|
July 30, 2020
Please check our current newsletter for additional information about these and other events, or call AJ's main office for information.
Do you have good news to share? We sure can use it! Let us know and we'll include it in the weekly email.
|
IMPORTANT: If part of this column is cut off (for instance, only half of the Service Schedule is showing), it is because your email application can't display an email of this size. Scroll to the bottom of the email and click on "Show entire message."
|
Please note: Due to coronavirus, the synagogue building will be closed until further notice. Until then, all services will be held virtually through Zoom. See below for the links. (All of the COVID-19-related information in this weekly email is
here.)
|
Important Note About Shabbat Services This Summer
We have decided that, because Saturday morning Shabbat services are being conducted via Zoom, we will not be moving to summer hours this year. Services will begin at 9:30 AM throughout the summer.
|
|
| Chanters Wanted! |
Calling all High Holiday readers!
Whether you have read in the past, or never read at all, we are looking for Torah readers for all the Yom Tov readings. You will be scheduled in a COVID-19-sensitive and safe manner to be at the Torah on the sanctuary bimah prior to the holidays. We plan to video your chanting from the scroll itself and use it at the appropriate time on these special fast-approaching Days of Awe.
|
| Personal Listings and Advertising in the AJ 5781 Printed Calendar |
As always, we are offering the opportunity to list birthdays, anniversaries, and yahrzeits in the AJ printed calendar, and to advertise in the business directory in the back of the calendar. Please consider supporting AJ in this way.
You can download the form
here
. We must have your information and payment by Friday, August 7.
|
Signs of Solidarity
|
 Adath
Jeshurun's
social action committee,
AJ Acts
, has launched a campaign called Signs of Solidarity to express our rejection of the injustices that are systemic throughout our country and which have been brought to the fore by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. You can sponsor the placement of an 18" x 24" lawn sign along the Old York Road corridor, or purchase a sign (or signs) for yourself, your neighbors, and/or friends by clicking here. There are two options available: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and "Justice, Justice we shall pursue". Any profits will be donated to
Project Home
.
|
 Tu B'Av Trivia Night!
Tuesday, August 4 at 7:30 PM |
Answer trivia questions about Tu B'Av, other Jewish holidays, and general knowledge. Of course, there will be prizes! 7:30 PM. **Note the change of date.**
Here is the Zoom info:
|
Panel Discussion: Race and Diversity in the OYR Kehillah
Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at 7:30 PM
|
 SAVE THE DATE! Join the Old York Road Jewish Community to explore race and diversity. What do we need to learn and what actions can we take? Register for the Zoom webinar at
www.jewishphilly.org/oyr
. The webinar is free but please consider making a donation; contributions will go to the charity of each panel member's choice. The panel will include:
Senator Art Hayward, PA State Senator District 4
David Coe, Congregant of Young Israel of Elkins Park
Dr. Charmaine Ijeoma, Congregant of Old York Road Temple-Beth Am
Dr. Wagner Marseille, Superintendent Cheltenham Public Schools
Beverly McFadden Congregant at Beth Sholom Congregation, Co-Chair, Mitzvah Food Pantry
You can register
here.
You can download a flyer here.
|
Healing Services with Hazzan Glantz
Selected Thursdays, via Zoom; Next Service: Thursday, August 6
|
 Hazzan Glantz offers a healing service on selected Thursdays, at 6:10 PM. The next healing service will be on Thursday, August 6. Others are planned for August 20 and September 10.
For more information about Hazzan Glantz's healing services,
click here.
Zoom info:
|
Coping with COVID-19: Sharing and Support Bi-Weekly Sessions
Next Session: Wednesday, August 12, at 7:30 PM |
 We have introduced a new bi-weekly event, led by Rabbi Sandi Berliner. Come share and support each other during this challenging time. What's going on with you? How are you doing? Every other week we'll spend 45 to 60 minutes talking together about feelings and concerns in the age of COVID-19.
The meeting will following evening minyan at 7:30 PM. You can drop into any sessions you'd like.
The next one will be on Wednesday, August 12.
|
AJ Grandparents Group Update
Next Meeting: Thursday, August 13 at 7:45 PM |
 Last Thursday evening we had our first meeting of the Grandparents' group at AJ. We had a terrific group of people in attendance for "Zoom Away Grandparents -- Techniques and Activities for Enhancing the Zoom Experience with Your Grandchildren." Our guest speaker was Lisa Litman, Director of jkidphilly, which is a part of the Jewish Learning Venture. We all came away with some new tips for zooming with our grandchildren as well as some creative ideas for enhancing family interactions in our current world.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, August 13 at 7:45 PM
. We are pleased to announce that David Raphael, co-founder and CEO of the Jewish Grandparents Network, (JGN) will be our speaker. David spent 30 years with Hillel, including serving as Assistant International Director.
