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 Prayers Carried to Jerusalem
- Hanukkah Candle Sale During Religious School
- Book Club, December 5
- Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers: The Continental and Butterfield’s
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Evening Service Featuring Grades Gan-3, November 15
- Lights & Miracles, November 22 at OLB
Volunteer Opportunities
- Shir Hadash Volunteers Host Soup Kitchen
- Winter Clothing Drive
- Flyer Brigade for Lights & Miracles
- Help Plan Our Upcoming Gala: First Meeting, November 17
- PADS Volunteer Organizational Meeting, November 17
Music Notes
- Lights & Miracles: Sing, Sing, Sing
- Hanukkah Cleverness – There’s Still Time!
- Just Another Voice in the Crowd…
The Rabbi’s Corner
- “Change and Growth”
Education
- Shabbat Service Starring Grades Gan – 3: November 15
- JRF Camp Day at Sunday School, November 17
- Education Director’s Blog
Teen News
- Madrichim
- BBYO, November 21
- Teen-Led Shabbat, December 6
- Midwest Regional Kallah, February 14-16
Adult Ed
- Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan
- Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
Donations
Community News
- JUF Fund for Typhoon Disaster Relief
SHOP Shir Hadash
Membership and Upcoming Events
Shir Hadash Prayers Carried to Jerusalem
Stuart
Aizenberg and Sandy Simon recently traveled to Israel. They took with them a packet of prayers that
our members placed in the cracks between the Jerusalem stone on the wall of our
new synagogue's sanctuary. Stuart placed
the packet of prayers between the stones of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Our
greatest thanks to Stuart and Sandy for beautifully connecting the symbolic wall
of our shul to the most sacred place in Judaism.
Hanukkah Candle Sale During Religious
School
Shir Hadash
is selling Hanukkah candles and decorations during Sunday School. Whether you prefer fancy beeswax candles or
just simple candles, we have quality candles with great pricing. Stop by and fill your candle and decoration
needs.
Book Club
Our next
selection for the Shir Hadash Book Club
is The Slave, by Isaac Bashevis Singer, the Yiddish story of a Jewish
scholar sold into slavery in 17th
century Poland who falls in love with his gentile master's daughter. We will
meet Thursday, December 5 at 7:30pm at the home of Rebecca Rice in Northbrook.
Contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com for more information.
Hungry Before or After Religious School (or
Anytime)?
The
Continental Restaurant in Buffalo Grove or Butterfield's Restaurant in Northbrook
permanently will donate 5% of your total bill to Shir Hadash! No flyer needed –
just mention Shir Hadash when you are paying or fill out the Shir Hadash book
behind the desk. A great way to start or
end Religious school!
Creative Worship and Ritual
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, November
15
Join us this
Friday night at 7:30, for a very special Shabbat service. And how it is special? Well, let's count the ways:
First, on
the younger side: the service will be led by the Gan Yeladim, First, Second,
and Third graders (Rabbi Eitan too!). The children get to stand on the bima and
lead the prayers they are working on in Sunday School. We get to bless our children and sing some
songs together.
Second, on
the more, well, mature side: we will be celebrating the 100th birthday of
Lillian Cohen, mother of our first President, Susan Cohen. And when we say celebrate, we mean it: the
Mighty Shir Hadash Klezmorim will be playing, and we'll be getting up to dance!
Come and
enjoy - and don't forget to bring something for oneg!
Lights & Miracles Service, November 22
at OLB
Don’t miss a
true Shir Hadash tradition – the annual Lights & Miracles Hanukkah Service.
Bring your family and friends to share in our celebration of Hanukkah music and
traditions, with a special Thanksgiving twist especially for this unusual year.
Latkes and cranberry sauce, anyone?
To accommodate
a great turnout, this year’s service will be held at Our Lady of the Brook,
3300 Dundee Road in Northbrook. Come ready to sing, dance, laugh, and be
inspired! Our service starts at 7:30pm.
Volunteer Opportunities
Shir Hadash Volunteers Host Soup Kitchen
On November
10, Shir Hadash helped feed the underprivileged and homeless as part of the
Interfaith Sunday Soup Kitchen, located at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in
Evanston. We had 13 families and well
over 40 volunteers (kids and adults) who helped prepare and serve dinner for over
80 guests. The generous outreach by the Shir Hadash community was
overwhelming. Our families prepared a
variety of hearty and delicious dishes including meatloaf, chicken casserole,
pastas, chili, beef sandwiches, chicken, vegetables, desserts and
milk/juice. Guests also received a sack
lunch when they left filled with a PB&J sandwich, fruit, snack bar and
veggies. Several guests commented that
this was the best soup kitchen they had ever been to and could not stop thanking
our volunteers for their generous support.
