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
New! “Let There Be Light” LED Bulb Drive
Shir Hadash Dinner and a Movie Night, December 25
Author and Rabbi Teutsch Speaks at SH, January 6
Update: Book Club Meets January 15
Update: Next Meet Up Day, January 15
Update: Next Meet Up Day, January 15
Support Shir Hadash and Save with Entertainment Books
Save the Date: Annual Gala at Pinstripes, February 7
Shir Hadash Summer Family Trip to Israel, June 2015
Creative Worship and Ritual
This Week’s Service: Friday, December 19, 7:30pm
New! Saturday Morning Services Coming in 2015
New! Saturday Morning Services Coming in 2015
Save the Date for New Members Welcome Service, January 16
A Special Welcome to our Very Newest Member
Volunteer Opportunities
SHOP Needs You
Holiday Gift Wrap at Barnes and Noble to Support Shir Hadash
The Rabbi’s Corner
"Realizing Our Dreams"
"Realizing Our Dreams"
Education
School Now on Winter Break
Teen News
Madrichim Notes
Registration Now Open for Kallah 2015
Ra’am BBYO Board Elections
BBYO - GMR Invite Convention, January 30-February 1
Adult Education
New! Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History
Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan -- Next Meeting January 6
Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes on Winter Break Donations
Ongoing Fundraisers
Help Shir Hadash Earn Free Donations with iGive
Samuel I. Andes Scholarship Fund
Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers: The Continental and Butterfield’s
SHOP Shir Hadash
Membership and Upcoming Events
New! “Let There Be Light” LED Bulb Drive
It’s the Festival of Lights -- what better time to make sure that our shul remains brightly lit? As Shir Hadash’s light bulbs burn out, we are replacing them with energy-efficient LED bulbs. these bulbs are more expensive up front, but they last longer and use less energy than other bulbs, saving money over the long haul and maintaining our commitment to environmental responsibility. Recently, a number of bulbs have burned out at the the same time, so we’ve decided to launch a light bulb drive!
Each LED bulb costs $30, but saves about $200 in energy costs over its life. Please help make Shir Hadash green and bright by clicking here to donate one, two, or more bulbs. Thanks for your support!
Dinner and a Movie at SH, December 25
What’s a Jew To Do On December 25? Come to Shir Hadash for Dinner and a Movie! This year we will be sharing a delicious Middle Eastern dinner from Mizrahi Grill, followed by a showing of the hilarious movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. After the movie, we’ll have a pot luck dessert table. All this food and fun for just $20 adults, $15 for kids (pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah age). Please RSVP no later than December 22; click here for registration. For questions contact Melanie Andes at fmandes@comcast.net
Reminder: Use SHOP for your Gift Card Needs
You know you’ll be giving out lots of gift cards in December – and when you buy them from SHOP, you help Shir Hadash without paying a penny more! There’s a long list of vendors offering special bonus donations in December, so be sure to check out the SHOP section at the bottom of this newsletter for details. For more information about SHOP, contact Gina Zinbarg, gzinbarg@sbcglobal.net.
Author and Rabbi David Teutsch Speaks at Shir Hadash, January 6
Mark your calendar for a special appearance by Rabbi David Teutsch on Tuesday, January 6 at 7:30pm. Rabbi Teutsch will present the third and final volume, Life Cycle, in his series A Guide to Jewish Practice. Rabbi Teutsch is Professor, Department Chair of Contemporary Jewish Civilization, and Director of The Jewish Ethics Program at The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA.
All three volumes of the series will be available for sale in advance and at the door. Individual books are $39.95 and the complete three-volume set is $99.00. Registration and purchase information will be available in upcoming Newsletters. If you have any questions please contact Melanie Andes at fmandes@comcast.net.
Update: Book Club Meets January 15
The next Book Club selection will be Pictures from the Past by Deby Eisenberg. Our meeting will be held on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30pm. We will meet at the home of Ed and Rebecca Rice, 3641 Bernay Drive in Northbrook. All are welcome; please rsvp to Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
Update: Meet Up Day, January 15
Shir Hadash’s new Meet Up Day is taking a break in December, but will return on Thursday, January 15. Do you work from home? Would you like to spend a day working in the company of others? Then Meet Up Day at Shir Hadash is for you. Join us today, Thursday December 18 from 10:00am to 2:30pm. Bring your laptop and enjoy some schmooze time with fellow Shir Hadashniks. Registration is not required, but please let Melanie if you are coming at fmandes@comcast.net.
