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 Meeting Election Results
- New! Religious School Meet & Greet for New Director of Lifelong Learning, June 7
- Yoga, May 21
- Schaumburg Boomers Baseball Outing, June 7
- Amazon Smile Fundraising Opportunity
- Book Club, June 11
Creative Worship and Ritual
- No Shabbat Evening Service on Friday, May 22
- Shavuot Late Night "Study" Session, May 23
Volunteer Opportunities
- Interfaith Council 5K Walk to Fight Community Hunger, June 28
- Rummage Sale, July 31 and August 2
The Rabbi’s Corner
- "Into the Wilderness"
Education
- No School May 24
- End of School Pancake Breakfast and Sports Event, May 31
- Madrichim: Final Day of School, May 31
- Upcoming Ra’am BBYO Events
Adult Education
- Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Tuesdays
- Sunday Morning Adult Ed Class
Donations
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 Meeting Election Results
Thanks to all the members who turned out for the Annual Meeting on May 17, delivering a quorum that allowed us to hold elections and approve our budget. In fact, with absentee ballots included, we had a record turnout for this year's election.
The membership elected the following individuals to the Shir Hadash Board:
President: Glenn Graff
Executive VP: Fred Andes
Secretary: Sandi Schleicher
Treasurer: Mehran Farahmandpour
VP of Programming: Carrie Matt
At-Large Board Members: Melanie Andes, Alan Bernover, Art German, Lisa Settler
Congratulations to our new Board, whose terms will begin on July 1. And many thanks, on behalf of the Elections Committee, the Board, and the members, to all the candidates who ran and to everyone who voted.
New! Religious School Meet & Greet for the New SH Director of Lifelong Learning, June 7
Thanks to all the members who turned out for the Annual Meeting on May 17, delivering a quorum that allowed us to hold elections and approve our budget. In fact, with absentee ballots included, we had a record turnout for this year's election.The membership elected the following individuals to the Shir Hadash Board:
President: Glenn Graff
Executive VP: Fred Andes
Secretary: Sandi Schleicher
Treasurer: Mehran Farahmandpour
VP of Programming: Carrie Matt
At-Large Board Members: Melanie Andes, Alan Bernover, Art German, Lisa Settler
Congratulations to our new Board, whose terms will begin on July 1. And many thanks, on behalf of the Elections Committee, the Board, and the members, to all the candidates who ran and to everyone who voted.
New! Religious School Meet & Greet for the New SH Director of Lifelong Learning, June 7
Shir Hadash will be holding a Baruch Habah -- a welcome gathering -- to introduce our Religious
School community to our new Director of Lifelong Learning, Rabbi Scott Segal.
All our families are invited to come to an informal reception at Shir Hadash on
Sunday, June 7 from 10:00am to noon, and to bring along their friends who might
be interested in learning more about Shir Hadash's Religious School. There will be fun activities and surprises
for kids, so be sure to bring them along!
Enjoy refreshments, get to know other school families, and chat with
Rabbi Segal about future plans for our school.
More details will be coming soon, so be sure to mark your
calendar for this special event!
Yoga, May 27
Yoga at Shir Hadash has moved to Wednesdays! We have a fabulous certified yoga instructor who modifies the class for all levels, from yoga first-timers to advanced. Everyone over 12 years of age is welcome. Please bring a yoga mat. Weekly classes will continue on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00pm. For more information, contact Joanne Litman at jolitman@gmail.com
SH Baseball Outing to Schaumburg Boomers, June 7—Sign Up Today!
June 7 will be Shir Hadash Day at the Schaumburg Boomers! Beginning at 1:00pm, friends and family of all ages are welcome for a day of fun at the Schaumburg Boomers minor league baseball stadium. Tickets are just $10! Click here for registration and direct payment on Shul Cloud. For more information, contact Stuart Aizenberg, stuartaizenberg@gmail.com.
New! Amazon Smile Fundraising Option
Shir Hadash is now registered with the Amazon Smile fundraising program. Just go to smile.amazon.com, search for Shir Hadash (be sure to select the one in Wheeling), and from then on 0.5% of your purchases will automatically be donated to Shir Hadash at no cost to you! Note that this works in conjunction with iGive (see below) and allows for double-dipping: if you go to Amazon through iGive.com or the iGive button, SH will get money from both Amazon and iGive. And to triple-dip, just pay for your purchases with a SHOP Amazon gift card! Happy Shopping!
Book Club, June 11
Our next meeting will be Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 at the home off Sandy Weiss, 2144 Walters Avenue in Northbrook. We will discuss What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank by Nathan Englander. For more information, contact Meryl Abensohn, abenkras@aol.com.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
This Week’s Services:
No Shabbat Evening Service on Friday, May 22
Celebrate Shabbat with your family on Friday, and plan to join us for a very special Shavuot observance on Saturday night!