This is our
12th year of supporting the Interfaith Sunday Soup Kitchen and the next
opportunity to volunteer will be on February 23, 2014. Watch for news about signups in January!
Winter Clothing Drive
Please help
us provide comfort and warmth to the homeless and needy in our community during
this upcoming cold season by donating gently used items such as blankets,
sweaters, winter coats, boots, gloves, hats and other warm clothing. All sizes are needed.
We will be
collecting these items until November 24th.
Please place all items inside a sturdy plastic or paper bag, and drop
them off in the lobby of the Shir Hadash building, 200 W. Dundee Rd.
Wheeling. Please look for signs of where
to place your items. All donations will be given to the Wheeling Township
Social Services Department for distribution.
Thank you for your generous support!
Flyer Brigade for Lights and Miracles
Our annual
Lights and Miracles service is right around the corner! Help spread the word to
our local communities. We are looking
for volunteers to hang our Lights and Miracles flyer in nearby coffee shops and
restaurants. Each volunteer will be asked to hang 7-12 flyers in a specific
region (6 regions total). Flyers, tape
and thumb tacks will be provided along with a list of your assigned coffee
shops and restaurants. This should take
each volunteer about 2 hours.
Volunteers
are needed ASAP, so please contact Rachel Schick Siegel, Marketing Committee
Chair, and let her know you’re able to help! Call 847/724-5720 or email
rschicksiegel@comcast.net. Thanks for helping!
Help Plan Our Shir Hadash 2014 Gala -
Meeting this Sunday
Do you like
planning parties? Do you want to have some fun with your fellow Shir
Hadashniks? Can you help find Silent
Auction items? Shir Hadash is throwing a
gala fundraising evening on February 22, 2014, and we need volunteers to help
plan the event. Our gala will be a fun night of music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres
and dessert – a great opportunity for members of the Congregation and their
friends to relax and enjoy a night out and support our community.
There are a
number of different volunteer opportunities, including:
- General event planning and coordination
- Menu selection
- Invitations
- Obtaining silent auction items and sponsorships
- Creating a sponsor event book
- Marketing materials
- "Day-of" assistance – set up, clean up, ticket taking, etc
Working on
this fundraising gala will be fun and will make a meaningful difference for our
Congregation. Whether you have a little
time to give or want to dive in deep, any help would be very much appreciated.
There will be a Gala subcommittee meeting on this Sunday, November 17 at 9:45am at the Synagogue in the
RAILS meeting room. We will gather in
the lobby. All are welcome. If you are interested in helping, please
contact Glenn Graff at fundraising@shir-hadash.org or 847-420-2505.
PADS Volunteer Organizational Meeting,
November 17
The Shir
Hadash Social Action Committee is excited to announce a new partnership with
the PADS Shelter Program in Northern Cook County. We are holding an introductory
meeting for volunteers this Sunday, November 17 at 10:00am. Interested volunteers should plan to meet in the Shir Hadash
lobby.
PADS
provides hospitality, food, and overnight emergency shelter to the homeless
between October 1 and April 30, seven days a week (including holidays). Initially, Shir Hadash will be providing some
portion of the food needed at the Tuesday PADS Site located at the Kingswood
United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove. Please visit their website to learn
about the vital services PADS provides. For more info, contact Mark Lehhart
at mjlenhart@comcast.net.
Music Notes – News and Ideas from our Music Director
Lights & Miracles
You know the
old joke about Jewish holidays and food: They tried to kill us, we won, let's
eat? Well, our Lights & Miracles service on Friday, November 22 at Our Lady
of Brook will certainly fit the mold. However, I'd like to suggest a minor
modification: "They tried to kill us, we won, let's sing!" After all,
as far back as the crossing of the sea of reeds, we celebrated by singing. (Just a little foreshadowing here for the
Shabbat Shirah service in January.) So it only seems fitting to indulge in a
little -- no, make that a LOT-- of
singing at Lights & Miracles. Bring yourself. Bring your family. Bring your
voice. As Reb Nachman of Bratslav said, "Sing! Even if you can't sing,
sing!"
Still a Chance to Create Some Hanukkah
Cleverness
It's not too
late to try your hand at writing some clever verses for "I Have a Little
Dreidl" as part of the "Mr. D. Dreidl Song Challenge." (See last
week's newsletter for a sampling, or for other examples click here.) Send your efforts to me at
music.director@shir-hadash.org, and we might include them at this year's
Light's & Miracles Service Deadline for submissions is this Sunday, November
17. (Of course, you never know -- you may find me adding lyrics to the
Powerpoint slides during the show itself!)
