March 2016 • Adar I/Adar II 5776 Vol. 100 • No. 6 Congregation Congregation Adath Jeshurun 7763 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 215.635.6611 www.adathjeshurun.info Adath Jeshurun News Service Schedule A Rabbinic Perspective By Rabbi Rachel Kobrin SHABBAT VAYEKHEL March 4, 5, 2016 I have been to the Western Wall many times to pray. Sometimes, my prayer has been silent, on the women’s side of the kotel, leaning against the rocks that form the wall. I have pressed my hands on the cool stones, trying to find a closeness that my ancestors yearned for as well. Never have I prayed at the Western Wall the way that I am able to pray here in America. Never have I felt the deep connection that I have yearned for, in the holiest spot for our Jewish people. At times, my davenning has been loud, singing out with Women of the Wall, standing in the women’s section with my sisters in prayer. Many times we received reprimands from other women who believed that our communal prayer was not authentic. I’m one of those fortunate people who gets to be in Israel for 10 days each year. I meet with the Ziegler rabbinical students studying there during their third year of our program, teach at various yeshivot, interview prospective students and meet with Masorti (Conservative) leaders and rabbis. I get to visit family and friends and stroll the streets of Jerusalem. 25 Adar I 5776 Light Shabbat Candles..........................................5:38 PM FRIDAY EVENING • Kabbalat Shabbat With Strings Attached............................6:15 PM SATURDAY MORNING • Sanctuary Service..........................9:30 AM Bat Mitzvah of Julia Lieberman Daughter of Adam and Valerie Lieberman •Havurah Service...........................10:30 AM •Hazzan’s Tisch..................following service SATURDAY AFTERNOON •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah.............5:40 PM ••• ROSH HODESH ADAR II March 9, 10, 11, 2016 30 Adar I, 1 Adar II 5776 THURSDAY MORNING • Chapel Service...............................7:00 AM FRIDAY MORNING • Chapel Service...............................7:00 AM continued on page 2 Once, I davened in the kotel plaza on Shavuot morning with an egalitarian minyan. Full bottles of orange soda were thrown at us by on-lookers from the hill above. We continued to sing and pray, and the police tried to help, but we were outnumbered by men in black hats with angry faces. And so the news of the new egalitarian space at the Kotel is tremendous. I share the following words from Rabbi Brad Artson. *** Walking Jerusalem is something my great-grandparents could only dream about, but for me it is an annual privilege. continued on page 8 Inside This Issue Regular Departments DON’T FORGET! turn ahead Sunday, March 13 2:00 a.m. Adult Education..................................................... 12 AJMA Notes........................................................... 13 AJWA Sisterhood................................................... 14 AJ Preschool and Infant Center.............................. 10 A Rabbinic Perspective............................................ 1 Calendar for March.................................................. 3 Donations............................................................. 18 President’s Message................................................ 5 Religious School News.......................................... 11 Seasons of Our Lives.............................................. 16 Service Schedule..................................................... 1 The Cantor’s Corner................................................. 9 Yahrzeits............................................................... 17 march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 1 Service Schedule SHABBAT PEKUDEI March 11, 12, 2016 2 Adar II 5776 Light Shabbat Candles........................................... 5:46 PM FRIDAY EVENING • Minhah and Kabbalat Shabbat...............5:50 PM SATURDAY MORNING • Chapel Service.......................................9:30 AM •Havurah Service...................................10:30 AM •Family Shabbat Service........................10:30 AM SATURDAY AFTERNOON •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah.....................5:50 PM ••• SHABBAT VAYIKRA March 18, 19, 2016 9 Adar II 5776 COMMUNITY PURIM CARNIVAL 10 Adar II 5776 SUNDAY MORNING AT KENESETH ISRAEL • Preschool Admission............................11:15 AM • General Admission............................... 12:00 PM ••• FAST OF ESTHER 13 Adar II 5776 WEDNESDAY MORNING • Chapel Service.......................................7:30 AM ••• March 23, 24, 2016 PURIM Light Shabbat Candles....................................................7:00 PM FRIDAY EVENING • Minhah and Kabbalat Shabbat...............6:15 PM SATURDAY MORNING • Chapel Service.......................................9:30 AM •The Havurah will join the Chapel service. SATURDAY AFTERNOON •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah.....................7:00 PM Sunday................................................................. 9:00 AM Monday and Thursday.......................................... 7:20 AM Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday........................... 7:30 AM Rosh Hodesh Services (weekday)......................... 7:00 AM Evening Services Monday through Thursday....................................7:00 PM SUNDAY EVENING MINYAN In March....................................................... AJ at 7:00 PM In April........................................ Beth Sholom at 7:00 PM Every Shabbat… ••• March 22, 23, 2016 16 Adar II 5776 Daily Minyan Morning Services Light Shabbat Candles.............................................6:53 PM FRIDAY EVENING • Minhah and Kabbalat Shabbat...............6:15 PM SATURDAY MORNING • Chapel Service.......................................9:30 AM •Havurah Service...................................10:30 AM SATURDAY AFTERNOON •Minhah-Ma’ariv-Havdalah.....................6:55 PM March 20, 2016 SHABBAT TZAV March 25, 26, 2016 Parashat HaShavuah..........................................12:30 PM, Braemer Auditorium APPROXIMATELY ONCE A MONTH… Tot Shabbat Services.......................................... 11:00 AM A musical service especially for kids ages 0 to 6 and their families. Stories, songs, and prayer will start our morning, followed by a special kids’ Kiddush. Are You Going to #Shabbos?............................... 10:30 AM A new service for children ages 7 to 12. Family Shabbat Services..................................... 10:30 AM Interactive and engaging prayer for people of all ages. Soulful, musical, inspiring. 14 Adar II 5776 Sponsor a Kiddush! We all have special dates on our calendars, but we’re never quite sure how to celebrate them. Share your joy by sponsoring a kiddush or co-sponsor a kiddush with friends or family! For what occasions do people sponsor kiddush? ANYTHING! Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, new jobs, OR just because you love having a nosh and a schmooze after services. Contact Robert Friedman at 215.635.6611, ext. 112 for more information. Catering Babayit In-House Catering Congregation Adath Jeshurun “Stay Home with Us” Make Shabbat Kiddush Even Better…Sponsor a Pot of Shabbat Joe! Contribute to the Shabbat Joe Fund to celebrate an aliyah, a simcha, or just because. Your $36 donation puts a flavorful locally roasted coffee and organic cream purchased from CreekSide Co-op in our foyer. And it has your name on it! Contact Executive Director Robert Friedman if you would like to be a sponsor. SAVE THE DATE FOR AJ’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER (“SPEC”) WEDNESDAY EVENING • Minhah.................................................5:45 PM •Family Megillah Service.........................6:00 PM •Refreshments........................................7:15 PM • Full Reading of Megillat Esther...............8:15 PM THURSDAY MORNING • Chapel Service including Full Reading of Megillat Esther..................................7:00 AM A Portrait of Excellence Like us on Facebook and join our community page! 2 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News Honoring Hazzan Charles S. Davidson May 22, 2016 at 7:00 PM See Hazzan Glantz’s article on page 9 for more information. 26 adar i 3 adar ii 10 adar ii 27 11 adar ii 22 Zumba 6:30 pm 18 adar ii 29 Zumba 6:30 pm Board of Directors Meeting 7:00 pm 21 8 1 4 adar ii 15 Zumba 6:30 pm 27 adar i Zumba 6:30 pm Robin Orodenker Book Club 8:00 pm 14 17 adar ii 28 Community Purim Carnival at KI Preschool Admission 11:15 am General Admission 12:00 – 2:00 PM 20 Daylight Savings Time Begins: Turn your clocks ahead! 