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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Shir Hadash Weekly Newsletter -- November 21, 2013

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
  • Hanukkah Candle Sale During Religious School
  • SHOP Shir Hadash for Hanukkah
  • Gift Cards for Illinois Tornado Relief
  • Dining for Dollars Fundraiser at Culver’s, November 26
  • Winter Clothing Drive Ends November 24
  • Book Club, December 5
  • Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers: The Continental and Butterfield’s
Creative Worship and Ritual
  • Lights & Miracles, November 22 at Our Lady of the Brook
  • Photo Recap: November 15 Shabbat Service
Volunteer Opportunities
  • Gift Wrapping at Barnes & Noble to Benefit Shir Hadash
  • Help Plan Our Upcoming Gala: First Meeting November 17
  • Shir Hadash Supports PADS
Music Notes
  • Religious School – The Return of Kolit
  • Lights & Miracles
  • More Fun Hanukkah Music
The Rabbi’s Corner
  • "The Blessing of Family"
Education
  • Toys! Toys! Toys!
  • Lights & Miracles: Kids Arrive at 7:00 for Dance Rehearsal
  • Education Director’s Blog
Teen News
  • BBYO, November 21--Tonight!
  • Teen-Led Shabbat, December 6
  • Midwest Regional Kallah, February 14-16
Adult Ed
  • Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan
  • Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
Jewish Cultural Events
  • Recap: Shir Hadash Goes to the Theatre
Community News
  • JUF Fund for Typhoon Relief
SHOP Shir Hadash

Membership and Upcoming Events

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. 

SHOP Shir Hadash for Hanukkah
Do you still have gifts to buy on your list? Use SHOP gift cards to  pay for your presents, or just give the cards as gifts – always a perfect fit! Every purchase benefits Shir Hadash, without costing you an extra dime. Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for detailed info on special offers, and contact Gina Zinbarg, gzinbarg@gmail.com, with any questions.

Gift Cards for Illinois Tornado Relief
Here’s another great way to use SHOP gift cards for good! In an effort to help the victims of this past weekend’s devastating tornados in central Illinois, Shir Hadash has joined with a non-profit relief agency called Threads Hope and Love in Washington, Illinois. At this time, the greatest need that these victims have is for food, clothing, building materials and other personal items.  The fastest and most expedient way that we can provide support is through the donation of gift cards.  The most requested gift cards are for Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, and Ace Hardware.

To expedite the delivery of these cards to needy families, Shir Hadash will mail all gift cards brought to the temple.  SHOP Shir Hadash will also be selling these same gift cards during Sunday School for the next few weeks – your purchases will support the synagogue as well!  Additionally, we will be collecting cash donations brought to the temple and collecting this Sunday’s Tzedeka donations to purchase gift cards to help the Washington community get back on their feet.

Please stop by Sunday School to drop off or purchase gift cards that will be mailed to tornado victims.  We will also be able to provide tax receipts for donations if you would like one.

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 this Sunday, November 24th.  Please place all donations 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!

Dining for Dollars: Culver’s in Buffalo Grove, November 26
Join your Shir Hadash friends for some great sandwiches, salads and ice cream at Culver’s, 450 McHenry Rd (Rt. 83) in  Buffalo Grove.  Stop in anytime from 10:00am to 10:00pm and 20% will be donated to Shir Hadash.  Just mention Shir Hadash when paying your bill.  Click here for more info, and don’t forget the cheese curds!

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 Butterfields 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

Lights & Miracles Service, November 22 at OLB
Join us this Friday night at 7:30, for LIGHTS AND MIRACLES!  Yes, our annual Hanukah service is here.  And, it's almost Thanksgiving - the only time that we will ever experience that combination.  Bring your family and friends to share in our celebration of Hanukkah music and traditions, with a special Thanksgiving twist!

First things first: please remember that this service will NOT be at the synagogue.  Rather, given the large crowd expected, we will have the service at our High Holiday home, Our Lady of the Brook, which is at 3700 Dundee Road in Northbrook - a few minutes due east of the synagogue.

And what will be doing to celebrate Hanukkah (and Thanksgiving)?  Well, of course, there will be a LOT of music, led by the Rabbi and our wonderful new Music Director, Adrian Durlester, with help from some our teen musicians.  We’ll have storytelling from the one-and-only Bubbie Bailah.  Our adult choir, the Lahaka, will be singing.  The kids from our Religious School will be leading songs - and doing some dancing!   We will ALL be getting up to dance, to the klezmer rhythms of our own Mighty Shir Hadash Klezmorim Band.  And, everyone will be singing - we are, after all, Shir Hadash (A New Song), right?  And don't forget the climatic "glow light" celebration...

But there's more!  We have a very special oneg planned, including lots and lots of LATKES!  We do need your help, though.  We always do a bring-your-own oneg, as you know, and this time, we need some different things - such as: sour cream, apple sauce, sufganiyot (those Hanukkah donut hole-type things - you can get them from Leonard's in Northbrook, or you can bring jelly-filled donut holes from Dunkin') – Since it is almost Thanksgiving, we can use some cranberry sauce.  If you'd like to bring latkes, feel free - just bring them hot or warm.  We can keep them warm till the oneg, but we can't cook them there.

So, see you at OLB on Friday - and happy Thanksgivingukkah!

