To view this blog in its entirety, go to our website.
For daily event updates, visit our calendar.
What’s Happening at a Glance
Membership News and Upcoming Events
- Building Update
- Fundraising Committee: Contest Entries and Volunteers Needed
- Pizza Fundraiser, June 12
- Celebrating Summer Jewish Experiences, June 7
- Book Club, July 11
- Save the Date: Synagogue Dedication, August 18
- Spread the Word with Shir Hadash T-Shirts
Teen News
- Suggestions Wanted for Teen Library
- Proposed SH Teen Facebook Group
Creative Worship & Ritual
- Learner’s Service, May 31
Adult Education
- Thursday Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan
The Rabbi’s Corner
- “Looking on the Bright Side”
Community News
- Theatre Recommendation: “The Pianist of Willesden Lane”
Donations
Accomplishments
SHOP Shir Hadash
Membership and Upcoming Events
Building Update
Demolition is in process throughout the building and
construction is about to begin.
Work has started in the lobby, women’s restroom, and the “living
room.” Wood for the bima has been
ordered and we expect construction of it to start very soon.
The interior design committee met on May 22, 2013. They are working on making
recommendations to the BOC for countertops, fabric for the benches in the
lobby, lighting fixtures for the lobby, classroom paint, sanctuary lighting,
interior signage, dedication plaques, and treatment of glass walls. The next committee meeting will be on
May 30th at 7:15 at the synagogue.
Contact Deborah Newberger (izzyhome@aol.com) to offer input or to join
the committee.
The Landscaping Subcommittee met on Saturday, May 25, to
walk the grounds of our new synagogue and start to develop a landscaping plan
for the garden beds around the building, as well as the two-acre adjacent
field. Long-range plans that are being explored include a "river
walk" along Buffalo Grove Creek, with benches, walkways, flowering and
fruiting trees, and a patio with a fire pit; a community garden; a Zen garden
outside the sanctuary window; a children's play area in one of the courtyards; and
much more. Right now, our focus is on sprucing up the garden beds along Dundee
Road and addressing some pruning needs for the shrubs and trees. We welcome
input from the congregation. What do you want from our grounds? Contact
co-chairs Stacy Laner at stacy.laner@gmail.com or Rachel Schick Siegel at
rschicksiegel@gmail.com to share your thoughts or if you want to join the
committee. And stay tuned: We will be scheduling a service day to help clean up
the grounds soon.
Exterior signage was approved by the BOC and Board and is in
the hands of the chosen vendor.
Final artwork and pricing are expected this week. We hope to have the signage in place
within two weeks. Once that is in
place, everyone driving by will know there is a new Jewish synagogue in town
named Shir Hadash.
The Wheeling Police conducted a security assessment of the
building to help us apply for a federal grant. Our architect also contributed a schematic of a security
plan for this as well. Rachel
Siegel has taken this bull by the horns and is moving forward on it. If you have input, questions, or
comments, please contact Rachel (rschicksiegel@gmail.com).
Fundraising Committee: Contest Entries and Volunteers Needed
The Fundraising Committee is looking for a creative
name/slogan for our new Restaurant Fundraising initiative. Under this program, restaurants
volunteer to donate a portion of the proceeds from Shir Hadash members on a
specified day during a month. Our
first effort at Roti in Northbrook was a success. We plan on having one restaurant a month. So send your suggestions for a fun name
that conveys the combination of food, fun and fundraising. Send suggestions to Glenn Graff at
nflsunday@aol.com. The winner will
receive a gift card from Shop Shir Hadash. And if you like picking the occasional restaurant or helping
plan a party or other event, or you are just bubbling over with fundraising
ideas, let Glenn know. The
Fundraising Committee is looking both for ideas and for additional members to
join us in planning some FUNdraising.
Pizza Fundraiser, June 12
The next restaurant fundraiser will be at Lou Malnati’s in
Buffalo Grove on June 12. Mark it
on your calendar! Flyers will be
distributed by email and also will be available on our website. Let's bring in a Shir Hadash crowd and
enjoy catching up during the summer while participating in Lou Malnati’s Dough
for Dough program. 20% of money
spent by Shir Hadash members and friends will be donated to Shir Hadash.
Celebrating Jewish Summer Experiences, June 7
Do your plans for the summer include special Jewish
experiences? Maybe your kids are attending a Jewish camp, or you’re planning a
family trip to Israel? If so, we want to honor you at the June 7 service!
Please email Rabbi Eitan (rabbi@shir-hadash.org) or Education Director Emily
Ascher (eddirector@shir-hadash.org) to let us know.
