Shir Hadash Weekly Newsletter -- June 5, 2014

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

• Recap: SH Hosts JUF Fundraising Brunch
• Dining for Dollars: Tamales Fundraiser Ends Tonight, June 5
• Gluten-Free Cooking Class, June 11
• Coffee House Open Mic Night, June 14
• New! iWalk to Help Feed Our Community’s Hungry, June 29
• Building Operations Update
• Book Club
• Samuel I. Andes Scholarship Fund
• Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers: The Continental and Butterfield’s

Creative Worship and Ritual

• Special Family Service, June 6 at 6:15pm
• Shabbat Friday Evening Service, June 6 at 7:30pm
• Shabbat Morning Service, June 7 at 9:30

Volunteer Opportunities

• Family Service Greeters Needed, June 6
• Volunteer for SH at Greater Chicago Jewish Festival, June 8
• Help Needed for iWalk, June 29

The Rabbi’s Corner

• “A Great Leader”

Music Notes

• Lahaka Adult Choir

Education

• PJ Library -- Free Books for Young Children

Teen News

• Shir Hadash Ra’am BBYO Announcements:  Social Events, Meetings and More

Adult Ed

• Crash Course in Basic Judaism: Last Session June 9
• Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan
• Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes

Community Events

• Response Summer Youth Programs

Wellness Section

• This Week’s Wellness Tip

SHOP Shir Hadash

Membership and Upcoming Events

Event Chairs Richard and Rachel Schick Siegel,
SH President Jeff Wallk, JUF Campaign Chair Adrienne
Kriezelman, and Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

SH Hosts JUF Fundraising Brunch

Last Sunday, June 1, Shir Hadash held its first JUF fundraising event. The brunch was planned by event co-chairs Rachel and Rich Siegel and supported by our JUF Event Committee--Melanie and Fredric Andes, Lynne and Bob Arons, Mandy and Marc Fargotstein, Sarah and Steve Fisher, Diane and Art German, Chantal and Glenn Graff, Jennifer and Mark Lenhart, Carrie and Michael Matt, Rebecca and Ed Rice, Lise and Sandi Schleicher, Ruth and Jeffrey Wallk, Dawn and Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow, and Sandra and Jerry Weiss

David Rubovits, Senior VP for JUF/Jewish Federation
of Metropolitan Chicago

As attendees munched their way through bagels, cream cheese, lox, poached salmon, tuna, fruit, and a smorgasbord of dessert options, they watched several videos detailing the types of critical work the JUF does to help care for people in need around the world and here in Chicagoland. Our featured speaker was David Rubovits, Senior Vice President of Planning and Allocations for the JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. Also in attendance was Adrienne Kriezelman, 2014 JUF Congregations & Community Campaign Chair.

This was a great opportunity for Shir Hadash to take its rightful place in the Chicagoland Jewish community and help support the JUF's many worthy projects. Thank you to everyone who attended; we look forward to next year's brunch. Look for our photo in an upcoming issue of JUF magazine.

Dining for Dollars Fundraiser at Tamales Ends Today, June 5

Hungry for some fabulous Mexican food? Today is the final day of our Tamales fundraiser! Take the family to Tamales in Highland Park anytime before June 5 and they will donate 10% of the total sale to Shir Hadash! No flyer necessary, just tell your server that you’re from Shir Hadash. Tamales is located at 493 Central Avenue, just east of St. John’s Avenue, in downtown Highland Park. Dine in or carryout – please, no coupons. Be sure to say hi to Jeff, the owner, and tell him thanks for supporting Shir Hadash!

Greater Chicago Jewish Festival, June 8

Shir Hadash will be hosting a booth at the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival on this Sunday, June 8 from 11:00am to 6:00pm. This exciting outdoor celebration highlights local and national Jewish talent, featuring continuous music and dance on three stages plus a separate children's stage, hands-on activities for children and adults, a juried art fair, a strictly kosher food court with cooking demonstrations, and booths from more than 80 co-sponsoring Jewish organizations, all reflecting the community's interests and diversity. The Festival is held in St. Paul Woods, at the intersection of Oakton and Lehigh Streets, in Morton Grove. If you can sign up for a two-hour shift to help at our booth, please contact Sandy Weiss, sandy2weiss@gmail.com. Otherwise, bring the whole family and be sure to stop by and say hello! For detailed event information, click here. 

Gluten-Free Cooking Class, June 11, 7:00pm

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.

Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style, June 14, 7:00pm

Remember to check in and be part of “Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style!” on Saturday, June 14 from 7:00 to 10:00pm. We’re looking forward to another wonderful evening of talent and treats.  And we’ve made it even easier to sign up through our website: just click here and you’re in! Attention Talent:  Dancers, Actors, Musicians, Storytellers, Magicians, Group Acts, Everyone!… it’s your time to come forward and hear the applause.  Bakers, Tech Help, Set-up Roadie Crew:  Please click the link and let us know that you’ll participate too – a successful event depends on you! For more information, contact Margie at MargiePromoPro1@aol.com and put “Coffee House Night” in the subject line.