If you haven't already checked out the JGN website, here it is:
https://jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org
. David has a lot of great information on grandparenting based on all the new research that the JGN has done. We look forward to breakout sessions based on the age of your grandchild, following David's presentation
.
Please RSVP for our August 13 meeting to [email protected] and we will send you the Zoom link for the program.
Email Barbara Shotz ([email protected]) or Sheva Cohen ([email protected]) if you have not already done so with your interest in being a part of this group or any further questions or comments.
|
Ongoing Virtual Events
All events, except where noted, will use this Zoom link:
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#:
109428724
|
On Tuesdays
Adult
Ed with Rav Shai: Introduction to Judaism
UPDATED!
Continuing on Tuesday nights
, at 7:45 PM, Rav Shai will teach a 24-part
Introduction to Judaism. ***Note: Classes will be held on Tuesday nights only until the series is finished in August.***
Zoom information:
By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592.
Meeting ID#: 969452689
By Arrangement with Hazzan Glantz:
Learn from Alef with Hazzan Glantz.
Maximum class size is four; first registered, first served. Hazzan will gladly add times as needed.
Learn to read in Hebrew starting with the Alef-Bet. Prerequisite: Only the desire to be able to read the letters and vowels from the Hebrew texts.
Talmud Class with Hazzan Glantz. Hazzan will share what he is learning in Talmud Class. No prerequisites, geared toward adults.
Mesibat with Hazzan Glantz will return in the fall!
|
American Mothers of Israel Olim
|
A group has been formed through the auspices of Women's League for Conservative Judaism: "American Mothers of Israel Olim." The group was actually formed a number of years ago and it was an email communication. Now it has been revitalized and has had two Zoom meetings. Meetings will be held on a (roughly) monthly basis. If you have children who have made Aliyah and are interested in joining a Zoom group, contact
Violet Zeitlin at [email protected].
|
| Let Hazzan Glantz Help You Celebrate! |
Do you know someone who is having a birthday and could use help celebrating? If so, contact Hazzan Glantz at
[email protected] and he'll record a birthday song for your child or relative!
|
Wednesday, August 12: Gratz Webinar on Gematria. What do tzitzit, Haman and the number Pi have in common?
This gratz@home workshop is guaranteed to fascinate you with links between Judaism and math, as well as explore surprising prayer and holiday facts hidden in plain sight. As when one leaves after watching a magic show, people will be curious to discover more mysteries of Gematria and related topics raised during this session. You need only to count up to 613, identify Hebrew letters, have a sense of humor and an eagerness to learn. Be forewarned: this is not a heavy-duty, scholarly presentation, though it will be filled with surprising and educational information
. $10. Register here.
Beginning August 17: Melton School Class: A Musical Journey through Judaism and Israel.
Discover the role music plays to connect you to the Jewish experience from the streets of Israel to the haunting tune of Kol Nidrei. Cantor David Lipp will take you on a musical journey
through this fascinating class
.
Cantor David Lipp teaches at the Louisville Melton School, and serves as Hazzan at Congregation Adath Jeshurun (yes, really!) in Louisville.
When: 7:00 PM on Mondays: August 17, 24, and 31, and September 14
(Please note: No class September 7 for Labor Day) You can register here.
Sunday Afternoons: The Bible Players.
Looking for a Family-Friendly Event?
The Bible Players present "Live and Inside," a streaming improv comedy event, every Sunday at 4:00 PM. You can get more info about these events on their
Facebook page
, and about The Bible Players, in general, on their
website
.
|
| AJ's Virtual Services |
Through the Zoom platform, congregants can attend services virtually. You can find information about how to use the system
here
.
We have three links for AJ's servic
es:
For Friday evening and
Saturday morning services:
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)
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
You can find
PDFs of Seder
Avodah
here.
Please note:
To avoid the possibility that any of our services will be interrupted by hackers or other interlopers ("Zoombombing"), we instituted a Zoom virtual waiting room and authorized the host to welcome each guest into the meeting. Starting July 3, you will need a password for
Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening services. We will email the password to congregants; alternatively, you can call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611 to obtain it. Attendees to our services who are not members should call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611. Please don't share the password with others.
For now, the remainder of our services (Sunday through Friday morning minyan and Sunday through Thursday evening minyan) will not be password-protected. All meetings will still have the "waiting room" feature enabled.
