What's Happening at a Glance
Social Events & Membership
Annual Meeting, Sunday, May 6
Sunday School returns April 15
Yom Tikkun Olam: ALL THE DETAILS!
Teacher Appreciation Day, Sunday, April 29
Teen advisory board, Sunday, April 15
Teen service, Friday, April 20
Bikur Cholim: Learn how to visit the sick
Call for Volunteers
We need help building a new Shir Hadash website
Call for Volunteers
We need help building a new Shir Hadash website
Commemorate Yom Hashoah on Wednesday, April 18
New Genetic Education and Screening Program
Social Events & Membership
Annual Meeting May 6
Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 6, at 9:45 a.m. at Chicagoland Jewish High School (next door to Hellenic American Academy, Sunday School location). May 6 is the last day of Sunday School. We'll be reviewing the budget for next year and voting on several board positions. Like many congregations, we too have felt the same challenges that our members have faced with the slow recovery of our economy. We are planning on dedicating part of the board to address this issue head-on next year. 
We are introducing a restructuring of the board to improve our ability to grow our membership and enhance fundraising. The board also recognized the need to streamline our governing structure, improve communications with our committees and staff, and provide better focus. The new board will be divided into three areas to better leverage the skills and experience from our current and future board members. These areas are:
- Governance: Policy, Bylaws, and Budget Oversight; five members, quarterly meetings
- Programming: Program Development, Delivery, and Comm; four members, monthly meeting
- Sustainability: Fundraising & Outreach (Growth); four members, as needed meetings
If you are interested in a Board position or for more information, please talk to Jeffrey Wallk at jeffrey.wallk@gmail.com or Fred Andes at fredric.andes@btlaw.com as soon as possible. Come and help us make a quorum, meet the Board, and ask questions!
May Book Club
The May book club meeting will be held on Monday, May 14 (tentative), at Susan Grossman's home in Highland Park. We will be reading Drawing in the Dust by Zoe Klein. RSVP to Meryl at abenkras@aol.com (preferred) or (847) 509-0377. Please tell your friends about it! This event is not exclusive to Shir Hadash. It is open men and women alike.
Looking for Three Families to Host a Tea
The tea will be an evening event during which the rabbi will teach and lead a discussion about a theme of Reconstruc-tionist values and/or thought that is very relevant to our contemporary Jewish lives. The host will help the rabbi select the theme of most interest. The host will invite some Shir Hadash friends to attend as well as some non-member friends who might be interested in participating. Please contact Caryn McArdle at caryn.mcardle@comcast.net.
Family Bike Ride with the Rabbi...
Keep watching the newsletter for information on a family bike ride with Rabbi Eitan, Chicago architect boat tour, and a baseball game, to name a few activities planned for our community in the next few months.
Rabbi's Corner
"What a Little Matzah Can Do..."
April 13-14, 2012 / 22 Nisan 5772
For Those Observing Pesach for Eight Days:
Torah - Deuteronomy 14:22 - 16:17 & Numbers 28:19 - 28:25
Haftarah - Isaiah 10:32 - 12:6
For Those Observing Pesach for Seven Days: Shabbat Shemini
Torah: Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47 / Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18 - 20:42
Dear Friends,
At this year's Passover celebration I was especially interested in the matzah and maror/bitter herbs that we eat just before joining in the main meal. Not only did I want to know why we eat the bitters, but why we eat the maror after we eat matzah. The Reconstructionist Hagaddah puts it this way:
Maror: Why do we eat it? In order to remind ourselves that the Egyptians made life bitter for our ancestors in Egypt, as it is written, "Ruthlessly, they made life bitter for them with harsh labor at mortar and bricks, and with all sorts of tasks in the field." Exodus 1:14."
So, the oppression and bitterness went on for around 400 years. Then Moses came on the scene. He stirred up all the trouble...
Read the rest on the Rabbi's Blog.
L'shalom (In Peace)
Rabbi Eitan
Rabbi Eitan
Education Update
We know our school is filled with creativity, fun, and inspiration, so why not give your friends the opportunity to experience that too? While you can bring a friend any day at Shir Hadash, Sunday, April 29, is not only Teacher Appreciation Day, but also a designated day when your child can bring a buddy to Sunday School. Just drop Education Director Emily Ascher an e-mail, or let a teacher know. We will do whatever we can to make your friends feel welcome.
