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
Meditation Group, January 24
Annual Gala at Pinstripes, February 7
Coffee House and Open Mic Night, February 21
“Let There Be Light” LED Bulb Drive
Shir Hadash Summer Family Trip to Israel, June 2015
Creative Worship and Ritual
No Shabbat Services this Week
Recap of Last Week’s Shabbat Services
Upcoming Special Services
Upcoming Special Services
Coming Soon: Shabbat Speaker Series
Volunteer Opportunities
Blood Drive at Shir Hadash, February 1
SHOP Needs You
Education
Religious School, January 25
Teen News
Registration Now Open for Kallah 2015, February 13-15
BBYO - GMR Invite Convention, January 30-February 1
Tonight! Invite Planning Session, January 22
Upcoming Events for Teens
Adult Education
Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History, February 1
Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
Community Events
“Above and Beyond” Film Screening, January 25
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
RSVP Today! 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. Join us!
Meditation Group, January 24
Our new member-led meditation group will have its next meeting on Saturday, January 24 at 2:00pm at the synagogue, when we plan to try a raisin meditation. We have had three meetings so far at the synagogue and we’ve practiced several different meditations together. 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. Thus, it is more of a study group than a class. First-timers are also welcome; our group can provide an introduction to meditation basics so that a first-timer will be able to decide if they are interested in pursuing more advanced learning with a trained meditation teacher.
We look forward to practicing together on January 24 and invite all other Shir Hadashniks who would like to meditate with us to join us! For more information, contact Rick Zinbarg at 847-902-9703 or rzinbarg@northwestern.edu.
Coffee House Night--Open Night Style, February 21
Be prepared for another wonderful evening of talent and treats! Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style is on the calendar for Saturday, February 21. Doors open at 6:30pm, performances will begin at 7:00 and will run to about 10:00pm. The big day is less than a month away, so Talent and Bakers, please click on this link or go to the main website and click on the Coffee House link so we know who you are and can plan properly.
Members and nonmembers, a great evening depends on you too! Enjoy our cozy atmosphere, comfortable seating, hot beverages, baked treats, and the amazing talent of our friends. Remember, everyone is welcome to participate:Dancers, Actors, Musicians, Storytellers, Magicians, Group Acts -- any age, any talent. Can’t wait to see you all there! Thank you for participating!
Book Club Recap
Nine Shir Hadash members enjoyed discussing Pictures of the Past, by local author Deby Eisenberg, while warming up with hot cider at Rebecca Rice’s home last week. We talked about Europe in 1937, the Paris World’s Fair, changes within Germany over time, the SS St. Louis, Zionist Palestine, and so much more. It was enjoyable to read a book based in the familiar North Shore of Chicago and centering around a piece of Impressionist art. Thanks to Rebecca for hosting! Our next meeting will be in March -- book and date TBA. Watch for announcements coming soon in the Newsletter.
“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!
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 Shabbat Services this Week
Enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your families at home.
Recap: Last Week’s Trio of Shabbat Services
Last week, our Shabbat celebrations covered every age and interest, with three engaging services! We started with our Friday evening “Tot Shabbat,” in which Rabbi Eitan and Lauren Shook led a fun program with stories, prayers, and dancing, followed by snacks and a project. This was followed by our regular evening service, led this time by our Seventh Grade class. We also had the pleasure of honoring new and returning members to our congregation. Kudos (or in Hebrew, Yasher Koach) to Lynn Liebling, who chanted Torah, and thank you to our oneg hosts, Michelle Bernstein, Burton and Wendy Kopulsky, and Brian Marks.
The next morning, we started our new Shabbat morning services, which we will do once a month on a Shabbat when there is not a bar or bat mitzvah. (Next one is February 14.) Sandi Schleicher led us through the pre-Torah prayers, and Lynn Liebling and the Rabbi chanted Torah. Sydney Bernover did a great job of opening and closing the Ark, and we celebrated afterwards with a very nice lunch, which was brought and set up by Melanie and Scarlett Andes.
Special Upcoming Services -- Mark Your Calendars!
Friday, January 30 – This is Shabbat Shira – the Shabbat of Song. In the Torah, this is when the Jews cross the Red Sea, then sing the Song of the Sea. So be prepared to come and sing! Plus, there will be musical performances, some dancing, and more fun – don’t miss it!
