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 September form, here for the October form or by using the September or October service sign-up form links on the AJ website. Your registration will help us plan and assist with contract-tracing, if necessary. Thank you!

HIGH HOLIDAYS: Here's a quick recap of yesterday's email regarding High Holiday reminders!

BY NOON ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22:

• EMAIL your COVID-19 vaccination and booster cards to AJ at [email protected]. We'll need them on file before we provide your tickets to High Holiday services.
• FILL OUT our online High Holiday events form if you would like to attend any of AJ's High Holiday-related events. You can access the form here: https://www.adathjeshurun.info/form/HHD-2022.html.
• PREREGISTER for childcare if you need it. You can see details and register at https://www.adathjeshurun.info/form/high-holidays-2022-childcare.html.

You can visit the AJ High Holidays landing page at any time to see service times and event description. You can access the page at https://www.adathjeshurun.info/HHD-2022-5783.html.

5783: Year of the Woman

Adath Jeshurun is celebrating the entry of women as full partners in the exploration of the Jewish past and creators of the Jewish future. We are naming 5783 as “Year of the Woman” and will be dazzled by a constellation of authors, teachers, and scholars. 

Throughout the year, we'll note "Year of the Woman" events at AJ and in the wider community by using the graphic at the right.

Rav Shai

Photos from Selichot

Ann Kalmanor, the generous sponsor of The Hush of Midnight

The choir led by director Julia Zavadsky

Hazzan Glantz singing

Pianist Soyeon Bin, the choir, and some of the evening's audience

Sunrise Hike with Rav Shai

Tuesday, September 27 at 6:45 AM

On Tuesday, September 22, (the second day of Rosh Hashanah) join Rav Shai on a sunrise hike! Location of hike will be emailed to participants upon registration. The walk consists of fewer than 5,800 of Rav Shai’s steps and will take no longer than 90 minutes. Please use the High Holiday Form to RSVP.

Last Day to Order Lulavim and Etrogim

Friday, September 30

Orders must be received by Friday, September 30. Small, $40; Large, $48. Call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611.

Shabbat Luncheon:

Understanding the Upcoming Israeli Elections

Saturday, October 1 at 12:30 PM

Ossi Nussbaum, former Jewish Teen Collaborative Director, will discuss the upcoming Israeli elections scheduled for November 1. Ossi has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Tel Aviv University and a Masters of Arts Degree from Bar Ilan University in Israel, both in Political Science. From 1997 through 2013, she taught in the Social Sciences department at the Open University in Israel. Saturday, October 1 (Shabbat Shuvah), following Shabbat services (approximately 12:30 PM). Please RSVP through the October service sign-up form.

Double Mitzvah Reverse Tashlich

in High School Park

Sunday, October 2, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Sounds like a football move? It’s not! AJ’s L’olam Committee invites you to perform a double mitzvah. Instead of throwing bread in Tookany Creek, we’ll be picking up trash from High School Park to prevent waste in the creek. We'll be doing it at the end of the day after the annual Arts in the Park, which helps Friends of High School Park, (hence, the double mitzvah!) Sign up for your shift here! (Scroll down to "Clean up".) Start the New Year off with environmental mitzvot, protecting our creek and helping our neighbors. Please call Lorna Rosenberg, [email protected] or 215.779.1953 for more information!

Beth Sholom & Adath Jeshurun Players

Auditions for 2023 Production!

The Beth Sholom & Adath Jeshurun Players are excited to announce auditions for our 2023 production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE! 

The DROWSY CHAPERONE, winner of five Tony Awards and eight Drama Desk Awards, opened on Broadway in May 2006. Part farce, part self-reflection, and total fun, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE spoofs the early years of American musical theatre from a modern perspective. It incorporates romance, mistaken identities, an unflappable English Butler, a Broadway impresario (and his Follies production), comic gangsters, and a harried best man.

Please save the dates for auditions: Wednesday, October 12 at Beth Sholom; Thursday, October 13 at AJ; and Sunday, October 16 (callbacks if necessary).

Performances will be at Gratz College on February 16, 18, and 19, 2023.

Detailed audition info, including required songs and character description, will be announced very soon. We look forward to seeing you at auditions for this awesome show!

We also welcome volunteers for set construction, painting, and a variety of other meaningful tasks.

