CONGREGATION - Philadelphia
Transcription
CONGREGATION - Philadelphia
aj news CONGREGATION ADATH JESHURUN September 2016 • Av/Elul 5776 • Vol. 101 • No. 1 THIS MONTH’S ISSUE You may notice that the AJ Newsletter looks a little different! We have “rethought” the content and layout of our newsletter and hope you find it useful and interesting. For more information on the changes we’re making, please see page 6. SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE Harnessing Our Best Traits........................ 1 As Easy as Alef, Bet, Gimmel..................... 3 Introducing the Shabbat Experience........ 6 A Letter to Noa......................................... 9 High Holy Day Services Information....... 10 Sukkot Information................................ 13 What Are We Leaving Behind?............... 16 REGULAR DEPARTMENTS AJ Person of the Month............................ 8 Bar and Bat Mitzvahs This Month............. 7 Calendar for September........................... 5 Donations.............................................. 22 Kid’s Corner............................................ 12 Seasons of Our Lives............................... 19 Service Schedule...................................... 2 What’s Happening at AJ........................... 4 Yahrzeits................................................ 20 Like us on Facebook and join our community page! Harnessing Our Best Traits By Rabbi Rachel Kobrin Last year, on Yom Kippur, I told a story about Tal Ben Shachar. You might remember the story. He had become the Israeli squash champion. He had succeeded in fulfilling what he thought was his deepest dream. And then, upon winning the championship and beaming with joy, his emotions changed. He felt empty. And he realized in that moment that true happiness, true contentment, was much deeper and more complex than becoming a national champion. What he yearned for was meaning. For Ben Shachar, this realization prompted an entire career, built in the field of Positive Psychology. What is Positive Psychology? Normative Psychology is the study of what is wrong — what is troubling a person — and how it can be fixed. Positive Psychology is the study of what is right. What makes a person happy. What brings us meaning. And how we can have more of that. In recent years, religious thinkers — and rabbis, in particular — have been intrigued by the interconnection of ritual and communal and spiritual life with Positive Psychology. Do experiences in a religious setting add more meaning — and therefore more joy — to our lives? For those of us who have chosen to devote our lives to fostering holy moments in holy community, we certainly hope the answer is yes. The newest, most cutting-edge science in the discipline of Positive Psychology is linking our ability to understand and hone our best character traits with our ability to find happiness and meaning in life. The research has shown that our sense of fulfillment is greatly improved when we are able to hone and accentuate our greatest traits. The VIA Institute in Cincinnati (www.viacharacter.org ) has been studying these findings, and this year they are partnering with the Center for Learning and Leadership (Clal) (www.clal.org/) in New York City to explore how these character traits and Jewish ritual go hand in hand. For the past five years, I have been a Rabbis Without Borders Fellow with Clal, and have been privileged to have been exposed to cutting-edge learning with rabbis from throughout the country. My involvement with Clal has been incredibly rewarding and has really helped to shape my rabbinate. This summer, we were given some exciting news. AJ was chosen, along with nine other communities from across the country, to explore some of these new questions of meaning, happiness and religious observance and their link to our best character traits. What does this mean for us? It means that I will be part of a new think tank, along with Reform, Reconstructionist, and other Conservative rabbis from synagogues throughout the country. We will read together, explore together, and spend five days learning together in December. I will be given some private coaching, particularly focused on harnessing my best character traits, and how I can use them to foster meaningful rituals for our community at AJ. At AJ, we will explore how certain rituals bring us meaning — and why they bring us meaning. Sometimes rituals impact us because we have been doing them for many years, and they bring back wonderful memories. Kiddush on Friday night. The High Holy Day Torah service. A bris. Blessing our children. Other times, new rituals create meaning for us because they touch us in tender and personal ways. Singing “Hashkivenu” at Strings Attached. Passing the Torah from generation to generation. A Simhat Bat ceremony for a baby girl in a home. Our mishaberach ritual around the Torah. As a community, there will be opportunities for each of us to explore our own personality strengths as well as rituals we find to be personally meaningful and inspiring, and to share our experiences. May we all be inspired to elevate our best personality traits in 5777, as we grow in our own personal evolution of self and continue to deepen our Jewish practice. September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 1 Service Schedule ROSH HODESH ELUL SHABBAT RE’EH September 2, 3, 2016 SHABBAT KiTETZE September 16, 17, 2016 30 Av/1 Elul 5776 Light Shabbat Candles..............................................7:11 PM FRIDAY EVENING •Minhah and Kabbalat Shabbat..................6:15 PM SATURDAY MORNING •Chapel Service at AJ................................10:00 AM •Havurah Service......................................10:30 AM SATURDAY AFTERNOON •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah........................7:15 PM SUNDAY MORNING •Chapel Service..........................................9:00 AM ••• September 5, 2016 LABOR DAY ••• SHABBAT SHOFTIM September 9, 10, 2016 7 Elul 5776 Light Shabbat Candles..............................................6:59 PM FRIDAY EVENING •Kabbalat Shabbat: Shabbat Rocks!............6:15 PM See description on page 12. SATURDAY MORNING •Chapel Service at AJ..................................9:30 AM Bar Mitzvah of JOSHUA BRADFORD “BRAD” BLUESTINE Son of Eric and Marissa Bluestine •Havurah Service......................................10:30 AM SATURDAY AFTERNOON •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah........................7:00 PM ••• Light Shabbat Candles..............................................6:48 PM FRIDAY EVENING •The Shabbat Experience at Beth Sholom....5:45 PM See description on page 6. No service at AJ. •In-Town Shabbat......................................7:30 PM SATURDAY MORNING •Sanctuary Service at AJ.............................9:30 AM •Havurah Service......................................10:30 AM SATURDAY AFTERNOON •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah........................6:50 PM B’not Mitzvah of ROBYN AND MELENA WALTER Daughters of Raul and Hillary Walter ••• 2 Elul 5776 MONDAY MORNING •Chapel Service..........................................9:00 AM 14 Elul 5776 SHABBAT KiTAVO September 23, 24, 2016 21 Elul 5776 ••• SHABBAT NITZAVIM 28 Elul 5776 Light Shabbat Candles..............................................6:24 PM FRIDAY EVENING •Kabbalat Shabbat.....................................6:15 PM SATURDAY MORNING •Chapel Service at AJ..................................9:30 AM •Havurah Service......................................10:30 AM SATURDAY EVENING •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah........................6:25 PM Lunch and Learn Noontime Torah at AJ Tuesdays, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM The Rabbinical Assembly–Mid-Atlantic Region invites you to join us weekly at noon for the study of Torah. 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. Bring your lunch and a Bible; drinks will be provided. All are welcome. For more information or a list of other locations, call AJ at 215.635.6611 or the main coordinating office of Rabbi Gary Charlestein (610.239.6003). 2 aj news EVENING SERVICES Monday through Thursday......................................7:00 PM In the month of September, Monday through Thursday evening services will be at AJ at 7:00 PM. In the month of October, Monday through Thursday evening services will be at Beth Sholom at 7:00 PM. SUNDAY EVENING MINYAN In September..............................................at AJ at 7:00 PM In October.................................. at Beth Sholom at 7:00 PM EVERY SHABBAT… Light Shabbat Candles..............................................6:36 PM FRIDAY EVENING •Kabbalat Shabbat.....................................6:15 PM SATURDAY MORNING •Joint Service at Beth Sholom.....................9:15 AM •Havurah Service......................................10:30 AM SATURDAY EVENING •Selihot beginning with Minhah at AJ.........6:50 PM Joint service with Beth Sholom See description on page 11. September 30, October 1, 2016 DAILY MINYAN MORNING SERVICES Sunday....................................................................9:00 AM Monday and Thursday.............................................7:20 AM Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday..............................7:30 AM Rosh Hodesh Services (weekday)............................7:00 AM Parashat HaShavuah 12:30 PM, Braemer Auditorium FAMILY SERVICES Look for some new tot and family services coming this fall! Melissa Raub, our new Youth Director (shared with Beth Sholom), is working on a set of programs that will engage and excite young families. Share the Sponsorship of an Extended Kiddush! What a wonderful way to celebrate on a Saturday afternoon! Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or a bar or bat mitzvah anniversary coming up? Sponsor a kiddush for any special occasion, or just because! Contact Robert Friedman at 215.635.6611, ext. 112 for more information. Catering Babayit In-House Catering Congregation Adath Jeshurun “Stay Home with Us” Torah Reading for Adults Have you always wanted to learn to read Hebrew? Or chant Torah or Haftarah? A class will be starting on Saturday mornings after services beginning on October 29. In addition, there will be a Friday afternoon class from 5:45 – 6:15 PM before Kabbalat Shabbat services. Please call the office at 215.635.6611 to register your interest. As Easy As Alef, Bet, Gimel President’s Message By Bruce Armon By Bruce Armon, President of Adath Jeshurun I hope you had a very relaxing and enjoyable summer. The High Holy Days and fall are just around the corner and our clergy and professional staff have been hard at work to get ready for an exciting year at our AJ. There is a great deal that has to happen for AJ to be ready for the High Holy Days. Despite the Jackson 5 lyrics, it’s not as easy as 1, 2, 3 or A, B, C. There are also a lot of things that each of our AJ congregants do on a daily basis to help make AJ a wonderful place. As we get ready for the High Holy Days, I thought I would challenge our AJ community to do things for our congregation that are as easy as A, B, C — or Alef, Beit, Gimel (and a few more Hebrew letters as well). א ב ג ד ה ו ז ח ט י כ ד ל מ נ ס ע Alef. The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Be the first person to volunteer a new idea to help AJ move forward. All and any ideas are welcome (and then we may ask for your help to make the idea reality). Bet. Be engaged. As a congregation we are better when we are “all in.” Gimel. Give generously to AJ. Your ideas, your time, and yes, your gelt. פ Dalet. Daven with us regularly on a Friday night, Saturday morning or Havdalah, or at any minyan. פ צ ק ר ש ת Hei. Say “hi” to a fellow AJ congregant or a guest when you are in our building. Make everyone feel welcome. Vav. Value our congregation’s distinguished history. Zayin. We are all Zionists. Israel is our common home. Cheit. Change can be challenging and pace is important. Embrace measured change as a way that AJ can continue to move forward. Teit. Try something new at AJ; you may find you really like it. Yod. We have great youth programs and a wonderful new youth director, Melissa Raub, who you will get to know this year. Kaf. Kippot can come in many colors; I wonder what color Tess’ kippot will be on November 11, 2017? Nun. Let’s not say “no” to one another. Let’s encourage an alternative that is acceptable. Samekh. Celebrate your simcha at AJ so our entire congregation can celebrate with you — a birthday, an anniversary, an honor you receive. Ayin. Accept an aliyah. And, if you are adventurous, read Torah or Haftarah. Pei. Nominate someone for our Person of the Month honor. Fe. Forgive someone for something they did or did not do and not just because the High Holidays are around the corner. Tzadei. Join us for Tashlich services on the first day of Rosh HaShanah, October 3, at 6:15 PM. Quf. Quality and quantity are not mutually exclusive. Let’s continue to build a better AJ. And you probably thought Bruce will never come up with a “q” word, and I gave you two! Reish. Relax and linger at the end of services or following a meeting at AJ. We are all busy, but we can strengthen relationships through these informal settings. Shin. Our theme for this year is Shabbat. Help us build a great set of programs throughout the year. Tav. Time. It flies by too fast. We need to enjoy our moments together and find more time for one another. It has been an honor and privilege being AJ’s president. I look forward to your help — individually and collectively — to make this year as easy as ah’at, shetayim shalosh. Khaf. Kiddush brings us all together. Help sponsor a kiddush this year. Lamed. Think about what you love and like about AJ. Mem. Let’s create new memories this year and protect and shape our future. September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 3 4 aj news 9 11 KABBALAT SHABBAT: SHABBAT ROCKS! The title of this event is an assertion about Shabbat... Shabbat Rocks! The music may feel folksy at times, Hollywoodish at others and yes, sometimes, rock ‘n’ roll. Come and experience Shabbat in a whole new way. For all ages and types of families, our Shabbat Rocks! service will have you out of your seats celebrating Shabbat. Several musicians are being coordinated now by Hazzan Glantz, together with David Seltzer and Rabbi Kobrin. This spectacular evening promises to bring you a visual, experiential and musical service creating a perfect atmosphere for spirited worship. 