13 7 Evening Services Monday through Thursday........................7:00 pm Miriam’s Circle: An Evening of Israeli Food, Music and Dance 5:00 pm (replaces “An Arabian Night”) 6 monday Daily Minyan Morning 2 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 sunday 16 9 2 Beit Midrash 7:30 am 17 Zumba 6:30 pm American Red Cross Blood Drive 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm 20 adar ii 31 21 adar ii Purim Morning Service Including Full Reading of Megillat Esther 7:00 am Yoga 10:00 am 24 adar i friday Pekudei 2 adar ii 8 adar ii 22 21 29 15 14 28 8 7 1 23 16 9 2 24 17 10 3 25 18 11 4 26 19 12 5 february 44 Light Shabbat Candles 7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15 pm Yoga 10:00 am Shushan Purim 6 27 20 13 Tzav 16 adar ii 24 17 25 18 11 4 26 19 12 5 27 20 13 6 28 21 14 7 april 29 22 15 8 1 30 23 16 9 2 Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 7:00 pm 10 3 Vayikra 9 adar ii Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 6:55 pm 19 15 adar ii 26 44 Light Shabbat Candles 6:53 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15 pm Preschool Mesibat Erev Shabbat Yoga 10:00 am 18 Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 5:50 pm 44 Light Shabbat Candles 5:46 pm Family Shabbat Service 10:30 am 12 Mincha-Ma’ariv-Havdalah 5:40 pm Julia Lieberman, Bat Mitzvah Hazzan’s Tisch Vayekhel 25 adar i AJ Preschool Fundraiser Rosh Hodesh Adar II Morning Service 7:00 am Yoga 10:00 am 1 adar ii 5 saturday Kabbalat Shabbat 5:50 pm 11 44 Light Shabbat Candles 5:38 pm Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached 6:15 pm 4 14 adar ii 25 7 adar ii Fast of Esther 13 adar ii 24 Zumba 6:30 pm 6 adar ii Zumba 6:30 pm AJ Forum on Current Events: Israel and the Iran Nuclear Agreement — Now What? (Presented by J Street) Morning Service 7:00 am Rosh Hodesh Adar II 30 adar i 23 adar i thursday Morning Service 7:30 am Mincha 5:45 pm Family Megillah Service 6:00 pm Refreshments 7:15 pm Full Reading of Megillat Esther 8:15 pm 19 adar ii 30 Beit Midrash 7:30 am 3 29 adar i 10 Zumba 6:30 pm 22 adar i wednesday 12 adar ii 23 Beit Midrash 7:30 am 5 adar ii Beit Midrash 7:30 am 28 adar i Beit Midrash 7:30 am 21 adar i tuesday MARCH 2016 And now for something completely different! The AJ Preschool & Infant Center Fundraiser will welcome ComedySportz for its annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 12. For more than 20 years, CSz Philadelphia has been entertaining fans with ComedySportz, the fastest and funniest form of improv comedy ever seen. Two teams of improvisers compete for points by playing a series of improv games, similar to what you may have seen on TV’s ”Whose Line Is It Anyway?” A referee governs the action, calling the fouls and keeping the match moving at a blistering pace. The audience is always a part of the interactive show; some lucky fans will even wind up on stage. And because everything is improvised, it’s never the same show twice. Raffles • Silent Auction • Kids’ Art • Live Auction Save the Date: Saturday, March 12 AJ Preschool & Infant Center 2016 Fundraiser ComedySportz Night! Raffles • Silent Auction • Kid’s Art • Live Auction Saturday, March 12 7:00 PM RESPONSE CARD Fill out the form below and send to: SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Congregation Adath Jeshurun, PS Fundraiser 7763 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, Headliners—$500 • Your name and/or company information will be displayed at the seating tables • Display of your business cards • Two complimentary admissions to the event or email it to: Amy Stretch (email address: amystretch1005@gmail.com) NAME: _________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ PHONE: ________________ E-MAIL: ______________________ NUMBER OF TICKETS: _____ x $36 = ________ METHOD OF PAYMENT: CASH CHECK CREDIT Please make checks payable to “Congregation Adath Jeshurun” CREDIT CARD NUMBER: ________________________________ NAME ON CARD: _______________________________________ EXP. DATE: ______________ VISA MC WANT TO BECOME A SPONSOR? See the Sponsorship levels at the right. 4 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News One-liners—$250 • Your name and/or company name will be exhibited at the dining tables • Display of your business cards • Two complimentary admissions to the event Comics—Donate a prize, gift certificate or service • Your name and/or company name will be listed in the Auction Program and prominently displayed on the Sponsorship Placard. • Please also complete a Donation Form (download from www.adathjeshurun.info/ComedySportz_Response_Card.pdf) Up and Comers—You can donate any dollar amount President’s Message By Bruce Armon I recently had a dream (not a Martin Luther King, Jr.like “dream”) about the Democratic and Republican candidates debating their qualifications to be AJ’s next president. A curious state of affairs, I know, that this is what I dream about. Of course, the current AJ president will be with us until June, 2017, (is that a nightmare or a dream?) but it is never too early to think about the candidates’ appeal to the masses of AJ congregants. My dream went something like this: Donald Trump: I will make AJ great again! AJ’s current president is an embarrassment and a LOSER. He is making us weak along the entire Old York Road Corridor. When I am president, the other Old York Road congregational presidents will build a new Jewish community center fully paid for with their own money and invite all AJ congregants to be members of the new community center for free! Ted Cruz: I whole-heartedly agree with Donald who was once my best friend. AJ needs to look in its heart and follow its [Judeo]-Christian values. I know that no one likes me and I wear that as a badge of honor. Why should anyone like their synagogue president? Then what else could they possibly complain about as it relates to their synagogue? Jeb Bush: Ted and Donald — you both are CRAZY! AJ is part of the establishment. AJ has been in existence for 150+ years — that is longer ago than when my dad or brother was president — and AJ will continue to be a beacon of light for the entire community. We are the envy of the Old York Road Corridor. Folks aspire to be like us at AJ. Chris Christie: Jeb, did you say bacon? I love bacon. Rick Santorum: Believe it or not, I am still running to be AJ’s president. I actually understand Pennsylvania and the Old York Road Corridor. You probably thought my best shot at the AJ presidency was four years ago — and you are correct! Donald Trump: Can we please stop this nonsense! I am the best and only person who can run AJ and beat Hillary. Hillary Clinton: Donald, thank you for finally mentioning me. I represent the past, the present and the future for AJ. I have purchased a great new server and can send electronic messages to all segments of AJ’s congregation and delete them without a trace. I will take the best elements from the current president — I was proud to be a member of his cabinet when it is convenient for me… David Reibstein (who is NOT running for President of the United States and will be AJ’s next president): Has AJ’s current president done anything that is worthwhile or that I should build upon? When is his term finally over, by the way? I have already been writing my inaugural speech. It will certainly be more than “one word.” Martin O’Malley: You know Hillary makes some good points. I once supported her. I know how to get things done without drawing any attention to my candidacy. Bernie Sanders: I think we need to take a step back. There is a simple solution for AJ’s future. Free dues for everyone who wants to be an AJ member. Federation and United Synagogue and the Rabbinical Assembly can pick up the tab. They owe it to AJ. Cost is irrelevant. And let’s make sure there is a wonderful free kiddush every Saturday. Salmon from Vermont’s cleanest rivers is the best. My friend Donald knows all about GREAT and FANTASTIC lox. You know where he is from… Dr. Ben Carson: Can all of you please stop with this rancor. I remember when I visited Jordan — which is really close to Israel — and I understand what AJ really needs to do. We need to respect one another and have civil discourse. We just need to speak softly to one another. I remember the time I did neurosurgery on an AJ congregant who was still wearing tefillin during the surgery… Ted Cruz: There you go — perfect example of Donald Trump’s New York values! Carly Fiorina: All of this talking is really just a distraction. We need our next AJ president to be someone with executive experience. Someone who can make tough decisions. Someone who understands what it is like to sit in a tedious executive committee meeting or a board meeting that goes on for hours with no end in sight. John Kasich: If you want experience, I have the experience to lead AJ. I was on the budget and finance committees for 18 years. I know how to balance a budget; not that any synagogue ever does that. I know about compassion and making ends meet. I am optimistic about AJ’s future — ignore all of this negativity from the other presidential aspirants. A lot closer to home, there are serious and important issues confronting AJ. The dedicated AJ Executive Committee and our fabulous AJ Board has had spirited discussions to help chart a path for AJ’s future. In my opinion, collaboration and cooperation with the other synagogues on the Old York Road Corridor is essential for AJ’s success and for our community. Your voice and ideas are important and needed as we engage in meaningful and polite and sometimes direct conversations about our next steps as a congregation. If you have an idea — any constructive idea — with respect to ensuring our successful future, please let me or a member of the AJ Executive Committee know. Your voice is important. Rand Paul: The problem with all of these candidates is they want AJ to be in control of your life. I want you to do whatever you want, how you want and why you want. Absolutely no interference from me or AJ in your Jewish lifestyle. Together, we can make our collective dreams a reality that will improve AJ and the entire Old York Road Corridor. And maybe, just maybe, our elected officials in Washington, DC and Harrisburg can see what can be accomplished when we work together. Lindsey Graham: Rand, you are missing the point. The greatest threat to AJ is Chabad or the folks who create their own twisted version of Judaism and want to impose their way of life on AJ and the rest of the Old York Road Corridor. They must be stopped. See you at AJ. And then I woke up in a cold sweat. The presidential race will occupy an inordinate amount of time and be the subject of endless debate. This “dream” I had is not an endorsement or critique of the sincerity of beliefs of the folks running for the highest office in the land. No matter who wins, he or she will have a very tough job. Bruce Ted Cruz: If I had my way, I would make the entire Old York Road Corridor glow at night! Like