Support Shir Hadash and Save with Entertainment Books
Purchasing your 2015 Entertainment Book from Shir Hadash is a great way to support the synagogue and save money at the same time! For only $25 - a $10 discount on the list price - you’ll enjoy 50% off and buy-one-get-one offers at hundreds of restaurants and entertainment venues around Chicagoland. As an Entertainment member, enjoy the Entertainment mobile app – a wonderful way to save again and again with the merchants you dine and shop with the most. Entertainment Books are available for purchase before Friday evening services, on Sundays during religious school, and online here! For more information, contact Carrie Matt by email at fundraising@shir-hadash.org or call 702-219-6584.
Save the Date -- Annual Gala at Pinstripes, February 7
When you’re planning your 2015 calendar, be sure to reserve February 7 from 7:00 to 11:00pm for the Annual Shir Hadash Gala! This year’s celebration will be extra special as we honor Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow on his 20th anniversary with our congregation. The party will include silent auction items, a “Heads or Tails” raffle, a delicious dinner, and entertainment by Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos. Watch for your invitation coming in December! If you would like to be involved in planning this exciting event, please click here for more information.
Shir Hadash Family Summer Trip to Israel, June 2015
If you’ve been considering a visit to Israel, here’s the perfect opportunity! Rabbi Eitan and Dawn Weiner-Kaplow will lead a family tour of comprehensive sightseeing from June 16 to 26, 2015. TVisit our website for a detailed package flyer and itinerary, or contact Dawn at dweinerkaplow@sbcglobal.net.
Creative Worship and Ritual
This Week’s Services
Friday, December 19, 7:30pm
Chag Sameach, everyone! This Friday night, we'll be lighting five candles (four for the first four nights, plus the shamash), and we'd like everyone to come and light together. The theme of our evening service will be "the real story of Chanukah.” In addition to the basic prayers and songs, we'll hear from our service leaders, Fred Andes and David Liebling, about what really happened at that very important time in our Jewish history, and about what the Maccabees were actually like. And it is NOT like what you learned when you were little...
This program will be oriented toward adults -- but if you would like to bring the kids, we will have a separate program for them. First, we will light the lights - we'll light the big menorah, and the new (actually very old) Syrian menorah that we dedicated last week, and we'd also like you to bring a menorah from home, so we can light them all at once! So come join us, with your menorah (and, of course, please bring five candles and some matches - so we can all light at the same time). And don't forget to bring something for the oneg. See you Friday night!
Saturday Morning Services Coming in 2015 -- Take (a) Part!
We are excited to announce that Shir Hadash will hold Saturday morning services several times in early 2015, on dates when there is not a bar or bat mitzvah. The first of these services will be on January 17. To get this new program going, we need two things: we need people to attend (at least a minyan, but we want a lot more than that), and we need people to help.
What kind of help? Well, we need people to read English parts. We also need Torah readers. Of course, we'll need help with setup and cleanup - including as to the kiddush afterward (where there will be wine, grape juice, challah, some snacks, maybe a little schnapps). And just think - if you haven't had an aliyah since your bar or bat mitzvah, this is your chance! But even if that's not your interest, you can still come and be part of the community, and enjoy your Saturday morning in a calm and relaxed way with the Shir Hadash clan. So, please let us know two things: (1) if you think that you will be attending on January 17; and (2) if you are planning to attend, how you would like to pitch in. And if you have any questions, just let us know. For all of the above, contact Fred Andes at fandes@btlaw.com.
Save the Date for New Members Welcome Service, January 16
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for Shabbat services on January 16. We will be honoring our congregation’s new members, and welcoming them with a special oneg. Hope to see everyone there!
A Special Welcome to our VERY Newest Member
Rabbi Eitan and VP of Building Operations Marc Fargotstein had the honor of overseeing Shir Hadash’s first bris on Monday, December 15. Welcome to our newest member - Avi Howard Margarito Salzman, son of Regina and Bruce Salzman. Regina and Bruce are the newest members of the Shir Hadash family. Please say hello and wish them much joy and happiness when you meet them.
Volunteer Opportunities
SHOP Needs You!
