Come to a Hamantaschen backing party in the Agudas Achim Congregation kitchen on Sunday, February 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take some home, leave some for the Purim Carnival! Ages 13 and up.

The month of February is sale time at the AAC Gift Shop. Need a tallis or tefillin? 10% off! Need something else? Most everything else is 20% off. Special orders are not included in the sale.

Young Families are invited to join the Preschool “Pajama Day” celebration on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 10:15-11:00 AM in the Lainof Auditorium when one-man band sensation Peter McCory will join us for the “Happiest, Toe-tappingest Music on the Planet!”

Please feel free to wear your PJs! (All of our preschoolers and staff will be in theirs!)

In conjunction with our “celebration,” we are collecting new pajamas and new books to donate to the “Pajama Program” which distributes warm sleepwear and nurturing books to children in need. A collection box is in the lobby.

Please call Preschool Director Sue Keitelman, 703-998-6072, for more information.

Agudas Achim Congregation presents a very special concert featuring the music of Ein Lanu Z’man, our congregation’s in-house band on Sunday, March 18, 2012.

The band will share music from their first CD: “Ein Lanu Z’man: We Have No Time.” Jewish music of all kinds is highlighted on this album – from Yiddish, Ladino and Yemenite folk songs to contemporary settings of Jewish prayer to classic Israeli favorites.

Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey directs this talented group of musicians featuring piano, guitar, bass, violin, viola, mandolin, percussion, English concertina, and the voice. Following the concert, schmooze with the performers and enjoy some light snacks at the after-show reception introducing a live performance by the Rodger French Trio.

Tickets are $25/each or $20 in advance. Sponsors are $136 which includes two tickets. All sponsors will receive their own copy of the CD.

What: AAC Concert featuring Ein Lan Z’man.
When: Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Agudas Achim Congregation (2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA).
Cost: $25

For more information or to order by phone, contact the Agudas Achim office at 703-998-6460 or emaileinlanuzman@gmail.com.

Agudas Achim Congregation Snow Closure Policy

• Special programs and activities scheduled to take place in the building are cancelled. Congregants having emerge
• Morning and evening minyanim are cancelled.
• Religious School and Adult Education classes are cancelled.
• The synagogue office is closed. Congregants should assume that appointments with professional staff members are cancelled.
• Congregants having emergencies should call the emergency phone number, rather than calling the office.

• Morning minyan is cancelled, but evening minyan will take place at its normal time.
• The synagogue office will open at its usual time. Congregants’ appointments with professional staff members will take place as scheduled.
• Religious School and adult education classes will take place as scheduled.
• Special programs and activities scheduled in the synagogue building will take place as planned.

• Evening minyan is cancelled.
• The synagogue office will remain open until its normal closing time, subject to the Executive Director’s discretion.
• Religious School and adult education classes are cancelled.
• Afternoon and evening activities scheduled for the synagogue are cancelled.

1. Shabbat services, both evening and morning, will take place as scheduled.

2. As streets and parking lots will not be plowed, congregants should not plan to drive to the synagogue. Those opting to walk should carefully consider personal safety and their health, as sidewalks in and around the synagogue will likely not be cleared.

3. If Alexandria City School Saturday activities are cancelled, there will be no Shabbat morning religious school programs.

1. The Education Director will make the decision to hold or to cancel Religious School classes.

2. If Religious School is closed, morning and evening minyanim are cancelled.

3. If Religious School is closed, afternoon youth programs and other special activities scheduled at the synagogue are also cancelled.

The Rabbi, in consultation with the involved family and the Executive Director, will determine whether to proceed with life-cycle events affected by snow closures. If the Rabbi is away, the Hazzan will assume this responsibility.

