Activities

Many of these activities have been suspended due to COVID-19, but we hope they'll be back soon!

Below are just some of the activities that our congregants regularly enjoy at AJ. All of those marked with an asterisk (*) are sponsored by AJWA Sisterhood.

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO SHABBAS?
“Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas” is a program that partners congregants with one another for Shabbat dinners in their own homes. We ask interested congregants to host a dinner in their home and to invite one or two other synagogue families they would like to get to know. We provide all hosts with a Shabbas bag containing a brochure with all the Shabbat brachot, a challah, and some other goodies. In addition to a delicious and meaningful Shabbas meal, all hosts and guests will be called for an aliyah on Shabbat morning. So don’t be shy. Let us know if you can host! Or let us know if you want to be a Shabbat guest and we’ll set you up with a host. We want more of us to get to know one another outside the walls of the synagogue. Send us an email for more information at AJGuessWhoShabbas@gmail.com.

MAH JONGG
Do you play mah jongg or want to learn? Join a sociable weekly game with women of all ages and all skill levels. It costs just $1.00 to play each week. AJ’s mah jongg club meets most Wednesday mornings in Room 10 from 9:00 AM to noon.

ROBYN ORODENKER BOOK CLUB*
The Robyn Orodenker Book Club, named after a long-time member, is sponsored by the AJWA Sisterhood. The group meets about once each month on Monday nights at 7:45 PM.

STITCHERS CLUB*
If you are interested in learning about creating Judaic handcrafts, become be a part of “Stitchers.” They are primarily stitchers, practitioners of the needle arts. No special experience is necessary; new learners are always welcome. The Stitchers Club meets in the AJ library every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to noon. Need more information? Contact Dr. Rita C. Altman at altmanrc1@verizon.net or call 215.627.4698. 
>>>Pictured: some of the Stitchers model their handmade tallitot.

COLLEGE CONNECTIONS*
Connection to AJ doesn’t have to stop for our children when they move from high school to college! Our College Connection program provides a touch of home. Children (of members only) enrolled in the program receive the monthly AJ newsletter and holiday packages sent to their school. For more information, or to enroll your child, contact Karen Moses at karedlon@aol.com.

COOK FOR A FRIEND*
AJ has been participating in the Cook for a Friend program for over 30 years. Meals are cooked,  packaged and distributed from the JCC - Klein branch. Recipients of the meals are generally elderly people, living independently but needing assistance with shopping and meal preparation. AJ has three Cook for a Friend groups each month; two on Monday evenings, and one on Tuesday mornings. Helpful hands are always appreciated for a variety of tasks. No particular cooking skills required. Contact  Sue at 215.680.7112 or azuresue@aol.com for information about the group. 

LAUREL HOUSE*
Laurel House is a temporary safe haven residence for women and children who have escaped abusive living situations. The residence, located in Montgomery County, is in need of such items as Walmart giftcards, diapers, cell phones, car seats, trash bags, juice boxes, and boxed side dishes (mashed potatoes, rice, etc). Goods collected are delivered to the shelter several times a year. If you have any questions, please email Lorna Rosenberg at lsrosenberg28@gmail.com. 

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE*
Approximately three times each year, AJ congregants become guest chefs at the Ronald McDonald House at Front Street and Erie Avenue in Philadelphia. The meals are lovingly sponsored by the AJWA Sisterhood. The Ronald McDonald House serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. The Ronald McDonald House guests greatly appreciate the meals and the opportunity to sit, relax, and eat with family and other guests. It is a terrific opportunity to participate in a meaningful community service project and to bond with fellow AJers. Please contact Judy Stutman Izes at 267.254.6633 or jpsizes@aol.com to volunteer. 

HELEN FOX SEMI-ANNUAL CLOTHING DRIVE*
Twice a year, in fall and spring, AJ mounts a clothing drive to collect lightly used clothing, linens, and shoes for charity. Bring your unwanted items to AJ during the clothing drive week and they will be picked up by a philanthropic group. To find out when the next clothing drive is being held, call the synagogue at 215.635.6611. 

AJ RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Three or four times per year, AJ welcomes the Red Cross to collect blood. Contact the AJ office at 215.635.6611 or the Red Cross website to see when the next drive is being held.