You may want to call or log in a few minutes ahead of the start time so that the host has time to welcome each guest.
|
| Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity? |
Looking for a way to make a difference during these challenging times?
Are your kids looking for meaningful activities this summer?
Here is a great opportunity to fill an important need!
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel is working with the Montgomery County Anti-Hunger Network, (MAHN) to help distribute needed food to families experiencing food insecurity due to the economic ramifications from COVID19. The food pick-up will be held on Wednesdays between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. It is a community effort with volunteers being asked to help with:
- Traffic management: Directing cars to proper lines for food pick up and exit routes
- Safety: Holding signs that would describe things like mask wearing, keeping windows open, and directing people to open their trunks for food pick-up
- Unloading pallets from the truck
- Placing boxes in the trunks of cars
- Collecting zip code information
Masks and gloves will be provided for the volunteers.
|
| Take Jewish Federation's COVID-19 Survey |
How are you coping with the pandemic? Help Federation understand by participating in Jewish Federation's COVID-19 Community Needs Survey. This 5-minute, anonymous survey is designed to give a snapshot of how COVID-19 has affected those they serve. Results will inform how they and their community partners understand the ongoing needs within our diverse communities.
Anyone who lives in the five-county Greater Philadelphia region who is 18 years or older can participate.
|
Needed! Homemade Masks for Einstein Patients
|
The City of Philadelphia has a significant number of new COVID-19 cases & hospitalizations continue to rise. Inner city neighborhoods are being hit harder by this highly communicable disease. Masks help stop the spread. Einstein is in need of hand-crafted masks to give to our patients to help keep others safe and preserve medical grade masks for staff. Can you help?
You can download the instructions
here
. Your support would be much appreciated!
|
| Are You Suffering From Loneliness? |
The social distancing required to defeat the coronavirus has upended our lives. We have been separated from family, friends, and coworkers. If you are experiencing loneliness or know of someone who is, please let us know how we can help
. You can reach Rav Shai at 215.992.4112 or [email protected], or Hazzan Glantz at 215.439.5033 or [email protected].
|
| Update Regarding the AJ Website |
Some congregants have inquired about
the words "Log In" that appear in the upper right corner. The ability to log in to the website is a feature that is not activated, and can only be used by the site administrator at this time. The congregation will be advised if this feature is activated in the future.
|
| Kosher Meals from Betty the Caterer |
Betty the Caterer is offering kosher meals for pickup at MBIEE. The menu for July 30 through August 13 is
here. They are also offering weekend meals called "Weekend in a Box" and you can find the flyer
here. You can find out more about Betty the Caterer
here.
|
| Kosher Foods Available Through KMF Food Distribution |
KMF Food Distribution is a locally owned family business with over 35 years of experience in Kosher food service distribution. Our commitment to customer service and high-quality products have allowed us to be a reliable source for Kosher consumers nationwide. COVID-19 has effected our community in numerous ways including severe interruptions in our food supply. As a result, we are offering p
oultry, beef, lamb, veal, deli, fish, cheese, Heat N' Serve, and other traditional items.
In partnering with Congregation Adath Jeshurun, KMF Food Distribution
would like to offer a special group delivery order. Orders placed by
Sunday will be delivered to Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El on Wednesday
between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. The minimum order has been reduced to $100.
KMF Food Distribution: 615 Deer Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
|
KleinLife: Montgomery County
Programs for Seniors at AJ
|
KleinLife will be closed until further notice.
|
All events below will be held via Zoom, except where noted.
AUGUST
8/4
Tu B'Av Trivia Night. Trivia about Tu B'Av, other Jewish holidays, and general knowledge. Of course, there will be prizes! 7:30 PM. Stay tuned for more info. **Note the change of date.**
8/5
Panel Discussion on Race and Diversity in the OYR Kehillah. See the article above.
8/6
Healing Service with Hazzan Glantz. Hazzan Glantz is offering a healing service on selected Thursdays, at 6:10 PM. Zoom info: By computer: https://zoom.us/j/96513259245. By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592. Meeting ID#: 965 1325 9245. Others are planned for August 20 and September 10.
8/12
Coping with COVID-19: Share and Support Sessions. Rabbi Sandi Berliner invites you to share and support each other during this challenging time. What's going on with you? How are you doing? Every other week we'll spend 45 to 60 minutes talking together about feelings and concerns in the age of COVID-19. The meeting will following evening minyan at 7:30 PM. You can drop into any sessions you'd like. Here is the Zoom info: By computer: https://zoom.us/j/109428724. By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592. Meeting ID#: 109428724
8/13
Grandparents Group Program. We are pleased to announce that David Raphael, co-founder and CEO of the Jewish Grandparents Network, (JGN) will be our speaker. David spent 30 years with Hillel, including serving as Assistant International Director.
