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September 17, 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.
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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."
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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.)
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| A Taste of AJ's High Holiday Services |
Hazzan Glantz created a short video so you can get the flavor of what the High Holidays will be like this year at AJ! You can see it here.
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| A Rosh Hashanah Explainer from Mayim Bialik |
Some people know her as Blossom or as Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory, but Mayim Bialik is also a neuroscientist, mom, and a self-proclaimed aspiring "super Jew!" Listen to her explain Rosh Hashanah!
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| High Holiday Programming |
Rav Shai, Hazzan Glantz, and Programming Director Rachel Palitto have planned a range of programs for the days before and after Rosh Hashanah. Click here for a round-up of High Holiday happenings! This is what you'll find:
- High Holidays Service Schedule
- High Holiday Programming:
- Round Challah Baking Class (Thursday, September 17)
- Take-A-Shofar Squad (Sunday, September 20)
- Tashlich (Sunday, September 20)
- Teshuvah/Reorientation Workshop: Halakhah, Philosophy, and Mysticism (Tuesday, September 22)
- The Bible Players (Wednesday, September 23)
- The High Holiday Food Drive (September 19 through October 12)
- Drive-Thru Sukkah (October 3 through 9)
- Other important information
Check back with the webpage periodically as it will be updated as planning continues.
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| Additional High Holiday Offerings |
In addition to our regular High Holiday services, we have also scheduled the following things:
- When Jacob awoke from his dream featuring the angels on the ladder, he said, "God is in the place and I, I did not know." Many people feel the divine Presence more in certain places than in others. For some of us, one of those places is our own sanctuary and chapel. Covid is keeping us out of our sacred spaces as a community, but we invite each of you to enter our sacred spaces as individuals or as a family. Times to visit are open from Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 25, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, in half-hour increments. You MUST schedule a time in advance so that we can maintain social distancing; each time slot will be open for only one individual or family. Click here to schedule your time.
- Rosh Hashanah Family Service with Rav Shai and Hazzan Glantz, available on the CongregationAJ YouTube channel. You can view it any time beginning Saturday, September 19. Click here to find the link (will be posted soon).
- Teen Services on Rosh Hashanah, Day I, and on Yom Kippur, planned by Larry Kaplan, OYR USY Youth Director. 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM, via Zoom. See the High Holiday Information email for the Zoom link for Rosh Hashanah. The link for the Yom Kippur Teen Service will be provided next week.
- On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Michele Rifkin will be leading a yoga session from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM. Click here to find the link.
- On Yom Kippur afternoon, Rebecca Cherry will offer guided meditation appropriate for the day. Her session will begin at 2:15 PM. Click here to find the link.
- For preschoolers, Rav Shai has recorded his reading of two High Holiday books. In addition, there is a video of Hazzan Glantz helping "Gomer and Louie" tell the story in children's book, Bit by Bit. You can find links to them here. (will be posted soon)
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| Visiting the Synagogue Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur |
When Jacob awoke from his dream featuring the angels on the ladder, he said, "God is in the place and I, I did not know." Many people feel the divine Presence more in certain places than in others. For some of us, one of those places is our own sanctuary and chapel. Covid-19 is keeping us out of our sacred spaces as a community, but we invite each of you to enter our sacred spaces as individuals or as a family.
Times to visit are open from Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 25, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, in half-hour increments. You MUST schedule a time in advance so that we can maintain social distancing; each time slot will be open for only one individual or family. Click here to schedule your time.
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| High Holiday Packages |
By now, we hope that most, if not all, congregants have received their High Holiday packages. See photos below of Rachel Palitto (left) putting the packages together, and Marcia Cohen (right), receiving her package!
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| High Holy Days Spotify Playlist |
 Hazzan Glantz has created a Spotify playlist associated with these High Holy Days. You may be very surprised to hear the music that is on that list. It is called "Ready? Set? Return!" Give it a chance. Hazzan says it's been growing, perhaps it will grow on you. These songs speak to me, each differently. Some, obvious in their connection to Jewish High Holy Days; others, perhaps not. Suggest others and inquire how a song made the cut. Some make me cry, others provoke thought, and one motivates me in ways I cannot put into words. Click here. (The link is also on the High Holiday webpage on the AJ website.)