New! iWalk to Help Feed Our Community’s Hungry, June 29

The Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council is sponsoring its first annual 5K family event to help feed our community’s hungry on Sunday, June 29, at 2:00pm registration begins at 1 p.m. The walk will begin at the Saint Mary Parish parking lot, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Participating congregations include: Congregation Beth Am, Congregation Beth Judea, Congregation B’nai Shalom, Shir Hadash Synagogue, Hope Lutheran Church, Kingswood United Methodist Church, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Saint Mary Parish, and Temple Chai.

The organizers suggest a $10 donation to help stock the food pantries at Saint Mary Parish, Kingswood United Methodist Church, and Congregation Beth Am. Nonperishable food donations are highly encouraged. No pets are allowed. For further information please e-mail NWSINTERFAITH@gmail.com. You can also contact Shir Hadash coordinator Carly Matt at carly.matt.sings@gmail.com or Richard Rosen at rickrosen18@sbcglobal.net.

Shir Hadash is looking for three to five volunteers to help staff the event. Please contact Carly Matt if you would like to volunteer.

Devin Stites instructs SH Administrator
Lillian Zoloto on our new phone and
video security system.

Building Operations Committee Update

Work is progressing on the installation of our new video phone system, which will work in sync with the new high tech security system. Work on the entire project should be completed by the end of June. Please feel free to contact Marc Fargotstein at marcfargo@att.net with any questions.

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 coming soon. Questions? Contact Meryl Abensohn, abenkras@aol.com.

Scholarship Fund

We are grateful to everyone who has 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 and have graciously offered to match all donations to the fund up to $11,000.00.  Click here http://sh.shulcloud.com/samuel-i-andes-scholarship-fund.htmlto donate online or mail your check to made out to Shir Hadash with “Scholarship” written in the memo line. Thank you!

Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers!

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. 

Creative Worship and Ritual

Friday, June 6, 2014, 6:15pm

Family Service with Rabbi Eitan & Lauren Shook

Our first service this Friday is intended for families with children in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Rabbi Eitan and Lauren Shook will lead a lively service that includes the Shabbat prayers along with story, song, and dance. It’s an interactive shabbat experience not to be missed! Following the service, we will enjoy refreshments and a shabbat activity with Lauren Shook. Bring treats to share at the oneg refreshments. Rabbi Eitan will do some wine tasting for the adults.

Friday, June 6, 7:30pm

Shavuot Service led by our Teens

Celebrate the Jewish festival of the Spring harvest at our Special Shavuot service evening led by our  teens.  We will read the story of the Ten Commandments from the Torah scroll.  We will honor our graduating seniors and offer a special blessing to those heading off to summer camps.  Singing and storytelling will round out our service.  Finally join us for an incredible pot-luck oneg celebration of treats and refreshments.

Saturday, June 7, 9:30am

Shabbat Morning Service

We will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Sam Sabatello. 

Volunteer Opportunities  

Family Service Greeters Needed, June 6

We need some smiling faces to welcome families to our Family Shabbat service on Friday, June 6. The service starts at 6:15; volunteers are asked to arrive by 6:00pm. If you can help, please contact Sandy Weiss at sandy2weiss@gmail.com or Lynne Arons at Rzldzl122@aol.com.

Volunteer for SH at the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival, June 8

Thanks to everyone who has already signed up to staff our booth at the Jewish Festival on June 8 (see Festival details above). We still need a few more members to join us between 11:00am and 6:00pm, especially during the 3:00-6:00 period. If you’re available, please contact Sandy Weiss at sandy2weiss@gmail.com.  

iWalk Help Needed, June 29

Please see the notice under upcoming events regarding the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council’s “iWalk” 5K on June 29. If you can volunteer to help staff the event, please contact Carly Matt, carly.matt.sings@gmail.com

The Rabbi’s Corner

June 6-7, 2014 / 9 Sivan 5774

Shabbat Beha’alotecha

Torah: Numbers 8:1 - 12:16 / Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7

“A Great Leader”

Dear Friends,

After Miriam and Aaron speak negatively about Moses, God appears to them in defense of Moses’s honor, praising Moses as “trusted in all My house.” (Numbers 12:7). What does this mean? According to Rabbi Akiva, “trusted” implies obedience. Moses could be counted on to carry out God’s instructions without fail. Rabban Gamliel offers another explanation. Trust implies the independence to act on God’s behalf even without explicit instruction. In truth, great leaders must demonstrate both qualities: loyalty and devotion, coupled with independence and personal initiative. By being both, Moses represented the ideal servant of God and leader of the Jewish nation.

Recently, the United States Congress voted to salute a ‘trusted’ friend who manifests both important qualities.  Just one month before retiring from his distinguished post as president of the state of Israel and after decades of public service to the Jewish state, Shimon Peres will be awarded the United States’ highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal….

To read the rest of the Rabbi’s Corner on our website, click here.  

Music Notes

Lahaka (Adult Choir)

Come Join Us - We're Already Looking Forward to High Holidays!