a menorah, my Jewish friends. march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 5 AJ in One Word Family. By Frank Platt My one word is “family.” AJ has been my second family for 50 years. Rabbi Rosenberg married Carolyn and me with Rabbi Klein sitting in the audience as a guest. My friendship with Rabbi Klein continued as a visitor to his summer cabin in Maine. I had a new family comprised of about twenty couples in the Young Marrieds group formed under Rabbi’s Rosenberg’s direction. I sang with the AJ Choral Society under Frances and Charles Davidson for thirty-five years, my musical family. And then I became part of a smaller group that met monthly to discuss topics of Jewish interest. For over thirty years this discussion group not only shared knowledge but also family simchas. I see kids I knew as youngsters now with kids of their own. There were good friends made and now some are missed. I actively participated at AJ as a Treasurer of the Men’s Association and as a member of the Board of Directors. I am now the head of the Housing Committee and Chairman of the Cemetery Trustees. This latter position enables me to oversee the care of, and also to honor, friends and family members who were a large part of my life. So, yes. AJ is family. And I welcome the new generation who is working hard to keep that family going and thriving. Frank Platt Havurah. By Larry McAfoos In June of 2003, Elise and I took staff positions at Camp Ramah in the Poconos. For over ten years we had been Shabbat regulars at AJ, where Elise grew up and where we had been married. We enjoyed the service, sat with friends in our regular seats and were friendly with all of the people around us. That first pivotal summer spent at Ramah, however, changed us in many ways. Most importantly, it shifted our spiritual outlook and needs. It made us rethink what we felt the pulse of the services should look and sound like, what we expected of the roles of prayer leaders and participants, what the shape and appearance of our sacred spaces might be, and what our role in all of that could be. Fortunately for us, AJ was able to provide us with a wonderful alternative to its majestic main sanctuary service. Tucked away in the Braemer Auditorium, we discovered the quiet beauty of the Havurah — a traditional, egalitarian, lay-led minyan, which has now been our spiritual home within our AJ home for more than a decade. As a regular participant of the Havurah, I have had ample opportunity to From left to right: Jacob, Elise, Ilana and Larry McAfoos hone my Torah and Haftarah reading skills, I learned to lead Shabbat morning davening, I’ve prepared and presented many d’vrei Torah and have been engaged by the d’vrei of other Havuranics, and with the encouragement of our own Hazzan Glantz and others, I’ve learned to lead Kol Nidre for the Havurah’s own High Holy Day Services. The root of the word havurah is haver — friend — and from the very beginning, the Havurah community has been much more than just the people with whom we worship. They grew beyond being just our Shabbos community — they became first our friends and quickly our extended family. We are there for each other in good times and bad — to organize minyanim during shiva, to provide soup and comfort in illness, and to dance at each other’s simchot. But most remarkably, joining the Havurah has not led to our separation with the greater AJ community — just the opposite. It has expanded our community…our Haverim. You will find us in the Chapel services each month when the Havurah and the main service come together, and for many other occasions. Our children, Ilana and Jacob, and I continue to chant Torah in the main service, and both of them have served on the bimah as Shabbat morning gabbaim. Elise and I participate in Men’s and Women’s Associations’ events, and I have had so much fun participating in the Annual Purim Schpiel. The children have many happy memories of their years in the Preschool and of course, their time in the OYR chapter of USY has been so incredibly formative. Any place that can provide such easy access to so many diverse ways of worship and participation, and yet continue to make all people feel at home, is truly a Havurah. 6 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News A urim in March 23 wednesday d Minhah 5:45 PM Family Megillah Service 6:00 PM Refreshments 7:15 PM Full Reading of Megillat Esther 8:15 PM AJ Purim in Bluegrass Country! Shalom Ya’ll! This year’s shpiel just got a whole lot better as we signed on the acclaimed Philly Bluegrass band, Man About A Horse. Yessiree, we’ve got a banjo, bass, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle player. YEEHA! They’ll be helping us with their original tunes, some Bluegrass standards, Purim hits with a bluegrass twist — you know you don’t wanna miss it. Of course, Hazzan Glantz who enjoys adapting the Purim story to a theme, could always use some help. There’s so much that goes into an enjoyable production. Needed are volunteers who would assist with set and prop design, lighting set up and control, narrating, singing and acting. The schedule for rehearsals is designed to allow kids, teens and adults to attend rehearsals, so? Be in touch with Hazzan Glantz or rather, Pardner Howard, at hglantz@gmail.com ‘bout being part of the Bluegrass Shpiel. After the Shpiel, it’s time for our eatin’ and drinkin’ refreshments and…yup, you guessed it, square dancing! And you betcha, we’ll be making all them there moves with square dance caller extroadinaire, AJ alum, and son of AJ Educational Director Deb Miner, Gabe Miner. arch 23rd — M g, in en ev Friends: y a d Wednes t. Erev Purim — re on the playlis a on n J, fu A t t a ea r gr a d ye n This usic a ll egrass! Great m for ever yone of a lu g B g in h in et go m is so m be ri l Pu Contact ere wil eading. g of it, because th ed by our Bluegrass Megillah R in en ev n a e k a Hazzan Glantz follow Plan to m square dancing. 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Da r Purim celebra ou tus 0 eri of 18 st co e Hazzan Em Bass $ th of some helped to defray year. (Any donation amount is President ve a h u yo , st on a m p Ar e Bruce In th us this continue to help Purim celebration .) l il w u yo e op h We our will help toward appreciated and Thank you ! Debbie Miner march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 7 e President Executive Vic ibstein David L. Re ts Vice Presiden r acke Edward F. Ch Izes an tm Stu Judy erg Melissa Ufb Treasurer Alex Katz asurer Assistant Tre Jennifer Brier Secretary z amra Zebovit The January AJ Person of the Month! Our January Person of the Month is a familiar face to many AJ congregants. Naomi Atkins is a long-time co-chair (with Amy Blum) of the AJWA Sisterhood. Naomi and her husband Skip are active AJ members and have been dedicated volunteers and leaders for many years. When you next see Naomi in AJ or in the community, please take a moment to thank her for being a part of the fabric of AJ and her commitment to AJWA Sisterhood. If you have someone or a group of people who you think should be our Person(s) of the Month, please contact Tracy Greenbaum in our office at tgreenbaum@ adathjeshurun.info. Bruce *** Naomi and Skip moved to Jenkintown from Boston in 1988, shortly before the birth of their first son Jonathan. When it was time to send Jonathan to preschool, they sought the advice of their Conservative rabbi brother-in-law about where to go. Without hesitation he responded “AJ” and Naomi and her family have been congregants ever since. For the Atkins, who don’t have local family, AJ has filled the need for belonging and making connections. As a result, Naomi especially likes being involved in events that draw the community together, be it for educational opportunities or just pure fun. She recalls hitting her stride during the year of celebration for Rabbi Rosenbloom. “The events were amazing and really pulled families together in an uplifting, spiritual and fun way.” Additionally, Naomi has been involved with various aspects of the synagogue for many years. Like many, she started with the PTA and School Committee. She also soon became part of the Membership Committee. JANUAR Y AJ PERS ON OF THE MO NTH When asked to reflect on her involvement with AJWA Sisterhood, Naomi replied: “At some point someone asked me to get connected with Sisterhood. Maybe it was Violet (Zeitlin) who I absolutely adore. She’s a fellow former Brooklynite, you know. I like the fact that AJWA Sisterhood is intergenerational and hopefully not perceived as only for more seasoned women of the congregation. We try to create programs that will attract everyone from babies to bubbies as Amy (Blum) says. Also, working with the creative and spirited and generous Amy Blum, my copresident, has been a gift. Believe it or not we’ve been doing this for eleven or twelve years! Crazy.” Naomi is very much looking forward to two major upcoming Sisterhood events — the postponed Sisterhood Shabbat (new date is May 6) and the annual Torah Fund event scheduled for June. This year’s event will honor Sandy Berkowitz for her years of devotion to AJ. Stay tuned for details on both of these exciting events. Additionally, congregants can participate in many other Sisterhood sponsored programs such as Make a Bowl, Feed your Soul and An Arabian Night. Anyone interested in more information about the Sisterhood, its events or programs that it supports can call the synagogue office at 215.635.6611 or email Naomi (nrsa@comcast.net) or Amy Blum (ablum99@ comcast.net). Thank you so much, Naomi, for your many years of continued service to AJWA Sisterhood and the greater AJ community. There are a tremendous number of people who have benefited from your warmth, inclusivity and dedication. Get To Know Your AJ Board Members A Rabbinic Perspective, continued