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 Gala at Pinstripes, February 7
Meditation Group, January 10
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
New! Coffee House and Open Mic Night, February 21
Shir Hadash Summer Family Trip to Israel, June 2015
Creative Worship and Ritual
No Friday Night Shabbat Service this Week
Saturday Morning Shabbat Service and Bar Mitzvah, January 10
Saturday Morning Services Coming in 2015
New Members Welcome Service, January 16
Volunteer Opportunities
Blood Drive at Shir Hadash, February 1
SHOP Needs You
SHOP Needs You
The Rabbi’s Corner
“We’ve Got Your Back”
Education
School Resumes January 11
Teen News
Registration Now Open for Kallah 2015, February 13-15
BBYO - GMR Invite Convention, January 30-February 1
Adult Education
Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History Begins January 18
Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes on Winter Break
Community Events
“G-d’s Honest Truth” Play Reading, January 18
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
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.
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
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.
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.
“Let There Be Light” LED Bulb Drive
Hanukkah may be over, but we need to make sure that Shir Hadash 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 $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. 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.
Getting tired of our long winter already? Don’t worry, Coffee House Night -- Open Mic Style is back! We’re looking forward to another great evening of entertainment, so save the date: Saturday, February 21. Join in the fun for a warm, friendly evening of entertainment, good company, delicious baked goodies, and beverages. As usual, Baker, Coffee House Helpers, and Talent should click here to sign up on the website.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we worked toward our rescheduled date for Coffee House Night. Now, start practicing! Let the talent come forward and the magic ensue! See you on February 21.
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. Visit our website for a detailed package flyer and itinerary, or contact Dawn at dweinerkaplow@sbcglobal.net.
Creative Worship and Ritual
No Friday Night Shabbat Services this Week
There will be no service at Shir Hadash on January 9. Enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your family.
Saturday Shabbat Service and Bar Mitzvah, January 10, 9:30am
We will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Sam Sanders. All are welcome to participate in the service.
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.
Welcome our New and Returning Members at Shabbat, January 16
Please be sure to join us for a celebratory Shabbat service on January 16 at 7:30pm when we will be welcoming members who are new or returned to Shir Hadash in 2014. They will be called up to the bima for a blessing, and we’ll all enjoy a special dessert oneg. Hope to see everyone there!
Volunteer Opportunities
New! Blood Drive at Shir Hadash, February 1
Shir Hadash will be hosting a blood drive with LifeSource on Sunday, February 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at our building (200 W. Dundee Rd, Wheeling). This drive is very important because the recent extreme weather conditions have prompted a significant drop in donations at all of LifeSource’s 18 donor centers.
To schedule your appointment with LifeSource go to www.lifesource.org; Donate Blood; Make an Appointment (Scroll down), and search by group code 528B. Alternatively, you can email Mark Lenhart at mjlenhart@comcast.net. There will also be a sign up sheet in the lobby of the building during Sunday School hours the morning of the drive. Appointments are every 15 minutes starting at 8:30 a.m. until 1:00, and we can accommodate up to three people per 15 min slot. If you have any specific medical questions, please call LifeSource at 877-543-3768 or 800-486-0680.
Donors need to be 16 or older to donate. 16 year olds will need a signed parent consent form which will be available on site.
Remember that each pint of blood donated helps save three lives. Please do your part and donate!
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.
The Rabbi’s Corner
January 9-10, 2015 / 19 Tevet 5775
Shabbat Shemot
Torah - Exodus 1:1-6:1 / Haftarah - Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23
“We’ve Got Your Back”
Dear Friends,
In the opening chapters of the Book of Exodus, Moses is clearly concerned. Standing at the burning bush in Midian contemplating his return to Egypt to demand the release of the Hebrews from bondage, Moses asks God, “Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the Children of Israel out of Egypt?” To this question God answers, “Certainly I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). Rabbi Amy Levin explains that Moses fears confronting Pharaoh alone. To ease this anxiety God tells Moses, “Don’t worry, you’ve got the ultimate team leader to guide you, to inspire you. I’ve got your back.”
To read rest of this week’s Rabbi’s Corner or view past installments of his blog, please visit our website.
Education
Religious School Resumes January 11
Welcome back! We are looking forward to seeing all of students returning to school at 9:15 on Sunday, 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.
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, 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 Resumes January 6
All are invited to join Shir Hadash members and friends for a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the weekly Torah portion. We meet at noon on Tuesdays in the conference room.
Sunday Morning Adult Ed
Our regular Sunday discussions are back from 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 General Fund:Gerry and Dick Freibrun, in honor of Erin Baskin's marriage.
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.
Thanks to the following families for participating in SHOP this week:
Zinbarg
Schleicher
G. Graff
M. Graff
Anderson
Fargotstein
Singer
Mostow
Faramandpour
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