Rosh Hashanah services.
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See all that is going on during the High Holidays at AJ! Click here.
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Request From Rav Shai
Rav Shai is asking that families who have members that served in the IDF send him photos. You can email them to [email protected].
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Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached
Friday, September 10 at 6:15 PM (in person and via Zoom)
Unplug from a busy week with an acoustic Shabbat service led by Hazzan Howard Glantz with familiar tunes that will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. For all ages, from babies to bubbies. Attend in person or Zoom in with your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! Please plan to join us! 6:15 PM. Next Strings Attached: September 24 (K'lei AJ).
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High Holiday Food Drive 2021
Tuesday, September 7 through Tuesday, September 28
There will be food collection bins from September 7 through September 28 at the Sanctuary and Lower entrances. All donations will be brought inside at the end of each day. Alternatively…
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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. We recommend gift cards from ShopRite, Acme and Giant, as these are the stores most easily accessible to our clients. Gift card values up to $50 are the most helpful. Give any purchased cards to Amy Stretch.
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You can purchase food through the Mitzvah Food Program Amazon Wish List (https://tiny.cc/MFPOYR)so that products are shipped directly to a pantry.
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Annual Memorial Cemetery Service
Sunday, September 12 at 10:00 AM
Join us at 10:00 AM as we remember Jews of past generations buried in this historical cemetery at this service at the Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. We'll meet at 1855 Bridge Street near Walker Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.
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Healing Service with Hazzan Glantz
Monday, September 13 at 6:15 PM
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.
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Annual Sukkah Decorating Pizza Party
Sunday, September 19 at 12:15 PM
The entire congregation is invited to join us as we prepare for Sukkot together. We’ll congregate in the sukkah and eat, schmooze and hang decorations. Bring the kids and any decorations that you’d like to contribute (original artwork encouraged). Preschool families welcome! Begins at 12:15 PM. Proudly sponsored by the AJWA Sisterhood. You can register here.
Meals in the Sukkah
Monday September 20 through Sunday, September 26
Each evening of Sukkot, we’ll be celebrating by having dinner in the AJ sukkah. See the offerings for each night below; a selection of desserts will be included. Registration for each night is required. You can register for any or all of them here. RSVP no later than September 13.
Monday, September 20, following 6:15 PM evening service
Pizza and Pasta Night. Enjoy baked ziti, eggplant parmesan, pizza (classic or vegetable),
and garden salad! (No charge)
Tuesday, September 21, following 6:30 PM evening service
Deli Sandwiches. Help yourself to chicken, vegetables and sides for a Kosher meat dinner. (No charge)
Wednesday, September 22, following 7:00 PM evening service
Grilling/Cookout. Get chicken and vegetables, hot off the grill! (No charge)
Thursday, September 23, following 6:30 PM evening service
The Adult Education Committee has invited author Noam Zion, author and Senior Fellow Emeritus at the Shalom Hartman Institute, to join us via Zoom from Israel to discuss his new book, Sanctified Sex: The Two-Thousand-Year Jewish Debate on Marital Intimacy. For dinner, choose from chicken, salmon or a vegetarian option when you register. ($18 per person). If you would prefer to watch the presentation from home, it will be available on Zoom.
Friday, September 24, 6:15 PM (in person and via Zoom)
Hazzan Glantz will be leading fellow congregant musicians of K’lei AJ to welcome
Shabbat with music. The service will be followed by an oneg in the sukkah. (No charge.)
Saturday, September 25, following 6:35 PM evening service
Join us for a Waffles and Ice Cream Social in the Sukkah! (No charge)
Sunday, September 26, at 6:00 PM, prior to 7:00 PM evening service
Bring your own dairy dinner to AJ and shmooze with fellow congregants. We’ll supply dessert! (No charge.)
