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
- Annual Meeting, May 18
- Program for Grandparents in Interfaith Families
- Save the Date: JUF Fundraising Brunch, June 1
- New! Gluten-Free Cooking Class, June 11
- Save the Date: Coffee House Open Mic Night, June 14
- Book Club
- Samuel I. Andes Scholarship Fund
- Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers: The Continental and Butterfield’s
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Service with Special Guest Rick Hirschhaut, Friday May 16
Volunteer Opportunities
- Prospective Member Coffees
- Volunteer Shoutouts
- Help the Animals – Mitzvah Project
The Rabbi’s Corner
- “How Israel is Bringing the Rains in Every Season”
Music Notes
- Lag BaOmer
- Lahaka Adult Choir
Education
- Visit the Education Director’s Blog
- End of School Year Events, May 18
Teen News
- Shir Hadash Ra’am BBYO Announcements: Social Events, Meetings and More
Adult Ed
- Crash Course in Basic Judaism
- Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan
- Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
Community Events
- JCFS Response Groups for LGBTQ Youth and Family
Wellness Section
- This Week’s Wellness Tip: Read Labels
SHOP Shir Hadash
Membership and Upcoming Events
Shir Hadash Annual Meeting, May 18
The Shir
Hadash 2014 annual meeting will be held on Sunday, May 18 from 9:30 to 11:30, in
the synagogue sanctuary. (Since that is also the last day of Religious School
for the year, the meeting will be followed at 11:30 by the annual School
Assembly.) We will have a very full
agenda, including:
- Budget & Two-Year Plan Updates
- Land Sale Update
- Plans & Goals for Next Year
- Board Nominees’ Presentations
- Voting on Board Positions & Budget
Please plan
to attend this important meeting of our entire community.
Lunch & Learn Program for Grandparents
in Interfaith Families
May 20 and 27, 11:30 to 1:00 at Shir Hadash
Two sessions
remain in our four-part program for grandparents of children in interfaith
families. We will welcome Rabbi Ari
Moffic, Director of Interfaith Family/Chicago, to present “GIFTS - Gratitude,
Inspiration, Family, Tzedakah and Service.” These 90-minute lunch & learn
sessions address the challenges and successes of grandparenting and supporting
children and grandchildren in interfaith families. Click here to view the
program flyer on our website. For more information, call 847 498 8218.
Save the Date: JUF Fundraising Brunch, June
1
Shir Hadash
will be hosting our first ever JUF fundraising event on Sunday, June 1, at 10
am .The JUF funds a vital network of agencies that do the important work of
caring for people in need around the world and here in Chicagoland, and also of
nurturing the Jewish community. Our guest speaker will be David Rubovits,
Senior Vice President of Planning and Allocations for the JUF/Jewish Federation
of Metropolitan Chicago. Click here to register online ,
and spend an hour with us enjoying brunch and supporting a vital part of the
Jewish community. For more information, contact Rachel Schick-Siegel,
rschicksiegel@comcast.net
New! Gluten-Free
Cooking Class, June 11
Please join
us on Wednesday, June 11, at 7:00pm for a gluten-free cooking demonstration and
dinner. While you nosh on gluten-free hors d'oeuvres, Cindy Grills will
demonstrate how to make gluten-free pizza with a cauliflower crust. It's so
good, you won't believe it's cauliflower! The pizza will be served with salad.
Bring your own wine. The cost is $15 for members/$20 for nonmembers. To
register, visit our website at www.shir-hadash.org.
Start Practicing! Coffee House Night – Open
Mic Style is back! June 14
Save the
date for another wonderful evening of talent and treats. Shir Hadash’s 2nd
Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style is on the calendar for Saturday, June 14
from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Enjoy a laid back Saturday night with low lighting, comfortable
seating, friendly conversation, a bake sale with coffee and beverages, and the
amazing talent of our friends. Everyone
is welcome to participate: any age, any talent, member or nonmember, and of
course, audience members. Attention Talent: Dancers, Actors, Musicians,
Storytellers, Magicians, Group Acts … it’s your time to come forward and hear
the applause. Please contact Margie at MargiePromoPro1@aol.com to let her know
if you’d like to perform. Please put “Coffee House Talent” in the subject line.
