Donations
If you'd like to make a donation to AJ, you can make a donation online, on our website. Or, you can click here to download a donation form.
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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 August, or by using the August service sign-up form link on the AJ website. Your registration will help us plan and help with contract-tracing, if necessary. Thank you!
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Register Your Child(ren) for the Etgar Learning Collaborative Today! |
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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.
We are starting school on Shabbat, Saturday, September 10 at AJ. We look forward to a wonderful service with Rav Shai and experiential learning about the Hebrew month of Elul.
Can't wait to see you next 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
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Brush Up for Selichot!
By now, you probably know that, for Selichot this year, Hazzan Glantz and our new choir director, Julia Zavadsky, will be leading Cantor Davidson's Hush of Midnight. If you want to listen to the last time it was presented (during the Rabbi Rosenbloom retirement year), click here.
For those who want to participate in the service, Hazzan has scheduled two rehearsals: September 11, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and September 14, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Everyone is welcome, even if they just want to familiarize themselves more with the music, see the rehearsal, and prefer not to sing.
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AJ Adult Education
Sizzling Summer Series on Jewish Bioethics
Final Session on Wednesday, August 24 at 12:00 PM
Wednesday, August 24 at Noon: Genetic Intervention
Xenotransplantation is feasible due to genetic manipulation to prevent immunological rejection by the recipient. What are the concerns and limits of other forms of genetic interventions? Where might they conflict with Judaism?
The final session will be at AJ and on Zoom. If you’d like to bring a pareve or dairy lunch, feel free to come at 11:30 AM to eat and schmooze in the lobby before the class starts at noon. Please register here if you haven't registered yet.
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AJMA End of Summer Bash at Harry's Place
Sunday, August 28 at 4:00 PM
Calling all AJ men! Join the AJMA at Harry Lessig's place to eat, drink, shmooze, and more. Swimming, cornhole, pizza, beer, veggie burgers, sides, and a little bit of live music. $10 per person; pay at the door. Start time: 4:00 PM. RSVP is a must no later than Wednesday August 24, to Ed Moses at karedlon@aol.com. (Harry’s address will be provided when your RSVP is received.) |
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Back to School Shabbat Honoring Anita Block
Friday, September 9 at 5:30 PM
Start the school year with a Back to School Shabbat, honoring retired AJELC Director Anita Block! Dinner starts at 5:30 PM: baked ziti, buttered noodles, green salad, and dessert, $10 per family. All congregants are invited. Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached service with Hazzan Glantz begins at 6:15 PM. Dinner and service will be outdoors, weather permitting. Click here to RSVP. Please RSVP by September 1. |
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AJMA/AJWA Sisterhood Opening Breakfast and Program with Phyllis Chapell
Sunday, September 11; minyan begins at 9:00 AM
Phyllis Chapell is a world-class vocalist and guitarist whose wide range of music includes Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, and English in many different styles.The cost for the breakfast and program is $10 per person. Click here to register. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, September 8.
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Beginners' Israeli Dancing Group at AJ
Tuesday Afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
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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 susan@novack.net to sign up. |
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An Adult Education Resource for AJ Congregants |
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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.
REMAINING AUGUST COURSES
Jewish Ukraine, with Evgenia Kempinski
4-Part Wednesday Series, Remaining sessions: August 17 and 24 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Register here. (CSP members only)
Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation, with Daniel Matt
3-Part Thursday Series, Remaining session: August 18 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Register here.
Jewish Sculptors & Sculpture, with Samuel Gruber
3-Part Tuesday Series, August 16, 23 and 30 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Register here.
The Venice Bienalle, with Shirel Horovitz
4-Part Series, August 21, 22, 25 and 29 from 3:30 PM 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.***
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Community Events You May Be Interested In |
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Sunday, August 14: Young Professionals Day at JRA. The Jewish Relief Agency is planning an exciting opportunity for community members in their 20s, 30s and 40s: Young Professionals Day at JRA! We're inviting Jewish young professionals from all over the Philly region to join us at the JRA warehouse for a morning of packing boxes, delivery, and a delicious BBQ lunch! JRA is a hunger-relief organization that serves over 6,400 diverse, low-income individuals struggling with food insecurity in the Philadelphia region through a food distribution program. Young Professionals Day at JRA is a great chance to spend some time with minded individuals in the community, and work towards a great cause! Feel free to share this opportunity with friends and family as well! JRA is going to be providing some transportation from Center City (likely a bus), but would also encourage people to carpool if they can! Location: JRA Warehouse (10980 Dutton Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19154). Time: Packing shift 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, delivery 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, BBQ lunch 12:30 PM! Attire: Dress in comfortable, lightweight clothing, and closed-toe shoes! Please respond using our RSVP form here.