6:15 PM AJMA OPENING BREAKFAST The AJ Men’s Assoication will start the year with an Opening Breakfast with special guest, Alan Gottesman, International President of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. He will be speaking on “Helping Jewish Men Lead Jewish Lives: Challenges and Opportunities for 21st Century Men’s Clubs, Associations, and Temple Brotherhoods.” The cost is $5 at the door but we must have your RSVP to the synagogue office (215.635.6611) no later than Monday, September 5. Begins with morning minyan at 9:00 AM. 11 JQUEST B’YACHAD OPENING ASSEMBLY The JQuest B’Yachad school year will begin with an opening assembly from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM. 11 JTC KICK-OFF SUNDAY The JTC school year will begin at Beth Sholom at 9:30 AM. 12 ROBYN ORODENKER BOOK CLUB The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah. Please read the book before the meeting! 8:00 PM. Sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood. 15 16 AJMA WHISKEY TASTING Details and location TBD. 16 IN-TOWN SHABBAT Shabbat service for our Center City members. At the home of Eileen Dwell and Chuck Steinberg. 7:30 PM 18 MAR-FJMC 5TH ANNUAL FORMAN MILLS TOUR DE SHULS Check your tires! Stretch your quads! Snap on your helmet! Benefits Camp Ramah in the Poconos. Get more info at www.tourdeshulspanj.org. 20 SELIHOT MUSICAL REFRESHER Hazzan Glantz will review, explain and teach the melodies of Selihot. Follows 7:00 PM evening minyan. THE SHABBAT EXPERIENCE Don’t miss this year-long program that we’ll have with Beth Sholom. The first session will be at Beth Sholom. See page 6 for details. october september What’s Happening at AJ 24 SELIHOT AJ and Beth Sholom will join for discussion to be followed by the Selihot Service. See details on page 11. 25 ROSH HaSHANAH REFRESHER New Year? New You! How we can use the liturgy to renew ourselves in the coming year. Followed by a festive breakfast. 9:30 AM 2 THE HIGH HOLY DAYS See pages 10 and 11 for events related to Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. 9 YOM KIPPUR BOOTCAMP Are We Really Repenting AGAIN? Making our apologies meaningful and our resolutions stick in 5777. Followed by a festive breakfast! 9:30 AM 9 ANNUAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY SERVICE Hazzan Glantz will officiate at this service at the Adath Jeshurun Cemetery at 1855 Bridge Street near Walker Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Join us at 11:00 AM as we remember Jews of past generations buried in this historical cemetery. 12 BREAK THE FAST Break your fast with us immediately following Havdalah on Yom Kippur, at approximately 7:10 PM. See details on page 11. 16 ANNUAL SUKKAH DECORATING PIZZA PARTY The entire congregation is invited to join us as we prepare for Sukkot together. We’ll congregate in the sukkah and eat, schmooze and hang decorations. Bring the kids and any decorations that you’d like to contribute (original artwork encouraged). Begins after JQuest B’Yachad at 12:15 PM. Proudly sponsored by the AJWA Sisterhood. 24 SIMHAT TORAH EVENING SERVICE AND FAMILY HAKAFOT Bring your family and friends to help celebrate Simhat Torah with the AJ community. Candy apples, music, dancing! Minhah-Ma’ariv will be at 6:00 PM, followed by Family Hakafot (procession and dancing with the Torah) at 6:15 PM. 28 KABBALAT SHABBAT WITH “STRINGS ATTACHED” Unplug from a busy week with an acoustic Shabbat service led by Hazzan Howard Glantz with familiar tunes that will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. For all ages, from babies to bubbies. Bring your friends for this relaxed, casual, and enjoyable service! Then stay for Oneg Shabbat (lite dinner bites and gathering with friends). 6:15 PM 11 4 15 22 29 14 21 28 30 23 16 9 31 24 17 10 3 25 18 11 4 27 20 13 6 1 elul 26 19 12 5 8 elul Rosh Hodesh Elul Morning Service 9:00 am 8 7 2 18 September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 25 5 22 elul 26 Rosh HaShanah Refresher following 9:00 am minyan 20 21 28 29 22 15 8 2 elul 27 14 7 9 elul 10 elul Preschool Orientation 3 elul 23 elul 27 21 24 elul 28 Selihot Music Review following 7:00 pm minyan 17 elul 14 7 8 1 25 elul 29 18 elul 22 11 elul 15 First Day of Preschool EVENING SERVICES Sunday through Thursday at AJ.................7:00 pm 4 elul wednesday DAILY MINYAN MORNING SERVICES Sunday......................................................9:00 am Monday and Thursday...............................7:20 am Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday................7:30 am Rosh Hodesh Services (weekday)..............7:00 am tuesday 29 av 27 elul 44 Light Shabbat Candles 6:24 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15 pm Last day to order lulavim and etrogim! 26 elul 30 44 Light Shabbat Candles 6:36 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15 pm KiTavo 21 elul Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 6:50 pm Joint Service with Beth Sholom at BSC 9:15 am Selihot (at AJ) begins with Mincha at 6:50 pm Program at 9:00 pm Service at 10:00 pm 20 elul 24 Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 6:50 pm 44 Light Shabbat Candles 6:48 pm KiTetze 14 elul Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 7:00 pm Robyn and Melana Walter, B’nai Mitzvah (at Mincha) 17 Shoftim Joshua Bradford Bluestine, Bar Mitzvah 7 elul Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 7:15 pm Re’eh Rosh Hodesh Elul 30 av The Shabbat Experience at Beth Sholom 6:00 pm In-Town Shabbat 7:30 pm 13 elul 44 Light Shabbat Candles 6:59 pm Kabbalat Shabbat: Shabbat Rocks! 6:15 pm 16 3 saturday 27 Elul 5776 6 elul 10 44 Light Shabbat Candles 7:11 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15 pm friday Preschool Mesibat Erev Shabbat 9 2 19 elul 23 AJMA Whiskey Tasting 12 elul 5 elul 28 av thursday September 2016 JQuest B’Yachad Tuesday begin and are at KI through May 16, 2017 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm 13 6 16 elul 20 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00 pm 15 elul 19 Forman Mills Tour de Shuls Bike Ride and Fun Walk 6 13 Labor Day 26 19 12 5 1 Robyn Orodenker Book Club 8:00 pm 12 31 30 25 18 11 4 Synagogue Offices Closed Morning Service 9:00 am 17 24 16 10 9 23 3 2 october august 1 monday sunday 28 Av 5776 JQuest B’Yachad Sundays begin and are at AJ through Dec. 18, 2016 9:15 am – 12:15 pm AJMA Opening Breakfast begins with 9:00 am minyan Opening Assembly for JQuest B’Yachad 11:30 am 5 w he Ne ! s w e aj n t o t e com Wel A couple of years ago, we surveyed the congregation about the AJ Newsletter. To the question, ”What would you like to see more of in the Newsletter?,” the most common response was “more about other congregants.” We think this is a great idea, so last year we began by introducing you to AJ staff and volunteers through the “AJ Person of the Month,” and to our leadership through “Meet the New Board Members.” We hope you have enjoyed those articles and we’ll be continuing them this year. Now we need your help! As much as you are curious about other AJers, they are curious about you! Introduce yourself by contributing an article to the AJ News. If you have a topic that you think would be of interest to other congregants, let us know. Do you plan to visit an interesting city or museum? Have you read a great book that you’d like to share with others? Did a recent experience help you see things in a different way? Have you found a great website that you find valuable in your Jewish life? Write a short article (emphasis on short!) about your experience for possible insertion into the AJ News. Provide pictures if relevant and write in a conversational tone. If you mention other congregants in your article, please confirm their approval in advance. Contact Marjorie Trager at 215.635.6611 or mtrager@adathjeshurun.info if you would like to submit an article.* In addition to more stories by and about about our congregants, we’ll have more information about Jewish religious practices, and you can ask your own questions in an “Ask the Rabbi” column. We’ll have a special place for kids (6–12 years) that features a puzzle, joke or story each month. We’ll provide information that we think will be useful in your day-to-day life, and hopefully, a few laughs. So over the next few months, don’t hesitate to let us know how we’re doing! You can send an email to mtrager@ adathjeshurun.info or a letter to Adath Jeshurun, 7763 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, Attention: Marjorie Trager. *Note: All articles will be edited for grammar and clarity, and their use will be dependent on space. Please, no shoutouts for local businesses. Any photographs should be high resolution (300 DPI at 3” x 4”); color photos will be reproduced in black and white. Introducing the Shabbat Experience@Old York Road This year, AJ will be participating in a program with Beth Sholom called The Shabbat Experience@Old York Road (TSE@OYR). Over the course of the year, we’ll use two Friday evenings and four Saturday mornings to explore a topic in depth. The premise of The Shabbat Experience@Old York Road (TSE@OYR) is that learning happens best by doing and that the beauty of Shabbat is something that can only be understood as a joyful and lived experience. By employing methods that are used at Jewish summer camps and youth groups, the TSE@OYR is both hands-on and happening in real Jewish time. These Shabbatot each include prayer components, Shabbat meals, and are all anchored by a piece of enduring knowledge. Our concept is that the whole synagogue community joins together to study the same content at age-appropriate levels in concurrent sessions. The enduring knowledge is based on a year-long theme. Each family will be given a book for their home library with a bookmark of pre- and post-session reading assignments on the monthly topic that highlights the enduring knowledge. We will promote learning options that will allow our students and our congregants to take ownership of Jewish learning and living in community. This year’s topic is “Prophet Sharing.” What makes a prophet a prophet? We will learn about classical prophets — their background, historical context, as 6 aj news well as messages of prophets. We will connect with modern-day prophets and explore how the message of the prophets speaks to each of us. The first session will be on Friday, September 16 at Beth Sholom. It will feature a hilarious and informative introduction for children, teens and adults by The Bible Players (www.thebibleplayers.com). The Bible Players are a Torah Comedy performance troupe (from The Jewish Week: “Midrash meets Monty Python!”). There will be text-based study for those who prefer. Come at 5:45 PM and snack and shmooze with friends until the session starts at around 6:10 PM. The session will be followed by an optional full catered dinner at a cost of $5 per person. This program is open to congregants of all ages: the content is taught at age-appropriate levels in concurrent sessions. Bring the whole family to share in this unique learning experience. In September, We’ll Celebrate a Bar Mitzvah and a B’not Mitzvah! Our congregation is triply blessed this September to share in the bar and b’not mitzvahs of Joshua Bradford “Brad” Bluestine, Melena Walter, and Robyn Walter. Brad, Melena and Robyn graciously took some time from their summer vacation and preparations to answer a few questions about their upcoming special days. On September 10, Brad Bluestine will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah. We asked Brad to tell us about his Torah portion, Shoftim. He tells us, “My portion includes the words, ‘Justice, Justice shalt thou pursue.’” The theme is justice and applying justice into Israeli society. To me, that means if people break the rules, they should be held accountable but the punishment should not be excessive.” Brad also shared with us his interest as a flutist in the Cedarbrook Middle School band as well as his interest in computer science. Additionally, he is passionate about robotics and AJ’s debate elective. When it comes to his bar mitzvah preparations, although he admits it’s been difficult to stay motivated through the summer, Brad has thoroughly enjoyed studying with both Hazzan Glantz and Rabbi Kobrin. He is grateful for their guidance, encouragement and support as well as that of his family. Just one week later, on September 17, sisters Melena and Robyn Walter, will join their family and friends in the Adath Jeshurun sanctuary to become b’not mitzvah. When she is not preparing for her bat mitzvah, Melena Walter enjoys playing soccer, basketball, dancing, singing, woodworking, and taking rope-climbing courses. Over the summer she was busy spending time