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
Saturday! Annual Gala at Pinstripes, 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
Creative Worship and Ritual
Shabbat Service, Friday February 6
Coming Soon: Shabbat Speaker Series
Volunteer Opportunities
New! Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed, March 1
SHOP Needs You
SHOP Needs You
The Rabbi’s Corner
“The Ten Commandments”
Education
Religious School, February 8
Tefillin Needed
Education Director’s Blog
Teen News
Registration Now Open for Kallah 2015, February 13-15
Film Screening for Teens: Beneath the Helmet, February 23
Ra’am BBYO Rocks GMR Invite Convention
Ra’am BBYO Business Meeting, February 9
Upcoming Events for Teens
Adult Education
Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History, February 8
Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Tuesdays
Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
Community Events
JUF Fundraiser April 12 -- Join the Committee!
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
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.
As a special memento, guests at the gala will be able to have portraits taken by Shir Hadash member and photographer Ken Wexler. Pictures will be $20, with all proceeds benefiting Shir Hadash. So come ready to smile!
Visit our updated website page for more exciting details. See you on Saturday night!
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 Mic Style is coming soon! Our next event will be Saturday, February 21. Join in the fun for a warm, hopefully snowless, fun-filled evening of entertainment, good company, baked goodies, and beverages. The doors open at 6:30pm; performances will begin at 7:00 and will go to about 10:00pm.
As usual, Bakers, Talent and Coffee House Helpers please click here to visit the sign-up page, or visit the Shir Hadash home page, or contact Margie at (MargiePromoPro1@aol.com) or Katy at (KatyZwick@gmail.com) to sign-up for talent or baking/general help. Audience members, we need you too!!
Continue practicing, and let your talent come forward! See you in two weeks on February 21.
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! “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 Persian dinner at 6:30, followed by the spiel. Watch future newsletters and your emails for lots more details coming soon!
Save the Date! Community Seder, April 4
Our annual Community Seder is on the books 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! http://sh.shulcloud.com/lightbulbs.
Creative Worship and Ritual
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: Second Friday Speaker Series at Shir Hadash
Rabbi Eitan is organizing a Speaker Series for the second Friday of each month beginning in March. The theme of the series is Jewish Paths to Understanding, Tolerance, and Coexistence. Guest speakers will offer personal reflections on how their work is forging a unique approach towards repairing a broken world and creating trust and cooperation amongst people, religions, ethnicities, nationalities, etc. The series seeks to inspire listeners to join in bringing peace and understanding to our world through Jewish values and teachings. Watch for more information coming soon!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Social Action Committee needs your help. On Sunday, March 1, we will be preparing, cooking and serving over 90 meals for needy individuals at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church soup kitchen in Evanston. This event will require volunteers to be available from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. We need a minimum of 25 volunteers, about 10-12 families. Each family will be responsible for bringing an entrée that will feed 10 to 15 individuals, one gallon of milk, one large bag frozen mixed vegetables, one large bag of fruit (oranges, bananas, etc.) and dessert.
If you are interested in helping or have questions, please contact Mark Lenhart before February 22 at mjlenhart@comcast.net. More information will be sent to all volunteers approximately one week before the March 1st date. There is no age limit to volunteer, but from past experience, kids should be at least six years old to fully participate. Thank you in advance for your support!
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
February 6-7, 2015 / 87 Shevat 5775
Shabbat Yitro
Torah – Exodus 18:1-20:23 / Haftarah - Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-9:6
“Ten Commandments”
Dear Friends,
I just returned from a fascinating and inspiring visit to Morocco as part of a JUF Mission of Chicago area rabbis from across the spectrum of Judaism - Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Orthodox. The purpose was way beyond visiting the typical tourist sites of Rabat, Fes, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Essaouira. We were there to meet with members and leaders of the remnant of the once-great Moroccan Jewish community. At its height in the 1950’s, there were over 200,000 Jews throughout the land. Today, there are barely three thousand, concentrated mostly in Casablanca, and the number is falling. Our visit was a combination of learning, encounter, and connection with our fellow Moroccan Jews – the only Jewish community in the Arab world.
In this week’s Torah portion, the Children of Israel were encamped at the base of Mount Sinai preparing to receive the Ten Commandments. Our tradition teaches that standing at Sinai and hearing the revelation of the Commandments was a moment when the Children of Israel were truly united. I felt that unity, too, as we visited Moroccan synagogue after synagogue, cemetery after cemetery, and Jewish community center after community center and saw numerous depictions of the Ten Commandments. Its presence in so many Jewish locations sent the message that proud Jews live (or once lived) here and that the beloved connection to the Jewish people and our powerful heritage is unbreakable.