*Note: ABC, CBS and NBC TV broadcast closures of the Alexandria City Public Schools, as does WTOP radio (can add other radio stations broadcasting closures, if desired). ACPS also posts closure information on its website, www.acps.k12.va.us.
Adopted by the Board of Directors: 10/20/10

Join us for a Shabbat Dinner on Friday, January 27th, following Kabbalat Shabbat Services. Click here to make your reservations and for more details. Our menu will be Eggplant Parmesan, Polenta, Garlic Bread, Salad, and Dessert (if your child would prefer Macaroni and Cheese, please select the appropriate option when you RSVP).

Agudas Achim Preschool registration begins Wednesday, February 1st. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like a registration packet emailed to you, please contact Sue Keitelman, the Preschool director, at preschool@agudasachim-va.org or call 703-998-6072. We are happy to arrange tours of the school as well.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to put on Tefilin or need a refresher course on how to put it on?

Join the Men’s Club on Sunday, February 5, 10 a.m. for its famous Sunday morning brunch followed by a program of instruction on how to put on Tefilin.

This program is open to all, male or female. One of the major programs of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs is to encourage and increase the wearing of Tefilin by Conservative Jewry.

Before you settle down in the evening for the “Super Bowl,” join us for a great breakfast, some shmoozing and worthwhile instruction in performing one of the major Mitzvahs of Judaism.

For further information, contact Jack Berman at 703-519-0764 or at  mayimchayim36@verizon.net.

Alexandria City Public Schools will have a 2-hour delayed opening on Monday, January 23 due to expected inclement weather.

The Agudas Achim Congregation Snow Policy reads as follows:

If the Alexandria City Public Schools have a delayed opening:

• Morning minyan is cancelled, but evening minyan will take place at its normal time.
• The synagogue office will open at its usual time. Congregants’ appointments with professional staff members will take place as scheduled.
• Religious School and adult education classes will take place as scheduled.
• Special programs and activities scheduled in the synagogue building will take place as planned.

On March 25, 2011, our Social Hall will be transformed into a Salsa dance floor! Martin Zuñiga and His Eight-Piece Band will provide music for the salsa enthusiasts and lessons for newbies. Learn how you can join the party.

On Saturday night, February 4, 2012, Agudas Achim Congregation will present another Hamavdil concert – a concert celebrating the separation between Shabbat and the rest of the week.

Our in-house band, Ein Lanu Z’man, will explore traditional Jewish music, contemporary settings of our liturgy, as well as secular Hebrew melodies, including some of our favorite modern Israeli songs. Please join us for this lovely evening of music.

The concert is free, although donations are encouraged.

Time: 7:15 p.m., Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.

For more information, please call the office at 703-998-6460 or email einlanuzman@gmail.com.

Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm. An expert from the Curious Grape in Shirlington will be pouring and describing an exciting variety of Kosher wines, while also offering pairings with fine cheeses and delicious chocolates.

Enjoy a mid-winter break with friends, as the relaxed format will afford plenty of time to socialize.

Cost: $36/person. Proceeds to benefit the Agudas Achim Religious School.

For reservations and further information, please click here  or contact Tracy Soforenko @ Tracy.Soforenko@verizon.net.

Reservations are due no later than Friday, February 24, 2012 at noon. Savor the four glasses of wine at your Seder and throughout the year!

Preschool parents and friends of Agudas Achim Congregation are invited to “Shmooze and Shmear” (sit a spell, have a nosh, chat with other parents) with Ivy Weitzner, JSSA liaison, in her monthly presentation at AAC.

The date and topic for February is:

• Wednesday, February 22: 9:15-10:30 AM: Teaching Your Preschooler about Death (Founder’s Gallery)

This is a free, informal presentation.

For more information, contact Preschool Director Sue Keitelman, 703-998-6072.

Here is a photo slideshow of the dedication of the Schiff Family Terrace at Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria, Virginia on December 11, 2011. The Terrace includes a meditation wall, which was built by Ben Richer as part of his Eagle Scout project. The base of the wall incorporates cobblestones from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Photos by Sam Backman and Miriam Lomaskin.