with her friends at Ramah Day Camp. One of the activities she looks forward to most at AJ is participating in the Strings Attached program with her friends. She loves helping her mom and friends with the food set-up and presentation, as well as hearing everyone sing together as a community. She further explains, “I like how everyone who comes to the event is talking to everyone with a big smile on their face. My friends and I get to spend these special Friday evenings together. It makes me feel happy especially after a busy week at school to catch up with friends at Strings!” A highlight of Melena’s bat mitzvah preparations has been learning new Torah portions and discovering their meaning. She tells us in her Torah portion, “The Israelites are told to bring the first of their fruit to the Temple, and also to deliver all tithes to their recipients. Moses says how the blessings and curses are to be declared on Mts. Gerizim and Ebal when the Jewish nation goes into Israel. Moses then explains that the blessings the Calamities will receive following the commandments of the Torah will result from disregarding them.” For Melena’s mitzvah project she chose to volunteer at AJ Preschool. “I love reading to the children at story time in the afternoon. I love spending time with the children and the teachers. I read to the Adom late-care classroom several afternoons every week for the entire school year. Carol Boring and my mom Hillary encouraged me to read two to three days a week after snack time. This summer at Camp Kitov I volunteered for two weeks. I helped the counselors get ready for each activity. I especially enjoyed helping out with the Shafaneem bunk (special needs classroom) and sports.” With great thanks to our religious school teachers and clergy, Adath Jeshurun continues to witness the joyous bar and bat mitzvahs of our young people each month. We are so proud of the tremendous thought and effort they put into preparing for their special simcha. Robyn Walter’s hobbies include writing stories, drawing, anime, Doctor Who, Homestuck, and singing in Japanese. At school this year she was awarded the Presidential Honor Award. Robyn reflects, “I had the best homeroom teacher at Elkins Park School. Mr. Lederman encouraged me every day to strive and be the best student that I can be.” She has been very busy these past months enjoying her bat mitzvah tutoring and Torah portion preparation. Additionally, she has created original artwork which will be on display during the b’nai mitzvah celebration. For her mitzvah project, Robyn chose The Sara Smiles Foundation to honor Sara Burke. “Sara was my friend in preschool. She died of cancer eight years ago. Sara’s family created The Sara Smiles Foundation to help and comfort children in hospitals with cancer. This organization is so important to me. It is a wonderful and important addition to all hospitals.” Brad Bluestine By extending a loving hand, creating positive children’s hospital environments, The Sara Smiles Foundation has been an incredible resource for pediatric units around the country. Giving pediatric cancer patients creative upbeat experiences during their hospital stay has helped make happy memories for all children who are struggling with cancer. The Sara Smiles Foundation provides a variety of resources to entertain, comfort, and educate pediatric cancer patients. Anyone can learn about and get more information by reading the foundation website at www.saras-smiles.org. Both girls are delighted to share in this tremendous simcha together as well as looking forward to celebrating with their friends and family! Robyn and Melena working on their Haftarah projects from JQuest B’Yachad this past school year. We wish Brad, Melena, Robyn and their entire families a warm mazel tov on their upcoming accomplishments. September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 7 Meet the July AJ Person of the Month! Alex Katz is one of the unsung leaders of our congregation. Alex stepped down in June as AJ’s long-time treasurer. Please see below the article prepared by Missy Ufberg (thank you, Missy) providing all of us with some stories, expressions of gratitude and important perspective from Alex. Alex, thank you for everything that you have done for AJ and we know we can and will call upon you in the future for your guidance and perspective. Alex is a wonderful choice to be AJ’s July Person of the Month. If you would like to nominate someone as the AJ Person of the Month, please alert Tracy Greenbaum (tgreenbaum@adathjeshurun.info) in the office. See you soon, Bruce *** As the summer continues to heat up, our July Person of the Month takes some much deserved R & R to cool down. This past June, after nearly a decade spent dedicating innumerable hours towards managing our congregation’s budget, Alex Katz completed his final term as AJ’s Treasurer. As a means of highlighting Alex’s commitment and offering our sincere appreciation for his tireless efforts, we are honored to feature him as July’s AJ Person of the Month. Alex recently took time to reflect with us over his and his family’s experiences since first coming to AJ in 1984. At the time, he and his wife Linda had just moved back to the neighborhood and were looking for a new shul. With Adath Jeshurun and Rabbi Rosenbloom they found a warm and welcoming congregation that over time became the type of synagogue they were looking for. “I grew up in a similar synagogue in Boston, and learned about Judaism as a product of the time. I was not looking for that type of shul. While Linda attended OCJCC’s Hebrew School, her view of Judaism was largely influenced by her Bubbie and Zeida. I love to juxtapose two stories she tells about growing up. In one, Linda’s Zeida could not attend Linda’s bat mitzvah on Friday night because he could not drive to the shul, which was not close enough to walk to on Friday night. In another, Linda’s Bubbie used to insist on making Linda a milk shake (and using the electric blender) on Shabbat because Linda looked too thin. This approach to Judaism, a strong ethical background and a practical approach to nurturing was what we were looking for in a shul, and what we found at AJ. As Rabbi Rosenbloom’s views evolved, or, more likely, as he felt the Congregation would slowly accept changes over time, he influenced our views of Judaism and Linda’s view of her place in it. While we had a traditional Shabbat dinner every Friday night, Linda began to wear a kippa and tallit to services, so that we could teach our children that each of 8 aj news us count in a minyan and that, while Judaism is continued through our love of and honor paid to our tradition, that our tradition is malleable and honors us all. That’s what connected us to AJ.” In 2006, Alex joined the Board of Directors. He recalls, “Howard Gershman called me while I was on a business trip in Florida and was surprised when I expressed an interest in joining the Budget Committee. I guess it was that interest that he thought of when he hung up the phone and thought to himself, ‘this fool does not know what he is asking for.’” Alex soon was put to work on the 2007/2008 budget as part of the Budget Committee and in July 2007, joined the Executive Committee as Assistant Treasurer. He jokingly retells us, “Through a coup orchestrated part way through that year, I ousted the Treasurer, thus enabling him to spend more time at his day job saving lives as a doctor while I made sure the columns on the balance sheet balanced.” In his role as Treasurer, Alex most enjoyed “the ability to work with others to have an impact on our future, while honoring the role we play in congregant’s lives.” Upon beginning his first term as Treasurer, he began to work with the Budget Committee, Gavi Miller (then our Executive Director), Robert Friedman and Amy Devine, to change the way the committee looked at the synagogue’s finances. Alex felt, up until shortly before that time, that AJ had been blessed by having, as members, a cohort of donors who had the means and the interest in supporting the Congregation as it needed. However, as that generation moved on and could no longer be relied on as a major source of support, it became apparent that more fiscal restraints needed to be applied. Alex and the Budget Committee members “began to look at the Congregation’s operations on a functional basis (Membership Services, Preschool, Religious School and Youth) and to make some hard decisions about each. “By unpacking our functions, we could better understand what our members looked for from the Congregation, what those services cost and how we could best manage them. Thereafter, we instituted a six-year plan to become self-sufficient. Our goal was to reduce the annual deficit to a point where the interest earned on the unrestricted endowment would pay for that deficit. Some thought that we should have immediately reduced our expenses and increased our revenue (dues) so that we could cover all our costs on an annual basis. While I saw great merit in this view, I understood that AJ is, at bottom, a service organization and that we had to find a way to continue to provide those services while, over time, becoming fiscally responsible. By the end of the six-year plan, with the 2013/2014 year, we achieved the goal and were essentially ‘break-even.’ Unfortunately, since then we have experienced some membership and demographic challenges and have not been able to sustain the same level of profitability.” July AJ Person of the Month, Alex Katz Alex expresses his gratitude toward Andy Cherry (a CPA with a big accounting firm) who has agreed to become Treasurer and believes he will be successful in seeking creative ways to bring our budget to balance again. With his newfound spare time Alex is looking forward to spending more time with Linda and their children. While he and Linda have always enjoyed Shabbat morning services, they have not been able to attend as much as they would have liked over the past year. However, he read Torah on a recent Shabbat morning and is looking forward to being able to do it again on a more regular basis. Lastly, Alex explains, “The main reason we were able to have such success over the years in managing the budget and bringing back balance to our finances was because of the work that Robert Friedman, Amy Devine and the rest of our professional staff perform every day. Each, but especially Robert and Amy, look over the Congregation’s resources as if they were their own. They are tremendous assets and we owe all of them a debt of gratitude.” To the Congregation he would like to expound, “Through the Budget Committee, congregants can have a direct impact on our Congregation. Vice President Biden says often that if you show him your budget, you are showing him your priorities. I would urge others to become involved in the process so they can effectively assess and serve the needs of our community and help shape our priorities.” On behalf of the entire congregation, (past, present and future), we offer our heartfelt appreciation to Alex for the tremendous work he has done to steer us through economic and demographic changes. Thanks to his ingenuity and financial acumen Adath Jeshurun has been able to adapt and thrive over the past decade, continuing to offer a doors-wide-open institution for Jewish adults and children throughout our community. Spo Thank you, Alex, and we wish you much success in all of your future endeavors. For w We a but w them kiddu frien ANYT gradu havin Conta ext. 1 A Letter to Noa Ask the Rabbi (or Hazzan or Executive Director) From Rabbi Rachel Kobrin to Noa Kobrin July 27, 2016 Dear Noa, Last night, I sat glued to the TV, watching as the state delegates at the Democratic National Convention nominated Hillary Clinton to be the next President of the United States. It was an amazing moment. The first woman to be nominated for president by one of our two major political parties. And what’s more — her opponent was the first Jew to be a final contender for a major political party as well. Two firsts in one evening. I don’t think, as a child, I could have ever imagined that beautiful combination: A Christian woman running against a Jewish man. Neither were options during my youth. When I was a kid, people talked about a female president. And we spoke about a Jewish president as well. But there was no woman running for president, and no Jew either. And so as much as people talked about it happening one day, it never felt like a reality. Last night, that changed. Forever. Last night, men and women, young and old, black, white and brown, gay and straight — all came together and cast their votes. Some for a Jewish man. More for a Christian woman. And history was made. We have our first female presidential nominee. Watching women nominate Hillary was moving. But watching men nominate Hillary — somehow, for me, that was even more impactful. It shows that we have truly reached a point in history when we don’t need our leaders to look the same way we do. To dress the same way we do. To be as we are in all ways. The final nomination last night was made by Bernie Sanders. He nominated Hillary Clinton, and accepted his own defeat. And in that moment, he modeled for the rest of the country how to accept defeat like a mensch. In life we will not win every challenge, and so we all must learn how to step aside humbly and with grace. It was beautiful to watch Bernie do this, and to hear the crowd cheer him on. There can be sweetness in life, even when things do not go our way, and in that moment, I felt that sweetness for Bernie. Noa — May last night instill in you the knowledge