David has a lot of great information on grandparenting based on all the new research that the JGN has done. We look forward to breakout sessions based on the age of your grandchild, following David's presentation.
Please RSVP to
[email protected]
and we will send you the Zoom link for the program.
8/14
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. Zoom in with your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! Please plan to join us! Zoom info: 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) Next Strings Attached: September 11.
8/20
Rosh Hodesh Elul. Morning service at 7:00 AM.
8/20
Healing Service with Hazzan Glantz. Hazzan Glantz is offering a healing service on selected Thursdays, at 6:10 PM. Zoom info: By computer: https://zoom.us/j/96513259245. By phone: Please dial 929.436.2866 or 301.715.8592. Meeting ID#: 965 1325 9245. Another is planned for September 10.
8/21
Rosh Hodesh Elul. Morning service at 7:00 AM.
8/23
AJMA Shmooze. Join the AJMA for an outdoor,socially-distant gathering in the AJ parking lot! We'll meet at 10:00 AM in the rear of the parking lot where it is fully shaded. Please bring your own kosher refreshments and chairs.
|
| In Case You Missed It... |
|
Below are some stories that were in previous weekly emails. We still think they are important enough to include for those who missed them or didn't need the info at the time they were originally published!
|
|
Learn and Live in Israel -- Programs for High School Students and Recent Grads
From Ramah:
With the great uncertainty surrounding the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year, many families are considering alternatives to traditional high school and college programs. Ramah is delighted to share news about two exciting Israel experiences for high school students and 2020 high school graduates. Both programs are based in Jerusalem.
- Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY) is a transformational high school semester in Israel for students entering grades 10-12! TRY offers both a fall and spring semester. Click here for more info.
- Nativ, the Conservative Movement's leadership training gap-year program, is offering a new Ramah Hadracha Leadership Track. Click here for more info.
|
|
Eradicating D
omestic Abuse
is a J
ewish R
esponsibility.
15-20%
of all Jewish households experience some form of abuse or violence and Jewish survivors stay in abusive relationships twice as long as the national average.
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please contact us at
[email protected]
to talk with one of our intake volunteers.
Dinah is a comprehensive legal services center providing low-cost and pro bono legal representation to survivors of domestic abuse in the Jewish Community of Greater Philadelphia. By partnering with existing Jewish social service providers, Dinah
combats intimate partner violence through advocacy, education and representation.
Visit dinahphilly.org for more information.
|
|
Lunch and Learn Noontime Torah Now Being Held at AJ
CANCELED until further notice.
|
Feed your soul at Noontime Torah!
The Rabbinical Assembly-Mid-Atlantic Region invites you to join us weekly at noon for the study of Torah on Tuesdays at AJ from noon to 1:00 PM. A Rabbi and other like-minded individuals await you to engage in exciting discussion and thoughtful analysis of the weekly Torah portion or other stimulating topic. Each class is self-contained so you can plug in at any given week, in any given location.
Join Us and Grow!
Bring your dairy or pareve lunch and a Bible, drinks will be provided. All are welcome. Classes are not held on major Jewish holidays. For more information, call at any of the locations for details or the main coordinating office of Rabbi Gary Charlestein (610.239.6003).
You can also attend Noontime Torah in Center City at the Offices of Cozen & O'Conner on Tuesdays from noon to 1:00 PM, or in Plymouth Meeting/Norristown at the Offices of Premier Dental Products on Wednesdays from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Download a flyer for more info.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Laurel House Shelter Needs Your Donations!
|
|
AJ Caring Community
Committee
|
We all experience times of need. For many of us, family and friends step in to provide support. For others, those resources are less present, less apparent and asking for help can be embarrassing and complicated. This is where the AJ Caring Community Committee (AJCCC) comes in with varying levels of support, anything from a phone call to a meal.
Should you know of someone who has such a need or if you find yourself in a difficult situation please get in touch with us. You can leave a message with Beryl (215.635.6611) in the office, or with Rav Shai at [email protected] or Naomi Atkins, the chair of the AJCCC at [email protected].
Your AJ family is here to help you.
|
|
College Connection
|
We Would Like to Connect with Your College Student!
Surprise your college student with a taste of home! College students enrolled in the AJ College Connection Program will receive the monthly AJ News and enjoy holiday packages sent to school. Children of member families only. Please send the following information to Sandra Goldberg at [email protected] or call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611: Student Name, School Address, Student Email Address, Parent Email Address and Expected Year of Graduation. This program is enthusiastically sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood.
|
|
|
