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, February 7
Meditation Group, February 7
Coffee House and Open Mic Night, February 21
Book Club: New Selection for March
Save the Date: “Rock-n-Roll” Purim Spiel and Dinner, March 7
Save the Date: Community Seder, April 4
“Let There Be Light” LED Bulb Drive
Shir Hadash Summer Family Trip to Israel, June 2015
Creative Worship and Ritual
Shabbat Service, Friday January 30 -- Shabbat Shira
Upcoming Services
Coming Soon: Shabbat Speaker Series
Volunteer Opportunities
Blood Drive at Shir Hadash, February 1
SHOP Needs You
Education
Religious School, February 1
Teen News
Registration Now Open for Kallah 2015, February 13-15
Upcoming Events for Teens
Congrats to Ra’am BBYO
Adult Education
Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History, February 1
Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
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
Annual Gala at Pinstripes, February 7
It’s almost here! RSVP today for our annual Shir Hadash Gala, on February 7 from 7:00 to 11:00pm at Pinstripes in Northbrook. 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, February 7
Our new member-led meditation group will have its next meeting on Saturday, February 7th at 12:30 pm at the synagogue. If you have ever practiced meditation and would like to try practicing in a group (if you’ve never tried it, group practice can be a wonderful experience), or you haven’t ever practiced before but are curious to give it a try, please come join us! Our meditations have been informed primarily by the mindfulness approach to meditation, but if you practice another form of meditation and are interested in joining us, please come and introduce us to your favorite meditation. We look forward to practicing together on February 7! 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 go to about 10:00pm. The big day is only three weeks away so Talent and Bakers please click here or contact Margie (MargiePromoPro1@aol.com) or Katy (KatyZwick@gmail.com) to let us know if you’re performing or baking or helping out on the day of the Coffee House.
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: New Selection for March
Our book club’s next selection will be Son of Hamas by Mossab Hassam Yousef. Our discussion will be led by Ed Rice, who has attended a talk by the author. Our meeting will be held in March; specific date and location TBA. For more information, contact Meryl Abensohn, abenkras@aol.com.
Save the Date, Part 1! “Rock-n-Roll” Purim Spiel and Dinner, March 7
Get ready for a Purim celebration like no other, just for the adults! We will start the evening at Shir Hadash with a potluck Persian dinner at 6:30, followed by the spiel. Watch future newsletters and your emails for lots more details coming soon!
Save the Date, Part 2! Community Seder, April 4
Our annual Community Seder is on the schedule for April 4, at Shir Hadash. Mark your calendars now, and watch for more details to be announced soon.
“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
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday January 30, 7:30pm -- Shabbat Shira
This Friday, January 30, is a very unique Shabbat: 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! The only regular thing about this service is the time: 7:30pm. Please remember to bring something to share for the oneg
Special Upcoming Service: Friday, February 6 -- 7:00pm
On 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. (Yes, we do 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). If you'd like to learn more about what a Tu B'shvat Seder is all about, click here. This program is great for families, kids, and everyone else – come and enjoy! Please note: we'll start this program early, at 7:00. See you there!
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, February 1
We’re looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful students at 9:15 on Sunday, February 1.
Teen News
Kallah 2015, February 13-15
Time is running out -- register by Friday to get your souvenir sweatshirt! 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.
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
Congrats to Ra’am BBYO!
Our Ra’am BBYO members were stars at Invite Sports Day with their championship Newcomb team. the team worked together to earn first place, showing both skill and great sportsmanship. Way to go, Ra’am!
Adult Education
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
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 Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Luba Rothblatt, in honor of Bob Roiter for his help and kindness.
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 Your Valentine!
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 Now
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
Bonuses Available as of January 31
Boston Market -- 2% Jan 31 to Feb 13
LL Bean -- 2% Jan 31 to Feb 13
Final Days! 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
Lenhart
Zwick
Andes
Ascher
Estes-Goldman
Roiter
Herbin
Friedman
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