that there is nothing that you cannot achieve in America as a Jewish girl — soon to be a Jewish woman. May you always strive for greatness, knowing that you are so fortunate to be both female and Jewish, and have much to share with the world. Last night, I watched a moment that will be remembered by historians for years to come and it was wonderful. The only thing that could have made it better would have been watching it curled up on the couch next to you. Love, Mom One of the new features of the AJ News will be an “Ask the Rabbi” column. Is there a question you have about Jewish religious practice? Have you always wondered how a part of the “AJ Way” came about? Do you want to know if a particular Jewish practice is law, or just tradition? Send your question to Rabbi Kobrin (rabbi@adathjeshurun.info), Hazzan Glantz (hglantz@gmail.com), or Robert Friedman (rfriedman@ adathjeshurun.info) and find the answer in the next edition of the AJ News. Alternatively, you can mail your question via snail mail to the synagogue office. Just let us know in your email or letter that your question is for the “Ask the Rabbi” column. Memories… By Marlena Kleit As Barbra Streisand so beautifully sings in her song “The Way We Were,”“Memories, light the corners of my mind.” Unfortunately, for the AJ Archive room, this is not the case. While I appreciate your love for AJ and the nostalgia that you feel for your attachment to AJ and the many programs that you attended, sponsored, etc., I am asking you to be more circumspect in deciding what you think needs to be archived as part of the our congregation’s history and what really belongs to your own personal history. Twice in the past I have gone through all of the material left in the room and have culled it, catalogued materials that were of importance to the history of the synagogue and filled many, huge trash bags. Recently, I attempted to find materials in the room and could hardly enter the room. I am asking for help on two fronts. One, once again, please be more circumspect in going through your memories as you downsize your living space, reorganize or just clean up. Second, I would like volunteers to help with the third cleaning up/clearing up of the room. I would like this to be done during the month of September, before the High Holy Days. Please email me at marlenarobinsonkleit@gmail.com and we can make a date to do so. This does not have to be done in one day. Just make sure that you have gloves and an oxygen mask! Best regards, Marlena ATTENTION: PARENTS! Do you have adult children who live in the Philadelphia area? If so, please send us their contact information. We are planning events for young adults in the city and would love for them to participate! Thanks in advance. September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 9 High Holy Day Services Special High Holy Day Aliyot Yom Kippur Afternoon Aliyah for Those Traveling to Israel and for AJ Families Living in Israel For years now, we have been giving a group aliyah on Yom Kippur afternoon to AJ members planning to travel to Israel in the new year. Last year, we added a new group of honorees to the aliyah — AJers who have loved ones living in Israel. In this way, we can highlight both groups, and offer a prayer for safety. Travel to Israel, and living in Israel, are important mitzvot in our tradition. We commend all who take it upon themselves. Their dedication is a blessing to Am Yisrael, the People of Israel. The Yom Kippur Afternoon Torah Service takes place during the Minhah service and begins at approximately 3:45 PM. Be sure to be in the synagogue no later than 3:30 PM with all of your family members who would like to have the honor. If you have not yet planned a trip for 5777, make the commitment now and come to the bima, even if your travel plans are not fully finalized. Let’s demonstrate by our presence during this aliyah that we stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and her citizens. Welcoming Engaged Couples In ancient times, according to the Mishnah, Yom Kippur was a time when singles mingled and looked for life-partners. Recently, we introduced a new ritual inspired by this ancient practice and will continue this year. We invite any congregant, or child or grandchild of a congregant who is engaged to be married to come with their beloved to the Torah for an aliyah at the Yom Kippur Afternoon Torah Service. They will join together in the blessings of Torah, and be acknowledged individually as they look forward to their marriage. This group aliyah does not take the place of an ufruf aliyah which couples take as their personal celebration, but it is a communal rejoicing for the loving commitment being undertaken by these couples. The Yom Kippur Afternoon Torah Service takes place during the Minhah service and begins at approximately 3:45 PM. Those who are anticipating participating in this aliyah should be in the synagogue no later than 3:30 PM. If you would like to be included, please fill out the form below and send it to the AJ office, or send an email to Rabbi Kobrin’s assistant, Tracy Greenbaum, at tgreenbaum@ adathjeshurun.info with the words “Engaged Couple Aliyah” in the subject line. As we revive an ancient tradition, we are creating a new way to link our community to Torah and each other. More You Need to Know About the High Holy Days High Holy Day Single Membership Tickets 2016 Are your children too old for youth tickets? Will they be in town for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur? Do they want to come home to AJ but think membership is too expensive? Do we have a solution for you! Membership for any single child from age 23 to 31 is only $285.00. With membership comes a ticket for the holidays, all synagogue mailings, and many social and spiritual opportunities. For membership information, call Robert Friedman at 215.635.6611, ext. 112. Annual Memorial Cemetery Service On Sunday, October 9, Hazzan Glantz will officiate at the Annual Memorial Cemetery Service at the Adath Jeshurun Cemetery, at 1855 Bridge Street near Walket Street. The service will begin at 11:00 AM. Hospitality Service for Yom Kippur Drinks, light snacks and a place to rest will be available on Yom Kippur in the Officers Lounge for those who need to eat or lie down due to health reasons. 2016 High Holiday Food Drive The annual High Holiday Food Drive to benefit the recipients of Federation’s Mitzvah Food Project is approaching! Your participation is needed this fall to help the Mitzvah Food Project continue to provide food support to over 1,000 households each month. With reduced funding from the State Food Purchase Program, more community donations are needed. To support this drive, you can bring non-perishable items to the synagogue between October 3 and October 24, but we suggest that you bring them with you to Kol Nidre Services on October 11. Collection containers will be in both upper and lower lobbies. You may donate any nutritious, non-perishable food item, but Federation is SPECIFICALLY 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.) • Canned Fish: Kosher required; (canned tuna, salmon, sardines, etc.) PLEASE: Make sure all donations have a current date; make sure all donations are properly sealed; don’t contribute items in bulk sizes; don’t contribute glass items; and NO MATZAH!. Return this form to the AJ office by September 28, or email information below to tgreenbaum@adathjeshurun.info. Put “Engaged Couple Aliyah” in the subject line. Groom______________________________________________ Parents of Groom________________________________________ Bride_______________________________________________ Parents of Bride________________________________________ Congregant Relationship________________ Date of Wedding________ 10 aj news Get Ready for Sukkot If you want lulavim and etrovim for Sukkot, please call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611 by September 30. A small set is $40.00 and a large set is $48. Catering In-House Catering Congregation Adath Jeshurun “Stay Home with Us” Selihot Join us to Saturday, September 24 at AJ Break the Fast AJ and Beth Sholom will join for discussion to be followed by the Selihot Service. “For the Sin of Thinking That People Who Don’t Share My Point of View Are Jerks” Wednesday, October 12 approximately 7:10 p.m. We’ll discuss the relationship between the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We will learn how these iconic justices both disagreed with each other vehemently and loved each other as friends. We will then look at ways in which we can use this time of year on the Jewish calendar to help us better learn from the people with whom we disagree. We’ll have your favorite “Break the Fast” fare! lox • whitefish • herring • kippered salmon egg salad • bagels and cream cheese • kugel • cheese lettuce and tomato • fruit • assorted cakes • beverages Adults: $22 Children 6–10: $10 Children under 6: Free RSVP and payment must be received by noon on Friday, September 23. Call Judy Brown in the synagogue office at 215.635.6611, send her an email at brownj@adathjeshurun.info, or return the form below. Our Selihot service will feature traditions and melodies known to both AJ and Beth Sholom. There will be a session to review, explain and learn the melodies. It will be held on Tuesday evening, September 20, after the evening minyan which begins at 7:00 PM at AJ. RSVP and payment MUST be received by noon on Friday, September 23! Please make check payable to Adath Jeshurun, put “Break the Fast” in the memo line and send to: Break the Fast • 7763 Old York Road • Elkins Park, PA 19027 Minhah: 6:50 PM Seudah Shlishit: 7:30 PM Ma’ariv: 8:00 PM Dessert: 8:30 PM Program: 9:00 PM Selihot Service: following program Name ____________________________________________ Phone____________________________________________ E-mail____________________________________________ Number of Adults at $22 each _______ Number of Children (6 to 10) at $10 each _______ Amount Enclosed _______ God will take us back in love; God will cover up our iniquites, You [God] will hurl all our sins Into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19) Join us for the annual Tashlich Service First Day of Rosh HaShanah: Monday, October 3, 5:45 PM Start the new year with a clean slate by symbolically casting off the sins of 5776 by tossing pieces of bread into the creek. September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 11 Town Halls and Open Forums By Bruce Armon, President of Adath Jeshurun This summer we had four different opportunities as a congregation to discuss current events at AJ and our plans for select shared services with Beth Sholom Congregation. We had meetings on June 25, and July 16, after Saturday Shabbat morning services to discuss collaborative services with Beth Sholom. We had town hall meetings on June 28, and July 13, so we could listen in a group format to what our congregants had on their mind. For those of you who could not participate in any of these meetings (and for those of us who may not remember what we discussed), below is a synopsis and what’s next. With respect to collaboration with Beth Sholom, we are currently rotating evening minyan on a monthly basis (AJ hosts evening minyanim in September), our pre-bar and bat mitzvah kids are participating with Beth Sholom and Reform Congregation Kenneseth Israel in joint Hebrew School, J’Quest B’Yachad which is now entering its second year, and the Jewish Teen Collaborative for our kids beginning in 7th grade with Beth Sholom is now entering its sixth year. This upcoming year, we will be holding services approximately one time per month when Beth Sholom will join us at AJ and approximately one time per month when AJ will visit Beth Sholom. AJ’s clergy and Beth Sholom’s clergy will be working to create new opportunities for our respective congregants to attend Saturday morning services. We are not going to make any dramatic or bold changes to the traditional Saturday morning service that is held at AJ. We will be looking to create new means to engage our congregants who may not be regular Shabbat attendees. This may include a family service, a musical service or, a yoga service. Stay tuned for a separate communication from me and Beth Sholom’s president outlining the schedule and some of the exciting initiatives we will attempt. If you have specific suggestions, please let Rabbi Kobrin, Hazzan Glantz or me know. Shabbat Rocks! Friday, September 9 • 6:15 PM The title of this event is an assertion about Shabbat…Shabbat Rocks! The music may feel folksy at times, Hollywoodish at others and yes, sometimes, rock ‘n’ roll. Come and experience Shabbat in a whole new way. For all ages and types of families, our Shabbat Rocks! service will have you out of your seats celebrating Shabbat. Several musicians are being coordinated now by Hazzan Glantz, together with David Seltzer and Rabbi Kobrin. This spectacular evening promises to bring you a visual, experiential and musical service creating a perfect atmosphere for spirited worship. The town hall meetings gave AJ congregants the opportunity to discuss whatever they had on their minds and for me and the Executive Committee members who could attend to mostly listen. AJ is going through a bit of a transition and, yes, the other congregations on the Old York Road Corridor, including Beth Sholom, are similarly going through their own transitions. We want AJ to remain an important part of the life of every congregant and we realize that our congregants are touched in different ways by AJ: Shabbat services, weekday minyan, religious school education, preschool