Updated information can be found at bethsholomplayers.org

Upcoming Kehillah/Federation Events

Meet Kim Decker at Roling's Bakery

Friday, September 23 and Sunday, September 25 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

7848 Montgomery Ave., Elkins Park

Happy Challah-days and bring your honey some cake! We can meet or catch up. You can also register to win one of four Roling's $36 gift certificates! Free cookies are available for children under the age of 13. You can sign up for the raffle and the OYR Kehillah newsletter here.

Jewish Junior Basketball League

The purpose of the Junior Jewish Basketball League is to develop fundamental basketball skills in a structured, mildly-competitive, enjoyable environment. It is for grades 2 through 12 and is open to the entire community. Games are on Sundays and one weeknight during the season. Click here for more information and to register.

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 1:00 to 3:00 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. Please note the change of time! (No class on Tuesday, September 27.)

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. 

OCTOBER COURSES

A Sukkah of One’s Own: On Tents, Tabernacles, and the True Miracle of Sukkot, with Gila Fine

Sunday, October 2, from 1:00 to 12:00 PM. Register here.

The Last Gottlieb, with Sophia Berry

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

Desperately Seeking Psalms, with Rafi Zarum

Four-Part Thursday Series: Thursday, October 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM

October 6: Part 1: Psalm 23 (Learning to Trust)

October 13: Part 2: Psalm 27 (Hoping to Repent)

October 20: Part 3: Psalm 49 (Finding Meaning in Mourning)

October 27: Part 4: Psalm 137 (Fatal Attraction). Register here.

Jewish Mallorca, with Dani Rotstein

Wednesday, October 12, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Register here.

America's Jewish Women: A History From Colonial Times to Today, with Pam Nadell

Wednesday, October 19, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Register here.

America's Jewish Women: A History From Colonial Times to Today, with Pam Nadell

Wednesday, October 19, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Register here.

Key Trends and Developments in Israeli Society and Economy, with Avi Weiss

Sunday, October 23, from 1:00-2:00 PM. Register here.

Art as Language Series, Part 1 — Gallery Tour, with Tobi Kahn

Monday, October 24, from 3:30-4:30 PM. Register here.

(Subsequent parts to be announced.)

Menasseh Ben Israel: The Most Famous Jew in the World, with Steven Nadler

Tuesday, October 25, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Register here.

Defending Diaspora: How Have Jews Thought About Their Wanderings?, with David Kraemer

Wednesday, October 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Register here.

You can find details on all of the programs and the presenters at https://occsp.net/current-online-events/. 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 on the CSP website are Pacific time, so remember to add three hours for the Eastern start time. The times above are Eastern time.***

Thursday, September 29: Forum on Antisemitism in America. The Gratz College Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights presents: Forum on Antisemitism in America and Presentation of the Gratz Medal to Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.

The Forum on Antisemitism in America features a scholarly panel discussion on the history and contemporary challenges Antisemitism, and also a special presentation of the Gratz Medal to Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D., in recognition of his leadership and service.

Rabbi Sussman will share findings from his research on Antisemitism during the U.S. Civil War; Professor Charles R. Gallagher, S.J., a former student of Rabbi Sussman, will present his work on Nazi extremist groups in the United States during the 1940s; and Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath, a recent Gratz alumna (Ed.D. 2021), will discuss her research on the threat and impact of present-day Antisemitism on Generation Z.  Both Gallagher and Vinokor-Meinrath have authored recent monographs on these important subjects.

The program begins at 7:00 PM. Registration is required for this program which is free and open to the public. Attendees can choose to participate online or in-person at Gratz College. You are invited to make a tribute gift to the Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D. Scholarship Fund, which will provide institutional aid to support Gratz students' academic success. All donations to the fund are tax deductible. To register or donate, click here.

Attend a Barrack Hebrew Academy Open House! 

Dates and times: Sunday, October 2 at 10:00 AM; Friday, November 11 at 9:30 AM; Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 PM. Call 610.922.2350 or send an email to [email protected] to learn more. You can download a flyer here.

Attending AJ Friday Evening or Saturday Morning Services in Person

Our current COVID-19 requirements for attending services in person are below:

• Pre-register for September or October services by completing the September online registration form, or October 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.
• The COVID-19 level in Montgomery County and the surrounding counties has been designated by the CDC as medium this week. Masks are now optional in the AJ building when attending services or functions. During preschool hours (Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM) masks are still required when entering the building and in all common areas (hallways and lobbies). The vaccination and booster requirement remain.
• Up-to-date vaccinations and boosters are still required for entry.
• AJ requires proof of a booster shot for all those eligible to receive the booster or your second vaccination should have been within the last six months.