Book Club
The next book club will meet on Thursday, July 11 at the
home of the Zwick family, 385 Castlewood Lane in Deerfield. The book will be
The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolam. This true story helps to give insight into the
Palestinian-Israeli conundrum. For more info about our book club, contact Meryl
Abensohn, abenkras@aol.com.
Spread the Word with Shir Hadash T-Shirts
Show off your love for Shir Hadash! White, 100% cotton t-shirts proclaiming "Say Shalom to Our New Home" are available in men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes for $10. To order, contact Lisa McCulloh, 847-814-2922 or jjlisamc@gmail.com.
Save the Date: Synagogue Dedication, August 18
While making your summer plans, be sure to save the date for
the dedication of our beautiful synagogue on Sunday, August 18! Details are
still being worked out so watch future newsletters and emails for updates. If
you have any questions and/or would like to help, contact Melanie Andes
(fmandes@comcast.net) or Marc Fargotstein (marcfargo@att.net).
Teen News
New Teen Initiatives: Library and Facebook Group
We are trying to gauge interest in building a teen library in
our new home. Teen intern, Dan Roiter, is spearheading the research for this
project. He would love to get in contact with the students to directly ask them
what type of media and texts they would want in a library. We are also looking
into the possibility of organizing a moderated, closed Facebook group for all
the Shir Hadash teens. This will allow the students to stay in touch over the
summer and into college, facilitate communication, and build a sense of
community amongst the Shir Hadash teens. We could also talk about their library
“wish list” on this Facebook group as well. Please let Dan know how best to reach you: phone or
e-mail. Contact him at dan.roiter@shir-hadash.org.
Creative Worship & Ritual
Upcoming Service -- Friday, May 31, 2013 (7:30 PM/200 W Dundee) --Shabbat Shlach
Lecha
“5th Friday / Learner’s Service”
This Friday, May 31 (7:30 at THE SYNAGOGUE, 200 W. Dundee in
Wheeling), we have one of our very unique Fifth Friday services - it’s all
about finding the answers to your questions about why we do what we do in
our services. Why are the prayers in a special
order? Does the order really
matter? What do the prayers really
mean, anyway? Why do we say some
and sing some? Why do we stand for
some and sit for others? At this
Learner’s Service, any and every question is welcome. We will move through the service, stopping whenever a hand
goes up with a question. Rabbi Eitan will explain and discuss the fascinating
fine points and open our understanding to the architecture, wisdom and beauty
of the Jewish liturgy. So don’t
miss it, and don't forget to bring something for the pot-luck oneg!
Adult Education
Lunch & Learn: Thursday Torah Study with Rabbi Eitan
Meeting Place:
The Shir Hadash office, 3340 Dundee Road in Northbrook
Time: 12 noon - sharp
This week's portion: Numbers 18: 8-45
Discussion Topic: “The Spies: The Rest of the Story”
The Rabbi’s Corner
May 31 - June 1, 2013 / 23 Sivan 5773
Shabbat Shlach Lecha
Torah Portion: Numbers 13:1-15:41 / Haftarah Portion: Joshua
2:1-24
“Looking on the Bright Side”
Dear Friends,
Fear seems to be the new product of the day. I look at television and so much of the
programming is rooted in fear. The
news programs have us frightened to change the station, in case we should miss
the next ‘breaking news’ disaster, calamity, or catastrophe. Shocking audio, repeating video clips,
and bright red banners have us convinced that we are next to experience the
tragedy we are witnessing on the screen.
Police, Lawyer, and Doctor shows have ramped up the fear quotient to
depict the most heinous crimes and incurable illnesses, depicting them with
terrifying realism. What are we to
do?
This week’s Torah portion takes place in the second year
following the Exodus from Egypt and includes the famous story of the twelve
spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land. Of the twelve, only Joshua and Kalev reported that the land
was good and that the Children of Israel should move immediately to settle
it. The others focused only on the
fortified cities of local inhabitants and how the Israelites would be squashed
like grasshoppers if they even tried to enter the land. Of course fear and panic spread
throughout the camp. Because of
this loss of courage, the Children of Israel were sent to wander in the desert
for 38 more years.
There is a powerful lesson here that speaks to each one of
us. It’s all about how you look at
things that will determine a plan of action and ultimately a result….
To read the rest of the Rabbi’s Corner, click here to visit
our website.
Community News
Theatre Recommendation: “The Pianist of Willesden Lane’
Now playing at the Royal George Theatre through July 7
Set in Vienna in 1928 and in London during the Blitzkreig,
“The Pianist of Willesden Lane” tells
the true noted pianist and author Lisa Jura, as performed by her own
daughter Mona Golabek. When Lisa is sent on the Kindertransport to London to
protect her from the Nazi regime, everything about her life is upended except
her love of music and her pursuit of her dreams. Tribune Critic Chris Jones
praised the production, saying, "The simple act of Golabek sitting down at
the Steinway piano is...enough to make your mouth fall open with a certain
wonder at the way of the world." The play’s run has been extended through
July 7 – don’t miss it!