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| Take-a-Shofar Squad! |
On the afternoon of the second day of Rosh Hashanah, if you would like to hear the shofar in person, we will take a shofar to you and provide a shofar service outside your home! The form to register is open now through the end of the day on September 17. Click here to register.
If you have a shofar and a car, and would like to volunteer to be part of our Take-a Shofar squad to provide shofar services to your fellow congregants, contact Rachel Palitto at the synagogue office, 215.635.6611, ext. 113, or send her an email at [email protected]. You can choose to volunteer during as many one-hour times slots as you would like between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
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 Teshuvah/Reorientation Workshop:
Halakhah, Philosophy, and Mysticism
Tuesday, September 22
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This workshop has homework and a limited number of participants.
Teshuvah is the single most important concept in Judaism. It is also the focus of the upcoming holidays. Rav Shai has put together a Teshuvah Reader that combines the halakhah, philosophy, and mysticism of teshuvah. Feel free to download the texts in preparation for the holidays.
For those of you who would like to participate in the workshop, Rav Shai asks that you read the material beforehand and come prepared to question, discuss, and process. Given the limitations of Zoom, we are capping registration at 24 screens.
download the Teshuvah Reader.
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The Bible Players
Wednesday, September 23
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Bring your whole family together for a night of laughter on Zoom. The Bible Players use improv and comedy to teach Jewish values to people of all ages. They perform at schools, camps, and simchas. For AJ they will be performing a virtual special all-ages comedy show. This event time was set with small children in mind so children of all ages are able to enjoy! If you like what you see during the show and want to hire them in the future, check out their website TheBiblePlayers.com or send an email to [email protected]. No registration necessary. To access the program, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2165679873. Alternatively, download/open this PDF and click on "Click here to join!"
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AJ Grandparents Group Program: "Don't Bite Your Tongue"
Thursday, September 24
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Really, can we say whatever we want to whomever we want? This doesn't sound like much of a vow to make as we approach Rosh Hashanah! But in fact, this is the title of a book written by Dr. Ruth Nemzoff, our upcoming guest speaker for the Jewish Grandparent's Group. Her book carries the subtitle, "How to Foster Rewarding Relationships With Your Adult Children." Now, this is something we can all vow to continue to do throughout the year!
We are very excited to welcome Dr. Nemzoff to the Adath Jeshurun Grandparent's Group on Thursday evening, September 24, following minyan at 7:45 PM. We know this is a program you won't want to miss.
Don't Bite Your Tongue has been described, among many words of
praise, as "A groundbreaking book on how to foster parent-adult child closeness" and "A very wise book."
Dr. Nemzoff has spoken at over 400 locales worldwide on family dynamics. She is currently a resident scholar at Brandeis University Women's Studies Research Center. She holds a doctorate in social policy from Harvard University, an MA in counseling from Columbia University and a BA from Barnard College.
She brings a wealth of experience in many different areas affecting children and families, including serving as the Assistant Minority Leader of the New Hampshire State Legislature, the New Hampshire Deputy commissioner of Health and Welfare, and visiting scholar at the Wellesley Center for Research of Women. Her papers are archived at Harvard University's Schlesinger Library. Dr. Nemzoff is also the author of Don't Roll Your Eyes: Making In-Laws into Family.
Please RSVP to [email protected] for what we are sure you will find to be a fun and informative talk, with opportunity for questions and discussion. You will receive a zoom link prior to the meeting. Please let us know which zoom room you would like to be a part of when you RSVP: a) Adult single children; b) grandchildren under 4; c) grandchildren 4 to 17; or d) grandchildren 17 and over.
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Coming Soon! Drive-Thru Sukkah!