So, on the week when we recall Israel’s receiving of Ten Commandments at Sinai, let us remember the world-wide connection that all Jews share to this very day.In this week’s Torah portion, the Children of Israel were encamped at the base of Mount Sinai preparing to receive the Ten Commandments. Our tradition teaches that standing at Sinai and hearing the revelation of the Commandments was a moment when the Children of Israel were truly united. I felt that unity, too, as we visited Moroccan synagogue after synagogue, cemetery after cemetery, and Jewish community center after community center and saw numerous depictions of the Ten Commandments. Its presence in so many Jewish locations sent the message that proud Jews live (or once lived) here and that the beloved connection to the Jewish people and our powerful heritage is unbreakable.
I will be speaking in detail about by my journey to Morocco at our Shabbat services on Friday evening, February 20th and hope that you will come to join in worship and study.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner Kaplow
To view past installments of the rabbi’s blog, please visit our website.
Education
Religious School, February 8
We’re looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful students at 9:15 on Sunday, February 8.
Tefillin Needed
Rabbi Eitan is collecting sets of tefillin for his teaching of traditional Judaism to our students. If you have an unused and unwanted set to donate, please call the rabbi.
Education Director’s Blog
For an up-close look at happenings in the Shir Hadash Religious School, click here to view Education Director Emily Ascher’s blog.
Teen News
Kallah 2015, February 13-15
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.
All teens are invited to a special screening of Beneath the Helmet on Monday, February 23 at Northbrook Court. Beneath the Helmet: From High School to the Home Front is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of five Israeli high school graduates who are drafted into the army to defend their country. At the age of 18, away from their homes, families, and friends, these young individuals undergo a demanding, inspiring journey that reveals the core of who they are and who they want to be.
There will be two showings of the film on February 23, at 7:00 and 7:45pm. Sixteen area synagogues, including Shir Hadash, have combined to make this film available. We will be joined by the star of the film, 1st Lt. Eden Adler, and the film’s co-producer David Coleman.
We have a limited number of free tickets for the 7:00pm show available for SH youth, but you must RSVP to youth@shir-hadash.org no later than February 8. For more information, click here. Sign up soon, space is limited!
The Great Midwest Regional BBYO Invite Convention was a blast this past weekend! Ra'am BBYO #5399 placed first in the spirit category, second in the 2D art and t-shirt design, and third in the song category. It was no surprise that our kids won the spirit award - they had so much fun in each competition and their enthusiasm was contagious. We hope to have every member attend next year's Invite Convention!
Ra’am Business Meeting, February 9
On Monday, February 9 from 7-8:30 (or 9 at the latest), we will hold an all-chapter business meeting at Shir Hadash Synagogue, 200 W. Dundee, Wheeling. We will discuss upcoming events and leadership opportunities in the chapter. We encourage everyone to join us! At this meeting, we will offer program chair positions to any member who wants one. After the business meeting we will also have a short program planned by Natalie and Michelle. All 8th -12th graders are invited to attend.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, February 23: Ra'am Board Meeting via Google hangout
Adult Education
Winter Adult Ed Class on American Jewish History -- Next Meeting February 8
Meets on the following Sunday mornings, 11:15 to 12:25 at Shir Hadash
- February 8, 22
- March 15, 22
- April 12
- May 3
Topic for February 8: The American Revolution and Building a National Identity
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
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
Shir Hadash will be a participating congregation in an exciting Northwest Suburban JUF Fundraiser on Sunday, April 12, to be held at Temple Chai in Long Grove. This dessert reception, featuring an inspiring appearance by President Emeritus of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center Sam Harris, will raise money for the JUF Annual Campaign that supports vital programs and services in Chicago, Israel, and the world. Other participating congregations include Beth Am, Beth Judea, Or Shalom, and Temple Chai.
Rich and Rachel Schick Siegel are co-chairs for this event, and invite other Shir Hadash members to be part of the planning committee. Committee members are asked to make a pledge to the JUF-Israel Emergency Fund, allow their names to be included on the event invitation, attend the event, and encourage friends and family to attend as well. Several of our synagogue’s leaders have already joined the committee; please consider adding your name to the list! For more information, contact Rachel at 847/724-5720 or rschicksiegel@gmail.com.
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 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.
- California Pizza Kitchen -- $25 Gift Card Available
- Office Depot Gift Cards Change -- Please note, Office Max® gift cards can be used in both Office Max and Office Depot® stores.
- See's Candies Price Change-- Please also note, the cost of See's Candies "One Pound" gift certificate is increasing from $18.00-1 lb. to $18.50-1 lb.The contribution will remain the same at 20%.
Bonuses Available Now
- Albertson’s -- 1% til February 6
- Caribou Coffee -- 1% on Physical Cards til February 6
- 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
- Boston Market -- 2% til Feb 13
- LL Bean -- 2% til Feb 13
Thanks to the following families for participating in SHOP this week:
- Zinbarg
- Schleicher
- Weiner-Kaplow
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