Yom Tikkun Olam, Sunday, April 22
It's time to register for the Sixth Annual Shir Hadash Yom Tikkun Olam, our day to repair the world. This year we will show our enthusiasm for Earth Day by choosing one of the refreshing outdoor activities. Browse through this list, decide what works for your family, and simply RSVP via e-mail to Education Director Emily Ascher at eddirector@shir-hadash.org or Administrator Lillian Zoloto at admin@shir-hadash.org.
1. The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This activity was created just for
Shir Hadashniks! We will be doing some brush-cutting, raking of burned areas in order plant wildflower seeds. and possibly putting in some new trees. If we get a large group of people we can divide in small groups and rotate.
2. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebrate with a day of hands-on activities inspired by nature to nurture your sense of appreciation for the natural world.
3. Wilmot Woods (Help! The Garlic Mustard Weed is Taking Over!) (Exact meeting place within woods TBD; directions: On Route 137, one and a half miles east of Route 21 turn south on to N. Oak Grove Ave. Go four blocks to Wildwood Ct and turn left. At the T of Wildwood and Park Lane, turn right.) 9 a.m. (be on time) to 12 p.m. Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to save some of Lake County's natural areas. This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, make new friends who share a concern for preserves and make a meaningful contribution. Work with stewards to rid this "high quality preserve area" of the dreaded garlic mustard weed. Learn about the beautiful woodlands wildflowers in this very cool place along the Des Plaines River. Great opportunity for an educational experience combined with hard work. Wear boots and long pants and shirts. This is an activity best undertaken by teens and adults.
4. Nippersink Forest Preserve, Clean Water, Healthy Bats. The entrance is located on Route 120 (Belvidere Road), just west of Cedar Lake Road and east of Fairfield Road near Round Lake. Drop in any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about the relationship between water and our local bats while picking up litter along the shoreline.
5. Gan Project-Earth Day Mitzvah Mania. The Gan Project is run and was founded by former Shir Hadash teacher Jill Zenoff! The Gan Project Homestead at Bernard Horwich JCC, behind the CJE Shwartzberg building (3003 W. Touhy Ave, Chicago), free parking lot, optional $18 donation or in-kind garden donation. All are Welcome! Begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues through BYOPL. There is also an afternoon session from 2 to 5 p.m. Chicago Earth Day is the perfect opportunity for Jewish and non-Jewish community members come together and get their hands dirty, learn, laugh and get the Gan Project Homestead ready for the 2012 growing season. There will be a morning work session from 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and an afternoon work session from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a BYOPL--Bring Your Own Picnic Lunch. Both sessions will include activities for all ages: seeding and transplanting, building raised beds, composting workshops, bicycle maintenance workshops, The majority of activities are suited for adults and children over the age of 12. Families with children under the age of 12 are invited to plant raspberry bushes during the morning work session
Also coming up:
- Our Yom Hashoah Service, April 15
- Bring a Friend Day, April 29
- Teacher Appreciation Day, April 29
- School Shabbat Service, Friday May 4
- Last Sunday, May 6
Emily Ascher
Education Director
Teen News
Next Meeting of the Teen Advisory Board 
Musical Notes: Kolit
The second teen advisory board meeting will be Sunday, April 15, from 8:30 to 9 a.m. at Hellenic. This is the next time we meet for Sunday school and is after Passover so there will be donuts! Shir Hadash President Jeff Wallk will join us at our next meeting. Jeff will conduct an ideation session that will get to the heart of what our teens want, need, and hope for from Shir Hadash.
Third Friday Teen Service
This month we will join the adults for the Pausing in the Wilderness service, which will be held on Friday, April 20, at 7:30 at LCHS. The theme for the service is tracing our family histories. Teens and their families will share stories about how we journeyed to the United States.
Game Night with JRC
Our 8th through 12th graders will meet for pizza and games on Saturday, May 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., at JRC. Details to follow. Please e-mail questions to: youth@shir-hadash.org.
Youth Director
Musical Notes: Kolit
We are always looking for new voices. Kolit rehearses on Sunday School are from 12:30 to 1 p.m. It's not too late to join Kolit (the Shir Hadash children's choir). Join Kolit Director Arielle Galante and Ethan Zwick for a fun half-hour of singing.
Creative Worship and Ritual
Community Seder a Smash!
Members of the Shir Hadash community met for a wonderful seder on Saturday, April 7. Rabbi Eitan led a spirited, moving retelling of the Passover story. Audience participation made for an engaging evening, complete with singing, play-acting, asking the four questions in a number of languages and dialects, and drums and other musical instruments.