Bakers, Tech
Help, Set-up Roadie Crew – we need your talents too! Please contact Margie at
MargiePromoPro1@aol.com and put “Coffee House Talent” in the subject line. A
successful event depends on you – thanks!
Book Club
The next Book
Club will be held in July to discuss Under
the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. Time and place TBA. All are welcome –
watch for details. Questions? Contact Meryl Abensohn, abenkras@aol.com.
Scholarship Fund
We are
grateful to the donors who have contributed to the Samuel I. Andes
Scholarship Fund, a need-based fund for children whose families cannot afford
to pay for their Jewish education at Shir Hadash. Melanie and Fred Andes have
created this fund in memory of Fred’s great-uncle Samuel I. Andes, who was a
staunch advocate of education, both religious and secular, and have graciously
offered to match all donations to the fund up to $11,000.00. Be part of this exciting initiative!
Click here to
donate online or mail your check to made out to Shir Hadash with “Scholarship”
written in the memo line.
Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant
Fundraisers!
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
Shabbat Evening Service on Friday, May 16,
2014, 7:30pm
“Jewish
Lessons on the 20th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide”
Guest
Speaker: Mr. Rick Hirschhaut
Founding
Executive Director, Illinois Holocaust Museum
Director of
International Outreach -- Kwibuka20: Remember, Unite, Renew
This Friday,
we have a very special and powerful service with guest speaker Rick Hirschhaut,
who you may know from his long and distinguished tenure as Founding Executive
Director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
Rick now serves as Director of International Outreach for Kwibuka20, a
commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people that occurred in Rwanda 20
years ago. Rick will speak to us on this
topic: "Jewish Lessons from the Rwandan Genocide."
In his work
with Kwibuka, Rick is working with Rwanda's Diplomatic Missions, the United
Nations, and a cross-section of international organizations to develop
ceremonies of remembrance, special exhibitions, vigils and related activities
to ensure understanding of the genocide and awareness of Rwanda's evolving
story of reconciliation and nation-building.
More information is available at http://www.kwibuka.org/. Don't miss
this unique service - and please remember to bring something for the oneg.
Volunteer Opportunities
Prospective Member Coffees
Many many
thanks to Kelly and Brian Aron for hosting a very successful prospective member
coffee in their home last week. These fun, relaxed events are a wonderful way
for interested individuals to learn more about why Shir Hadash is so special. If you would like to host a coffee on either
May 22 or June 5 for your friends who are looking for a spiritual home, please
let us know. The membership committee will provide the refreshments and attend
to set-up and clean-up; you provide a venue and a guest list. Help us spread the word about Shir Hadash!
Contact membership@shir-hadash.org for more information.
Volunteer Shout-Outs
This new section will thank volunteers who
go “above and beyond” in helping Shir Hadash. Know someone who has done
something special? Let us know at newsletter@shir-hadash.org.
Kol Hakavod
to:
- Charlie Richmond and the scouts and volunteers from Northbrook’s Troop 67, who patched, repaired, and painted four offices at the synagogue. Charlie took this on as the community service project requirement for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
- Hannah Allen and Danny Mostow for attending the Prospective Member Coffee last week. You did a great job watching the children and were a wonderful example of our teen leaders.
Mitzvah Project - Help the Animals.
Julia Kessel
is collecting food and pet toys for the Humane Society as her mitzvah project
for her May 31 Bat Mitzvah. She is collecting for cats and dogs, and any food
or toys would be a big help. If you can
contribute food or toys, please put them in box in the Synagogue lobby. Thank
you!
The Rabbi’s Corner
May 16-17,
2014 / 17 Iyar 5774
Shabbat
Bechukotai
Torah:
Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34 / Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14
“How Israel is Bringing the Rains in Every
Season”
Dear
Friends,
And I will give your rains in their season
(Leviticus 26:4)
The Biblical
commentator Nachmanides taught that God’s blessing of timely rain did not just
bring crops. The appearance of “rains in their season” brought many additional
blessings as well. He taught, “If [the rains] come in their proper season, the
air is pure and good and rivers are good and this is a cause of physical
health… Thus, the people do not become sick...and they live out the full extent
of their days.” Divine blessings of rain not only bring produce, they provide
the clean water critical for health, well-being, and prosperity.