Our ongoing, and vital, SHOP Shir Hadash fundraiser needs volunteers to staff our table at Sunday School. It’s an easy job and a great chance to schmooze with other Shir Hadashniks! Can you spare one Sunday morning to help – just one – from 9:00 to 12:30? Click here to sign up for a day of your choice on Shul Cloud, or contact Gina Zinbarg, gzinbarg@sbcglobal.net, for more info.
Holiday Gift Wrapping at Barnes & Noble Old Orchard, December 23
One last chance to wrap! Here’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the merry madness of the holiday season and do a mitzvah as well: Help raise funds for Shir Hadash by wrapping gift purchases at Barnes and Noble's Old Orchard store on Tuesday, December 23. We’ll be there from 3:30 – 10:00pm (shifts from 3:30 – 6:45 or 6:45 – 10:00pm). Please sign-up for a shift by clicking here. Questions? Contact Carrie Matt by phone at 702-219-6584 or by email at fundraising@shir-hadash.org .
The Rabbi’s Corner
December 19-20, 2014 / 28 Kislev 5775
Shabbat Miketz - Chanukah
Torah Reading: Genesis 41:1-44 & Numbers 7:30-41
Haftarah Reading: Zechariah 2:14-4:7
"Realizing our Dreams"
Dear Friends,
Dreams are an important theme throughout Joseph’s life. He told his dreams of future power and success to his jealous brothers, which only earned him being sold into slavery. He interpreted dreams while in prison in Egypt, which eventually got him freed. In this week’s Torah portion Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, which brought him to an exalted position - the fulfillment of those childhood dreams.
On this Shabbat in the midst of our Chanukah celebration, our thoughts and hearts turn towards the Land of Israel, the birthplace of our people and the site of the Maccabees’ revolt against and victory over the Syrians. Israel is the land of our people’s dreams. It’s where Jacob dreamed of a ladder rising to heaven. It’s where Joseph dreamed. It’s the land to which countless generations of our ancestors dreamed of returning. It’s the land where the Zionist dream became a reality with the establishment of the modern state only 66 years ago.
We Jews in America feel so comfortable and independent that we could easily take the existence of Israel for granted. However, it is important to note that the remarkable success, respect, and security that we American Jews have enjoyed over the past decades are due in large part to the remarkable achievement of the State of Israel. World admiration for Israel has translated in part into the amazing vibrancy, creativity and dynamism that defines American Judaism - something that was but a dream of previous generations….
To read the Rabbi’s Corner blog in its entirety, please click here.
Education
Religious School Now on Winter Break
Enjoy your relaxed Sunday mornings for the next couple weeks. We will see everyone back at class beginning January 11.
Teen News
Registration Now Open for Kallah 2015
On February 13-15, 2015, Shir Hadash 6th – 12th graders will share in a great weekend with teens from JRF congregations across the Midwest at the No’ar Hadash Midwest Youth Kallah (Retreat), to be held at the URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Staffed by rabbis and youth leaders from area synagogues, and with programming designed by teen leaders from across the region, this year’s kallah will be an amazing and exciting experience.
The cost of the weekend is $200 and includes housing, food, program costs, transportation and a souvenir sweatshirt. Click here for registration. Contact Carole at youth@shir-hadash.org or 847 436 1034 for more information.
Ra’am BBYO Board Elections
Ra'am BBYO elected the following board to serve for the spring 2015 term: Mackenzie, Michelle, Natalie, Hannah, Mariel, Danny, Shauna, and Mira. Kol hakavod to our outgoing board members Mira, Natalie, Hannah, Michelle, Danny, and Eli. You did a great job this fall! Thank you for all your hard work.
BBYO - GMR Invite Convention, January 30-February 1
BBYO’s Great Midwest Region has opened registration for its Wild Wild Great Midwest Invite Convention, to be held at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook on January 30 through February 1. All BBYO-GMR members in grades 8 through 12 are encouraged to sign up by December 28 to take advantage of early bird discounts. To learn more, visit the event website.