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

High Holiday Grocery Gift Card 2022

The continuation of providing food access for vulnerable people is critical. However, due to the challenges presented by COVID-19, we are modifying

our annual High Holiday Food Drive: instead of bringing food items to the synagogue, please support the Mitzvah Food Program pantries through our Grocery Gift Card Drive. 

From September 26 through October 17:

1. 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 Devine-Stretch or, if the office is closed, put it into the lock box next to the general office door.
2. You can purchase food through the Mitzvah Food Program Amazon Wish List so that products are shipped directly to a pantry. You can find out more by going to tiny.cc/MFPOYR.

Support Local Farms …. Join the CSA Fall Season

On sale NOW! The fall season provides amazing seasonal produce and local products. Join the Kol Ami Hazon CSA at Congregation Adath Jeshurun. This CSA proudly partners with Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative (LFFC), a non-profit cooperative of over 120 Amish and Mennonite organic farmers. 

Lancaster Farm Fresh offers a variety of share types and sizes of organic vegetables*, fruits, eggs, cheese, flowers, and herbal medicines. The 8-week season begins November 1 and runs through December 20. Pick up is Tuesday evenings (4:30 to 6:00 PM) from Adath Jeshurun’s kitchen. Please share this opportunity with friends and neighbors as anyone in the community may enroll.

The Kol Ami Hazon CSA, now in its 16th season, was the first in our region to align with Hazon, a national nonprofit that links Jewish traditions with environmental action. Through its CSA network, Hazon is using Jewish purchasing power to support local organic farmers and foster vibrant Jewish communities who care about environmental and educational issues. 

The CSA's support of LFFC keeps our land and food safe for future generations and provides us with a variety of fresh seasonal produce each week. We do not distribute meat shares due to kashruth observance. Learn more and register at: Shop Fall Shares | Lancaster Farm Fresh When selecting a location, choose Pa: Kol Ami Hazon, 7763 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 (Adath Jeshurun kitchen) as first choice. 

For questions, contact Robin at [email protected] or Shelley at [email protected].

*What might you expect in a fall share? (Variety changes according to growing season and harvest) Beets, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, kale, lettuces, winter squash, onions, turnips, peppers, potatoes, spinach, herbs, mustard greens, eggplant, fennel, cucumbers, peas, collards, mushrooms, and more. The fruit share is for apple and pear lovers and may include apple cider, jams, and jellies.

Torah Fund 5783

By now, we hope you have received your letter regardingTorah Fund. Please take a moment and return the enclosed envelope to AJWA Sisterhood. You may send a check payable to “Torah Fund” or simply make a pledge. Please consider a contribution of Benefactor, Guardian, or higher. Contributions of $180 and up will receive the “Chazak” 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!

Dear Parents: I hope you and your children are enjoying the summer, and will make the most of the few weeks before school starts. The teachers and I have been working on exciting and challenging curriculum for our Etgar students. (children K through 7th grade)

Please click here to register for the 2022-23 year. Even if you filled out the shorter form earlier, take a moment to fill out the additional information requested.

New for 2022-23

Because we were at Beth Sholom for four months and AJ for four months, many of the students let me know that they missed their home synagogue when we switched. Therefore we are doing two 2-month stints at each synagogue. Click here to see the 2022-23 calendar for additional information.

This year our theme will be the Hebrew calendar. During snack and Shabbatot, we will learn the Hebrew months, days of the week, numbers to correspond with dates, and what is happening in each month.

I am always available to you for questions, comments or concerns as we create your child(ren)'s religious school experience together. Call me at 215.740.7991 or email me here.

Julie Atchick, Etgar Learning Collaborative Director

Lifecycle Notices

We are happy to announce the birth of Emma Rae Mellman, granddaughter of our congregants, Marty and Ellen Mellman, and daughter of Jason and Sarah Mellman.

She was born on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Mazel Tov to the Mellman family! 

The following people passed this week, but are not members:

• Elaine Zlotnick, mother-in-law of Suzanne (Robert) Zlotnick, on September 19, 2022
• Murry Levyn, on September 20, 2022

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.

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! 

Join AJ in Supporting Israeli Olive Farmers

Click here for the recipe! 

Click here to learn more about supporting farmers and AJ with your contribution. 

Orders can now be placed for the 2022 harvest, and the bottles will arrive in December. Click here for more information and to purchase.

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 download their Newsletter here. 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.