education, High Holy Day services, special holiday celebrations like Purim, our annual fundraising event, AJ Men’s Association, AJWA Sisterhood, Cook for a Friend, Robyn Orodenker Book Club, adult education, etc. Each of these are important elements of the fabric of our congregation and we want to protect these and as well as expand opportunities. A challenging balancing act, but one which we are committed to achieve. Please share with me or any member of the Executive Committee your ideas and any way in which you are willing to help us achieve our goals: Anne Fassler, David Reibstein, Judy Izes, Tammy Zebowitz, Ed Chacker, Missy Ufberg, David Waldstein, Andy Cherry, and Jen Brier. As events warrant, we will be sure that the congregation is made aware of them in a timely manner. Thank you to each of our congregants who attended one or more of these gatherings and shared their ideas, their concerns, and their determined enthusiasm and positive attitude about AJ and our community. Scouting For Future Scouts! Boy Scout Troop 185 and Cub Pack 185 are looking for boys who are ready for adventure, fun, making new friends and learning new skills. Boys ages 6–10, contact Dan Robbins at robbinsdb@gmail.com, or 215.782.8931; boys ages 11–17 contact Neil Schmerling at taxscout@aol.com or 215.742.1758. kid’s corner silly riddles! Q:Why do seagulls fly over the sea? A: Because if they flew over the bay, they would be called “bagels.” Q: What do you call a Torah with a seat belt? A: A Safer Torah! Q: What do you call an uncircumcised Jew who is more than 8 days old? A: A girl. Q:If a doctor carries a black bag and a plumber carries a tool box, what does a mohel carry? A: A bris kit! 12 aj news SAVE THE DATE: Simhat Torah On Tuesday morning, October 25, at 9:00 AM, services for Simhat Torah will conclude the holiday season with a joyous celebration which highlights the meaning of Torah in our lives. Every adult congregant will receive an aliyah, but two individuals are chosen for special distinction by being called for the reading of the conclusion of the Torah and for the opening verses of Genesis as we begin a new year of Torah study. This year, Ed Chacker has been chosen to be Hatan Torah, “The Bridegroom of the Torah,” and Naomi Atkins will be Kalat Bereisheet, “The Bride of Genesis.” Look for details about our two honorees’ strong connections to the AJ family in the October AJ News. Looking Forward to Sukkot and Simhat Torah SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16: Bone Up for the High Holy Days! Family Sukkah Decorating and Pizza Party The AJWA Sisterhood-sponsored annual event will begin at 12:30 PM. Tuesday, September 20, following 7:00 PM evening minyan: Selihot Musical Refresher Hazzan Glantz will review, explain and teach the melodies of Selihot. MONDAY, OCTOBER 17: Sukkot, Day I Services We’ll have a joint service with Beth Sholom at AJ beginning at 9:30 AM. Sunday, September 25, starting with minyan at 9:00 AM: Rosh HaShanah Refresher: New Year? New You! How we can use the liturgy to renew ourselves in the coming year. Followed by a festive breakfast! TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18: Sukkot, Day II Services We’ll have a joint service with Beth Sholom at Beth Sholom beginning at 9:15 AM. It will be followed by a Sukkah Walk. Sunday, October 9, starting with minyan at 9:00 AM: Yom Kippur Bootcamp: Are we really repenting AGAIN? Making our apologies meaningful and our resolutions stick in 5777. Followed by a festive breakfast! JTC Sukkah Dinner Info to follow. We all need a helping hand at some point in our lives. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20: Preschool Sukkah Dinner Info to follow. The AJ Caring Community is here to help! Our inspiration and vision relies on a simple idea — that our AJ community is always here for support — at simchas like births and especially in times of need, like illness or loss of a loved one. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22: Shabbat Sukkot The morning service will include professional choir and organ. Our efforts are coordinated through the website Lotsa Helping Hands. It’s simple! Once you are a member of the Lotsa Helping Hands (LHH) community, you can log on to the website and see a calendar of events. For our purposes, an “event” is a “need” (e.g., provide dinner on February 19 for the Smith family because Mr. Smith just had surgery). You select how you can help. If you know of someone who needs support, just let Jen Brier or Caren Kirschner know and they will add the information to the calendar of events. An email will be sent out letting community members know that an event has been added to the community calendar. We need you to make the Caring Community work! MONDAY, OCTOBER 24: Shemini Atzeret We’ll have a joint service with Beth Sholom at Beth Sholom beginning at 9:15 AM. It will include Yizkor. Family Hakafot We’ll celebrate Simhat Torah here at AJ. Minhah-Ma’ariv will be at 6:00 PM and the Family Hakafot will start at 6:15 PM. If you would like to become a Caring Community volunteer, please contact Jen Brier (215.266.1969 or jendavebrier@comcast.net) or Caren Kirschner (215.287.5206 or carenkirschner@gmail.com). Our volunteers will help those in need by providing a meal, making a phone call, running errands and more. If you are in need of helping hands, there are many ways to let us know. You can contact Jen or Caren, or any the following people at AJ: Rabbi Kobrin, Hazzan Glantz, Robert Friedman, Debbie Miner or Michelle Bernstein. We will try to help you in any way that we can. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25: Simhat Torah We’ll have a joint service with Beth Sholom at AJ beginning at 9:00 AM. At AJ we are a community of caring people. Let us help you when you need a helping hand! September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 13 Blast From the Past! Below is the cover of the September Newsletter from 1960, with High Holy Day greetings from Rabbi Klein, Executive Director Leon Perlberg, and AJ President Marshall A. Bernstein! 14 aj news AJ in LA Come play Mah Jongg and meet new friends! By AJ Congregants Joyce and Stan Weitz Our granddaughter, Demi Rebekah Weitz, became a bat mitzvah on May 21, in Beverly Hills, CA. Demi is the daughter of Richard and Candie Weitz and niece of Andrew and Stacy Weitz. As any grandparent knows, a bar or bat mitzvah is one of the major highlights in our lives. When you look on the bimah and see your grandchild standing next to your own child, it is an unbelievable and overwhelming experience. You wonder where the years have gone and how did all this happen so fast. You think about your own parents and wish they were there with you to celebrate this wonderful simcha. Demi’s bat mitzvah was entirely different from her brother Aidan’s two years ago. His was a very traditional service and he had the honor of being the first bar mitzvah in the newly renovated Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Demi chose a different approach. She wanted a Havdalah Service to be included as part of her bat mitzvah celebration being held at her home. Demi’s bat mitzvah was very special to the Weitz family because Todd Shotz and Debbie Jaffe officiated. We have known Todd and Debbie since their Cheltenham and AJ school days as they were friendly with our son Andrew. Todd moved to LA to pursue his career in the entertainment industry. Along the way he also started his own business called Hebrew Helpers (hebrewhelpers.com) that provides tutoring and other services for bar and bat mitzvah students. Demi was fortunate to have had Debbie as her tutor. They hit it off immediately and have since developed a lasting friendship. Debbie was wonderful conducting the service like a rabbi/cantor reflecting her excellent AJ training. Our Demi did a superlative job, thanks to Todd and Debbie. The musical trio that accompanied the service added the finishing touch. We have to say this non-traditional bat mitzvah service exuded so much warmth and love. Guests came from all over the country including many family members from AJ. Everyone loved the service and it felt we were all connected to Adath Jeshurun. A special thank you to Todd and Debbie for bringing AJ to LA. We meet Wednesday mornings in the AJ Library from 9:00 AM–12:00 noon. September dates: 7, 14, 21 and 28 October dates: 5, 19 and 26 For more information, contact Judy Szekely at 215.635.8812 or gszekely3@comcast.net. ALL LEVELS WELCOME! It’s time again for Congregation Adath Jeshurun’s blood drive. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT AJ MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM It’s an easy way to perform a potentially life-saving mitzvah! To schedule an appointment, call Michele Rifkin at 215.264.6607 or go directly to www.redcrossblood.org BELOW: The Summer of 2016 at Camp Ramah! BELOW LEFT: Rabbi Kobrin with the full contingent of campers from AJ. BELOW RIGHT: Rabbi Kobrin and Bruce Lipton, AJ congregant and Camp Ramah’s Director of Finance and Operations. September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 15 What Are We Leaving Behind? By Hazzan Howard Glantz Let’s take a cue from a popular digital game to prepare for the High Holy Days! BELOW: On July 29, Hazzan Glantz joined clergy from Shirat Hayam (formerly Beth Judah and Emeth Shalom synagogues), in Ventnor, NJ for the second of three “Devotion by the Ocean” Kabbalat Shabbat services. BELOW BOTTOM: Terry and Morey Smerling and Sandra Goldberg with Hazzan Glantz on the beach. The Pokémon industry was conceived and first marketed in Japan, but within just a few years its popularity exploded and it spread worldwide. The characters (adjusted for the perceived North American taste) first arrived on our shores in card form and Gameboy versions in September of 1998. Our oldest child was a model customer as were most of his friends who bought right into their slogan, “gotta catch ‘em all!” A pack of Pokémon cards went a long way when Rafi was little. They could serve as a salve after a poke (a shot) at the pediatrician’s office, but more importantly, they were the unique stuff that kids shared and understood. I’m sure the fad was only boosted by the shrugs of bewilderment made by my generation of new parents who didn’t really get it. Like Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin who writes in his blog titled “Martini Judaism,” in recent years I thought I would rarely, if ever, hear of Pokémon again. But Salkin, in his article, “Is Pokémon Good For the Jews?” writes: “Pokémon is back — in the form of Pokémon Go…a smartphone app. It encourages users to ‘leave’ Pokémon characters in the various places that they visit, so that other players can find them and collect them.” He goes on, “In a summer punctuated by terror and mass death, the Pokémon Go phenomenon is actually a sweet societal diversion. And, yes — Pokémon have been showing up in Jewish places.” I will say, I have noticed groups of teens walking around town, by my home and elsewhere, all holding their cell phones, intently talking and clicking. Something is different about their interaction, so I’ve asked, “Are you by any chance playing Pokémon Go?” I’ve been right every time. And it has been a stressful news cycle summer for all of us. Unlike the game my sons both played, there are no cards involved in Pokémon Go. The digital characters can be found all over the world and players both acquire and leave them for others to find. Again, Rabbi Salkin writes: “…not everyone is pleased with the places that Pokémon have appeared. For example, Auschwitz has asked to be a Pokémon-free zone. So has the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Arlington National Cemetery.” Pokémon have showed up at the Kotel, the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Judaism’s holiest site. (Snark alert: virtual critters can be at the Wall, but men and women can’t pray there together?) I know what you are wondering and yes, I did give in. I downloaded the app. It immediately warns me, “Do not play the game while driving!” Duh, I think, in exactly the same inflection my daughters use. Now look at the screenshot accompanying my article and note that the image states, “THIS POKÉSTOP (AJ) IS TOO FAR AWAY.” Sure enough, the app, which is lauded throughout the media for increasing physical activity, made me get up and walk outside the building to collect on my achievement…that is, finding our shul. This read, this download, and this walk outside got me thinking. What are we leaving behind and where is it found? What might it be like for us to find notes, pictures and personal tidbits in random pews? Could we leave personal, meaningful thoughts, lessons or experiences for others to find, and leave again for another to locate? Well, I was delighted upon sharing this idea with Rabbi Kobrin, that her answer was a wholehearted YES!!! So look for an envelope in the coming weeks arriving in your mailbox…with a small note card and envelope enclosed. You can write on one side or both. You draw a picture or attach one. Feel free to sign it or leave it anonymous. Should more than one person in the family want to leave notes in envelopes, feel free to use your own or stop by AJ and pick some up. I hope you take the opportunity to leave a note and look for these notes from others. It’s my feeling that we will enjoy the thoughts, feelings, and expressions and find them to be a complement to the introspective work at hand during these Days of Awe. Evermore so meaningful may be knowing…what we have left behind. 