Jewish Cemetery Cleanup. Organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Honor those at rest by joining your community for a series of cleanups at local historic Jewish cemeteries. We are deeply appreciative of the outpouring of kindness and generosity from volunteers. Please click here to fill out a registration form, once for each volunteer. Note that this is appropriate for adults and school-age children, accompanied by an adult. Sunday, September 18 from 1:00 PM -– 3:00 PM: Har Nebo Cemetery, 6061 Oxford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149.
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NEW GUIDELINES:
Effective immediately, wearing masks is OPTIONAL for services.
Up-to-date vaccinations and boosters are still required for entry.
See updated protocols here.
All services are in person and via Zoom.
NACHAMU | VAET’HANAN
August 12, 13, 2022 | 16 Av 5782
Light Shabbat Candles: 7:43 PM
Friday Evening
Devotion by the Ocean
(Ventor, NJ)
6:00 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:15 PM
Saturday Morning
Shabbat Morning Service
10:00 AM
You can see this weekend's pew pamphlet here.
Saturday Evening
Minhah-Ma'ariv-Havdalah
7:45 PM
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
See below for COVID-19 requirements and pre-registering for in-person services.
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Through the Zoom platform, congregants can attend services virtually.
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
Our current COVID-19 requirements for attending services in person are below:
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Pre-register for August services by completing the August 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.
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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.
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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.
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Honey From the Heart for Rosh Hashanah 5783! |
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You can send a jar of honey to family, friends, and business associates near and far! This is a great way to wish everyone a L'Shana Tova! And you'll be supporting both the AJWA Sisterhood and ORT America.
Each 8 oz. jar contains delicious golden honey which is certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union and guaranteed to be 100% pure honey. Honey From The Heart is gluten-free. It's just $13.00 per jar. Order by August 30 to receive honey by Rosh Hashanah.
It is traditional to eat apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah. The apples symbolize the constant cycle of life and the honey symbolizes the sweetness that we hope will characterize the year to come.The blessing is printed on a beautiful keepsake card that is enclosed with each jar of honey you send.
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AJ College Connection Program
Attention: Parents of College Students!
Attention: 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. Open to children of member families only. Please send the following information to Karen Moses at karedlon@aol.com or call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611: student name, school address, student email address, parent
email address, and expected year of graduation.
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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!
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Looking for a Yiddish Speaker/Reader!
Are you a mensch? One of our congregants has a notebook full of Yiddish writing. She is looking for someone who can translate the notebook's contents. If you are fluent in Yiddish and can help, please call the AJ office at 215.635.6611 and ask to speak to Rachel Palitto.
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Kehillah (Community) Fall Sunday Soccer |
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We welcome Greater Philadelphia families to participate in a friendly recreational soccer program for pre-K (ages 4+) through ninth grade, including options for special needs teams. The league is the perfect opportunity to have fun, develop soccer skills and enjoy the warmth of a close-knit community.
Dates: Sessions are Sunday afternoons (one hour), September 11 to November 20
Times: There will be morning play on 9/25 and 10/9 for Erev Rosh Hashanah and Erev Sukkot.
Location: Elkins Park
Cost: Check the website for information. Discounts are available for sibling registration, early registration, and volunteering.
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Join AJ in Supporting Israeli Olive Farmers! |
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AJ is partnered with My Tree in Israel, and we are investing in Israel by receiving a plot in an orchard of an Israeli farmer. We have the opportunity to extend our plot by adopting olive trees, which will yield us boutique Israeli olive oil, and a fundraiser opportunity for us. As AJ members you have the opportunity to participate in the community plot. You can invest in community trees for $50 and receive a bottle of boutique Kosher extra virgin olive oil with the community label, and part of the proceeds return to our community. You can also adopt your own tree in our plot and receive six bottles with your own label. |
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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.
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AJ is Israel Bound in 2022!
Thursday, October 13 to Thursday, October 27, 2022
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In October, AJ will be embarking on our first Israel tour with me as the congregation’s rabbi. I worked with our tour operator, Keshet, and our amazing Israel committee to come up with a great itinerary! We’ll be leaving for our two-week trip on October 13, 2022 — Hol HaMoed Sukkot! That means that we’ll be spending the first four days of the trip in Jerusalem celebrating Sukkot, Shabbat, and Shmini Atzeret/Simhat Torah. You’ll be able to grab falafel or schwarma and eat it in a sukkah. You’ll also be able to check out a variety of shuls from Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue to a Modern Orthodox minyan where women read Torah to the Conservative synagogue on Agron Street.