from page 1 This month brings us two faces commonly seen around AJ who remain tremendously dedicated in their role as Board members — Sandy Steinfield and Emily Reich. And I meander widely. But the one spot I never visit is the Kotel. That Wall leaves me sad and angry — an imposed monopoly of Orthodox domination and political capitulation to religious coercion. I can’t stand at the Kotel without feeling invisible, disdained, cheapened. My presence would betray my colleagues and students, the female rabbis whose talent and wisdom have already so enriched contemporary Jewish life. Sandy Steinfield and her family were first introduced to Adath Jeshurun when their children attended the AJ Preschool. After being Preschool parents for several years, and realizing how much they liked the school, they joined as congregational members. Among the many aspects of AJ, Sandy is most involved with the Board of Directors and has been a part of the Board for nearly fifteen years. However, she also continues to be engaged in many of our other committees. She has served on the Divine Services Committee as co-chair and has both assisted and headed the Annual Fundraiser (SPEC) Committee. You can also find Sandy helping out with the Catering and Kashrut Committees. To Sandy, Adath Jeshurun means community. She and her family feel comfortable at AJ and at home when they walk through its doors. Emily Reich and her husband have been members of AJ since 2003, when their oldest daughter was entering kindergarten. They felt it was important to be members of a local synagogue and felt a connection to AJ. Emily has served on the Board of Directors for the past several years. Additionally, she was co-president of the PTA until last year. You may also recognize Emily’s melodious voice from her many years of singing with the AJ’s Women’s Ensemble. When asked what AJ means to her, Emily replies, “AJ means community and connection. A place to feel at home.” Special thanks to Sandy and Emily for their immeasurable and continued commitment to Adath Jeshurun. 8 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News The decision by the Israeli government to create an honorable space for egalitarian worship makes it possible to return to this sacred space, allows the space — once again — to unite the Jewish people across our diversity, rather than smothering Jewish vitality with state-sponsored uniformity. *** May this be the beginning of more acceptance of diversity within our homeland, and may we continue to create spaces to learn, pray and behave with full spirit and heart as egalitarian Jews for many years to come. The Cantor’s Corner By Hazzan Howard Glantz E very spring, AJ’s Annual Fundraiser event (SPEC) is a high point in the programming at Adath Jeshurun. Be it a special speaker, performer, comedian or mentalist, I have always found SPEC to be both memorable and to provide SPECtacular opportunities for all of our membership to join together for a terrific evening. So, I am especially pleased to use my column this month as a means of promoting our May SPEC event chaired by Lana Dishler and Helene Epstein. It was twelve years ago that Charles S. Davidson became the Hazzan Emeritus at Adath Jeshurun. Thirty-eight years prior, in 1966, Charles came on board at AJ with then Rabbi Yaakov (Yak) Rosenberg z”l. 38 + 12 = Jubilee! Fifty years of association with AJ is truly something to celebrate and thus, our SPEC event to be held May 22, 2016, at 7:00 PM is in honor of Hazzan Charles S. Davidson and it is titled A Portrait of Excellence. Hazzan Davidson is known worldwide for his scholarship, his compositions and his expert analysis and transmission of Jewish music to all ages. I feel extremely blessed to have had his legacy provide me with so much rich tradition and beautiful music. Most of all, I am happy to count him among my most cherished friends and confidants. It was Charles’ humor and calm that helped carry me through my Cantorial school interview. Likewise, his gentle (smacking my leg three times!) reminders to not cross my legs on the bimah on the day of my AJ interview Shabbat, certainly helped me fit into the “the AJ way.” The SPEC event itself will feature a progression of music. There is a Jewish principle expressing the idea that we ought to strive to go me’eivel l’simcha — from sadness to celebration rather than the opposite. Fulfilling this principle, the evening will begin with what promises to be a stellar performance of the Pennsylvania Girlchoir under the direction of their conductor Vincent Metallo. Their musical focus will be Davidson’s monumental, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, a setting of children’s poetry from the Terezin concentration camp in Czechoslovakia (where only 100 of the 15,000 imprisoned children survived). This is unquestionably Hazzan Davidson’s best-known and most celebrated work and already I am hearing colleagues buzzing with excitement about it being performed in this way. I Never Saw Another Butterfly has been performed throughout the world (more than 4,000 performances since 1968) to consistent critical acclaim and is featured on no fewer than eight commercial recordings. It is also the subject of two award-winning PBS documentaries: The Journey of Butterfly and Butterfly Revisited. In 1991, following the collapse of the Communist regime and the birth of the Czech Republic, it was performed at a special ceremony in the town of Terezin, presided over by the new president, Václav Havel, among other dignitaries, and attended by an audience of Holocaust survivors to mark the 50th anniversary of the Germans’ creation of the camp and ghetto. As you read this article, a portrait artist is being or has been selected and possibly has already begun painting a portrait of Charles, known to many as Uncle Cantor. As part of this event, A Portrait of Excellence, we will view this work of art for the very first time. This certainly fulfills the simcha part of the principle to which I referred earlier on, but the show must go on! Charles, being a highly prolific composer and arranger, has a catalogue that contains more than 300 works, including dozens of synagogue pieces, songs, choral cantatas, entire services, psalm settings, and musical plays. Choosing what to feature and to whom to give solos was no small task. With the guidance and preferences of Hazzan Davidson and his family, I am confident we have a beautiful second half of celebratory music which will culminate in Charles’ acclaimed Jazz Service, “…and David danced before the Lord.” As I write this article, not every player or singer has been finalized, but I will say they are world class. They include my friend, teacher and colleague, Hazzan Jack Mendelson, of whom The New York Times raved: “Mendelson’s performance was stunning…emotionally unguarded.”We will also be treated to the vocal brilliance of grammy winner, Ilana Davidson, of whom the Detroit Free Press gushed, “Ilana Davidson made a graceful evocation of heaven in the finale” of the Mahler 4th Symphony with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. You can learn much more about each of these artists at their respective websites: www.cantorjackmendelson.com and www.ilanadavidson.com. So mark your calendars, and if you find a conflict you can reschedule…by all means…reschedule! Make your plans to be at AJ for a SPECtacular Portrait of Excellence on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 7:00 PM. Do you know someone with Parkinson’s Disease who needs a little extra support? It’s time again for Congregation Adath Jeshurun’s blood drive. A Parkinson’s support group meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:00 PM in the AJ library. This support group is a way for people to help Parkinson’s Disease patients cope with problems they all share. The group offers social and emotional support to patients and their care partners, education and information from peers and professionals and a chance to be active for oneself and for others in the community. Members give and receive information and encouragement through the mail, phone calls, and group meetings. Contact Suzanne Reichwein at 215.829.7273 or sreichwein@pahosp.com for more information. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT AJ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM It’s an easy way to perform a potentially life-saving mitzvah! To schedule an appointment, you can call Michele Rifkin at 215.264.6607 or go directly to www.pleasegiveblood.org march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 9 Preschool and Infant Center News By Michelle Bernstein, Early Childhood Director AJ Preschool “At Work” Left: For our Adom MLK Service Project, the children completed inspirational messages (uplifting words) and pictures on cloud-shaped cards that say, “ Lift the Clouds, Inspire the Joy” to offer positive messages of love and support to children and their families who are in the hospital. These cards also to add a bit of color and cheer to the walls of a child’s hospital room. Our Pre-K Adom children felt very inspired to make other children smile! These cards are available through the Sara Smiles Foundation. This foundation offers services to create a more positive experience for pediatric cancer patients. Smiles are very important to each child’s well-being while in the hospital. Sara Smiles’ “Inspirational Kits” are given to every child admitted to the oncology units in five children’s hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). These messages are one of the items included in the kits. Sara Burke, of blessed memory, was a former student here at AJ and that’s why we feel so connected to this foundation. Below Left: Tova Wexler and Zohar Pinto, along with their Lavan A friends, make cupcakes for the Klein Active Adult