AJWA Sisterhood Craft Program in the Sukkah
Sunday, September 26 at 1:00 PM
AJWA Sisterhood will gather in the sukkah for a presentation from horticulture therapist Mona Gold on the origins of the lulav and etrog in honor of Sukkot. Following the presentation will be a crafting activity creating decorative mini pumpkins, perfect for tables from Sukkot to Thanksgiving. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. You can register here.
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SAVE THE DATE!
AJMA Opening Event:
The Jewish Mafia in the Early 20th Century
Sunday, October 3 at 9:00 AM (in person and via Zoom)
Join the AJ Men’s Association for “WE’RE BIGGER THAN U.S. STEEL”: The Jewish Mafia in the Early 20th Century. Learn the myths, stories, and events surrounding controversial figures such as Louis Lepke, Bugsy Siegal, Arnold Rothstein, Dutch Schultz, and others. The program will be presented by Herb Kauffman. Minyan: 9:00 AM. Breakfast: Approx. 9:40 AM. Program: Approx. 10:10 AM. RSVP for breakfast is a must ($10 per person), payable at the door. Please register here to attend in person or via Zoom. In the case that COVID risk is high in October, we will all see the program via Zoom.
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SAVE THE DATE!
AJWA Sisterhood Opening Event with Rabbi Lynnda Targan
Wednesday, October 6 at 7:30 PM (in person and via Zoom)
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Rabbi Lynnda Targan is the author of Funny, You Don’t Look Like a Rabbi, A Memoir of Unorthodox Transformation. She was ordained by the Academy for Jewish Religion in Riverdale, New York in 2003. She holds Master’s degrees in Jewish Communal Studies and Jewish Liberal Studies from Gratz College. She has lectured and taught at national and international venues and is a sought-after teacher and creative officiant for lifecycle events. Rabbi Targan is the co-founder of the Women’s Midrash Institute, which provides a setting for men and women to study Jewish texts in a contemporary context of feminist inquiry, and is also currently a Mussar facilitator. Rabbi Targan serves on a number of women’s philanthropic organizations, and is on the Executive Committee and is program chair for Women of Vision. Please register here.
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A New Adult Education Resource for AJ Congregants
Congregation Adath Jeshurun, dedicated to the Jewish value of learning for its own sake (Torah lishmah), is excited to announce a partnership with the Orange County Community Scholar Program (CSP). As a partner with CSP, we’ll join a small group of synagogues enjoying the best Jewish learning available. AJ has the distinction of being the first Pennsylvania synagogue to partner with CSP.
August's list of programs runs the gamut, from a series on "Art, Cinema & Theater: Three More Jewish London Adventures" to "The Universal Cry of the Shofar: General Sisera, Roald Dahl and the Nature of Evil" You can find details on all of the programs and the presenters at https://occsp.net/current-online-events/. ***Please note: the start times on the CSP website are Pacific time, so remember to add three hours for the Eastern start time.***
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Calling All Parents and Grandparents of Campers!
Do you have a photo of your child or grandchild (or great-grandchild!) at camp? Send it to us with the name of the child and the camp, and we'll publish them in the November/December AJ News! Send them to Marjorie Trager at [email protected].
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Support the AJ Wine Room
Last chance to purchase wine for the High Holidays! call the office at 215.635.6611.
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AJ's Latest Yard Sign
Share your love of AJ with our newest lawn sign! The New Members committee is asking for your help (lawn space) to spread the word about AJ’s renewed energy and welcoming and growing community. Only 50 signs were ordered, so don't be left out! Stop by AJ to pick one up: Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. They're free!
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Join AJ in Supporting Israeli Olive Farmers!
We are excited to announce a new partnership with MyTree in Israel! You may know that last fall, Rav Shai adopted a tree and received six bottles of Israeli olive oil. With this new partnership, you can support Israeli farmers by adopting your own tree. After the harvest in November, you will receive six bottles of Israeli Extra Virgin Kosher Olive Oil with a personalized label of your choice! AJ will also be adopting trees, giving you the opportunity to purchase individual bottles with an AJ label or a set of three with an AJ label or a label of your choice.