Just Another Voice in the Choir?
Well, not
really, but it got your attention! Like to sing? Come join the Shir Hadash
Lahaka, our adult choir. Rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7:30pm at Shir Hadash.
Also, after Hanukkah we'll be reforming our Kolit Youth Choir. If you're
interested, contact Adrian at music.director@shir-hadash.org.
The Rabbi’s Corner
November 15-16, 2013 - 13 Kislev 5774
Shabbat Vayishlach
Torah Reading: Genesis 32:4 - 36:43 / Haftarah Reading:
Obadiah 1:1-21
“Change and
Growth”
Dear
Friends,
Sometimes I
wonder if it is ever possible for us to really change and grow. Despite all the promises of New Year’s Day to
do better, we often fall back on old habits and resume our previous ways. And yet, there are times in our lives when
breakthroughs occur that launch us to new understandings and awareness that
bring significant transformation to our lives.
We are never the same.
Judaism
understands that human beings are always growing as we analyze the situations
we have been in and how we performed. It
is part of our nature. When we are
disappointed with our actions, our tradition tells us to adjust and do better
the next time. …
To read the
rest of the Rabbi’s Corner, click here to visit our website.
Education News
Shabbat Starring Gan through Grade 3,
November 15
Friday,
November 15th will be a special Shabbat service led by the Gan Yeladim, First,
Second, and Third graders (Rabbi Eitan too!). This service is quite fun and a
chance for the children to get used to standing on the bima and leading the
prayers they are working on in Sunday school.
We also get to bless our children and sing some songs together. Please let Emily know if you are interested in
hosting a preservice pizza dinner in our beautiful kitchen -- it's really fun
and a great way to start a family tradition. This is a perfect opportunity for
bonding with other Shir Hadash families--don't miss out.
A Taste of JRF Summer Camp, November 17
Sunday,
November 17th is JRF Camp Day at Shir Hadash Sunday School. Rabbi Isaac
Saposnik will run our school in true camp-style fun. We will sing and dance,
make snacks, and play games just like the students do at camp in the
Pennsylvania mountains each summer. No need to
make any changes, other than to note Isaac may have planned some "food
art" using not-so-healthy ingredients. If your child has special food
needs, please make sure to plan accordingly.
Toys! Toys! Toys!
There will
be children who will go without this holiday season. Shir Hadash Sunday School
would like to help shrink that number by partnering with the JCC to collect new
toys for children less fortunate than our own. Please send new toys appropriate
for infants through Kindergarten and we will make sure they get to the JCC for
distribution. We will have a box set up in the front of the school for your
convenience.
Check Out the Education Blog
Our
Education Director Emily Ascher shares school news, photos, and insights in her
weekly blog. Click here to see what’s new!
Teen News
Madrichim – Camp Day!
Come to
Sunday School with lots of energy for JRF Camp Day this Sunday, November 17. Please arrive 15 minutes early to confirm
your assignments. Watch your e-mail for more details. Also, see Nat if you would like a part in the
Chanukah play to be performed on November 24th.
BBYO, November 21
Our next
meeting will be Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. Join your newly elected BBYO
board members in planning upcoming events, including the teen-led Shabbat
service on Friday, December 6.
Teen-Led Shabbat, December 6
Shir Hadash
teens will be leading the Shabbat service on Friday, December 6 at 7:30pm. Celebrate our new Ra'am BBYO chapter and more
at this special Shabbat service.
Midwest Regional Kallah, February 14 – 16
Save the
Date for the Midwest Regional Kallah for 6th-12th graders. Join teens from the
Chicago area and Michigan for a weekend of Reconstructionist living. Registration forms will be available soon—watch
for more details in future newsletters.
Adult Education
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Eitan
Weiner-Kaplow
Thursdays,
noon-1:00pm in the Shir Hadash Kitchen/Cafe
Join Shir
Hadash members and friends for a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the
weekly Torah portion. Don’t be surprised
if archaeology, sociology, contemporary world affairs as well as law, medicine,
and business ethics enter the lively conversation as we plumb the deeper
meanings of Judaism’s core text.
Participants are encouraged to share their views, questions, and
opinions. Each month, one of the class
sessions will be devoted to the Chai Mitzvah curriculum.
Sunday Morning Adult Ed
Sunday
School isn’t just for kids! Join us this week for Torah and Philosophy at 9:45
with Fred Andes, followed by Hebrew Reading at 10:45 with Steve Lewin. For more
information, contact Fred Andes, frederic.andes@btlaw.com.