If you like to sing and be part of a warm, friendly, fun-loving group, come join Lahaka, our adult choir! Be on the lookout for information on our summer and High Holidays rehearsal schedule. We will be preparing for a meaningful musical Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For more information contact Sandy Weiss, sandy2weiss@gmail.com.

Education

PJ Library

We are thrilled to tell you about an opportunity from the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to receive FREE Jewish books and music – PJ Library!  PJ Library sends high quality, age-appropriate Jewish books and music to families with children ages six months to eight years– with absolutely no strings attached.  The PJ Library was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and is a gift to your family from the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, local donors and local early childhood Jewish educators.

Space is limited and the program already filled up once!   To learn more and sign up, please visit www.juf.org/pjlibrary or call 312-357-4831 for more information. 

If you’re already receiving books (or just signed up) or don’t qualify yourself, but know a family who does, please share this information with them. Make sure to ‘like’ PJ Library Chicago on Facebook to stay up to date with upcoming PJ Library and JUF Joyfully Jewish Programs, parenting information, prize giveaways and more! 

Teen News

Ra’am BBYO Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for all these June events:

• Board Meeting: Thursday, June 5  from 7:00 - 8:30pm at Shir Hadash - All members are encouraged to attend.
• Fall Term Elections: Sunday, June 8  from 11:00am - 1:00pm at Shir Hadash.  If you are interested in running for the Board, please contact Alyssa or Carole.  We need all members to come vote for the fall term Board - bagels & sweets will be served.
• End of Year PARTY! June12  from 7:00 – 9:00pm at Shir Hadash. Includes induction for members & Senior Life presentation by our graduating senior.

Volunteer Opportunity! Chicago Jewish Festival, June 8

Calling all teens & college students: Join us for a fun volunteer opportunity at the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival on Sunday, June 8.  The festival runs from 11:00am to 6:00pm, and we can use volunteers at the Shir Hadash booth during the following time slots: 11:00 - 1:00, 1:00 - 3:00 and 3:00-6:00.  Come hang out, help out, and enjoy some great food, music and crafts.  Contact Carole at youth@shir-hadash.org for more information.

Adult Education

Final Session: Crash Course in Basic Judaism

Monday June 9, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Taught by Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Join the Rabbi for the final session of his crash course on June 9, when the topic will be “Judaism, Sex and Sexuality.”   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. 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

School’s out for the kids, but Adult Ed goes on! 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. 

Community Events

Summer Youth Groups from JCYS Response

Response, an agency of JCYS, sponsors a number of social and support groups for adolescents and their families at its main facility, 9304 N. Skokie Blvd in Skokie. This summer, groups include:

• For Middle School Students:
• Relax with Response, Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 (starts 6/25) --Come with your friends to hang out at Response each Wednesday for snacks, movies, games, arts & crafts!
• For High School Students:
• Alliance, Tuesdays 4:00-5:30 (starts 6/24) -- For LGBTQ+ teens and allies! Come hang out for discussions, activities, and movies related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Comic Book Club, Thursdays 3:30-5:00 (starts 6/26) -- Do you like reading comics? Drawing comics? Watching movies based on comics? Spend Thursdays this summer with other people who do too!

All programs are free of charge. For more information, contact Rachel Marro, RachelMarro2jcfs.org or visit their website.

Wellness Section

Tip for the Week: Healthy Restaurant Strategies

Having trouble ordering at a restaurant and staying fit? A few minor changes make a big difference!

• Breakfast: Order eggs over easy cooked in Pam, and feel free to leave some of the yolk left behind on the plate. Turkey products have less fat and calories (though, unfortunately, can be high in sodium).
• Lunch or dinner: Put aside half the bun. Ask to have your fish or chicken cooked plain,without seasoning or breading. Veggies also can be ordered plain, without added salt and butter, and still be delicious!

Many thanks to SH member Jennifer Dumrauf for her wellness tips. Watch future issues for more great ideas!

SHOP Shir Hadash

SHOP Over the Summer!

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.

Bonus Contributions Now Available:

• Exxon/Mobil – 1% through July 4

New Bonuses Beginning June 7:

• LL Bean – 2% through June 13
• Lowe’s – 1% through June 13
• Meijer – 1% through June 20

Bass Pro Shops® is excited to announce a 4% bonus contribution running through Friday, June 6. During this time, all denominations of Bass Pro Shops® gift cards and ScripNow® purchases will award a 13% contribution instead of the standard 9%.

Red Robin 2% Bonus Contribution 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%.      

                                             

ToysRUs -- $100 Gift Card Now Available

New: $20 Starbucks “Happy Father’s Day” cards available until June 13 or while supplies last.

GLSC Summer Hours:  GLSC summer schedule for Customer Support begins on Friday, May 30. Our office hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Eastern Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Eastern on Fridays.  GLSC will resume normal schedule on Tuesday, September 2.

Thanks to the following families for participating in SHOP this week:   

• Zinbarg
• Schleicher
• Idelman