October 3 through Friday, October 9, 24/7 |
 Pack your family into the side-paneled station wagon and drive on in to our Sukkah in the main parking lot. There's only room for one car at a time. Bring your own lulav if you have it, or there will some available on the tables inside the Sukkah. There will be instructions, too, for those of us (like Rav Shai) who forget on which side the myrtle goes. Shake, shake, shake! The Drive-Thru sukkah will be open 24/7, from October 3 through October 9.
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| Ongoing Virtual Events |
Coming Up!
"Hebrew from Scratch" (for adults) will begin again on October 14 and continue for eight Wednesday evenings (skipping Thanksgiving Eve), following minyan. Evening minyan begins at 7:00 PM and the class will start at approximately 7:30 PM and meet for approximately one hour. There are no prerequisites and the textbook will be provided in PDF form. Contact Hazzan Glantz at 215.635.6611 or [email protected] to let him know you'll be attending.
"It's Greek...oops! I mean Hebrew to me!" is a class Hazzan Glantz designed for those who can already read Hebrew (even slowly and with mistakes). Students will have the opportunity to improve speed and accuracy while also learning some comprehension. Israeli songs, poetry, and liturgy will help make Hebrew more accessible and meaningful. Please contact Hazzan with your interest; your collective schedules will help determine meeting times.
Rav Shai will be teaching a multi-session Adult Ed class called "The 6 W's of Judaism (who, what, when, where, why, how)". It will begin on October 20. Stay tuned for more information.
Hazzan Glantz will be continuing his healing services throughout the fall. They are currently scheduled for October 29 ("Go Forth"), November 24 ("Torah -- Thanksgiving...Really?"), and December 22 (Hanukkah -- Rededication, Yes, But to What?"). The services will begin at 6:15 PM.
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First Mesibat Shabbat of the New School Year!
View and Sing Along with Hazzan Glantz |
This is the first Friday of the Preschool session here at AJ. We know that some kids who have already "moved up" from preschool might still enjoy viewing and singing along as Hazzan Glantz presents the first Mesibat Shabbat of the season.
Watch it, share it, and have a wonderful, meaningful and safe Shabbat Shalom.
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| | Mesibat Shabbat 9-11-2020 |
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Attention: 7th and 8th Graders!
Singers Wanted |
HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir is looking for singers entering the 7th and 8th grades to join HazaPrep, the first Jewish Choral Preparatory program in America, conducted by Dr. Marsha Bryan Edelman.
Virtual rehearsals will be held on Sundays at 3:30 PM. You can download a flyer here.
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Signs of Solidarity
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 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.
 NEW! We now have magnets for your car that read "Love your neighbor as yourself"! They are $5 each, or 3 for $10. Buy them for your family, friends, and neighborsYou can order one or more magnets here!
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American Mothers of Israel Olim
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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].
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| 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!
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Wednesday, September 30: Ramah College Network Fair. Attention, 11th and 12th grade Ramahniks! Join us on Wednesday, September 30, from 8:00 to 9:00 PM, for a mini Ramah college fair featuring Ramahniks from eight universities! You'll have the chance to hear from the schools that interest you, ask questions and learn about their experiences. Featured universities: Emory U., JTS List College, U. of Delaware, U. of Florida, U. of Maryland/College Park, U. of Michigan/Ann Arbor, U. of Pennsylvania, and Washington U. in St. Louis. Register here.
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| 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.
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Needed! Homemade Masks for Einstein Patients
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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!
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| 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].
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| 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.
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| Kosher Meals from Betty the Caterer |
Betty the Caterer is offering kosher meals for pickup at MBIEE. They are offering weekend meals called "Weekend in a Box" and you can find the flyer here. Their Rosh Hashanah a la carte menu is here. You can find out more about Betty the Caterer here. Stay informed about their services and money-saving specials on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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| 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 poultry, 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
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KleinLife: Montgomery County
Programs for Seniors at AJ
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KleinLife will be closed until further notice.