Tree and bottle purchases will be accepted until the harvest deadline in November. Please note that the olive oil will arrive at AJ for pickup in December. You will be contacted when it arrives!
To learn more, place an order, and view a message from Rav Shai, click here.
If you’d like to order but would prefer to pay by check, call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611.
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A New Addition to the Shop Local Page on the AJ Website!
A first of its kind…Schlep & Schmoe is a modern Jewish brand for those of us with an identity crisis. We believe Judaism and pop culture can be interwoven to create a new experience for those of us wanting to retain the best of both worlds. Plus, our clothes slap.
Their fun t-shirts, hoodies, and sweats make perfect gifts for family, friends, or self. A portion of the proceeds goes to support Jewish and pro-Israel organizations around the world. Happy shopping!
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Programs for Seniors at AJ
Finally! Kleinlife: Montgomery County has reopened! Phase 1 began Tuesday, July 6, and is a short-term, one-month minimum reopening to get everyone comfortable with socializing and new procedures. Only exercise classes will be offered during Phase 1. from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Reservations are a MUST, and space is limited. Click here for the full guidelines and click here for the class schedule. In addition, they are still offering programs via Zoom! You can download the September Newsletter here. You can find their calendar of events here.
Grab & Go Meals! Kleinlife is now offering Grab & Go frozen meals once a week from AJ. You MUST RESERVE at least a week ahead of time for 5 frozen kosher meals. September pick-up days are Thursday, Sept. 2, 9, 23, 30 and Wednesday, Sept. 15 from
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call 215.635.5244 for more details.
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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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Community and Other Events You May Be Interested In
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Sunday, October 17: Cemetery Cleanup at Har Nebo. Come do a mitzvah! Volunteer with your community and help cleanup Har Nebo, one of the region’s oldest and largest cemeteries. We will close with a memorial service to honor all of those buried at Har Nebo. Volunteer opportunities include: raking, picking up trash and clipping overgrown vines. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Har Bo Cemetery is located at 6061 Oxford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149. Click here to register.
Kehillah Fall Sunday Soccer. Get your child involved in Sunday Soccer! 11 sessions: September 12 – November 21, 2021; $100 per player with volunteering; Additional discounts for siblings and early registration. Your choice of soccer swag and gently used cleats and shin guards while supplies last. No conflict with Hebrew School! Pre K, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Special Needs, 12:00 to 1:00 PM. K to 9th grade, after 1:00 PM. Need-based scholarships are available. For more information and to register, click here. Early registration helps us prepare for the season. Watch their 15 second video here.
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SEPTEMBER
9/6
Labor Day. Morning Service begins at 9:00 AM. Synagogue offices will be closed.
9/6
Erev Rosh Hashanah. Service at 6:00 PM.
9/7
The High Holiday Mitzvah Food Project. During the High Holy Day period (September 7 through 28) we will be collecting non-perishable food items for Federation’s 2021 High Holiday Food Drive. This year, Federation is requesting the following items: Canned Beans—Kosher required; lower salt preferred (i.e., legumes, chick peas, etc.); Nut Butters—Kosher required; lower salt preferred (i.e., peanut butter, almond butter, etc.) and Canned Fish—Kosher required; (canned tuna, salmon, sardines, etc.) Please make sure that all donations have a current date, are properly sealed, and aren't in bulk sizes. Collection bins will be at the Sanctuary and lower entrances.
9/7
Rosh Hashanah, Day I. Morning Service at 8:30 AM. Teen Service at Beth Sholom at 11:00 AM. (The Family Service has been cancelled but supervised programming will be offered for children 12 and under. A pre-recorded family service will be available online.)
9/7
Tashlich, Minhah, and Ma'ariv Service. Start the new year with a clean slate by symbolically casting off the sins of 5781 by tossing pieces of bread into the creek. 5:30 PM.
9/8
Rosh Hashanah, Day II. Morning Service at 8:30 AM.