Click here to visit the Royal George Theatre site for more
information.
Donations
To the Building Fund:
Bonny and Rick Goldin, in honor of Deborah Newberger’s
birthday.
Accomplishments
If you know of a special accomplishment by a Shir Hadash
member, give them some recognition In this new section of our newsletter! Send
info to Carolyn Gessner, gessnermom@hotmail.com.
Mazel tov to:
Tory Lieberman, who was awarded a merit scholarship to
attend the American Art Academy’s Summer Studio by the Glenbrook North Art
Department.
Maggie Cain, who was featured in the Winnetka Talk’s
“Spotlight: People to Watch” section for her appearance as Amanda in “The Glass
Menagerie” at Theatre Wit, running through June 30.
SHOP Shir Hadash
SHOP orders of at least $400 are now payable by credit card.
Annual SHOP orders are also payable by credit card. If every family purchases
$400 a month in grocery, gas, or other cards, we can earn more than $15,000.
Purchasing SHOP gift cards helps the shul raise much needed
funds without spending any more money than you already do for your regular
expenses. Orders can be picked up
at Sunday school or the Shir Hadash office.
Don't Toss That Card! Reload it.
Reloading allows you to add funds to many plastic gift cards
you previously purchased on ShopWithScrip® with ease and speed. In fact, if you
pay for your Reload order with PrestoPay™, our online payment method, before
3:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, the funds will be added to your card
overnight! For a growing number of retailers, you can add funds to your gift
card in minutes with ReloadNow™! Please remember, if you pay by check, your
reload purchase will be processed after the order is released by your
coordinator.
Celebrity Cruise Lines is a new ScripNow® Retailer.
Remember, using ScripNow is simple: To order, visit any of the brand pages
on ShopWithScrip.com and select the ScripNow product choice.
•Order your ScripNow .
•Pay with PrestoPay™ to print your ScripNow in minutes.
•Or, pay by check to have your coordinator release your
order.
•Receive an email when your eCard is available on your
ShopWithScrip.com account.
•Click on View ScripNow from your Family Home page to view
and print your eCard.
IHOP - New ScripNow® Retailer
• Sears®
2% bonus 5/18 - 5/31
• Kmart®
2% bonus 5/18 - 5/31
•
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores® 2% bonus 5/18 - 5/31
While supplies last, a limited run of the following plastic
gift cards will be available:
• Barnes
& Noble $5 Gift Card
• Target
$10 GiftCard
• Panera
Bread $5 Gift Card
Walmart® is offering a savings of 10 cents a gallon on gas
purchases made when using a Walmart Gift Card, effective through July 7, 2013.
Through Friday, June 28, you can get a FREE $5 T.G.I.
Friday's® Bonus Bites electronic coupon simply by ordering T.G.I. Friday's®
products on ShopWithScrip.com. These coupons can be redeemed between July 1 and
August 31.
Every time you use Reload or ReloadNow® to add funds to your
gift cards on ShopWithScrip.com until June 7, you'll be automatically entered
to win your share of over $1000 in prizes! Ten families will win an extra $100
dollars added onto one of their gift cards eligible for Reload, and one of
those families will also win a custom scrip banner for their organization.
Below you'll find a list of special offers
• Uno
Chicago Grill® 2% bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• Regal
Entertainment Group® 2% bonus 5/25 - 6/7
Some of your favorite retailers are also offering
Reload-only bonuses during our Ready, Set, Reload promotion:
• Jiffy
Lube® 2% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• GFS
Marketplace® 1% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• Lowe's®
2% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• Hallmark®
2% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• Bath
& Body Works® 5% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• Sheetz®
1% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• Hyatt
Hotels® 2% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
• AMC
Theatres® 2% Reload-only bonus 5/25 - 6/7
Also, the SUBWAY® restaurants 1% bonus has been extended
through through 5/25, and will continue through 6/7 for ReloadNow orders only.
Below you'll find a list of special offers beginning next
Saturday, June 1.
•
AutoZone® 1% bonus 6/1 - 6/21
•
AMC Theatres® 2% bonus 6/1 - 6/14
• Cabela's®
2% bonus 6/1 - 6/14
The Home Depot® has everything Dad needs to get started on
his summer projects!
Check out The Home Depot's blog to find some great
inspiration for Dad's summer projects!
Thanks to the following families for participating in Shop
this week:
• Zinbarg
• Schleicher
• Wexler
• Zweiban