Friday, February 6 -- We will do something that we haven’t done at Shir Hadash in about 15 years – a Tu B’shvat Seder! Tu B’shvat is known as Jewish Arbor Day, or the New Year for the Trees. (We have a bunch of New Years.) So we will have a special program, where we get to eat four different kinds of fruits from Seder plates made especially for this holiday, and drink four cups of grape juice (well, or sips). Great for families, kids, and everyone else – come and enjoy!
Coming Soon: Shabbat Speaker Series at Shir Hadash
We are pleased to announce that Shir Hadash will be launching a new Shabbat Speaker Series on the second Friday of the month, starting in March. Watch for more information coming soon!
Volunteer Opportunities
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!
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.
The Rabbi’s Corner
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow is out of the country this week. To view past installments of his blog, please visit our website.
Education
Religious School, January 25
We’re looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful students at 9:15 on Sunday, January 25.
Teen News
Kallah 2015, February 13-15
Time is running out -- register today! Click here for more info and registration.
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
Hurry -- Registration closes Friday, January 23!
BBYO’s Great Midwest Region will hold its Wild Wild Great Midwest Invite Convention at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook on January 30 through February 1. To learn more, visit the event website.
Tonight! Invite Planning Session, January 22
Going to Invite? Come to our last prep meeting tonight (Thursday, January 22) at MacKenzie’s house from 5:00 to 9:30pm. Contact youth@shir-hadash.org for directions.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, February 9: Ra'am Business meeting and program (all chapter & prospective members encouraged to attend) - 8th-12th grade
- Sunday, February 22: Lunch & games for 4th-6th graders at Shir Hadash (after Sunday school)
- Monday, February 23: Ra'am Board Meeting via Google hangout
Adult Education
New! Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History -- Next Meeting February 1
Meets on the following Sunday mornings, 11:15 to 12:25 at Shir Hadash
- February 1, 8, 22
- March 15, 22
- April 12
- May 3
This 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.
Community Events
“Above and Beyond” Film Screening, January 25
On January 25 at 3 pm, the Israeli film Above and Beyond will play at the Northbrook Court theater. This documentary tells the story of how the Israeli Air Force was founded (by a ragtag group of mostly Jewish, mostly American flying aces from WWII). The film is fascinating and deeply moving. The Shir Hadash Israel Group highly recommends it to Shir Hadashniks of all ages.
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. http://www.shir-hadash.org/shop/ Full details in the “Volunteer Opportunities” section above.
Shutterfly 2% Bonus Contribution
Shutterfly® is excited to offer a 2% bonus contribution from Saturday, January 17 through Friday, January 30. Customers who purchase Shutterfly $25 gift certificates or ScripNow® products will receive an 11% contribution instead of the standard 9%.
SUBWAY® Restaurants are increasing their rebate to 6%. And Wet Seal now has a 20% rebate!
Bonuses Available Beginning January 24:
- Albertson’s -- 1% til February 6
- American Express -- 1% til January 30
- Caribou Coffee -- 1% on Physical Cards til February 6
- Kohl’s -- 3% til January 30
- Landry’s -- 1% til February 6
- Restaurant.com -- 5% til February 13
- See’s Candies -- 2% til February 6
- TGI Friday’s -- 1% til February 6
Use Great Lakes scrip,one of our gift card venders, when you plan your Valentine's Day celebration and you could win a little something extra! From January 24 - 30, if your ShopWithScrip® order* contains at least $50 in Darden® Restaurants gift cards* or ScripNow® eCards AND $50 in 1800flowers.com gift cards* or ScripNow eCards, you'll be entered to win a prize package including:
* $100 Darden Restaurants eCard
* $50 1800flowers.com eCard
Ten families will be randomly selected to win the prize package, and two of those families' organizations will win free shipping for a year for their organization orders! Plus, any family who places a qualifying order to enter will automatically receive a coupon for 20% off at 1800flowers.com, delivered to their ShopWithScrip email address. If you have any questions, call their Customer Support at 1.800.727.4715 option 3.
Thanks to the following families for participating in SHOP this week:
Zinbarg
Schleicher
Idelman
Fisher-Rohde
Friedman
Freibrun
Simon
Estes-Goldman
Weiss
Rice
Wellisch
Zwick
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