Community News
JUF Fund for Typhoon Disaster Relief
As estimates
of the death toll of Super Typhoon Haiyah reach the thousands, and the scope
of devastation begins to emerge, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has opened a special fund to aid the recovery
efforts. “This storm has the potential to be one of the worst natural disasters
in recent memory,” Federation President Steven Nasatir said in a press release.
“Chicago’s Jewish community always has been among the first to respond to such
crises, wherever they occur, and we will provide whatever support we can to
those in need now.”
Chicagoans
may contribute online at www.juf.org/relief,
by calling (312) 444-2869, or by sending a check to the Jewish Federation
Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, Room 3022, 30 S. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60606. All
funds collected will be distributed in coordination with the American Jewish
Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Federations of North America. The
Chicago Federation will absorb all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of
the local donations go directly to aid those most grievously affected.
Donations
To the General Fund:
Roberta and
Howard Rosell, in honor of Lil Cohen’s 100th birthday
SHOP Shir Hadash
SHOP for Hanukkah!
SHOP is our
congregation’s ongoing fundraiser – and the easiest way to support the shul
without spending an extra dime! Purchase giftcards through SHOP and the vendors
pay a percentage back to Shir Hadash. SHOP orders of at least $400 are now payable by
credit card, as well as annual SHOP orders. Orders can be picked up at the
synagogue office. For more information, visit our SHOP page on the website.
Your
ScripNow Page is Better than Ever!
We made some
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have a few more options to keep your scrip organized!
- Hide eCards that are completely redeemed, so only those that still hold value are visible.
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We hope this
makes it even easier to use your eCards and keep track of all your ScripNow
purchases! If you have any questions, give our friendly Customer Support Team a
call at 1.800.727.4715 opt. 3, or send an email to glscmail@glscrip.com.
Announcing a
limited run of small denomination gift cards from some of your favorite
retailers! These small denomination gift cards make thoughtful, easy gifts for
teachers, coworkers, babysitters, and all the other special people in your
life. While supplies last, the following
plastic gift cards will be available:
- Amazon.com Gift Card $10
- Barnes & Noble $5
- Pizza Hut $5
- Target $10
- Panera Bread® $5
- Walmart $10
Bonus
Contributions:
Currently
Available
- Bath & Body Works -- 5% through Nov. 22
- Belk – 2% through Nov. 15
- Black Angus – 1% through Nov. 15
- Boston Market – 2% through Nov. 15
- Cabela’s – 3% through Nov. 22
- CoolCuts – 2% through Nov. 22
- Express – 2% through Nov. 22
- Hallmark – 2% through Nov. 22
- JC Penney – 1% through Nov. 15
- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft – 2% through Nov. 22
- Kmart – 3% through Nov. 15
- Lowe’s – 1% through Nov. 15
- Pottery Barn – 2% through Nov. 22
- Red Robin – 3% through Jan. 3
- Regis Salons – 2% through Nov. 22
- Restaurant.com – 10% through Nov. 29
- Sears – 3% through Nov. 15
- Smart & Final – 2% through Jan. 3
- Spafinder – 2% through Nov. 15
- Stage – 2% through Nov. 22
- SuperCuts – 2% through Nov. 22
Beginning Nov.
16:
- LL Bean – 3% through Nov. 22
- Journeys – 3% through Dec. 13
- Meijer’s – 1% through Nov. 29
- Shutterfly – 2% through Dec. 13
You could win a
Chili's Party Platter for every order you place on ShopWithScrip® between
November 16 and November 22 that includes at least $50 total in Chili's gift
cards or ScripNow®.* After the promotion
ends, one lucky grand prize winner will receive:
- A $250 Chili's eGift card to pay for a Chili's Party Platter Feast.
- ...AND free shipping for their organization for one year (up to $800, or 65 orders)
Four first prize
winners will receive $250 Chili's eGift cards to pay for their own Chili's
Party Platters.
Xbox Live - New
ScripNow Retailer with a 6% non-profit contribution!
Gift Card Holiday
Wrappers are available in packs of 10 for $2, with a 10% non-profit
contribution. Click here to find them on ShopWithScrip.com!
Thank-Scrip-ing
Day will be back for Thanksgiving, November 28, with a whole new set of
retailers and ScripNow bonuses! Plus, we still have a lot of different bonuses
you can see on the Special Offers page.
Thanks to the
following families for participating in SHOP this week:
- Zinbarg
- Schleicher
- Estes-Goldman
- Idelman
- F. Farahmandpour
- Singer
- Liberman
- Newman
- Weiss
- Fisher-Rohde
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