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
- Shir Hadash Annual Meeting Recap
- Join SH for White Sox vs. Angels, May 10
- Building Update: Design Decision Time!
- Restaurant Fundraisers Launched
- Save the Date: Synagogue Dedication August 18
- Spread the Word with Shir Hadash T-Shirts
- Book Club
Education Update
- Last Day of School Recap
Teen News
- High School Murder Mystery Party with JRC, May 11
- Madrichim: Thanks for a Great Year!
Creative Worship & Ritual
- Upcoming Service: May 17 Shavuot Shabbat Led by Havayah
Adult Education
- NEW! Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan, Thursday Torah Study
The Rabbi’s Corner
- "Standing on their Shoulders"
Community News
- Parent & Family Connection for LGBTQ Jews in Chicagoland
Donations
SHOP Shir Hadash
Membership and Upcoming Events
Annual Meeting Recap
The Shir Hadash annual meeting took place last Sunday, May
5, at Chicagoland Jewish High School (next door to the Hellenic Academy). During that meeting, the members
approved the synagogue's annual budget, elected the candidates for all open
positions, and heard reports (and asked questions) about building plans,
activities over the past year, and upcoming projects. Congratulations to the elected candidates: Jeff Wallk for
President, Glenn Graff for Executive Vice-President, Melanie Andes for
Vice-President, and Sandy Weiss, Rachel Siegel, Art German and Fred Andes for
at-large Board positions. Their
new terms start on July 1.
Shir Hadash Goes to the White Sox, May 10
 |
| Come cheer on the Sox with SH this Friday! |
Due to a generous donation by Neil & Mira Zweiban and
Fred & Melanie Andes, we have been given the opportunity for 22 people to
attend this Friday’s White Sox home game vs. the Angels. This offer is open to all members and
their families, not just men, on behalf of the Men of Shir Hadash (MOSH).
The start time is set for 7:10pm and it is the “Cinco past
Cinco de Mayo” celebration including fireworks. The weather for Friday night is predicted to be partly
cloudy and cool but there is no rain currently expected.
The donation to Shir Hadash was made possible via a donation
to Canavan Research Illinois (http://www.canavanresearch.org/), which performs
research into Canavan disease, a degenerative disease that affects kids, and is
more common among Ashkenazi Jews than the general population.
For more good, for tikkun olam, we would like each ticket to
raise a minimum donation of $20 ($10 for Canavan Research Illinois and $10 for
Shir Hadash). If you can give more
in support of Canavan Research Illinois and Shir Hadash, that is even better.
As part of the deal we also get seven parking passes so we
can try to coordinate some car pools.
Please contact Sandi Schleicher ASAP at 800-897-0533 or
sschleicher@onebox.com to secure your tickets or for more information. Tickets
will be available for pickup at the Shir Hadash office on Thursday evening
(from 7-9pm) and at the Schleicher home in Northbrook during the day on
Friday (call or email Sandi to arrange a time).
Synagogue Building Update: It’s Time to Make Design
Decisions
We have chosen a general contractor and are moving forward
with construction at 200 W. Dundee Road to create our sanctuary and remodel the
religious school classrooms. This is a very exciting time and lots of fun
decisions are being made, such as:
•
Final material selection for the lobby furniture and cabinetry
•
Final design and material selections for our ark
• Classroom furniture and paint colors
•
Signage at the Dundee Road entrance
Time is of the essence in order for us to have our
classrooms and sanctuary ready for the start of the new school year. We will be
making decisions in the next two weeks, so if you are interested in
participating in the decision making, please e-mail Deborah Newberger at
izzyhome@aol.com or Marc Fargotstein at marcfargo@att.net. Everyone is welcome
to come to interior design committee meetings and participate. A date will be announced
shortly for an upcoming meeting.
New Restaurant Fundraisers Launched
Shir Hadash has embarked on a new fundraising program,
partnering with local restaurants for a return on proceeds. Our first event
took place on Sunday May 5, when we partnered with Roti Mediterranean Grill in
Northbrook. Shir Hadash members and friends spent about $400 at Roti that day,
generating a donation of just under $100. Thanks to everyone who came out!