Center. Below Right: Our Kahol (2’s) children celebrated MLK Day with a “Marty Party!” Children sang freedom songs, had cake, and celebrated peace! More MLK Day Good Works As they always do on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the AJ office staff (plus Preschool teacher Michelle Ravitch and her family) went down to the Ronald McDonald House to cook dinner for the families staying there. Rabbi Rosenbloom sent his delicious chocolate chip cookies to finish off the meal. Back row, from left to right: Joel Ravitch, Michelle Ravitch, Judy Brown, Deb Miner, Robert Friedman Front row, from left to right: Rachel Ravitch, Sara Ravitch ® Ronald McDonald House PHILADELPHIA 10 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News Religious School News By Debbie Miner, Education Director A s I write this the snow lies two feet on the ground, the temperatures hover in the 30s and the night arrives all too soon. By the time you read this, the temperatures will have moderated (we hope), the days will be getting longer and our attention will be turning to the spring — soon to arrive. There are many things that happen in March to begin to lift the winter doldrums. We start daylight savings on the 13th, spring officially arrives on the 20th, and we celebrate Purim beginning the evening of March 23. March will be very busy at AJ. Junior Congregation and Family Shabbat Services are scheduled. We will have a Kabbalat Shabbat with Strings Attached, our Pre-School will have its annual fundraiser, we will have our Family Megillah Service and Party, and Sundays will see a very full building. TH SA E D VE AT E! Beginning on the last Sunday in February, JQuest B’Yachad will begin its final trimester at AJ on Sundays. Until May 22, the kindergarten through sixth graders from Adath Jeshurun, Beth Sholom, and Keneseth Israel will spend their Sunday mornings at AJ learning together, praying together, collaborating, singing, and continuing to create the special community that is JQuest B’Yachad. The fall and winter Sundays have been spent first at Beth Sholom and then at Keneseth Israel. Our children have made new friends and now they are excited to introduce those friends to Adath Jeshurun. Old York Road USY (8th–12th Grade) Events: • Saturday, March 5: Prom • Friday, March 11: Shabbat at Beth Sholom* • Saturday, March 19: TBD It has been wonderful being part of JQuest B’Yachad. This is a truly collaborative experience. Our lay leadership, our clergy, and the educators of the three synagogues have been striving to create an educational experience for our children that is both enriching and engaging. We have wonderful parent committees, dedicated teachers, and amazing students! As an educator, this has been invigorating and motivating. • Sunday, March 20: Kehillah Purim Carnival If you stop by Adath Jeshurun on a Sunday morning this month, you will see over 200 children working on various projects in all of our spaces. Most every room will be used by our different classes, whether working on their Quests, practicing their Hebrew reading, participating in T’fillah, singing Jewish and Hebrew songs, discussing various topics, or keeping things moving with Hebrew Through Movement. There will be children and teachers, clergy and educational directors, teen madrichim, and parents interacting in so many vibrant and important ways. • Sunday, May 22: Laser Tag Bowling Sacred space, indeed. • Saturday, April 2: Bubble Soccer with TS • Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10: Spring Convention • Friday, April 15: Shabbat at AJ* • Sunday, May 1: Phillies Game* • Friday, May 13: Shabbat at Beth Sholom* • Sunday, May 29: Seashore Dance *7th graders are invited to these events! RSVP information: Advisors Elyse and Brett Herman, oyrusyadvisor@gmail.com OYR Youth, 4th–6th Grade Events: • Sunday, March 20: Kehillah Purim Carnival • Friday, April 15: Shabbat Dinner • Sunday, May 1: Phillies Game STUDENTS AND FAMILIES: Stop Hunger Now! • Sunday, May 15: Frisbee and Picnic in the Park RSVP to Deb Miner at minerd@adathjeshurun.info. Questions? Contact Chuck at chklaz@gmail. com. Sunday morning, April 10 • 10:00 AM Each meal costs 29 cents. Help us send as many meals as we can by sending in your STOP HUNGER NOW donations! Checks should be made out to AJ with “Stop Hunger Now” on the memo line. You can also register and donate online at https://ajbsc.wufoo.com/forms/ajs-stop-hunger-now/. OYR Youth, 1st–3rd Grade Events: No JQuest B’Yachad on April 10. • Sunday, March 20: Kehillah Purim Carnival • Sunday, April 17: Chocolate Seder • Sunday, May 1: Phillies Game • Sunday, May 22: Mini Golf GUESS WHO’S COMING TO SHABBAS? Here’s how it works: YOU offer to HOST a Shabbas dinner OR YOU offer to ATTEND a Shabbas dinner Do either by filling out the form at the right, calling us, texting us, emailing us…Easy as that. The remaining date for Shabbas dinner this year is April 1. Don’t miss the chance to join a fellow AJ family in celebrating Shabbat. YES! Great idea! Keep me informed! Return this form to AJ: By email: Pamela Maman at pfmaman@aol.com or Scott Minkoff at scott@planetminkoff.com By mail: AJ, 7763 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Name: ___________________________ Email: ___________________________ Cell Phone: ________________________ Home Phone: _______________________ I might want to: Host Attend Do Both! Questions? Contact Samantha at oyrgrades123@gmail.com. ADD SOME FUN TO YOUR WEEK! Come play Mah Jongg and meet new friends! We meet Wednesday mornings from 9:00 AM–12:00 noon. March dates: 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Mar 2, 9 For more information, contact Judy Szekely at 215.635.8812 or gszekely3@comcast.net. march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 11 Adult Education Sena Singer, Sima Sussman and Steve Sussman, Co-Chairs The first session of the AJ Forum on Current Issues was held on Thursday evening, January 14. An informative presentation to over 50 attendees by distinguished attorney, Jeffrey I. Pasek, and a spirited question-and-answer exchange, centered on the topic: “What is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and Why Should Jews Care About It?” RFRA was enacted as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling in 1991, in a case in which two Native Americans were fired from their jobs because they smoked peyote as part of their religious ritual. Their action violated drug laws and they were therefore denied unemployment compensation. They sued the state and, ultimately, the Supreme Court (Justice Scalia writing the majority opinion) declared that there was no obligation on the legislative arm or the courts to draw an exception to a neutral law to accommodate individual religious beliefs. The peyote smokers lost. In the resulting outcry, the American Jewish community joined other religious communities to support a legislative correction to overturn the ruling in the case and reinstate prior judicial practice in First Amendment cases involving an individual’s religious rights. As a result of RFRA, enacted in 1993, if a person’s religious exercise is “substantially burdened,” the government must excuse the person from complying with the law unless the government can show that it has a “compelling interest” and that there is not a less restrictive alternative that would carry out its interest with less of a burden on religious exercise. So far, so good. Unexpectedly, in the Hobby Lobby case (2014), the Supreme Court decided that business corporations could assert the religious rights of their owners under RFRA and that religious rights are protected by RFRA and can prevail over a neutral general law. So, not only can Hobby Lobby refuse to provide contraceptive and other reproductive services in its health plans as required by the Affordable Care Act, but potentially a baker may be able to refuse to provide a cake for the marriage of a gay couple, or a caterer may refuse to rent them a hall. There are a myriad of possibilities, the underlying principle being that a person should not cooperate with evil, a viewpoint shared in some parts of the Jewish community. These unanticipated results, potentially very offensive to a majority of the Jewish community, are not easily corrected and one should be careful in any challenge to other people’s religious feelings as there is always the possibility of backlash. Thanks to the Adult Education Committee (Sima and Steve Sussman and Sena Singer) for arranging the first presentation of the AJ Forum on Current Issues. Additional programs in the series will be held on March 10, April 20 and May 19. See details at right. AJ Forum on Current Issues Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 PM (after minyan) Israel and the Iran Nuclear Agreement — Now What? (Presented by J Street) Speaker: Alan Elsner Currently Special Advisor to the President of J Street, Mr. Elsner has had a long career at the top ranks of American and international journalism. As State Department and later White House correspondent for Reuters News Agency, Elsner traveled the world with Secretaries of State and was on first-name terms with presidents and vice presidents. As Reuters National Correspondent, Elsner was the agency’s chief writer on 9/11/2001, and his byline was featured on the agency’s stories that day and through the subsequent period. Elsner is the author of two novels and two works of non-fiction. Winner of the Knight International Journalism fellowship, Elsner spent a year in Romania in 2007, teaching journalism to students and professionals and strengthening the values of a free media. *** Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 PM (after minyan) A Rabbi, an Immigration Lawyer and Donald Trump Walk into a Bar: Jewish Perspectives on Current Issues in U.S. Immigration Policy Speaker: Eleanor Pelta A recognized leader in immigration and nationality law, Ms. Pelta served as President of the national immigration bar, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). She is a prolific author and sought-out speaker on immigration topics for AILA and other organizations. She has received a number of awards from AILA, including the Edith Lowenstein Award for Excellence in Advancing the Practice of Immigration Law (2014) and the Susan D. Quarles Service Excellence Award (2015). On April 19, 2016, she, along with her sisters, will be receiving an award from HIAS in Philadelphia. This program is co-sponsored by JSPAN. *** Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 PM (after minyan) Title To Be Announced – Will Deal with Iran Agreement (Presented by AIPAC) Speaker: To Be Announced Contributions to this article by Ed Moses, Ken Myers and Steve Sussman BELOW, LEFT: Speaker and distinguished attorney Jeffrey Pasek. BELOW, RIGHT: From left to right: Sima Sussman, Jeffrey Pasek, Steve Sussman and Sena Singer. 