We’ve tried to make the trip affordable — $6,226 per person, double occupancy, airfare included. For an upgrade to Premium seats on the flight, add $1,060. The detailed itinerary is here. At times, the group will separate into two tracks. (See addendum below.)
Bernie Dishler is chairing the Israel Committee. Send him an email to let him know if you’re interested, if you have questions, or if you’re ready to put down a deposit. Or you can register here.
As Hillel said, “If not now, when?”
Rav Shai Cherry
ADDENDUM TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Fewer people have signed up than we imagined which has turned out to be just fine. We’ll be spending more of our time all together, and the price has dropped. (Pricing above is accurate.) There will only be two days, one in Jerusalem and one on the way to the Negev, when we’ll be on two different tracks. The new itinerary is here.
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More Learning Opportunities!
Learn About Religions and Ecology!
The environmental crisis is more than a political, economic, or technological concern; it is a moral and spiritual call to long-term change. Developed over several years, these courses draw on a rich variety of lectures, videos, readings, and interviews with scholars, religious leaders, and environmental practitioners from around the world.
Do you want to gain new understandings of the world’s religions and their ecological perspectives? Are you interested in exploring the impact of engaged religious climate action? Learners in this five-course specialization will:
- Explore the ecological implications of religious texts
- Learn how religious beliefs and practices inform attitudes about the environment
- Gain new perspectives on biodiversity, food systems, and environmental justice
- Become familiar with engaged religious responses to the climate crisis
All courses are open for enrollment and are available as follows:
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Looking for Teachers for the AJ Early Learning Center!
The AJ Early Learning Center is hiring! We have immediate openings for both full-time and part-time educators. If you or someone you know has experience working with children and enjoys the attention, love, and responsibility the position requires, please apply today. Contact Tracey Perchick at tperchick@adathjeshurun.info or 215.635.3490.
AJELC is an equal opportunity employer in the state of Pennsylvania.
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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 gkorostoff@kleinlife.org. You can download their Newsletter here. You can find their calendar of events here.
UPDATE! KleinLife: Montgomery County will be resuming a regular schedule of Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, starting September 6. They will also resume 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.
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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 can always use it! Let us know and we'll include it in the weekly email.
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AUGUST
8/12
Tu B'Av. Morning service at 7:30 AM.
8/12
Devotion by the Ocean. Kabbalat Shabbat at the beach, with a live band…what could be better? 6:00 PM. For more information, please visit www.ShiratHayamNJ.org or call 609.822.7116. Newport Avenue Beach, Ventnor, NJ 08406. Presented by Shirat Hayam Downbeach Synagogue, Ventnor, NJ. In case of rain, the service will be indoors at Shirat Hayam. Remaining Devotion by the Ocean dates this summer: August 26 and September 2.
8/24
Adult Ed Sizzling Summer Series on Jewish Bioethics. Session #3: Genetic Intervention Xenotransplantation Genetic Intervention Xenotransplantation is feasible due to genetic manipulation to prevent immunological rejection by the recipient. What are the concerns and limits of other forms of genetic interventions? Where might they conflict with Judaism?12:00 PM at AJ and via Zoom. If you’d like to bring a pareve or dairy lunch, feel free to come at 11:30 AM to eat and schmooze in the lobby before the class starts at noon. If you haven't yet registered, click here.
8/26
Devotion by the Ocean. Kabbalat Shabbat at the beach, with a live band…what could be better? 6:00 PM. For more information, please visit www.ShiratHayamNJ.org or call 609.822.7116. Newport Avenue Beach, Ventnor, NJ 08406. Presented by Shirat Hayam Downbeach Synagogue, Ventnor, NJ. In case of rain, the service will be indoors at Shirat Hayam. Remaining Devotion by the Ocean date this summer: September 2.
8/27
Rosh Hodesh Elul. Morning service at 10:00 AM.
8/28
Rosh Hodesh Elul. Morning service at 9:00 AM.
8/28
AJMA End of Summer Bash at Harry's Place. Calling all AJ men! Join the AJMA at Harry Lessig's place to eat, drink, shmooze, and more. Swimming, cornhole, pizza, beer, veggie burgers, sides, and a little bit of live music. $10 per person; pay at the door. Start time: 3:00 PM. RSVP is a must no later than Wednesday August 24, to Ed Moses at karedlon@aol.com. (Harry’s address will be provided when your RSVP is received.)
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