9/8
Rosh Hashanah, Day II. Evening Service at 7:00 PM.
9/9
Fast of Gedaliah. Morning Service at 7:15 AM.
9/10
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
9/12
Annual Memorial Cemetery Service. Join us at 10:00 AM as we remember Jews of past generations buried in this historical cemetery at this service at the Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. 1855 Bridge Street near Walker Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.
9/13
AJ Early Learning Center Begins.
9/13
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.
9/15
Kol Nidre Service. In the Sanctuary at 6:15 PM. Teen Kol Nidre service will follow.
9/16
Yom Kippur and Yizkor Service. Morning service at 9:00 AM. Teen Service at AJ at 11:00 AM. Yizkor at approximately 12:15 PM. Aliyah for engaged couples, for those travelling to Israel, and families living in Israel, at approximately 3:45 PM. Concluding shofar blasts at approximately 7:15 PM. (The Family Service has been cancelled but supervised programming will be offered for children 12 and under.)
9/16 CANCELLED!
Break the Fast.
9/19
Annual Sukkah Decorating Pizza Party. The entire congregation is invited to join us as we prepare for Sukkot together. We’ll congregate in the sukkah and eat, schmooze and hang decorations. Bring the kids and any decorations that you’d like to contribute (original artwork encouraged). Begins at 12:15 PM. Please register here. Proudly sponsored by the AJWA Sisterhood.
9/20
Evening Service ad Pizza and Pasta Night in the Sukkah. Enjoy baked ziti, eggplant parmesan, pizza (classic or vegetable), garden salad, and dessert! You must register to attend. (No charge) You can register for any of the Sukkah dinners here. 6:15 PM
9/21
Sukkot, Day I. Morning Service begins at 9:30 AM.
9/21
Evening Service and Deli Sandwiches in the Sukkah. Help yourself to chicken and vegetarian options for a Kosher meat dinner, followed by dessert. You must register to attend. (No charge) You can register for any of the Sukkah dinners here. 6:30 PM
9/22
Evening Service and Grilling/Cookout in the Sukkah. Get chicken and vegetables, hot off the grill, followed by dessert! You must register to attend. (No charge) You can register for any of the Sukkah dinners here. 7:00 PM
9/23
Evening Service, Book Discussion, and Dinner in the Sukkah. The Adult Education Committee* has invited author Noam Zion, author and Senior Fellow Emeritus at the Shalom Hartman Institute, to join us via Zoom from Israel to discuss his new book, Sanctified Sex: The Two-Thousand-Year Jewish Debate on Marital Intimacy. For dinner, choose from chicken, salmon or a vegetarian option when you register. ($18 per person). You must register to attend. You can register for any of the Sukkah dinners here. If you would prefer to watch the presentation from home, it will be available on Zoom.
9/24
Kabbalat Shabbat with K'lei AJ. Join Hazzan Glantz and a few congregants who play instruments for this musical Kabbalat Shabbat. An oneg in the sukkah will follow. You can register for any of the Sukkah dinners here. 6:15 PM
9/26
AJWA Sisterhood Craft Program in the Sukkah. AJWA Sisterhood will gather in the Sukkah for a presentation from horticulture therapist Mona Gold on the origins of the lulav and etrog in honor of Sukkot. Following the presentation will be a crafting activity creating decorative mini pumpkins, perfect for tables from Sukkot to Thanksgiving. Please register here. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
9/26
BYODD in the Sukkah. Bring your own dairy dinner to AJ and shmooze with fellow congregants. We’ll supply dessert! Dinner will start at 6:00 PM, followed by the evening service at 7:00 PM. You can register for any of the Sukkah dinners here.
9/27
Simhat Torah Evening Service and Hakafot. Services will begin at 6:15, followed by the Hakafot (procession and dancing with the Torah).
9/28
Shemini Atzeret/Simhat Torah Morning Service. Includes Yizkor. 9:30 AM
9/28
Mitzvah Food Drive Ends.
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