Watch for announcements of future fundraising events coming this summer.
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).
Spread the Word with Shir Hadash T-Shirts
Celebrate our synagogue – and let your friends know you love
Shir Hadash – with a “Shalom to
Our New Home” t-shirt! These white shirts have the graphic you see pictured
here on the front, and our official logo on the back. They are available in
men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes for $10. To order, contact Lisa McCulloh,
847-814-2922 or jjlisamc@gmail.com.
Book Club
The next book club will meet in late June or early July. 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.
Education Update
Reflections on the Last Day of School
Although the last day of Sunday school can be a little sad
for some of us, this year was all style and smiles. We started the day by completing Hebrew assessments,
reviewing all that was taught during the school year, and small class parties.
At 11:30 a.m., we convened in the center of the school for the big show.
The charismatic Melissa G. played her guitar and led us in
singing "The Hope."
Rabbi Eitan, Ethan Z, and Josh W. played and sang back-up. We then
introduced the teachers and the madrichim-- all of the madrichim! Six of our teens are graduating this
year, and they were each given a special gift of small shabbat candlesticks
they can take to college.
Our soon-to-be-famous third grader, Jack G. performed his second magic show
of the year to rousing applause and laughter. He may be available for hire, if you are looking for an
excellent entertainer. Please watch for him at upcoming Shir Hadash school
events. The Teen Torah Players put
on an impromptu puppet show, adapted by Nat just for us. The students were mesmerized by them,
as usual.
Ethan and Josh shared music sheets with everyone and led us
in a nice rendition of Hatikvah, the Israeli National Anthem (one of the songs
our students learn in school). We all ate ice cream while viewing the 15-minute
photo montage, a real crowd pleaser. It was a sweet last day at the Hellenic American Academy.
Thank you to the education committee and all the parents who
helped with the Teacher/Madrichim Appreciation Breakfast. We loved it!
Please watch for an email or letter progress report, and
information about links for Hebrew practice over the summer.
Teen News
Madrichim
Teen Event with JRC
Just a few spots left!
8th to 12th Graders: You are invited to a Murder Mystery Dinner! Will you be the witness, the victim or
even the killer? The theme is
BEACH PARTY – costumes are welcome, so long as they are appropriate.
We will join the 8th-12th graders at JRC to participate as
the drama unfolds around us. We will also enjoy a feast from Pita Inn while we
solve the mystery.
Date: Saturday, May 11th
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Place: JRC, 303 Dodge, Evanston
R.S.V.P. required: youth@shir-hadash.org. We have a limited number of places
available, so please R.S.V.P. A.S.A.P!
Creative Worship & Ritual
May 17 Service - Shavuot with our Havayah Teens
On Friday, May 17 (7:30 at the synagogue), we will celebrate
the Jewish festival of the Spring harvest - Shavuot - led by our 8th grade
through high school teens. Our
students have been hard at work at our Havayah Monday Jewish high school
classes, studying Torah, Talmud and Jewish values. We will read the story of the Ten Commandments from the
Torah scroll. We will honor our
graduating high school seniors.
And, as always, there will be singing and storytelling. Don't forget to bring something for the
pot-luck oneg!
Adult Education
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Eitan: Thursday Afternoon Torah Study
Join Rabbi Eitan and fellow Shir Hadash members for an
exciting hour of Torah study, brown bag lunch, and lively discussion.
Meeting Place:
The Shir Hadash office, 3340 Dundee Road, Northbrook
Time: 12 noon - sharp
Discussion Topic: "What's in a Jewish Name"
The Rabbi’s Corner
May 10-11, 2013 / 2 Sivan 5773
Day 46 of the Omer
Shabbat BaMidbar
Torah Portion:
Numbers 1:1-4:20 / Haftarah Portion: Hosea 2:1 - 2:22
“Standing on Their Shoulders”
Dear Friends,
I attended a seminar today for Chicago area rabbis. A truly great scholar was teaching and
his lesson was stirring and uplifting.