12 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News AJMA Notes By Morey Smerling, President The 2015 Hanukkah Miracle — Spring 2016 is in the Air Our fantastic 2015 fall programming included a number of incredibly successful, highly attended events including: Get ready for AJMA Spring 2016 — mark your calendars NOW! • Sunday Brunch, October 11, 2015: Speaking On Sports, featuring Mike Sielski • Another fantastic AJMA Men’s Shabbat will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Join us for another great Shabbat prayer experience with a full Shabbat brunch thanks to Sheldon Smith and the Men’s Association team. • Sunday Brunch, November 1, 2015: AJMA Keruv Event • Sunday Brunch, November 22, 2015: AJMA Israel Affairs Event, featuring Deputy Consul General Moran Birman and Miri Smerling • The wonderful 2015 FJMC Man of the Year Event, when we honored our very own Ken Weilerstein; • Our cooperative hosting of the Super Sunday Brunch, February 7, 2016, 2016 FJMC World Wide Wrap No one would ever believe it if we insisted that the Eagles could actually win against the New England Patriots at the Sunday, December 6, 2015 Annual Sports and Spirits Event! Only a true Miracle of Hannukah could ever realize such an unbelievable possibility. As long as the Hannukah candles continued burning, the Philadelphia Eagles seemed to continue to score, score, score. (It should be noted that once the candles burned out near the end of the game, the Eagles started to stumble but they somehow held on for dear life to secure the win.) Who could have asked for more?! Very special thanks go out to the Lieberman family for their phenomenal hosting of another exciting Men’s Association Sports and Spirits! • Quizzo has been rescheduled after the winter months for Sunday, April 17, 2016, as one of the most fun events of the year that you won’t want to miss. • Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) programming is presented by AJ Men’s Association with the help of the Yellow Candle Program on Wednesday, May 5, 2016. April 2, 2016 • 9:30 AM We will be providing a meaningful, participatory service, an interesting speaker, and an appetizing lunch. Stay tuned for weekly e-mail announcements over the next month in which we’ll provide more details and make specific requests for your participation in the service. AJMA Core Team Morey Smerling, President Sam Rosenberg, Treasurer and Budget Committee Chair Elon Kaplan, Immediate Past President Adam Lieberman, Club Programming Bob Dromboski, AJMA Keruv Programs • The date for our Spring AJMA Israel Affairs Event will be announced in the near future. We’ll screen Above and Beyond, the first major feature-length documentary about Jewish-American pilots who flew for Israel in the War of Independence. Ed Newman, Israel Affairs • AJ Men’s Association continues to help and coordinate staffing and assistance for holidays at AJ, at the AJ/Beth Sholom Players production and at the AJ Fundraiser. Lou Duarte, Club Programming and Photography • Our annual year-end extravaganza, Select Scotch and Best of Bourbon Event will take place on Thursday, June 9, 2016. Ed Moses, Club Marketing and Communications Ken Weilerstein, Religious Programs Larry McAfoos, Religious Programs Michael Goldberg, Club Programming Sheldon Smith, Club Hospitality Ted Radinsky, Special Advisor Attention Readers! SAVE THE DATE! The AJMA Men’s Association Shabbat All of our sensational programming is primarily possible due to your continued support through donations and membership to the Adath Jeshurun Men’s Association. Remember: Your Support Ensures Great AJMA Programs And A Greater AJ! Be a Men’s Association “MENSCH!” Please consider being a Men’s Association “MENSCH” by making an $18 contribution to Men’s Shabbat, one of our signature annual events. “Mensches” will be honored that day with their names listed in the program. In advance, the AJMA thanks you for your support. Please make checks payable to: Adath Jeshurun Men’s Association Attention: MEN’S SHABBAT 7763 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 Did a recent experience help you see things in a different way? Have you found a great web site that you find valuable in your Jewish life? We’d like to hear about it! If you have a topic that you think would be of interest to other congregants, let us know. Write a short article (emphasis on short!) about your experience for possible insertion into the Newsletter. Provide pictures if relevant. Writing should be conversational in 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. 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. march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 13 AJWA Sisterhood by Naomi Atkins and Amy Blum, Co-Presidents This event is proudly sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood. AJWA Sisterhood presents Miriam’s Circle An Evening of Israeli Food, Music and Dance Sunday, March 6 5:00 – 7:30 PM LOCATION: AJ’s Orleans Auditorium FEATURING: Israeli wines and light fare • Israeli Dancing led by adored instructor Frankie Mallis (no experience required!) • Henna* by crowd favorite Rashmi Everyone is invited! (non-AJers included) Walk-ins welcome. Questions? Contact Denise Portner at dhportner@comcast.net *Limited availability. First come, first served. Sign up at the event for a $10 additional fee. PRE-REGISTRATION FORM: Miriam’s Circle: An Evening of Israeli Food, Music and Dance Please return the form below with your payment to: AJWA Sisterhood • Miriam’s Circle • 7763 Old York Road • Elkins Park, PA 19027 Name(s) Phone #(s) Email(s) ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Are you registering separately as a non-AJ friend of an attending AJer? If so, who is the AJer?_______________________ Number of AJWA Sisterhood members attending __________ ($13.00 enclosed for each) Number of Non-Sisterhood members attending ___________ ($18.00 enclosed for each) Total amount enclosed $_______ (Checks are to be made payable to “AJWA Sisterhood.”) I need a ride! (If you wish to pay your $50 Sisterhood dues, please enclose a separate check with an attached note. Thanks.) Cost at the Door: $20 for everyone Think: Sunshine! Think: Birds Chirping! Think: NO SNOW! SAVE THE DATE for The Snowed-Out ‘n’ Rescheduled AJWA Sisterhood Shabbat… …Re-Deux! A different take on a favorite familiar theme! Friday evening, May 6, 2016 Kabbalat Shabbat and Fabulous Festive Feast: Kosher Comfort Featuring The Annette W. Black Memorial Lecture: Marissa B. Bluestine, Legal Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project Hope and Grace: Lessons I’ve Learned from the Convicted Innocent Want to be involved? Opportunities abound: Service Participants! Cooks! Helpers! Angels! Interested in participating in the service? Contact: Mindy Goldstein mwgoldst@comcast.net or Susan Novack susan@novack.net Wanna help prepare the feast? Cooking times TBA; Keep an eye out for details. Would you consider becoming a Shabbat Angel to support this very special program? Please send your check to AJWA Sisterhood Shabbat Angels, 7763 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027. Make checks payable to “AJWA Sisterhood” Organized and Led by the Magnificent Multi-Generational Melting Pot of Women of AJ with “Shabbat Angel Donation” on the memo line. Honoring all those who make a difference for our synagogue and beyond Please include your name, phone number and email address. Acknowledging our kind and generous Shabbat Angels THANK YOU to all of you who have already contributed. Welcoming the entire AJ community, family, and friends We simply could not do this without YOU and PLEASE PLAN TO JOIN US! we look forward to acknowledging you on May 6. Spread the word to everyone! 14 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News The deadline for 2015–2016 dues was December 31, 2015 but we will still accept your membership for the year! AJWA Sisterhood Dues 2015–2016 Please mail this form and your $50 dues contribution to: AJWA Sisterhood Dues • 7763 Old York Road • Elkins Park, PA 19027 Enclosed please find $50 for AJWA Sisterhood dues for 2015–2016 (make checks payable to “AJWA Sisterhood Dues”). I would also like to get involved in the tiniest or grandest way! Contact me. (Feel free to explain on a separate note.) Name ___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone #__________________________ Email_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ I have an idea for a program, event, outreach project, etc. Contact me. (Feel free to explain on a separate note.) AJWA Sisterhood Bulletin Board 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 above. • get fit • • get smart • Zumba® A high-energy dance exercise cardio workout set to exhilarating world music…Latin, Israeli, Middle Eastern, African and MORE! For ALL levels of ability! Taught by Esther Goldberg, Certified Zumba Instructor Monday evening class: 6:30 to 7:15 PM Wednesday evening class: 6:30 to 7:15 PM Now just $5 a class (no card needed)! Walk-ins are welcome. Yoga F ocusing on postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Guided relaxation and mini-massage at the conclusion of each class in a calm and peaceful setting. Welcoming all levels of ability and experience. Friday morning class: 10:00 to 11:00 AM $12 per class. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information on Zumba or yoga, contact Esther Goldberg at estthebest@verizon.net or 215.676.8685. CFAF* seeks FRIENDS *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. A guided discussion group held on designated Monday nights at 8:00 PM in the Braemer Auditorium. Reading of the book is required! Book Selections for Spring 2016 Sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood. Evening sessions: Sandy Basickes (215.782.8586) Daytime sessions: BonnieKay Marks (215.887.2142) Laurel House Shelter and Domestic Violence Services for Abused Women and Their Children Joshua: A Brooklyn Tale, by Andrew Kane May 2, 2016 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 to any AJWA Sisterhood event. Kosher Chinese: Living, Teaching, and Eating with China’s Other Billion, by Michael Levy June 20, 2016 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. Cooking at Ronald McDonald House Join us to prepare meals for families staying at the House on Sunday, April 3. Contact Judy Stutman Izes at 267.254.6633 or jpsizes@aol.com for more information. Fun in the kitchen and a terrific community service project! If you are interested in learning about creating Judaic hand crafts, come be a part of “Stitchers.” We are primarily stitchers, practitioners of the needle arts. No special experience is necessary. New learners are welcome. Information: Dr. Rita C. Altman, 215.627.4698 or altmanrc1@verizon.net. Cook For A Friend meets once a month on a weekday evening and once a month on a weekday morning. The Mathematician’s Shiva , by Stuart Rojstaczer March 14, 2016 STITCHERS! Wednesday mornings, AJ Library, 10:00 AM to noon • give to others • Please join us on Sunday, April 3, as we prepare and serve dinner at The Ronald McDonald House at Front Street and Erie Avenue in Philadelphia. The Ronald McDonald House serves as a home away from home for families of critically ill children receiving treatment at local hospitals. We will be cooking and serving dinner to those families. DATE: Sunday, April 3 TIME: 4:30 PM This event is open to all ages, and would be a fun community service project for pre-teens and young adults. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone! Please contact Judy Stutman Izes at 267.254.6633 or jpsizes@aol.com to volunteer, for carpool info, or to get information about our next visit to The Ronald McDonald House. This program is lovingly sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood. (at the House) march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 15 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 Family Simchas Adam Elliot Schwartz, great-grandson of our member Nona Levin Abrams January 4, 2016 Emily Joy Waller, granddaughter of our members Pam and Joe Yohlin January 18, 2016 Benjamin Shemtov, son of Scott and Alison Shemtov and grandson of Dr. Michael and Barbara Cooperman January 29, 2016 Deaths James Kutsubos, husband of Linda Kutsubos January 11, 2016 Albert Scott, father of Barbara Levin January 20, 2016 Sarah Masters, granddaughter of Carol Shackmaster, became a Bat Mitzvah on February 6, 2016. Honors and Achievements Roberta D. Liebenberg has been named to the Board of the Directors of the American Antitrust Institute, a national research, education and advocacy organization. March Milestone Anniversaries 20 YEARS • Philip and Bonnie Witman..................March 24, 1996 Alan Slotkin, father of Barry Slotkin and Bonnie Leibovitz January 23, 2016 Toby Ravitch, father of Joel (Michelle) Ravitch February 2, 2016 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. Kol HaKavod to Our January Torah and Haftarah Readers Robert Dromboski Isabelle Duarte Dr. Allan Freedman Robert Friedman Hazzan Glantz Mindy Goldstein Dr. Elon Kaplan Matthias Langer Maya Langer Susan Novack Elaine Stewart Dr. Ed Strauss Ari Sussman Attention all moms! JOIN US FOR A BOOK LAUNCH PARTY! Come out to mingle with other moms and meet local mother/daughter team, Judy Brown (AJ Administrative Assistant) and Jodi Silverman, creators and co-authors of You’re On Your Own, NOW WHAT? You’re On Your Own, NOW WHAT? Tips and Wisdom from Mom is a part guide, part journal for moms and their college-bound kids. It allows them to personalize the journal by filling in their own advice and strategies regarding everything from health, to laundry, to cleaning to cooking! It is a unique and creative tool to help moms impart their love and wisdom in a tangible and practical way, which empowers both them and their kids as they adjust to their new roles and life stages. Refreshments! • Wine! • Raffles! Very special thanks to Dulce, owner of Sorelle Hair Studio, who has generously offered her space for our book launch. 16 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News WHEN AND WHERE: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Sorelle Hair Studio 520 Limekiln Pike Maple Glen, PA 19002 (267) 470-4964 Bikkur Holim WHEN AND WHERE: The Wings of Healing Tuesday, April 12, 2016 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Give healing wings. Please let us know if you, a Salon Sorelle family member,520orLimekiln a fellowPike congregant is ill or hospitalized. A call to the office will ensure Maple Glen, PA 19002 that the rabbi, cantor and volunteer leadership can follow up with visits, calls (267) 470-4964 and healing prayers from the bima. Take a moment and Very special thanks to Dulce, keep owner us informed. Call Rabbi at 215.635.6611, of Sorelle, who Rosenbloom has her space or generously email him offered at rabbirosenbloom@adathjeshurun.info. for ourput book launch. When emailing, “Illness Notification” in the subject line. Refreshments! 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: FEBRUARY 28, 2016 to MARCH 5, 2016 19 Adar I 5776 to 25 Adar I 5776 To be read on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 Avram G. Adler Sylvia Alloy Alexander A. Aron Jennie Baruch Jennie Benjamin Milton Berger Gerson Blankfield Morris J. Blitz Margaret Boehm Harry E. Chamow Ethel R. Chernicoff Moses Cohen Ada Davidoff Lena G. Dean Herbert A. Demchick Benjamin F. Dolfman Dr. Nettie Solomon Edeiken Susan Elaine Edelman Joseph Friedman Zelda Glauser Rachel Goldberg Esther Goldman Robert D. Goldman Lewis Gordon Mildred F. Halin Rose Heimerling Esther Hertzfeld Bessie Hunn Carrie Isenberg Emma Garfield Israel Gertrude Kancher William Keiser Evelyn Kiner David Koppelman Annie Levin Moses Marcus Judith Markowitz Betty Mason Annie Maxman Louis Meyerhoff Harvey Nevler Rose Nitzberg Charles N. Oberfield Florence Oberfield Harriet Panitch Frances S. Pincus A. Lois Remstein Max Rosen Samuel Rosenbaum Sarah Rosenthal Dr. Robert W. Rubin Bernard Sacks Carrie Blumenthal Saltzman Sarah Schiff Dorothy Schlesinger Herman Schwartz Dorothy Katz Seidel Anna Shalevetz Sol Shore Harry Sigel Nathan Smith Anna R. Sobel Samuel A. Sopenoff Barbara M. Steinberg Howard Stern Selma Strauss Dora Warren Nelson Wax Samuel Weber Pauline Weinberg Pauline Weitzenkorn Isadore Witkin Dr. Sidney M. Wolfe Rickie Wollenberger MARCH 6, 2016 to MARCH 12, 2016 25 Adar I 5776 to 2 Adar II 5776 To be read on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 Simon Klein Matilda B. Krupnick Frank Leon Gustav Levi Rose Meadow Levinson Stella Levy David E. Lewis Marcus M. Lyons Beth Cravitz Manusov Rhonda J. Moomjian Lillian Moore-Katz Simon Mustokoff Florence Platt Sima Robinson Adolph L. Rosenberg Lewis Morris Rosenberg Sarah Winkelman Salvin Alexander Schupler Charles S. Simon Morris Steinberg Isadore Strauss Nettie Subin Nathan S. Taksey Rose Waxman Louis Weiss Israel Werner Dr. Rose B. Wohl Max Wurzel Rabbi Leon Album Franklin G. Banks Laurie Hope Beechman Dr. Donald Berkowitz Philip Blum Isadore M. Brody Rebecca Charny Max E. Cohen Milton Abraham Dauber George J. Dishler Norman Dissin Abe Felix Joseph Fine Maurice Fisher Abraham L. Ginsberg Nettie Goodman Mollie Grant Alexander Green Leonard A. Green Benjamin Greenstein Cantor Alexander Gross Ida Haber Frances Hirsch Nathan Hoffman Dorothy Jacobson David Jaffe Yetta Katzner Bena Strauss Kellert MARCH 13, 2016 to MARCH 19, 2016 3 Adar II 5776 to 9 Adar II 5776 To be read on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 Gayle Mindy Arost Sima Blank Samuel Cohen Milton Robert Edelman Sarah Ellman Bernhard Feigenbaum Simon L. Garfinkel Benjamin Loewenstein Ginns Rose Gorchov Richard Gross Stephanie Gitlow Hanly Mary Jaffe Minnie Price Jaffe Morris Kauffman Rebecca Kauffman Lesser Kohn Sandor Lederer Tillie Loeb Clara Lowenstein Jettchen Lowenstein Paul B. Lurch Esther Mayer Benjamin Merow Isaac Nathans Jay Oberfield Dora Wolff Orlick Samuel Pearlstein Benjamin Perlman Reuben Pollock Sarah Jane Price Pauline Rosenberger Abraham Saltzman Leah Schepp Sonia Schwartz Samuel Silow Steven H. Starr Harry H. Vederman Martin J. Vigderman Israel Weiner Herman Zerden MARCH 20, 2016 to MARCH 26, 2016 10 Adar II 5776 to 16 Adar II 5776 To be read on Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26 Nancy Sivitz Albertson Isaac Alkus Fleurette Blum Fred Brod Pearl B. Cohen Sidney H. Damsker Gerson Dannenberg Harry Farber Lewis Feld Lionel Felzer Lillian Freeman Mitchell Glick Meyer H. Gradwohl Abraham Green Abraham J. Hirsch Samuel Hirsch Louis Hoffman Flora Hyman Rose Jacobs Ida Karabell