See also:

• Video of the ceremony
• Article in Washington Jewish Week

Here is video of the dedication of the Schiff Family Terrace at Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria, Virginia on December 11, 2011. The Terrace includes a meditation wall, which was built by Ben Richer as part of his Eagle Scout project. The base of the wall incorporates cobblestones from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Videography was provided by Cliff Braverman.

The program featured musical selections by the Agudas Achim Religious School children, a solo performance by singer Arielle Green, and an original poem read by Jackie Jules.

The program featured comments by Rabbi Jack Moline and Holocaust survivor Charlene Schiff. Jeffrey Eisenberg, president of Agudas Achim Congregation read “The Paratroopers Cry,” a poem by Israeli poet Chaim Chefer. Bob Meyers, senior vice president of the synagogue, recognized survivors in attendance and in the congregation and their families.

Witold Dzielski, first secretary, Political Section, Embassy of Poland, as well as Noam Katz, minister of public diplomacy, Embassy of Israel, also attended the ceremony and spoke about the importance of the terrace as a way to remember the tragedies of the Holocaust and celebrate the triumphs of the creation of Israel.

See also:

• Photos of the ceremony
• Article in Washington Jewish Week.

Rabbi Moline’s Tuesday morning class resumes in January, and newcomers are invited. Having completed the multi-year study of Pirkei Avot, we will now begin discussion of the Book of Proverbs and selections from the writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel. No prior experience is needed; texts and discussions are in English (Hebrew provided for Proverbs). Class meets between 9:30 to 10:30. Class will not meet on February 14 or 21. (Occasionally, class is canceled. If you are planning to drop in, please call ahead to be certain it is meeting.)

On Saturday, January 21 we will be celebrating Women’s League Shabbat. Each year, the members of affiliated sisterhoods commemorate the 1918 founding of Women’s League by Mathilde Schechter with a special Shabbat service. Also, join Sisterhood in our annual collection of toys and other needed items for Children’s Hospital. Baskets for collecting these contributions are in the synagogue lobby. The Hospital maintains a Wish List of most desired items: http://www.childrensnational.org/GetInvolved/DonatePatientFamilies/wishl\ist.aspx .

January 22, 2012 at 9:30 AM (note time change from 2:00 PM)
Moran Stern, distinguished graduate of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at The Johns Hopkins University and now teaching at Georgetown, and Professor Karim Mezran, who teaches at SAIS, will collaborate to deliver a seminar on the New Middle East Neighborhood and theTurkey/Israel relationship in it. Meet in the Lainof Auditorium

January 26, 2012 at 7:30 PM
Dr. Louis Newman, professor of religion and scholar of Jewish ethics at Carleton College, and the author of the recently published Repentance: The Meaning and Practice of Teshuvah (Jewish Lights, 2010), will address us on the topic “Being Responsible for Others: If Not You, Then Who?”
What should we do when we see others in our community engaging in unethical or immoral behavior? To what extent are we responsible for their misdeeds and what is the most effective way to intervene?

Tuesday, January 10, 2012
ATTENTION SENIORS!
Join us for our Seniors’ Get-Together on Tuesday, January 10, when our guest speaker, Edward Zetlin, attorney specializing in elder law, will tell us everything we need to know about advance decision making. Mr. Zetlin will answer any questions we may have, so please come with thoughts for discussion, and ready to take notes. This can be a subject we would prefer to avoid, but talking about our options and being prepared can be looked upon as a “gift” to our families. We often talk about “not wanting to be a burden.” This program may provide us with some of the necessary steps to take now.
Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon in the Lainof Auditorium at Agudas Achim, followed by our program. Please extend this invitation to all our senior Agudas Achim members, and as always, we invite the members of the JCCNV Active Retirees to join us. Don’t forget to RSVP to Mickey Lazarus, or Sharyn Tureck. We try to arrange transportation when needed. Make sure your calendars are marked for the rest of the 2011-2012 year: March 13 and May 15.