Today,
Israel stands at the forefront of international efforts to bring clean water to
the world. Israel has made a name for itself around the world for its water
innovation and technology by bringing critical know-how to countries across the
globe, including in the US, helping communities deal with difficult water
conditions….
To read the
rest of the Rabbi’s Corner on our website, click here.
Music Notes – News and Ideas from our Music Director
Lag BaOmer
It's not a
holiday widely celebrated in the liberal Jewish community, but if you'd like to
learn more about Lag BaOmer, a great place to start is Jacob Richman's Jewish Holiday Hotsite for Lag Ba'omer.
My friend
and colleague Carol Boyd Leon wrote a contemporary Lag BaOmer song for her
collection of children's songs, Gan Shirim. You can find it on Amazon or iTunes.
I wrote a song last year not about Lag BaOmer but about the counting of the
Omer itself called "Count the Omer With Me" which we've been singing
in religious school. I haven't recorded it, but if you'd like a copy of the
sheet music, let me know.
Lest you
think that all the traditional songs for Lag BaOmer are either boring or sung
in unintelligible hassidishe ashkenazi dialects, try this new rock song about
Rabbi Shmon Bar Yochai by Moshe Skier, or even this rendition, which, although sung
in hasidic dialect is a great musical performance.
Making your
own Lag BaOmer celebration? Since the evening celebrations involve a campfire,
just about any song suitable for singing around a campfire will do. In Israel,
they even sing a song about a coffeepot, Ha Finjan.
For American Jews, consider the songs from We Sang That at Camp.
Lahaka (Adult Choir)
Come Join Us - We're Already
Looking Forward to High Holidays!
Our adult
choir, Lahaka is meeting regularly on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month
at 7:30pm. If you like to sing and be part of a warm, friendly, fun-loving
group, come join us! Be on the lookout for information on our summer and High
Holidays rehearsal schedule. We are starting to learn new and review old
repertoire for High Holidays, so come join us in May as we begin our work to
prepare for a meaningful musical Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For more
information contact Adrian Durlester, music.director@shir-hadash.org
Education
Visit the Education Director’s Blog
Education
Director Emily Ascher’s blog has news about everything happening at Shir Hadash
Religious School. Click here to see it.
End of School Year Events, May 18
It’s happened so fast – we’ve arrived
at the end of another great year of Religious School at Shir Hadash! We have
some very special events planned this Sunday to close out the year:
- Teacher/Madrichim Appreciation Breakfast, 8:00am: Sponsored by the Room Parents and Education Committee. Please email Molly Michaels at mollymichaels@comcast.net if you would like to help out.
- Last Day Assembly, 11:30am: Everyone is invited to share in our end of year spectacular! We will enjoy a photo montage expertly compiled by Matthew Friedman, a performance by magician Jack Gordon, a special goodbye to our graduating seniors, and ICE CREAM! Join us for a great start to summer vacation!
Teen News
Ra’am BBYO News
Thank you to
Mira Horwitz and Joel Schleicher for leading Havdallah at the Regional
Jewchella dance last weekend. What a great way to end Shabbat and begin the
week. Kol Hakavod!
Upcoming Board
Events:
- June 5: BBYO Board meeting 7:00 p.m. at Shir Hadash. Please send agenda items to Alyssa by June 1st.
- June 8: BBYO fall term elections. Considering running for Ra'am Board for next year? Contact Alyssa or Carole for details on completing the required forms.
Stand Up Event for Ra’am BBYO, May 18
Chapter
members and friends: join us for a fun program to spread the awareness of
inclusion. Learn the importance of accepting other and being kind in everyday
life. Meet at Shir Hadash in the Teen Lounge on May 18 from 7:00-8:30pm.
BBYO Summer Experiences
Did you know
that BBYO offers a variety of summer leadership, service, and travel programs
for Jewish teens throughout the summer? Our region offers several scholarships
for summer programs, and there is a great variety of experiences available.
Click here for more information regarding BBYO summer experiences.