Ted Kellem Lena Klein Minna Daniel Klein Rose Leidner Abraham L. Levi Moses Price Morris D. Rose Michael Rosenfelt Jennie Saft Sharon J. Silver Samuel J. Simon Betty Slotnick Evelyn R. S. Steinberg Lucien M. Stern Leah Zimmerman Taylor Rae Z. Weinberg MARCH 27, 2016 to APRIL 2, 2016 17 Adar II 5776 to 23 Adar II 5776 To be read on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2 Louis F. Anathan Doris Dannenhirsh Beshunsky Hattie Mitchell Brav Miriam Chacker Celia Dannenhirsch Dr. Abraham George Dinenberg Gussie Engel Saul Finestone Albert Joseph Fuller Bessie Garfield Gustav Heidelberger Dr. Michael Scott Kane Maurice A. Kendall Hyman Kibrick Leon Kimmelman Michael Kosmin Herman Krupnick Bella Leidner Rosalie Ulm Leowenheart Samuel Levi Betsey Marcus Claire B. Marmon Rachel Newmayer Harry Norvick Shirley Price Rosa Rosenberg Rabbi Yaakov G. Rosenberg Isaac Samuel Herman Senet Jeannette Sams Shapiro Marcus Sonnenfeld Annie Kass Spector Marie Stern Stanley L. Stern Esther R. Suzmer Howard Mitchell Tracer Max M. Waxman J. Irving Weinberg Anna Zitin march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 17 vcr vsu, Thank you for your generous donations to our synagogue funds Memorial Fund Sidney Abrams Debby Strauss Helen Aisenstein Allen and Bettyruth Aisenstein Marvin D. Alloy Sandra M. Alloy Seth Richard (Rick) Arkans Florence Arkans Leonard Bee Claire B. Stup, Merril Stup, and Leslie Sokolow Carol Bregman Stephen H. Davidoff for the 1953 AJ Confirmation Class Katharine and Benjamin Buchsbaum Jean Meyers Mollie Butler Loretta Katz Selma Corn Holly Corn Robert and Deborah Corn Ethel Dogole Fred Braemer Benjamin Dresnin Ed Dresnin Michael Barak Drill Cantor Deborah Arden Stern Samuel Eisenberg Howard Eisenberg Mary Fair Estelle Brand Anna Feld Bob Feld Betty Freedman Barbara and Mickey Black Bernice F. Friedmann Jo Friedmann Manicinelli Stanley Gershman Howard Gershman Louis Gluck Philip and Joanne Gluck Hilda Goldiner Lonnie and Paula Goldiner Freida Goldstein Edward Goldstein Ruth Goldstein Max Nitzberg Samuel H. Goldstein Rita Nitzberg Morton Goren Debra Karsif Samuel Hess JoAnn Caplan Joan Jacobson Benjamin Jacobson Harry Kaleck Benjamin Jacobson Elliot Kane Nona Levin Abrams Gary Charlestein Sheva Cohen Stephen and Rochelle Davidoff Murry and Shirley Levyn Al and Sandy Nadel Gerry Rudman Linda Taplinger Phyllis Weber and Stan Oswald Denise and Jeff Portner Frances Katz Carlyn Gases Ida Kirschbaum Charles Kirschbaum Raymond Klein Stephen Klein Warren Howard Klein Stephen Klein Frances Judith Kleinman Natalie Isser Making Donations to AJ’s Funds Joy Fund Memorial Fund Education Fund Library Fund Hazzan’s Discretionary Fund Morning Minyan Breakfast Fund Volunteer Chorus 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. 18 Congregation Adath Jeshurun News Maximillian J. and Tibie Klinger Star Weiss Fanny Lazar Doris Lazar Nathan S. and Rose B. Lepoff Ron and Dorothy Lepoff Mayer Levine Helen Schneeberg Sara Fanny Levine Helen Schneeberg Rose Lichtenstein Estelle Brand Anita Lipschutz Gloria Lipschutz Sonya Lubar Florence Arkans Fay Luterman Rene Smith and Kevin Coopersmith Alam Margolis Sandra M. Alloy Ruth Krouse Margolis Sandra M. Alloy Samuel Margolis Elise Miller Samuel N. Markowich Judy and Chuck Lyons Mike and Nancy Markowich Michelle Mergamen The AJ Mah Jongg Group Anna Paller Ruth Strauss Jack Paller Ruth Strauss Milton “Mickey” Pasternack Roslyn Pasternack and Family Sophie Chffas Pasternack Lisa Pasternack Sondra Pasternack Bella A. Paul Mary and Joseph Katz Harry Presser Lillian Bycer Shirley Rosenberg Barbara and Bobby Lewis Jennifer Sack Pam and Joe Yohlin Lillian Salkovitz Sidney Salkovitz Irving Salus Edina and Alan Lessack Pearl Saperstein Sharon Masarsky Samuel Schleifer Frances Schleifer Audrey Schmerling Neil and Karen Schmerling Paul Sheffler Karen Wohl and Walt Sheffler Mary Sherman Morrissa Peisach Miriam Shigon Aviva Shigon Jaffee Shirley Shrager AJWA Sisterhood The Black Family Gwenn Bornstein Sheva Cohen Stephen and Rochelle Davidoff Elmer and Lillian Friedman Michael, Sandra, Emily, David and Samantha Goldberg Leslie and Alan Grodnitsky Janet and Harris Lewin Barbara and Bob Lewis Arnold Lurie and Patricia LePena Sue Myers Al and Sandy Nadel Marcy Nadel Gerry Rudman Nettie Schnapp Susan and Paul Steerman Linda Taplinger Charlie, Sonnie and Neil Wise Karen, Stuart, Shari and Alyssa Wohl Elaine Silverman The Black Family Allan Freedman Fannie Sitron Mel Mason Harry Sloan Steve Strauss Jennie Sloan Steve Strauss Robert Stanek Marjorie Stanek David Starr Susan F. Starr Dora Stern Arthur Stern David Strauss Steve Strauss Helene Strauss Ruth Strauss Henry Strauss Ruth Strauss Evelyn Strongin Ruth Strauss Selma Sulkes Florence Arkans Meyer Tartasky Donna S. Tartasky Ida Tenor Joy Fish Jerome Udell Evy and Joel Udell Gertrude and Shep Waldman Ruth Schultz Isadore Weiss Rena Weiss Louis Wilf Esther Braun Charles Wisneski Marsha Eisenberg David A. Wolowitz Marvin Black Milton and Beatrice F. Young Philip Goldentyer Joy Fund Nona Levin Abrams In honor of the birth of Adam Elliot Schwartz Barbara and Mickey Black Phyllis Weber and Stan Oswald Nona Levin Abrams In honor and gratitude for the births of your great-grandchildren Gladys Shubin David Axelrod In honor of the anniversary of your Bar Mitzvah Nettie Schnapp Helen Schneeberg Charlotte Britchkow For a speedy recovery Sharon and Ed Masarsky Harvey and Joyce Simmens Hal and Barbara Cobert In honor of the birth of your grandson, Benjamin Shay Barbara and Bobby Lewis Al and Sandy Nadel Marcy Nadel Saul and Shelley Reibstein Harriet Sigel Lana and Bernie Dishler In honor of your grandson Ethan Daniel Bernstein’s Bar Mitzvah Beth and Jerry Frezel Rickey and Steve Goodman Eric and Stefanie Fine Best wishes on your special anniversary Irene and Steve Blumenfeld Gwen and Marty Freedman In honor of your new home Barbara and Mickey Black Robert Friedman In honor of Robert Friedman Day Nettie Schnapp Helen Schneeberg Carlyn Gases In honor of the birth of your great granddaughter, Rebecca Chana Gladys Steinslofer Terry and Patty LaBan Thanks for years of Edge City Marcy Nadel Harris and Janet Lewin In honor of your new granddaughter, Madison Alexa Harriet Sigel Rabbi Simeon Maslin In appreciation of my aliyah Al and Sandy Nadel Mazal tov on your wedding The Black Family Penny Parker In honor of your new great granddaughter, Maddison Alexa Harriet Sigel David and Viki Pashman Mazel tov on the birth of your grandson, Sam Benjamin Pashman Harriet Sigel Carol Shackmaster In honor of my aliyah Carol Shackmaster In honor of your granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah Thelma Linder Jack Stecki In appreciation of my aliyah Ken Weilerstein In honor of receiving Man of the Year award Harriet Sigel Pam and Joe Yohlin In honor of the birth of granddaughter, Emily Joy The Black Family Anne and Steve Fassler Rickey and Steve Goodman Murry and Shirley Levyn Barbara and Bobby Lewis Al and Sandy Nadel Shelley and Saul Reibstein Education Fund In MEMORY Of Edwin Berkowitz Ruth Rose and Family Shirley Shrager Lois and Martin Bachman Judy and Merrill Brown Fredi and Harry Cooper Barbara and Mike Cooperman Mindy and Stephen Goldstein and Family Tracy, Yoni and Omari Greenbaum Your Friends at JQuest B’Yachad Brenda, Mike, Dan and Matt Kaufman Sarah, Rick, Jacob and Carly Morrison Judy and Sam Rosenberg Mark and Bernice Schwartz Harriet Sigel Amy, Josh and Jake Stretch Evelyn Swarttz Hillary and Raul Walter and Family Marcia Webber Violet and Richard Zeitlin Laurie and Harry Ziontz and Family In HONOR Of Allan Marmon Thank you for officiating at Shiva Barbara Portnoff and Family Ken Weilerstein In honor of receiving AJ’s MAR-FJMC Man of the Year Brenda and Michael Kaufman Minyan Fund In MEMORY Of Al Finestone Diana Kanoff and Family Elliot Kane Mindy and Stephen Goldstein Diana Kanoff Yaira Shapiro Hazzan Howard K. Glantz Discretionary Fund In MEMORY Of Dr. John Shanken-Kaye Francine and Bruce Levin Jennifer Sack Gail and Mark Schwartz Shirley Shrager Rene and Mort Stein Rena Weiss Naomi Vigderman Rena Weizer Weiss In HONOR Of Ruth Genter Refuah Shleimah to your father Barbara and Mickey Black Hazzan Glantz In honor of your guidance and inspiration Howard Izes Hazzan Glantz For courtesies extended The Selbst Family Rebecca Izes In honor of your Bat Mitzvah Maxine and Asher Stutman David and Viki Pashman In honor of the birth of your grandson, Sam Carole and Ozzie Ozeroff Norma L. Shapiro With thanks Ruth Lipschutz Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund In HONOR Of Brenda and Hal Mann Mazel tov on birth of granddaughter, Mina Tatiana Weiss Rhea and Alvin Applebaum PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS www.phillybris.com 267-217-BABY(2229) hglantz@gmail.com For advertising rates, call 215.635.6611 march 2016 • adar I/adar II 5776 19 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 March 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 APRIL 2016 NEWSLETTER MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 29, 2016. Upcoming Newsletter Deadlines: April 2016 > February 29, 2016 May/June 2016 > March 31, 2016 July/August 2016 > May 31, 2016 In partnership with: Kehillah of and Old York Road KEHILLAH Purim Carnival at Keneseth Israel 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park Sunday, March 20 Preschool Admission General Admission 11:15 AM 12:00 – 2:00 PM Fun, Fun, Fun! • Games • Moon bounces • Face painting • Raffles • Prizes • Preschool activities • Inclusion area available • Alex’s Lemonade Stand • Kosher food and hamantashen for sale “All-play” wristband for ages 2 to 12: $10 in advance • $15 at the door • Free for adults To sign up and purchase in advance, contact AJ’s office. Games, food, and prizes for all ages! Costume Parade! Hamantashen Eating Contests!