Recap: Shabbat Service, Friday, November 15
Our community gathered for a very special Shabbat last Friday, with our youngest Religious School students leading the service and a celebration for the 100th birthday of Lillian Cohen, mother of Susan Cohen. Thanks to all the children who participated, and to the Mighty Shir Hadash Klezmorim who got us up on our feet to dance!

Volunteer Opportunities

Gift Wrapping at Barnes & Noble Benefits Shir Hadash
We have a fun opportunity to raise funds for Shir Hadash!  Join us at Barnes & Noble, 920 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Lincolnshire to participate in their Holiday Gift Wrap/Fundraising program.  We're looking for motivated volunteers who enjoy gift-wrapping (in this case, books, CDs, DVDs and other B & N merchandise) and can spare a minimum of 2 hours (or more...if you'd like) during the following dates and times: 
  • Friday, November 29th (Black Friday) from 9:00am until 4:00pm
  • Sunday, December 8th from 10:00am - 3:00pm
  • Sunday, December 15th from 10:00am - 8:00pm
Barnes & Noble supplies the wrapping paper, scissors, tape and enclosure cards, we supply the gift bows and top-notch gift-wrapping skills...and get to collect tips for our efforts that will benefit the programs of Shir Hadash!  Let's share in the spirit of the season and give Shir Hadash a great gift!!  Please contact Carrie Matt at 702-219-6584 or carriematt0921@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.

Help Plan Our Shir Hadash 2014 Gala
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. If you are interested in helping, please contact Glenn Graff at fundraising@shir-hadash.org or 847-420-2505. 

Music Notes – News and Ideas from our Music Director

Religious School Music - Youth Choir
We’re looking for students in religious school who would like to be part of Kolit, our reforming youth choir. If your child might be interested, please let me know at music.director@shit-hadash.org.

Lights & Miracles
Is your Menurkey (Hannuturkiah?) ready yet? This year's Lights & Miracles service on Friday, November 22, will be a celebration of this once in a lifetime overlap of the first day of Hanukkah with Thanksgiving. Don't be there, be square. Be there, sing a round!

More Hanukkah Music
Some chemists at the Israel Institute of Technology offer this fun rendition of Maoz Tzur
For you Don McLean fans out there: Thanksgivukah Pie.
Students at Stratford College offer this Matisyahu parody
Another parody, this time of a Lorde Song: Oils
Click here for lots more Hanukkah videos -- enjoy!

The Rabbi’s Corner

November 22-23, 2013 / 20 Kislev 5774

Shabbat Vayeshev
Torah Reading: Genesis 37:1-40:23 / Haftarah Reading: Amos 2:6-3:8
“The Blessing of Family”

Dear Friends,

As I write, my daughter Elana is flying home from Israel.  She will be visiting for two weeks before returning to enlist in the Israeli army.  My mother is flying in from Las Vegas.  My nephew is driving in for a visit, too. We are all so excited at home and looking forward to a real family reunion.  My father will not be with us.  Actually tomorrow is his yahrtzeit – the first anniversary of his death. My how time flies – a year already. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah coming together give us added cause to get together and renew the ties that bind us together.

I find it interesting that this week’s Torah portion is precisely about an event that nearly destroyed a family….

To read the rest of The Rabbi’s Corner, click here to visit our website.

Education News

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.

Lights & Miracles

Please make sure to attend our highlighted Hanukkah Lights & Miracles service this Friday, November 22 at Our Lady of the Brook. This short, very musical service will include your children.  Each grouping of grades will have the opportunity to sing and dance to an amusing Hanukkah tune. The students have a great time and always enjoy the glow sticks (who doesn't?). Please arrive at 7:00 p.m. for dance rehearsal. The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. See you there!

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

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.

Jewish Cultural Events in Chicagoland

Recap: Shir Hadash Goes to the Theatre
Fifteen members of Shir Hadash  braved the unbelievable weather last Sunday to attend a matinee of "Old Jews Telling Jokes" at the Royal George Theatre. The show was 80 minutes of side-splitting laughter. It was being filmed for PBS for a January program on Religion and Humor -- and our own Susan Grossman was interviewed! Afterwards we had dinner at Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen, where Asad graciously served us a delicious family-style dinner.
Watch the newsletter for future theatre outings – we would love to have you join us next time!

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 the scope of devastation from Super Typhoon Haiyah begins to emerge, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago  has opened a special fund to aid the recovery efforts. 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.

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.

New Small Denomination Cards: Limited Time Only!

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

Meijer Gift Cards now available for reload!

New ScripNow Retailers
Royal Caribbean
Bahama Breeze Island Grill
Darden
Longhorn Steakhouse
Olive Garden
Red Lobster
Seasons 32 Fresh Grill

Bonus Contributions:

Currently Available
Bath & Body Works -- 5% through Nov. 22
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
Journeys – 3% through Dec. 13
LL Bean – 3% through Nov. 22
Meijer – 1% through Nov. 29
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
Shutterfly – 2% through Dec. 13
Smart & Final – 2% through Jan. 3
Spafinder – 2% through Nov. 15
Stage – 2% through Nov. 22
SuperCuts – 2% through Nov. 22

You could win a Chili's Party Platter for every order you place on ShopWithScrip® by 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. Click here to see the party platters available from Chili's.
...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.
For more information call our helpful Customer Support Team at 1.800.727.4715 opt. 3.

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. 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
Levy
Idelman
Fisher-Rohde
Bagby
Sharpe
Kaplan
Fern
Michaels
Herbin
Edler


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