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All events below will be held via Zoom, except where noted.
9/17
Round Challah Baking Class. Create your dough earlier in the day or the night before and log in to Zoom with Rachel Palitto to learn how to braid your dough into a round challah shape for Rosh Hashanah! 7:45 PM You can find a link to the recipe at www.CongregationAJ.org/HHD-5781.html.
9/18
Erev Rosh Hashanah. Service at 6:00 PM.
9/19
The High Holiday Mitzvah Food Project. During the High Holy Day period (September 19 through October 12) we will be collecting non-perishable food items for Federation's 2020 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. Please leave your donation in the box outside the school doors. It will be brought inside at the end of the day.
9/19
Rosh Hashanah, Day I. Morning Service at 9:00 AM.
9/19
Minhah and Ma'ariv Service. 6:00 PM
9/20
Take-A-Shofar Squad. On the afternoon of the second day of Rosh Hashanah, we will take a shofar to you and provide a shofar service outside your home! Or be a volunteer to deliver a shofar service. The form to register will not be available until September 14, and it will be open through the end of the day on September 17. Go to www.CongregationAJ.org/HHD-5781.html. If you have a shofar and a car and would like to volunteer to be part of our Take-a Shofar squad to provide shofar services to your fellow congregants, contact Rachel Palitto at the synagogue office, 215.635.6611, ext. 113, or send her an email at [email protected]. You can choose to volunteer during as many one-hour times slots as you would like between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
9/20
Rosh Hashanah, Day II. Morning Service at 9:00 AM.
9/20
Tashlich. (at AJ) Start the new year with a clean slate by symbolically casting off the sins of 5780 by tossing pieces of bread into the creek. 6:00 PM. (If you would prefer not to come to AJ, we encourage you to take a walk between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with some bread. When you arrive at a suitable body of water, mentally "transfer" those things you want to rid yourselves of this coming year to the bread, tear it into pieces, and throw them into the water to be washed away or consumed.)
9/20
Evening Service. 6:45 PM.
9/21
Fast of Gedaliah. Morning service: 7:20 AM
9/22
Teshuvah/Reorientation Workshop: Halakhah, Philosophy, and Mysticism. Teshuvah is the single most important concept in Judaism. It is also the focus of the upcoming holidays. Rav Shai has put together a Teshuvah Reader that combines the halakhah, philosophy, and mysticism of teshuvah. Feel free to download the texts in preparation for the holidays. For those of you who would like to participate in the workshop, Rav Shai asks that you read the material beforehand and come prepared to question, discuss, and process. Given the limitations of Zoom, we are capping registration at 24 screens. If there is sufficient demand, we will consider scheduling another workshop. Go to www.CongregationAJ.org/HHD-5781.html to register and to download the Teshuvah Reader. 7:45 PM
9/23
The Bible Players. Bring your whole family together for a night of laughter on Zoom. The Bible Players use improv and comedy to teach Jewish values to people of all ages. They perform at schools, camps, and simchas. For AJ they will be performing a virtual special all-ages comedy show. This event time was set with small children in mind so children of all ages are able to enjoy! If you like what you see during the show and want to hire them in the future, check out their website TheBiblePlayers.com or send an email to [email protected]. No registration necessary. 6:30 PM
9/27
Kol Nidre Service. 6:15 PM.
9/28
Yom Kippur and Yizkor Service. Morning service at 9:00 AM; Torah service at 11:00 AM; Sermon at 1:30 PM; Yizkor at approximately 3:00 PM; Minhah at approximately 3:45 PM; Break your fast at approximately 7:30 PM.
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In Case You Missed It...
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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!
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Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity?
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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.
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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.
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Eradicating Domestic Abuse is a Jewish Responsibility.
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.
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Lunch and Learn Noontime Torah Now Being Held at AJ
CANCELED until further notice.
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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.
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Laurel House Shelter Needs Your Donations!
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AJ Caring Community
Committee
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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.
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College Connection
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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.
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