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 Completes Property Sale
Author and Rabbi David Teutsch Speaks at SH, January 6
Meditation Group, January 10
Book Club Meets January 15
Meet Up Day, January 15
“Let There Be Light” LED Bulb Drive
Support Shir Hadash and Save with Entertainment Books
Annual Gala at Pinstripes, February 7
Shir Hadash Summer Family Trip to Israel, June 2015
Creative Worship and Ritual
No Shabbat Services This Week
Saturday Morning Services Coming in 2015
Save the Date for New Members Welcome Service, January 16
Volunteer Opportunities
SHOP Needs You
AV Expertise Needed
The Rabbi’s Corner
Education
School Now on Winter Break
Teen News
Registration Now Open for Kallah 2015, February 13-15
BBYO - GMR Invite Convention, January 30-February 1
Ra’am BBYO -- Sleepover and Invite Planning Session, January 2
Adult Education
Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History Begins January 18
Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan -- Next Meeting January 6
Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes on Winter Break
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
Shir Hadash Completes Property Sale
We are extremely excited to announce that Shir Hadash has completed the sale of a portion of our excess land! This sale finishes 12 months of discussions and contract negotiations with the land buyer The LaSalle Group, as well as many meetings with officials from Wheeling which culminated with a closing this month. With this sale, we have significantly added to the security and future growth of our Congregation, with terms that included a cash purchase price; acquisition of creekside green space for future walking paths, a geniza, and other purposes; an easement for shared parking with our new neighbors to the east of the synagogue; and other major benefits. For a detailed description of this milestone event, please click here to read President Glenn Graff’s letter to members.
Author and Rabbi David Teutsch Speaks at Shir Hadash, January 6
We are very pleased to announce that one of the leading authorities in the Reconstructionist Jewish community will be coming to Shir Hadash next week. Rabbi David Teutsch, who teaches at the Recon Rabbinical College in Philadelphia, has been leading a project by the Recon movement to create a complete Guide to Jewish Practice. Volumes 1 (Everyday Living) and 2 (Shabbat and Holidays) have already been published. Now, Volume 3 (The Life Cycle) has been published, and Rabbi Teutsch will be coming to talk with us, sign some books, and share some dessert (as we always do at Shir Hadash). This will be happening next Tuesday, January 6, at 7:30 pm. Join us for a fascinating discussion!
If you are interested in purchasing volumes of Rabbi Teutsch’s Guide to Jewish Practice, we will have copies available that evening. Each book is $35.95, or you can buy the set of three for $99.00. (Such a deal...) If you will not be able to attend Rabbi Teutsch's talk, you can still buy the books. We have ordered a number of copies in advance, and you can reserve them by emailing Melanie at fmandes@comcast.net . If we run out of books, we will order more.
Rabbi Teutsch is the Chair of the Rabbinical College's Department of Contemporary Jewish Civilization, Director of the College's Program in Jewish Ethics, was formerly President of the College, and is currently editor-in-chief for the Recon prayer books that we use on Shabbat, holidays, and the High Holidays. So we're sure that you have some questions for him, don't you? Come and ask!
Shir Hadash Meditation Group, January 10
Several Shir Hadashniks recently created a member-led meditation group. None of the group members are trained meditation teachers, let alone a guru! Thus, the group is intended primarily for people who already have some experience meditating and are looking to help sustain (or perhaps restart) their practice by committing to practice together on a regular basis. However, "first-timers" are welcome; our group can provide enough of an introduction that a first-timer will be able to decide if they are interested in going on for more advanced learning with a trained meditation teacher/expert.
We have had two meetings already at the synagogue. In addition to chatting about our past experiences with meditation, we’ve sat for a largely unguided mindfulness meditation on the breath for about 20 min and we have also done about 15 minutes of a body scan meditation guided by a CD of Jon Kabat-Zinn. We will meet next on Saturday, January 10 at 2:00pm at the synagogue. For those members who feel comfortable doing so, we’ll take turns leading the group practices or bringing in CDs or other recordings of guided meditations. We look forward to practicing together and invite all other Shir Hadashniks who would like to meditate with us to join us! For more information, contact Rick Zinbarg: 847-902-9703; rzinbarg@northwestern.edu
Meet Up Day, January 15
Shir Hadash’s new Meet Up Day returns 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 on Thursday, January 15 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 know if you are coming at fmandes@comcast.net.
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.
“Let There Be Light” LED Bulb Drive 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 $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! .
Support Shir Hadash and Save with Entertainment Books
Just a few books left -- get yours now! 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.
Annual Gala at Pinstripes, February 7
Invitations have been sent! 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.
Visit our updated website page for more exciting details. If you would like to be involved in planning this exciting event, our next meeting is Monday, January 5 at 7:30pm. Join us!
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
No Shabbat Services this Week
There will be no Shabbat Services at Shir Hadash on January 2-3. Enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your family.
Saturday Morning Services Coming in 2015 -- Take (a) Part!
In our continuing efforts to provide a variety of services to respond to our members' needs and interests, we are going to 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!
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 Zinb arg, gzinbarg@sbcglobal.net, for more info.
AV Advice Needed
We have been offered a generous donation to upgrade the audio/visual capabilities in our sanctuary. We are seeking someone with expertise in this area to help determine configuration and purchasing. If you have the know-how, we’d appreciate your help! Please contact Marc Fargotstein at marcfargo@att.net.
The Rabbi’s Corner
The Rabbi is currently traveling in Israel and will return next week. To read past installments of The Rabbi’s Corner blog, 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, 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.
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.
Ra'am BBYO: Invite Prep Session Sleepover, January 2-3
If you are planning to come to Invite (see above), then please join us for our first-ever Ra’am lock-in and planning session on January 2 at 5:00pm until January 3 at 1:00pm. At this sleepover, we will be creating and learning our competition pieces for Invite Convention, as well as installing our Spring Term board! The sleepover will be held at Shir Hadash, 200 W Dundee in Wheeling. Please bring a sleeping bag, pillows, pajamas and any other specific things you need to spend the night! We will be sleeping in the teen lounge or in classrooms so be prepared! Also mark your calendars for more Invite prep January 23-24 (more details on that to come soon).
Important! Everyone who is planning on attending the sleepover needs to have the BBYO Medical Release form completed and signed by a parent or guardian! It is very important that these are turned in at the sleepover in case of emergency. Contact Carole for more information: youth@shir-hadash.org
Adult Education
New! Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History, Begins January 18
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.
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 2015!
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.
You can order a ScripNow eGift and have it delivered right to their email account. 250+ stores offer ScripNow®, and all of them can be ordered as eGifts, so you can find exactly what you're looking for. You can pick your eGift design and include a personalized message. Plus, eGifts make it easy to surprise friends and family across the country. Place your eGift orders today and pay with PrestoPay™. NO PrestoPay fees through Friday, January 2! Visit our Shop page and select "ScripNow" under card type to see all the stores available. If you have any questions about sending eGifts, give the Customer Support Team a call at 1.800.727.4715 option 3.
Great Lakes Scrip, a gift card vender, will be closed for New Year’s January 1 and 2. Please note that during closed business days ScripNow® and ReloadNow® will process like normal. Reload orders will not process January 1.
Thanks to the following families for participating in SHOP this week:
Zinbarg
Schleicher
G. Graff
M. Graff
Anderson
Fargotstein
Singer
Mostow
Farahmandpour
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