16 aj news Introducing Our School Professional Staff The Jewish Teen Collaborative — A New Year, A New Model Our team of professionals working with our students in grades K to 12 is expanding. Here’s a look at who’s who and how they will be working together to engage our youth this coming year. Look for articles from them in future issues of AJ News. By Deb Miner, Jewish Teen Collaborative Director Melissa Raub, Youth Engagement Director I am so excited to join the Old York Road team as the Youth Engagement Director! I grew up in Scranton, PA and was a member of EPA USY for years. I graduated in 2014, from the University of the Arts with a degree in acting. I am now pursuing my Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I have taught in Hebrew schools all over the tristate area focusing on many different topics from cooking to Torah study. I cannot wait to meet everyone in the community. Feel free to email me at OYRyouth@gmail.com to say hello! Ana Apter, Associate Director of JQuest B’Yachad I look forward to my expanded role this year with JQuest B’Yachad. I’ll be working with Rabbi Rigler to oversee all of the students and teachers of JQuest B’Yachad across all locations and both days. I also look forward to engaging our Beth Sholom and AJ kids in holiday programs, grade-level Shabbatot, and of course, our Shabbat Experiences! My days usually aren’t complete without a visit to at least two synagogues, so I can’t wait to see you soon. Please feel free to contact me at aapter@jquest.org or 215.887.8704 anytime. I welcome questions, concerns, and comments in order to make sure our program is doing all we can to help our kids form strong Jewish identities and develop a love for Judaism. Shanah Tovah! Debbie Miner, Jewish Teen Collaborative Director I am looking forward to working with our teens as the Director of the Jewish Teen Collaborative (JTC). This year we are excited about our new model. Tuesday night dinners will be followed by core and elective classes that are both engaging and enriching. We also are moving to trimesters to give our teens more choice — and yes, many electives are based on their suggestions! One Shabbat a month we will join AJ and BSC for special Shabbat programming and one Sunday a month we will be either hearing speakers, seeing films, taking a trip, or participating in a social action project. I love the planning and I can’t wait to be with our teens. Please feel free to contact me at jtcdirectors@gmail.com or 215.635.1337. Shanah Tovah! As we begin the 2016–2017 school year, you will notice that changes have been made to our program for 7th through 10th graders at AJ and Beth Sholom — the Jewish Teen Collaborative (JTC). To begin, I will have the pleasure of working with our teens each week as the sole JTC director, and I am looking forward to a rewarding year for all. As a result of speaking with students, parents, and Jewish high school educators in the area as well as conducting research regarding curricula and models throughout the country, JTC will be changing to a one-day-a-week program with additional learning experiences two weekend days per month. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings and will be split between AJ and Beth Sholom. An optional light dinner with a chance for the students to socialize will be offered at 6:15 PM. Our first class will be from 6:45–7:30 PM, followed by a short break. Our second class will be from 7:45–8:30 PM. The Tuesday night curriculum will consist of required classes for each grade as well as electives. These electives will be based on many of the topics suggested by the teens. Some of the planned electives include Hebrew, Acting Between the Lines (dramatic interpretation of the Parshiot), Who Tells Our Stories (history through Jewish heroes, the World of Jewish Cooking, and A Jewish Lens on Current Topics. We will also have a student council — a place for teens who are interested to meet and reflect on what is going on in JTC and ways to move forward. Finally, Tuesday night classes will move to a trimester schedule, allowing more choice and allowing a greater breadth of topics. One of the things that will make JTC unique is the special weekend programming each month. One Shabbat a month, our teens will join our congregations (both AJ and BSC together) for Shabbat prayer, learning, and activities that are teen-oriented. One Sunday a month our teens will either be going on trips, joining together for a social action project, or hearing a speaker/seeing a film on a topic of interest. Our 8th–10th graders will also go on our annual teen retreat during a weekend to be determined. Finally, our 10th grade confirmation classes will take place during our regularly scheduled class sessions on Tuesday nights, as well as through special confirmation programming during many of our Shabbat and Sunday sessions. The 5777 JTC school year promises to be engaging and enriching for our teens. For more information, contact me at minerd@adathjeshurun.info, 215.635.1337, or at jtcdirectors@gmail.com. Rabbi Stacy Rigler, Director of JQuest B’Yachad I am so excited to begin year two of JQuest B’Yachad. This year we will no longer be having official representatives for each synagogue. Ana and I will be working together to supervise JQuest B’Yachad at all three locations. You will see us on a regular rotation of locations on Sunday mornings and we are eager to help you with any questions that you might have. During the week please reach out to me at srigler@jquest.org or 215.887.8704 for any questions, concerns, advice or ideas. I will be the primary liaison for all parents. I like to say if your kid’s not smiling at JQuest B’Yachad, then my job is not complete! I am so thrilled to be more involved at the synagogue, attending regular staff meetings with the clergy and getting to know each family better. I am eager to meet you for coffee or set up a time for us to connect this year. Best wishes for a Shana Tova u’Metuka. 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 saglpt@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. This program is enthusiastically sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood. September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 17 Jewish Media Matters AJWA Sisterhood Ongoing Events “Jewish Media Matters” is a new AJ News department. Periodically, we’ll provide information about Jewish books, movies, websites, music, etc., that you may be interested in. We’ll start this month with the list of books that are featured on the Robyn Orodenker Book Club book list for 2016-17. Book club meetings are on designated Monday nights at AJ at 8:00 PM. 6:30 to 7:15 PM Monday evening class Wednesday evening class 6:30 to 7:15 PM By Liane Sher We are excited to present this year’s booklist. This year’s selections are derived from attendees’ suggestions, Jewish book club lists and Jewish organization recommendations. As I have not read any of these yet, these descriptions are stolen from various online sources. November 7: The Marriage of Opposites, by Alice Hoffman Set in the 1800’s on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, this is the boyhood story of the great Impressionist painter, Camille Pissaro, his Jewish mother and the community in which he was raised. December 12: The One Book One Jewish Community Selection Book to be announced. February 27: Leaving Berlin, by Joseph Kanon This a post-WWII undercover spy story exploring life and love in an atmosphere of fear in Soviet-controlled East Berlin 1949. April 3: Paris Lamb, by Marcia Fine Biblical archaeologist Michael Saunders is called to authenticate “God’s Gold,” artifacts from Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem after the suspicious death of an esteemed professor. These treasures are being released by the Vatican for auction. A family secret is revealed and, of course, there is a love story. May 8: As Close to Us as Breathing, by Elizabeth Poliner A close-knit Jewish family story spanning close to a century begins in the summer of ‘48 when a tragic accidental death begins the tale. It is set in a Catskills-like Connecticut beach community. Clashes of ancient Jewish ritual against modern American life are explored. June 12: The Betrayers, by David Bezmozgis An ex-Soviet Israeli politician encounters the man who betrayed him to the KGB decades before while he is fleeing from a scandal with his mistress after the affair is exposed. Join us for one or all book club meetings! AJWA SISTERHOOD DUES 2016–2017 Zumba® For ALL levels of ability! Taught by Esther Goldberg, Certified Zumba Instructor. Robyn Orodenker Book Club List 2016–2017 September 12: The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah This is a fictional Holocaust story of two sisters in France trying to survive. It deals with women in wartime and the choices they need to make for themselves and their families. Join us for one or all of these AJWA Sisterhood-sponsored activities! If you’d like to become a Sisterhood member, please fill out the form below. Now just $5 a class (no card needed)! Walk-ins are welcome. Yoga Welcoming all levels of ability andexperience. Taught by Esther Goldberg, Certified Yoga Instructor. Friday morning class 9:30 to 10:30 AM $12 per class. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information on Zumba or yoga, contact Esther Goldberg atzymesther@gmail.com or 215.676.8685. Robyn Orodenker Book Club A guided discussion group held on designated Monday nights at 8:00 PM in the Braemer Auditorium. Reading of the book is required! Look for a link to our 2016–2017 Book Club list in the weekly email, or pick one up from the Sanctuary lobby counter. (You can also see the article at the right.) Upcoming Meetings: September 12, 2016 November 7, 2016 The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah The Marriage of Opposites, by Alice Hoffman Questions? Contact Liane Sher at 215.635.4613 or Judy Szekely at 215.635.8812. Interested in being a discussion leader? Contact Liane or Judy for more info. Cook for A Friend Cook For A Friend, a unique program that prepares meals for those in need, is in search of volunteers (a.k.a. friends) to cook. Cook For A Friend meets once a month on a weekday evening and once a month on a weekday morning. Evening sessions Daytime sessions Sandy Basickes (215.782.8586) Sue Lawson (215.680.7112) Laurel House Shelterand Domestic Violence Services forAbused Women and Their Children For a list of needed items, please contact Debbie Seltzer-Cohen. Only new, requested items, please! NO gift-wrapped items, clothing, shoes or accessories. Please bring NEW items to the Braemer Auditorium coat closet and place in the box marked “Laurel House” or bring toany AJWA Sisterhood event. Cooking at Ronald McDonald House Join us to prepare meals for families staying at the House. Contact Judy Stutman Izes at 267.254.6633 or jpsizes@aol.com for more information. The deadline for 2016–2017 dues is December 31, 2016. Please mail this form and your (still only!) $50 dues contribution to: AJWA Sisterhood Dues • 7763 Old York Road • Elkins Park, PA 19027 Enclosed please find $50 for AJWA Sisterhood dues for 2016–2017 (make checks payable to “AJWA Sisterhood Dues”). Name ___________________________________ Email____________________________________________ Phone #__________________________ Address___________________________________________________ 18 aj news I would also like to get involved in the tiniest or grandest way! Contact me. (Feel free to explain on a separate note.) I have an idea for a program, event, outreach project, etc. Contact me. (Feel free to explain on a separate note.) The Seasons of Our Lives Adath Jeshurun looks forward to acknowledging significant milestones in the lives of our members. Announcements for The Seasons of Our Lives should be sent to the synagogue office in writing or by email to brownj@adathjeshurun.info with the notation “Seasons of Our Lives” in the subject line. Information received by the first of the month will appear in the following month’s issue. Please include your phone number. Births Deaths Emilia Juliette Pressman, granddaughter of Shelley and Roy Schwartz December 15, 2015 Sharon (Gary) Kaplan, daughter-in-law of Carol and Marty Kaplan and sister-in-law of Dr. Elon (Beth) Kaplan June 10, 2016 Matan Adar Kravitz, grandson of Yaakov and Terry Kravitz March 11, 2016 Evan Jared Pure, grandson of Barry and Linda Roth May 19, 2016 Arthur Weiss, father of Beth (Eric) Bell June 13, 2016 Benjamin Menaker Steinberg, grandson of Chuck Steinberg and Eileen Dwell and the late Barbara M. Steinberg August 8, 2016 Sarah Weiss, mother of Beth (Eric) Bell June 29, 2016 Hannah Leigh Reichert, granddaughter of Berta and Baruch Schwartz August 8, 2016 Joseph Meyers, husband of Ina Meyers Phoebe Gilit Reich, daughter of Sam and Jodi Reich August 11, 2016 Engagements Rafi Glantz, son of Hazzan Howard and Dayna Glantz, became engaged to Mika Palevsky. Molly Wernick, daughter of Neil Wernick and Michele Rifkin, became engaged to Andrew Davies. Marriages Gregory (G.W.) Schwartz, son of Kenneth and Lorna Schwartz, married Marci Lynn Barr, daughter of Dennis and Debra Barr, on April 10. Honors and Achievements Todd Shotz, son of AJ congregants Steven and Barbara Shotz, was honored with the first-ever qFLIX Philadelphia Producer Award. His film Lazy Eye is his first film as a lead producer and was screened at qFLIX Philadelphia, a festival of American and international lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer independent films. Randi Weizer, daughter-in-law of Rena Weiss June 12, 2016 Rosalind Gold, mother of Alan (Frances) Gold June 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 Elaine Leventhal, mother of Brian (Michal) Leventhal July 9, 2016 Hon. Norma Levy Shapiro, a current Trustee and former Secretary of the Board of Trustees July 22, 2016 Robert “Bobby” Kogen, son of Florence Kogen July 25, 2016 Elizabeth Kilmer, mother of Elizabeth Ronky July 27, 2016 Jean Shull, mother of Lorna (Murray) Rosenthal August 3, 2016 Temple Painter, AJ’s beloved organist for over 45 years August 6, 2016 Dr. Roberta Babbitt (Nathan Rosen), daughter of Bernard and Marcia Babbitt August 13, 2016 September Milestone Anniversaries 40 YEARS • Dr. Harry and Wendy Lessig............ September 5, 1976 40 YEARS • Dr. Bruce and Francine Levin.......... September 5, 1976 10 YEARS • Benjamin and Beth Birenbaum.....September 17, 2006 Don’t See Your Milestone Anniversary? If we have missed your Milestone Anniversary this month, please call the office and provide us with your information for next year. Congratulations, Graduates! Melissa Elaine Freed, granddaughter of Joe and Mary Katz, graduated from Danvers Massachusetts High School with highest honors. She will attend McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Samantha Blake Herman, granddaughter of Judy and Jerry Herman, graduated from the University of Michigan, magna cum laude, with a BS in Information Science. Jillian Katz, granddaughter of Joe and Mary Katz, graduated from MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts with honors and will be doing research in Australia. Avi Lipton, son of Meryl Sussman and Bruce Lipton and grandson of Sima and Steve Sussman graduated from the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy on June 9, 2016. In the fall, Avi will attend Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Kol HaKavod to our June and July Torah and Haftarah Readers Tess Armon Roy Berliner Rabbi Sandra Berliner Rabbi Rick Brody Reba Carmel Phillip Duarte Les Duman Zachary Feinberg Dr. Allan Freedman Robert Friedman Hazzan Howard Glantz Mindy Goldstein Rabbi Carol Harris-Shapiro Robert Hartman Judy Stutman Izes Alex Katz Anna Brooke Leventhal Resa Levinson Jordan Lieberman Hannah Manusov Rabbi Vivie Mayer Larry McAfoos Susan Novack Lorna Rosenberg Gail Schwartz Zoe Sherman Dr. Ed Strauss Sara Strauss Stephen Sussman Marcia Webber Kenneth Weilerstein September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 19 Okug rfzk In Remembrance Anyone interested in perpetuating the memory of a loved one at AJ should contact the office for information at 215.635.6611. Yahrzeits of the following individuals will be observed as follows: AUGUST 28, 2016 to SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 24 Av 5776 to 30 Av 5776 To be read on Friday, Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept. 3 David Aaron Herbert Baylson Samuel Robert Beckett Lillian Berger Katie Bergman Benjamin Berison Rose Bolinsky Paul Breen Alexander Z. Brister Morris Chalphon Fay Dash Stanley Davidoff Mildred D. Edelman Minnie Edelson Celia B. Elkins Belle Goldman Feigenbaum Marvin Felkoff Isreal I. First Annie Fox Marion Getzik Samuel Heimerling Harry Hirschberg Esther Leah Jacobson Rose Katz Lewis Klein Dr. Richard Allen Lazar Abraham Leonard Jack Lisman Josephine R. Lyons Esther G. Metz Regina B. Metzger Jacob Y. Orlick Fanny Pfeffer Abraham Pleet Esther L. Podolyn Esther Popowich N. Allan Reuben Ethel Sarner Romain Florence Hirsch Rosen Harry N. Sacks Dusha Schwartz Iris Lee Schwartz Rose Scolnick Sara Belle Spector Jacob Stern Carole Ellen Strug Joseph Tapper Reba Thomas Bella Viner Sadie Weinstein Albert Weiser Irving Woldow SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 to SEPTEMBER 10, 2016 1 Elul 5776 to 7 Elul 5776 To be read on Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10 Celia Mildred Allen Emanuel Asher Louis Bachenheimer Bella Benedict Isadore Berman Charlotte Viner Bernstein Max Blumberg Eva G. Brickman Eva Brint Carl B. Broad Ethel Brooks Goldie Davidson Meyer Demp Nathan Dordick Reta S. Emerson Alfred Fleischhacker Helen Fox Dr. Abraham Freedman Rebecca Freedman Miriam Frumer Dr. Morris L. Fuchs 20 aj news Lena Fyne Abraham Goldner Betty Glick Goldstein Joseph Goodman Leonard Gottlieb Louis Gottlieb Samuel Gottlieb Ena Guggenheim Max Hawtof Muriel E. Hofberg Frances Loeb Hoffman Yetta B. Jacobson Kathryn Jaspan Anna Zeeve Jaspan Charles A. Kahaner Adonna S. Kaplan Henrietta R. Kustin Rose Largman Nathan Lazar Charles Lemisch Milu Lemisch Louis Leonard Samuel S. Levitt Gabriel Lowenthal Benjamin Mark Samuel Mechanic Morris A. Meyer Herman Miller Paul M. Myers Matilda L. Newman Elias Oberfield Ida Piwoz Benjamin Podell Golda (Katie) Rothbard Libbey Riva Rudolph Michael David Schwartz Irvin Sklar Isidor A. Smith Suzanne U. Snyder Jean Spitzer Gloria Stein Bertha Stern Charles Trechan Bernard M. Verlin Alice Dobnoff Weiner Ada Wertheimer Leanore Wilgard Fanny Wollenberger Johanna Yorish Irving Zaslow SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 to SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 8 Elul 5776 to 14 Elul 5776 To be read on Friday, Sept.16 and Saturday, Sept. 17 Freda Altman Sophia S. Axelrod George Berman Esther Blank Calvin Blankfield Fannie L. Bloch Byron Blum Molly G. Blumstein Philip Fidelman Alfred E. Garfinkel Ella Loewenstein Ginns Betty Hoffman Louis Hoffman Bella Jacobson Selma Kimmelman Samuel Kushner Frances Layman Julius Leventhal Nettie Levit Nate Levy Louis Marshall Freda H. Mellman Martin W. Mellman Aaron E. Miller William M. Moldawer Edward Muchnick Sylvan Muchnick Mary Nahon Bella (Bayla) Neiman Selma Nones Judith Rose Picard Harry Platowsky Lena Pleet Louis Polin Israel Rechtman Minnie Stern Ronkin Maurice Rosen Jacob Salamon Rubin Schwartz Max Silberman Sarah Smith Sylvia Sorkin Herman Spiller Harold Steerman Adelaide R. Stein Irwin Marvin Sussman Charles Sustin Pauline Turon Sadie Wagman Harry A. Warshaw Samuel Weinberg Louis Wernick Florence Wilf Dr. David Zipin SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 to SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 15 Elul 5776 to 21 Elul 5776 To be read on Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24 Solomon Aarons Rose Abrams Joseph Aion Marvin Allanoff Minna Beck Harris Becker Sophie L. Beilan Martin M. Berger William Berkowitz Anna Bernstein Lenore Steinberg Bernstein Robert E. Bernstein David Jerome Carmosin William Eckstein Benjamin Ellman Herbert B. Fogel Anna Gaber Ben Goldhirsh Malka Dacks Goldmann Hattie Grosswald Harry Harris Samuel Heidelberger Richard A. Jaffe Maurice J. Kass Else Roer Kaufmann Nathan Kirschbaum Anna Klein Israel Klein Leopold Klein Miriam Lebowitz Leon Leowenheart Bessie London Bernard Mandel Fannie Marks J. Aaron Meyer Nellie Newman Morris Nitzberg Isadore M. Ostrum Joel C. Podell, D.O. Edith Rosen Raymond Saltzman Justin S. Scheinberg Jacob Selbst Shirley Shapiro Abram J. Sherman Solomon J. Silberman Clara Simon Richard Alan Sonnenfeld Jacob Stein Leonard Julius Stein Sophie Stein Nathaniel Whiteman Nettie Wolf SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 to OCTOBER 1, 2016 22 Elul 5776 to 28 Elul 5776 To be read on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1 Nathaniel Aarons Lillian Ackerman Esther Benedict Bahoff Isadore Barenbaum Phyllis Helen Bedrick Maxine Bernstein Sophie Bernstein Benjamin Birnbaum Isaac Bloch Isaac Borgenski Abraham Bornstein Harry Brest Freda Robinson Cohen Rosa Cohen Samuel Cohen Eva Cohn Pauline Ellis Cramer Charles Daroff Eva Goldman Dr. Benjamin Goodis Hugo Hartman Samuel Heidelberger William Saul Hunn Herman E. Jacoby Edward Alan Jaspan Solomon Kahn Samuel Kauffman Sara Ann Kirsh Frank Leonard Harry Levin Wolf Levinson Lester M. Lipschutz Simon Makransky David S. Molod Cyril B. Myers Melvin J. Nadel Katie Nemir Louis Newman Harry Newmayer Yetta Orlean Samuel Peyser Henry Pfander Richard S. Pollock Ben Rayman Barbara B. Rubenstein Renee Rubin Elizabeth Sluizer Rebecca Snader Samuel C. Sonnenfeld Ray Steinlauf Julia L. Stern Sophia Stern Sylvia Titman Rachel Tubis Harry Warren Dorothy Wax Dorothy Shuman Weber Sarah Pepp Winegrad vcr vsu, Seder Avodah Fund IN HONOR OF Saul and Charlotte Britchkow In honor of your birthdays and anniversary Phyllis and Stephen Lishnoff Dr. Mark Frisch In appreciation for your kindness Anita and Robert Feld Mervin Hartman In honor of your 90th birthday Phyllis and Charles Kirschbaum Deb and Ed Strauss In honor of all the simhot celebrated on 27 Iyar 5776 Stephanie Felzer IN MEMORY OF Benzion Ginn Shirley Tauber Sybil Schinfeld Anita and Robert Feld Dr. Ralph Schrager Al and Sandy Nadel Judge Norma Levy Shapiro Tough, fair and caring Al and Sandy Nadel Marcia Sheiman Naomi, Skip, Jonathan and Zachary Atkins Esther and Herman Weinstein Shirley W. and Allan Levick Memorial Fund William Abramson Scott Abramson Esther Antwarg Mary and Joe Katz Annie Appel Lillian R. Brown Marvin Arkans Florence Arkans Mary Baylson Penny Parker Abraham Beilan Carol B. Shackmaster Minnie Beilan Carol B. Shackmaster Scott J. Bell Zita Bell Bella Benedict Anita Nemez Alvin Berger Stewart Berger Charlotte Viner Bernstein Lewis Bernstein Julia Bernstein Gladys Bernstein Jon and Cathy Bernstein Morris Bernstein Harold Bernstein Raymond Blatt Barb Foreman Florence Bliss Gladys B. Bernstein Thank you for your generous donations to our synagogue funds Dr. Herman A. Bliss Gladys B. Bernstein Allan H. Blitz Len and Bonnie Winegrad Harold Blumenfeld Stephen and Irene Blumenfeld Yetta Borden Edith Borden Eva Brint Shirley and Murry Levyn Alexander Brister Michael J. Brister Sydney Brown Lillian Brown David Buchsbaum Sandra Steinfield Kathleen Burman Deborah Carasso Freda Bushman Libby C. Goodman Paul J. Cohen Barbara Kroungold, Jill Schwartz and Gail Cohen Oscar Corn, MD Holly Corn Robert and Deborah Corn Selma Corn Robert and Deborah Corn Albert Cuker Mark Cuker Stanley Davidoff Steve, Chellie and Lisa Davidoff Sylvia Director Alan, Joanne, Mark and Rachel Director Debbie, Sam and Ellen Liebman Celia Dobin Rita and George Slotnick Sidney H. Don Shirley Don Norman Dresnin Ed Dresnin Sarah Dresnin Lucille Lerman Pearl Eckstein Doris Lazar Mildred D. Edelman Jeffrey Edelman Harriet Schneeberg Ellis Helen Schneeberg Harry Fair Estelle Brand Belle Goldman Feigenbaum Peggy Freedman Levitman Harry Feigenbaum Peggy and David Levitman Rebecca Feigenblatt Charlotte Blatt Celia Feinberg Deborah Carasso Herman Feldman Jerry B. Feldman Esther Felzer Herbert Felzer Stephanie Felzer Philip Felzer Doris Felzer Herbert Felzer Stanton Felzer Stephanie Felzer Susan Felzer and Michael Siegel Ida Fine Freda Torrens Lillian Fingerman Ann and Warren Kalmanor Isreal First E. David First Henny Reeves Fisher Cantor Deborah Arden Stern William Fleishman Samuel Fleishman Mack Freedman Peggy and David Levitman Rae Freedman Sharon, Mitchell and Ari Sussman Adolph Aaron Friedman Elise Miller Benji Friedman Elise Miller Helen Friedman Elise Miller Bernhard Fuhrmann Gusta Fuhrmann Sara Galpern Gilbert Galpern Mollie Gardner Rose Rosenzweig Norman Gekoski Selma Gekoski Bernard Gilick Rhea and Alvin Applebaum Benzion Ginn Nona Levin Abrams David and Shari Seltzer Ty and Marge Steinberg Joan Wohl Louis Gluck Philip Gluck Frank and Molly Gochin Clara Wolinsky Menduke Jerry Goldberg Marlene Bonham Mildred Goldblatt Thomas E. Goldblatt Eva Golden Kenneth Golden Jeannette Goldhammer Carolyn and Frank Platt Harry Goldiner Lonnie Goldiner Donald Goldman Denise and Jeffrey Portner Herman Goldstein Lynne Poritsky Jeanette Goldstein Debbie and Corey Goldstein Sam Gottlieb Temi Gottlieb Janet Hanan Helen Schneeberg Anna Haven Arthur M. Cohn Arnold Hirsch Ruth Hirsch Bessie Hockstein Dr. Richard Hockstein Howard Hockstein Dr. Richard Hockstein Benjamin Hofberg Ronald Fash Muriel Hofberg Ronald Fash Rubin Hymovitz Karin Hymovitz Anna Jacobson Ben Jacobson Benjamin Jacobson Anna Jacobson Esther Jacobson Steve, Chellie and Lisa Davidoff Harold and Sue (Davidoff) Rosenthal Harry Jacobson Steve and Chellie Davidoff Theodore S. Jacobson Carole Miller Evelyn Kalos Marty Kalos Miriam Kamin Natalie Isser Sharon Kaplan Nona Levin Abrams Marti Kahn Joan P. Wohl Marjorie Kauffman Jeff and Vicky Kauffman Sylvia Kellem Judy Kellem Susan Rade Anne D. Klasky Suzy and Alex Kurtzman and Gregory and Marci Schwartz Mary D. Klein Gail Klein Miriam Klein Stephen Klein Bobby Kogen Shirley and Allan Levick Ruth Rose Roy and Shelley Schwartz Richard Koppenhafer Carra, Scott, Eli and Sydra Minkoff Sophie Kretchman Philip Kretchman Harry Z. Kroser Dr. Albert Kroser Samuel J. Krupnick Laurence Krupnick William M. Krupnick Laurence Krupnick Sidney Lang Elaine Schiff Leon Lessack Alan and Edina Lessack Jordan and Arlene Lessack Elaine Leventhal Steve and Anne Fassler Fannie Levick Stephanie Felzer Jacob H. Levick Sylvia Mintzer Louis Levin Nona Levin Abrams Albert Levy Lorraine Cowan Albert Lichtenstein Rhonda Lichtenstein Ike Lichtenstein Estelle Brand Evelyn Lichtman Harriet and Stephen Schorr Stanford Lieberman Bunny Verbit Lee Linder Thelma Linder Hans Loeb Joan Loeb Myer Aron Margolis Sandra M. Alloy Bryan Marks Bruce and Bonnie Kay Marks Rachel Marthan Bat Hannah Annette Addi Mary Miller Myron Miller Joan Mishkin Arthur Mishkin Audrey Morgenstern Karen Moses Seymour Moses Ed Moses Rose Mosicant Morrissa Peisach Pearl Novik Jay Novik Jack Paller Robert Paller Anna Panitch Howard and Mary Panitch Jack Panitch Howard and Mary Panitch and Oren and Rebecca Panitch Garry Parker Penny Parker Harold Parker Penny Parker Celia Paul Steve Strauss Max Perkal Joan Loeb Benjamin Polsky Jules Polsky Dorothy G. Polsky Michael J. Brister Frank Robinson Kenny and Penny