Shavuot Late-Night "Study"
Session, May 23
Join us at
the synagogue on Saturday evening, May 23, as we "reconstruct" a
time-honored and meaningful tradition dating back to the 16th century and
infuse it with even more meaning and relevancy for today's modern Jewry. Our evening begins at 7:30pm with a Shavuot
service conducted by Rabbi Eitan. We'll
follow with feature presentations by visiting Shir Hadash friend Rachman
Nachman who will speak to us about "living Jewishly" in Uganda, and
by members Bonny and Brad Davidson who will enlighten us on the Jewish Art of
Apology. Additional engaging
presentations will be delivered by Fred Andes, David Leibling, Bob Roiter, and
Phil Torf. And because you should move a
little after eating all that cheesecake, we 'll learn some Israeli dances from
Rebecca Rice, Melanie and Scarlett Andes, and center ourselves with certified
yoga instructor Laurita Helberg (dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat or beach
towel) - a great way to wind down the evening at a little after midnight! Bring a cheese or wheat item - or both - to
share at the oneg. So join us this
Saturday - come for the study and stay for the cheesecake! For additional information, please email
Lynne Arons at rzldzl122@aol.com or Carrie Matt at carriematt0921@gmail.com .
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Save the Date! Interfaith Council 5K to Fight Community Hunger, June 28
The Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council will hold its second annual “iWalk” on June 28, a 5K fundraiser to fight hunger in our local communities. Participants will walk from St. Mary’s Parish in Buffalo Grove to Hope Lutheran Church, enjoy refreshments, and then walk back. No entry fees required – donations will be accepted to help stock local food pantries. Walk registration begins at 1:15, and the actual event starts at 2:15. For more information, contact nwsuburbaninterfaith@gmail.com or talk to Shir Hadash’s council representative, Marla Callistein, at marlandan@yahoo.com.
The Rummage Sale is back, bigger and better! This year, we are going to try to do a tw- day sale on Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2. To make this a success, we need 100% participation from our members. We are asking for two hours from every household over the course of this project – that is on any of the seven different sorting, set up, or sale days. Last year we raised almost $2500 in one day with one-third of our membership actively participating, and we want to beat that this year.
Remember, fundraising like this helps us keep our dues down and provide more programming for everyone! Of course, we also need good quality rummage –click here to see a list of what we are looking for and a form to sign up for a work shift here. Questions? Contact Lise Schleicher at info@shir-hadash.org.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
.
May 22-23, 2015 / 5 Sivan 5775
Shabbat Bamidbar
Torah: Numbers 1:1 - 4:20 / Haftarah: Hosea 2:1 - 2:22
“Into the Wilderness”
Dear Friends,
This week, we begin the fourth book of the Torah. In Latin, the book is called ‘Numeroi’ and in
English, ‘Numbers’. These names describe
the first story of the book, that of taking a census of the Children of Israel
who have left Egypt. Its Hebrew name,
‘BaMidbar – In the Wilderness’ is a far better title, for it tells of the
powerful situations that arose in the desert as our ancestors traveled towards
the Promised Land.
We learn in BaMidbar the little known fact that the former
slaves actually arrived at the borders of the Promised Land in only two
years. Yet, when it became abundantly
clear that they were too fearful to enter the Land, they continued to live
another thirty-eight years out ‘in the desert.’
During this time, a new generation would be born, one that had not known
slavery and degradation. This new
generation would have the honor, merit and ability to move into the Land to
settle and, if necessary, defend it as truly free and proud people.
To read the rest of the Rabbi’s blog or view past installments, please visit our website.
Recommendations for Nepal Relief Donations
I encourage you to make contributions to Nepali Earthquake Relief through the following organizations:
EDUCATION
No Religious School This Week, May 24
We’re looking forward to seeing all our students for our special end-of-year event on May 31 (see below).
End of School Parent-Child Pancake Breakfast and Special Events
Save the date for a special celebration to end the Shir Hadash school year! We will come together for a delicious pancake breakfast, courtesy of parent Mike Kahn. A suggested donation of $2 can be given to Gloria at her desk when you come in.
Following breakfast, join us for a presentation with former Illini basketball star and current UIC Assistant Coach Deon Thomas. He will speak about his career as a professional basketball player, including time in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and will sign autographs and take photos with students. After that, we'll have wrap up activities with our classes to send us off to a great summer!
End-of-Year Video Montage
Our madrich Matt Friedman made a wonderful end-of-year montage for us. Click here to enjoy lots of fun memories!
Following breakfast, join us for a presentation with former Illini basketball star and current UIC Assistant Coach Deon Thomas. He will speak about his career as a professional basketball player, including time in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and will sign autographs and take photos with students. After that, we'll have wrap up activities with our classes to send us off to a great summer!