Throughout the lesson rabbis were moving about, getting coffee, or
taking a brief break – without notice.
Yet, during the discussion period, when one of the elders of our community
rose to leave, a rabbi of great distinction who served more than 70 years in
the rabbinate, the scholar interrupted his lesson to acknowledge the great
rabbi and thank him for coming.
The lesson continued, and as the rabbi slowly moved his way towards the
exit, I felt moved to rise and stand in his honor as he passed. Another colleague stood, too.
We live in a culture of youth and change. Our western civilization teaches us
that the present is better than the bygone days. We feel more sophisticated and wiser than those of previous
generations. We represent the
future and a brighter tomorrow, while those who lived before us are part of a
dim and dark past.
This is not a Jewish teaching. Rather, Judaism teaches us to
value the past and all that it has taught us….
To read the rest of The Rabbi’s Corner, click here to visit
our website.
Donations
Building Fund:
- Karen and Andrew Gordon, in honor of Jack’s teacher Lynne Arons and Matthew’s teacher Cindy Salomon
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:
- Laurie and Dan Levitt, in honor of Ben’s bar mitzvah
Community News
Parent & Family Connection for LGBTQ Jews
Is your child gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, or
questioning? Do you want to talk to other Jewish families with LGBTQ children?
If so, join the monthly discussions with Parent & Family Connection for
LGBTQ Jews in Chicagoland. Upcoming meetings will be held on May 20. Upcoming
topics will include: transgender youth; passing--who knows, who doesn’t know;
navigating a hetero-sexist world; healthy relationships and violence in the
GLBTQ community; and conversation about creating inclusive communities.
With support from Keshet, Response provides group support
for those dealing with any stage of the coming out process. Response helps
adolescents in the Jewish and general community develop skills in
communication, decision-making and leadership necessary to deal with life’s
challenges. Response is a program of JCFS, a partner in serving our community,
supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation.
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.
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.
Hurry -- Take advantage of a 5% bonus on Staples scrip
through 5/10!
Promotions starting Saturday, May 11:
- Lowe's® 2% bonus 5/11 - 5/24
- Caribou Coffee® 1% bonus 5/11 - 5/24
- Shutterfly® 2% bonus 5/11 - 5/24
- The Cheesecake Factory® 2% bonus 5/11 - 5/24
- Journeys® 3% bonus 5/11 - 5/24
- The Bath & Body Works® 5% bonus has been extended through 5/10.
On May 20, you can earn special rebates from dozens of your
favorite ScripNow retailers for 24 hours only beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT. To get ready, make sure you're set up
on ShopWithScrip® and are able to login to place online orders, and sign up for
PrestoPay™ if you haven't already. Please note: PrestoPay requires 2-5 business
days to verify new accounts, so sign up today! If you have any questions,
please give the Customer Support Team a call at 1.800.727.4715 opt. 3, or send
an email toglscmail@glscrip.com.
Now through May 24 (or 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.
New Bonus Contributions going on now:
- Restaurant.com® 10% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- Belk® 2% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- L.L.Bean® 1% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- SUBWAY® restaurants 1% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- T.G.I. Friday's® 1% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- Petco® 1% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- iTunes® 5% bonus 5/4 - 5/24
- Marriot® 2% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- SpaFinder Wellness® 2% bonus 5/4 - 5/31
- Boston Market® 2% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- Boscov's® 2% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- Bon-Ton® 2% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
- Buca di Beppo® 2% bonus 5/4 - 5/17
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.
Thanks to the following families for participating in Shop
this week:
• Zinbarg
• Schleicher
• Schmit
• Mostow
• Idelman
• Allen
• Callistein
• Edler
• Farahmandpour
• Fargotstein
• M.
Graff
• Grills
• Singer
• Wexler
• Zwick
• Arons
• Friedman
• Rice
• Soglin
• Estes-Goldman
• Weiner-Kaplow
• Michaels
• Sharpe
• Anes
• Gordon
• Zweinban
• G.
Graff
• Fisher-Rohde
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