Robinson Ronald Rose Ruth Rose Alexander Rosenberg Jane Simon Murray Rosenzweig Rose Rosenzweig Dora Salkin Mirele Steinig Abraham W. Saltzburg Jacob E. Saltzburg Mark Saltzman Michael Saltzman Norman Saltzman Michael Saltzman Rona Saltzman David Salus Kay Skloff Stuart Schecter Phyllis Taxin Alexander J. Schmerling Neil and Karen Schmerling Lena Schnall Dr. Nathan Schnall Berta Schneeberg Helen Schneeberg Harry Schneeberg Helen Schneeberg Dr. Ralph Schrager Sheva Cohen Linda and Norman Koven and Family Sandy and Paul Steinfield Mae Schreiber Helen Schneeberg Iris Lee Schwartz Harry, Brett and Ian Schwartz Joseph Schwartz Gail and Mark Schwartz Martin Schwartz Rosalind Rachlin Morrie Selbst Elaine Schiff Frances Shackmaster Carol B. Shackmaster Hon. Norma Shapiro Marcia Feldman Portelli Marcia Sheiman Sheva Cohen The Izes Family Linda and Norman Koven and Family Al and Sandy Nadel Marcy Nadel Susan Starr Joan Wohl Pam and Joe Yohlin Elizabeth Sher Viki Pashman Colman Shrager Joseph Shrager Lillian and Ralph Silverman Helene Jawer Rose Silverman Melvin Silverman Jane Simon Gloria Sulman and Family Samuel Simon Jane Simon September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 21 Morris Sloan Steve Strauss Louis Smith Joel and Evelyn Udell Arlene Ostrow Smoler Robin and Max Minkoff Daniel Gilbert Sobel – Gidalia ben Mordechai v’Jennie Evelyn J. Haber Isadore F. Staller Irene P. Staller Jerome M. Staller Irene P. Staller Miriam Stecki Jack Stecki Sam Stein Dr. Albert Kroser Max K. Steinberg Luba and Barry Schwartz Sarah Steinig Mirele Steinig Claire K. Stern Jane Stern Buchman Max Stern Arthur Stern Stanley A. Tauber Joanne B. Tauber and Nicholas W. Iadicicco Jonathan and Diane Tauber Shirley Tauber Ethel Udell Evy and Joel Udell Theodore Vanett JoAnne Vanett Moses Venetzky Esther Chavenson JoAnne Vanett Rachel Venetzky Esther Chavenson Rachel Venetzky Rose Weinstock Arthur Stern Arthur and Sarah Weiss Gerry Rudman Jack Weiss Franklin Weiss Ria Weiss Luba and Barry Schwartz Sadie Weiss Mildred Demchick Randi Weizer Rhea and Alvin Applebaum Naomi and Skip Atkins Beverly Davis Howard Gershman Marti Kahn Resa Levinson Thelma Linder Sarah Lipkin Carra, Scott, Eli and Sydra Minkoff Karen and Ed Moses Harriet Sigel Marcia and Jack Stecki Gloria Sulman and Family Irvin A. Winegrad Ruth W. Lipschutz Rose Wisneski Marsha Eisenberg Dr. George T. Wohl Joan P. Wohl Benjamin H. Wolf Suzanne and Charles Danenberg Irving Wolinsky Clara Wolinsky Menduke Frank L. Young Nancy Markowich Irving Zaslow Jerome M. Zaslow Joy Fund Sandy Berkowitz In honor of your Torah Fund honor Robin and Max Minkoff and Family Justin and Sarah Biskup Congratulations on the grand opening of your new business “Albert’s Auto Repair” Shelley and Roy Schwartz Mona and Michael Brassloff In honor of the bar mitzvah of your grandson Thelma Linder Cantor Davidson In honor of your anniversary Gladys Steinslofer Eileen Dwell To the best co-chair of AJers in Town. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated Janet and Harris Lewin Sherri and Frank Feinberg Mazal Tov on Ariel’s confirmation Denise and Jeffrey Portner Robert Friedman Thank you for the honor Nina Frisch Mervin and Harriet Hartman In honor of Mervin’s birthday and their anniversary Nona Levin Abrams Robert and Gigi Kitei Shirley and Allan Levick Rabbi Seymour and Cindy Rosenbloom In honor of the birth of your granddaughter Ed and Betsy Rubenstone Barry and Linda Roth In honor of the birth of your grandson, Evan Jared Pure Karen, Stuart, Shari and Alyssa Wohl Jack Stecki In honor of aliyot Jack Stecki Selma Stepansky In honor of your 90th birthday Joyce Brill Ed and Deb Strauss In honor of the Strauss Family Simchat Sheva Cohen Nina Frisch Karen and Ed Moses Ed and Deb Strauss Best wishes on your 49th anniversary Shelley and Saul Reibstein Nettie Schnapp Sima and Steve Sussman Ed and Deb Strauss In honor of Isla Rae Strauss The Izes Family The Strauss Family For many more simchas Howard Gershman Dr. Ronit Sugar In honor of your 60th birthday Dr. Paul and Sandy Steinfield Making Donations to AJ’s Funds Joy Fund Memorial Fund Education Fund Volunteer Choir Fund Hazzan’s Discretionary Fund Library Fund Morning Minyan Breakfast Fund By mail or in person and accompanied by check payment................................................... $10 minimum donation If added to your synagogue bill............................................................................................ $20 minimum donation Seder Avodah Fund (new edition)................................................................................. $36 donation Humash Etz Hayim Fund................................................................................................. $72 donation Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund............................................................................................. $25 minimum donation The Congregation’s Torah Donations to the Congregation’s Torah are a unique opportunity to help fund AJ’s Endowment to ensure the future of the Congregation while celebrating a special occasion or remembering a loved one. Each donation will be acknowledged in the Congregation’s Torah display case outside the Strauss Chapel. Pasuk (a verse of Torah).................................................................................................................................... $150 Aliyah (each section of a weekly portion)......................................................................................................... $250 Patriarchs, Matriarchs, Biblical Symbols, Names.......................................................................................... $500 Maftir (final Aliyah each week)..................................................................................................................... $1,000 Parasha (weekly reading).............................................................................................................................. $2,500 Favorite Torah Story..................................................................................................................................... $3,600 Please contact Robert Friedman at 215.635.6611, ext. 112, for more information about donations to the Congregation’s Torah. 22 aj news Manny Triebwasser Wishing you a speedy recovery Marcia and Jack Stecki Nicholas Edward and Anthony Brook Weizer God’s blessings on your graduations Rena Weizer-Weiss Education Fund IN MEMORY OF Eve Bender Barbara and Steven Shotz Marvin Katz Marcia, Bruce, Jeffrey and Rachel Cohen Sybil Schinfeld Barbara and Steven Shotz Marcia Sheiman Barbara and Steven Shotz Randi Weizer Marcia, Bruce, Jeffrey and Rachel Cohen IN HONOR OF Bruce Armon, Rabbi Kobrin, Rabbi Rosenbloom, Hazzan Glantz, Robert Friedman, and Debbie Miner For your kindness and support when Mom passed Naomi Atkins Ed Rubenstone In honor of your 70th birthday Barbara and Steven Shotz Ed and Deb Strauss In honor of your simchas Marcia Webber Ed and Deb Strauss Mazal Tov on the birth of your granddaughter Marcia, Bruce, Jeffrey and Rachel Cohen Marilyn and Bob Vogel In honor of your 40th anniversary Stephanie Felzer Minyan Fund IN HONOR OF AJ In gratitude for the warm welcome home and birthday blessing Idelle S. Wood Morning Minyaners Who made it possible for me to say kaddish this past year Steve Strauss Barry and Linda Roth In honor of the birth of Evan Jared Pure Bettyruth and Allen Aisenstein Hazzan Howard K. Glantz Discretionary Fund IN MEMORY OF Jane Bass Rena Weizer Weiss Randi Weizer Judy and Merrill Brown Dr. Bruce and Francine Levin Carol Shackmaster Rene and Mort Stein IN HONOR OF Hazzan Glantz In honor of our wedding Amanda Lessig and Aaron Atterman Hazzan Glantz In honor of the wonderful tribute program Carolyn and Frank Platt Hazzan Glantz With thanks for your help with the Torah Fund event Torah Fund Committee and AJWA Sisterhood Hazzan and Dayna Glantz Mazal Tov on Rose’s confirmation Denise and Jeffrey Portner Josh Matusow In honor of your special birthday Betty M. Perlmutter Carolyn Platt In honor of her recent Torah reading Frank Platt Dr. Cynthia Silber In honor of your daughter’s college graduation Carole and Ozzie Ozeroff Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund IN MEMORY OF Rosalind Gold Linda and Fred Bloom and Family Randi Weizer Carol Shackmaster IN HONOR OF Amanda Lessig and Aaron Atterman In honor of our wedding Rabbi Kobrin Sunnie Epstein Rabbi Kobrin For your continuing care and concern for me during my recovery Sharon Masarsky Rabbi Kobrin In appreciation of aliyah honors and insightful D’var Torahs Steve Strauss Rabbi Kobrin For your kindness to me and my family Rena Weizer-Weiss Rabbi Kobrin Thank you for performing such a lovely service for Randi Weizer Paul Weizer Bikkur Holim The Wings of Healing Donations to the Congregation’s Torah Give healing wings. Please let us know if you, a family member, or a fellow congregant is ill or hospitalized. A call to the office will ensure that the rabbi, hazzan and volunteer leadership can follow up with visits, calls and healing prayers from the bima. Take a moment and keep us informed. Call Rabbi Kobrin at 215.635.6611, or email her at rabbi@adathjeshurun.info. When emailing, put “Illness Notification” in the subject line. ALIYAH PARASHAT SH’MOT Exodus 3:1–15 In honor of Sandy Berkowitz receiving the 5776 Torah Fund Woman of Achievement Award Your friends from the morning minyan VERSE PARASHAT RE’EH Deuteronomy 16:11 To Deb and Ed Strauss and Family, in honor of all your recent simchas Rob and Debbie Quint PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Adath Jeshurun Cemetery a resting place with historical significance, beautiful trees, convenient location and affordable pricing. www.phillybris.com 267-217-BABY(2229) hglantz@gmail.com Call Robert Friedman at 215.635.6611, extension 112, for a convenient time to visit. 1855 Bridge Street, Philadelphia, PA For advertising rates, call 215.635.6611 September 2016 • Av /Elul 5776 23 Congregation Adath Jeshurun NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Founded 1858 – 5619 OCJCC-BI • Founded 1948 7763 Old York Road • Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027 www.adathjeshurun.info Permit No. 2275 Jenkintown, PA Rachel Kobrin, Rabbi Time-Sensitive Material Deliver by September 1, 2016 Howard K. Glantz, Hazzan Robert Friedman, Executive Director Debbie Miner, Education Director Michelle Bernstein, Early Childhood Director Seymour J. Rosenbloom, Distinguished Service Rabbi Charles S. Davidson, D.S.M., Hazzan Emeritus OFFICERS Bruce Armon...............................................................................President David L. Reibstein................................................Executive Vice President Edward F. Chacker................................................................Vice President Judy Stutman Izes................................................................Vice President Melissa Ufberg.....................................................................Vice President Alex Katz..................................................................................... Treasurer Jennifer Brier............................................................... Assistant Treasurer Tamra Zebovitz...........................................................................Secretary Anne Fassler...................................................... Immediate Past President TRUSTEE OFFICERS Joseph M. Yohlin........................................................................ Chairman Saul V. Reibstein..................................................................Vice Chairman Rickey Goodman.........................................................................Secretary TELEPHONES Synagogue............. 215.635.6611 Cemetery............... 215.743.2524 Religious School..... 215.635.1337 FAX......................... 215.635.6165 Preschool............... 215.635.3490 CATERERS Betty the Caterer............................................................... 215.224.8400 Food Designs..................................................................... 215.843.3904 Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Congregation Adath Jeshrurun is an inclusive, egalitarian Conservative synagogue. All are welcome irrespective of gender, race, or sexual orientation. We welcome dual-faith families who want to be involved in the Jewish community. Editor: Marlena R. Kleit marlenarobinsonkleit@gmail.com Design: Marjorie Trager Printing Coordinator: Silver Graphics Printer: Tri-County Printers, Oreland, PA ALL MATERIAL FOR THE OCTOBER 2016 NEWSLETTER MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31, 2016. UPCOMING NEWSLETTER DEADLINES: October 2016 > August 31, 2016 Igniting the Vocal Majority: A Rally to Demand Gun Violence Prevention November 2016 > September 30, 2016 1 2 By Ed Moses A rally sponsored by CeaseFire PA was held on Tuesday morning, July 26, at Logan Square in Center City Philadelphia during the week of the Democratic National Convention. Participating in the event were Mothers in Charge, Americans for Responsible Solutions PAC, local and national survivors, and national leaders. The rally was called to demand meaningful action to make our communities safer places to work, pray, and learn. 4 5 Among the attendees were: 1) AJ Congregant, Resa Levinson 2) Former PA Governor, Mayor, and District Attorney, Ed Rendell 3) Former Congresswoman, Gabby Giffords 4) Congressman and iconic civil rights leader, John Lewis 5) AJ Congregant and Executive Director of CeaseFire PA, Shira Goodman 3