Adult Education
New! Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History
Eight Sunday morning sessions, 11:15 to 12:25 at Shir Hadash
- January 18
- February 1, 8, 22
- March 15, 22
- April 12
- May 3
Beginning January 18, this eight-week survey course focuses on the fascinating story of the Jewish community in America. Our study will be divided into eight periods spanning colonial times to the present. Each class session will include lecture, discussion, and reading through historical source documents and artifacts. We will also touch on Jewish genealogy and tracing our families’ roots. Students are encouraged to bring online/web resources to class. Instructor: Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow assisted by Shir Hadash members. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow--Next Meeting January 6
The Rabbi’s weekly Lunch & Learn sessions will be on break until January 6. All are invited to join Shir Hadash members and friends for a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the weekly Torah portion. We now meet at noon on Tuesdays in the conference room.
Sunday Morning Adult Ed Now on Winter Break
Our regular Sunday discussions are on hiatus while Religious School is on Winter Break. Each Sunday when Religious School is in session, Fred Andes leads a casual group as we meet at the synagogue from 9:45 to 10:45 for coffee and engaging discussion topics. All are welcome.
Donations
To the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:
Clara and John Galante, in honor of Mickey and Eleanor Weiner’s 60th Anniversary.
Ongoing Fundraisers
Help Shir Hadash Earn Free Donations with iGive
You can help Shir Hadash every time you shop online – the iGive Button makes it simple! iGive is a free and easy way to support the shul. Average shoppers using iGive raise between $30 and $100 a year for their causes. There are 1480 online retailers helping to make donations happen through iGive.
Click here to learn more and join iGive. If you have questions, contact Sandi Schleicher, finance@shir-hadash.org.
Scholarship Fund
To help families in financial need pay for their children’s Jewish education at Shir Hadash, Melanie and Fred Andes created the Samuel I Andes Scholarship Fund in memory of Fred’s great-uncle have graciously offered to match all donations to the fund up to $11,000.00. Click here to donate online or mail in your check 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 and Butterfield’s Restaurant in Northbrook 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.
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 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.
SHOP Needs Your Help!
Please sign up to staff the SHOP table for a Sunday morning. Full details in the “Volunteer Opportunities” section above.
Get Low Denomination Gift Cards While They Last! We have a limited number of the following, special, small denomination gift cards available, just in time for the holidays!
- Amazon.com Gift Cards $10
- AMC Theatres® $10
- Barnes & Noble $5
- CVS/pharmacy $10
- Groupon $10
- Meijer $10
- Outback $10
- Panera Bread® $5
- Pizza Hut $5
- Regal Entertainment Group $10
- Target $10
- Starbucks $5
- Walmart $5
Nike Gift Cards can motivate and reward everyone on your list. Find the latest in footwear and apparel at Nike Stores and online at Nike.com. Create personalized gear with NIKEiD, and choose your favorite colors, materials and fit.
Bonuses Available Now:
- Starbucks – 2% til December 19
- The Children’s Place – 1% til December 19
- Applebee’s -- 2% til December 19
- Athleta -- 2% til December 19
- Banana Republic -- 2% til December 19
- Domino’s -- 2% til December 26
- Gap -- 2% til December 19
- Hallmark -- 2% til December 19
- iTunes -- 5% til December 19
- Old Navy -- 2% til December 19
- Piperlime -- 2% til December 19
- Regis Salons -- 2% til December 19
Albertsons is offering a 2% bonus on ReloadNow from December 20 through December 26. Customers who order Albertsons ReloadNow will receive a 6% contribution instead of the standard 4%. The card is redeemable at Acme, Albertsons, Cub, Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy, Hornbacher’s , and Jewel-Osco.
1800flowers.com $50 Gift Card Now Available The $25 gift card is no longer available, but you can also still order 1800flowers.com ScripNow®eCards in increments of $10, from $10 - $500. 1800flowers.com gift cards and eCards are redeemable at: 1800flowers.com®, 1800baskets.com®, Cheryl's Cookies®, Fruit Bouquets®, Fannie May Berries®, and The Popcorn Factory®, or online at www.1800flowers.com.
Gift Card Holiday Wrappers Back in Stock
We have a colorful collection of gift card holiday wrappers back in stock and available for ordering. These colorful pre-cut glossy wrappers fold up to wrap your gift card in a fun, festive package. It even gives you space to leave a name, gift card amount, and a little note!
Thanks to the following families for participating in SHOP this week:
- Zinbarg
- Schleicher
- Herbin
- Litman
- G. Graff
- M. Graff
- Anderson
- Andes
- Idelman
- Steinbeck
- Grills
- Friedman
- Simon
- Furlett
- Estes-Goldman
- Sharpe
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