And the food...the buffet table groaned under the weight of kugels, salads, gefilte fish, casseroles, rice dishes, and all sorts of savory items. Meanwhile, the dessert table featured all kinds of tasty treats, fruit, chocolate covered matzah, and other delicacies. The platters were licked clean.
A special element this year was the eco-friendly aspect of the seder. We used reusable plates and rented linens and napkins instead of using disposables. But most importantly, Rabbi Eitan coordinated a composting service, so all of the table scraps were composted instead of thrown away.
A special thank you to Melanie Andes for all of her hard work organizing the seder. Thanks to Fred Andes for operating the projector. Thank you to Rabbi Eitan for leading the seder. And thanks to everyone who helped set up beforehand and clean up after.
Upcoming Friday Night Services
Friday, April 20: Pausing in the Wilderness. This year, we are doing something different: the theme is Our Jewish Wanderings. We're going to share our stories of how our families made it to America. We want members to bring their stories-from www.ancestry.com, old family stories, or wherever-and share them that night. Also, we need members to send in family pictures, so we can create a montage of our Shir Hadash ancestors. Please send your photos to Gary and Janelle Kuper at http://www.blogger.com/ as soon as possible.
Creative Worship & Ritual Committee
Adult Education
We have all of our Adult Ed classes this week:
Mitzvah
Call for Volunteers
Community Events
A Yom Hashoah Commemoration will be held on Wednesday, April 18, at 7:45 p.m. at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, in Highland Park. Sponsored by North Shore Chavurah of Rabbis, the commemoration will include memorial prayers and a candle lighting, followed by a presentation by author and cave explorer Chris Nicola. Nicola is the author of The Secret of Priest's Grotto, the true story of a Ukrainian Jewish family who survived the Shoah by hiding in a series of underground caves.
Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi
Thursday, April 12, noon to 1 p.m., Shir Hadash office
Torah Class
Sunday, April 15, 9:30 to 10:20, Hellenic American Academy
Adult Hebrew Class
Sunday, April 15, 10:25 to 11:20, Hellenic American Academy
Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class
Sunday, April 15, 11:25 to 12:25, Hellenic American Academy
All Things Jewish
Sunday, April 15, 11:25 to 12:25, Hellenic American Academy
For more information, please contact Fred Andes (fandes@btlaw.com) for the Torah class and Steve Lewin (stevelewin@yahoo.com) for the Hebrew class.
Mitzvah
Learn How to Do the Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick
Bikur Cholim, visiting the sick, is one of the holiest of all mitzvot. Anyone who has ever had a family member in the hospital knows what great healing power even a short visit can provide. The Mitzvah Committee is looking for people who would like to participate in this great act.
The Jewish Healing Network is sponsoring a four-week training program in Bikur Cholim at B'nai Tikvah in Deerfield. Several members of Shir Hadash participated in this program several years ago and learned how effective we can all be. The sessions are on four consecutive Tuesday evenings from April 17 through May 8. Each session runs from 7:00 to 8:30. If you are interested, please contact Bob Roiter at bob.roiter@sbcglobal.net or go to www.jcfs.org/calendar/bikur-cholim-training.
Mitzvah Committee
We're looking for more Shiva leaders (adults and yes, even Havayah kids). If you are interested, please contact Bob Roiter
Call for Volunteers
Wanted: Web Gurus
We are looking for volunteers to help design and build a new Shir Hadash website, migrate content, and help maintain it. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Jeff Wallk at jeffrey.wallk@gmail.com.
Get Involved with the Spring Membership Drive
We're planning a lot of activities this spring to expand our membership. If you're interested in helping us grow, please call the office and ask for Lillian (847) 498-8218.
Community Events
Genetic Education and Screening Program
Registration opens Monday, April 23, 2012 for the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders upcoming screening programs for young Jewish adults. The Center is now offering an expanded panel of 18 disorders. Join the Center in June or August for a subsidized screening program ($180 per person), which includes an educational presentation, dinner, and screening.These tests usually cost more than $3,000! Pre-registration is required. Please contact Taryn Brickman at tarynbrickman@juf.org to learn more or visit http://www.jewishgenetics.org/.
We Remember: Yom Hashoah
A Yom Hashoah Commemoration will be held on Wednesday, April 18, at 7:45 p.m. at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, in Highland Park. Sponsored by North Shore Chavurah of Rabbis, the commemoration will include memorial prayers and a candle lighting, followed by a presentation by author and cave explorer Chris Nicola. Nicola is the author of The Secret of Priest's Grotto, the true story of a Ukrainian Jewish family who survived the Shoah by hiding in a series of underground caves.
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