Adult Education
NEW! Crash Course in Basic Judaism
Monday June
9, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Taught by
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
Join us for
the final session of the Rabbi’s crash course. Participants will learn the basics of Judaism
and receive a free copy of the Companion Guide chock-full of thought-provoking,
extra-curricular reading to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the
depth and breadth of Judaism. This program is presented in conjunction with the
National Jewish Outreach Project. All are welcome: members and non-members,
Jews and non-Jews, family and friends. Click here to view our program flyer.
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Eitan
Weiner-Kaplow
Join Shir
Hadash members and friends for a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the
weekly Torah portion. This informal
group meets on Thursdays from noon to 1:00 in the Shir Hadash Kitchen/Café. All
are welcome.
Sunday Morning Adult Ed
Join us 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.
Donations
To the General Fund
Meryl
Abensohn and Jack Kraska, in memory of Lillian Cohen
To the Capital Campaign
Lise and
Sandi Schleicher, in memory of Harvey Kahan, stepfather of Jackie Roiter
Community Events
JCYS Response Groups – “Alliance” begins
June 24
Response, an
agency of JCFS, offers programs for LGBTQ teens and their families. All
programs are located at the Response office, 9304 N. Skokie Blvd in Skokie. This
summer, Response will be running a new group called Alliance for LGBTQ high
school students and allies. The program is free and drop-ins are welcome
throughout summer. For more info or to RSVP, click here http://xn--www-1n0a.jcfs.org/node/1056
or email RachelMarro@jcfs.org or call (224) 625-2946.
Wellness Section
Wellness Tip of the Week: Read Labels!
Understanding
what the Nutrition Facts Label includes can help you make the best food choices
for your health. Recognize the serving size, amount of calories, which areas to
limit (fat and sodium), which nutrients to maximize (protein, dietary fiber).
Thanks to SH member Jennifer Dumrauf
for her wellness tips.
SHOP Shir Hadash
Spring into SHOP!
SHOP is our
congregation’s ongoing fundraiser – and the easiest way to support the shul
without spending an extra dime! Purchase gift cards 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 or at Sunday school.
Bonus Contributions Now Available:
- Albertson’s – 1% through May 23
- Belk – 2% through May 23
- Boston Market – 2% through May 16
- Cabela’s – 1% through May 16
- Caribou – 1% through May 23
- Exxon/Mobil – 1% through July 4
- Joann – 2% through May 23
- LL Bean – 2% through May 16
- Lowe’s – 2% through May 23
- Restaurant.com – 15% through May 23
- Shutterfly – 2% through May 23
Toys"R"Us : ScripNow and ReloadNow Available
Pizza Hut - New ScripNow Retailer: We're pleased
to announce Pizza Hut® ScripNow® is available! That means, in addition to their
$10 plastic cards, you can now purchase Pizza Hut eCards on ShopWithScrip® for
the same 8% non-profit contribution.
Red Robin 2% Bonus Contribution starting
Saturday, May 17 through Friday, May 30. During this time, purchases of Red
Robin gift cards and ScripNow® eCards will award an 11% contribution instead of
the standard 9%.
Register Albertsons/SuperValu Gift Cards for a Chance to Win
$100! Between May 17 and May 23, register an Albertsons®/SuperValu®
gift card for ReloadNow®, or reload an existing Albertsons/ SuperValu card on
ShopWithScrip®, and you'll be automatically entered for a chance to win your
share of $1000 in prizes*. Ten families will win $100 dollars loaded onto their
registered card!
New Small
Denomination Cards - Limited Time Only! Through May 23,
or while supplies last, the following plastic gift cards will be available. Great teacher gifts!
- AMC Theatres® $10
- Amazon.com Gift Card $10
- Barnes & Noble $5
- CVS/pharmacy $10
- Pizza Hut $5
- Panera Bread® $5
- Regal Entertainment Group $10
- Target $10
- Starbucks $5 Teacher Card
- Walmart $10
Thanks to the
following families for participating in SHOP this week:
- Zinbarg
- Schleicher
- Herbin
- Farahmandpour
- Mostow
- Grills
- Callistein
- Friedman
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