End-of-Year Video Montage
Our madrich Matt Friedman made a wonderful end-of-year montage for us. Click here to enjoy lots of fun memories!
TEEN NEWS
Madrichim
Remember, there's no school this weekend for Memorial Day. The last day of school is May 31, and it will be a fun-filled day with a pancake breakfast, celebrity basketball presentation, class wrap-ups, and more. Please be on time, we need your help to keep things running smoothly! Thank you for everything you do to make our school special.
Ra’am BBYO Events – Mark Your Calendars!
Fall Term Elections, June 4
We will be sending out the declaration packets for candidates by the end of this week. We encourage all of our members to run -- it's a great opportunity to build leadership skills and see what it's like to put your plans into action! Elections will start at Shir Hadash at 7:00pm and should take an hour to an hour and a half.
We will be sending out the declaration packets for candidates by the end of this week. We encourage all of our members to run -- it's a great opportunity to build leadership skills and see what it's like to put your plans into action! Elections will start at Shir Hadash at 7:00pm and should take an hour to an hour and a half.
Chapter Sleepover, June 11-12 –
- (Non-seniors only) On June 10, we will have an an hour long program for non-seniors to finalize the senior appreciation gifts that will be given out at the sleepover. Time and location TBD.
Please sign up for Ra’am’s Remind 101 group! It’s a super easy way for you to get quick updates about chapter events. All you have to do is text @raambbyo to 81010 and you’re good!
ADULT EDUCATION
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
"In View of Eternity" Choral Performance, May 29 and 31
Benjamin Rivera, our High Holidays Music Director, will be conducting his choral group "Cantate" in a program called In View of Eternity, including works from Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christian traditions that discuss describe, or depict the eternal. The Jewish works include Hymn to the Eternal Flame by Stephen Paulus, which is an excerpt from the Holocaust memorial oratorio To Be Certain of the Dawn, and Enosh Kehchatzir Yamav by David White. Performances will be on Friday, May 29 on the north side of Chicago and Sunday, May 31 in Evanston. Discounted tickets are available for Shir Hadashniks! Click here for concert information. For discounted tickets, contact Benjamin at cantatechicago@googlemail.com.
DONATIONS
To the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Lori and Steve Mesirow, in honor of Daniel's bar mitzvah and to thank Rabbi Eitan for his assistance.
To the General Fund
Susan E. Cohen and Jerry Carl, in memory of Bernice Fargotstein, mother of Marc Fargotstein; and Stuart Horwich, father of Jeff Horwich
Susan E. Cohen and Jerry Carl, in memory of Bernice Fargotstein, mother of Marc Fargotstein; and Stuart Horwich, father of Jeff Horwich
Joel and Susan Rosenthal, in honor of Will Kulesza's Bar Mitzvah
Gail and Jay Pearlstein, in memory of Bernice Fargotstein
To the Solar Panel Fund
Luba Rothblatt
To the Solar Panel Fund
Luba Rothblatt
A Grant of LED Lightbulbs in the Sanctuary
Vicki Schwartz-Mided and Don Mided
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 Spring!
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.
Low Denomination Gift Cards are Back!
We have a limited number of special small denomination gift cards available, perfect for teacher gifts and graduation parties! The following cards will be available:
• Albertsons and Supervalu $10
• Amazon.com Gift Cards $10
• AMC Theatres® $10
• Applebee's $10
• CVS/pharmacy $10
• Groupon $10
• IHOP $10
• Meijer $10
• Outback $10
• Panera Bread® $5
• Pizza Hut $5
• Regal Entertainment Group $10
• Starbucks $5 Teacher Card
• Target $10
Current Bonus Offers:
- Albertson’s – 2% til May 22
- Shutterfly – 2% til May 22
- Joann Fabrics and Crafts – 2% til May 22
- Caribou – 1% on physical cards, May til 22
Meijer Illinois Grand Opening Bonus: 4% on physical cards between May 16 and August 28.
Six Flags Tickets
Available
Please note, Six Flags® tickets are once again available to
order. Tickets cost $44.25 and award a 7% rebate. Tickets ordered now are valid
through the 2015 season only, expiring on 12/31/15,
Shop with Scrip, one
of our venders’, offices will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
ScripNow and ReloadNow orders will process as usual while our office is closed.
Overnight Reload orders will not process the evening of May 25. Also, their
summer schedule for Customer Support begins on Friday, May 29. Their hours will
be 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Eastern Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00
p.m. Eastern on Fridays. They will resume their normal schedule on Tuesday,
September 8.
New ScripNow Retailer
– Fandango
Thanks to the
following families for participating in SHOP this week:
Zinbarg
Schleicher
Fargotstein
Pomper
Mostow
Guzick
Nach
Litman
Lenhart
Zweiban
Idelman
Anes
Estes-Goldman
Gordon
Soglin
Fischer-Rohde
Sharpe
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