WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
- College Funding Workshop, October 22
- Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, November 1
- Book Club, November 4
- Havdalah and Pasta Dinner Celebrating New Members, November 7
- "Live from 92nd Street Y" Returns, November 8
- Meditation Group Forming
- Lost: Tallis Bag
- Sunday Morning Specials -- Bagels, Coffee, and Bears Football
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, October 16, 7:30pm
- Next Week: "Noah's Ark" Shabbat Morning with Blessing of Animal Pets, October 17, 10:00am
The Rabbi’s Corner
- "In the Image of God"
- Sunday School, October 18
- Adult Ed Continues on Sunday Mornings
- Sunday Morning Specials -- Bagels, Coffee, and Bears Football!
- Ra'am Connect Event: Police Department Tour, October 17
- Ra'am Event: Candy Sushi, October 19
- GMR Regional Event: Bro/Sis Convention, October 23-25
- Help Shir Hadash Earn Free Donations with iGive
- Fundraising Opportunity with Amazon Smile
- Samuel I. Andes Scholarship Fund
- Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers: The Continental and Butterfield’s
SHOP Shir Hadash
MEMBERSHIP AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Members and non-members are welcome to join us at Shir Hadash on October 22 at Shir Hadash from 7:00 - 8:30pm. Click here for program details. To RSVP or ask questions, contact Joanne Litman at jlitman@ft.newyorklife.com. And watch for details of our rescheduled session on Long Term Care Insurance, coming soon!
Only a few tickets left in our block! Join Shir Hadash at the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, featuring three short films at 5:30 on Sunday, November 1 at the AMC Theater in Northbrook Court. After the films, we are “going Dutch” to Stir Crazy at Northbrook Court for dinner, drinks, and/or dessert–your choice. It will be a great chance to eat and discuss the short films.
Please click here to sign up through the Shir Hadash website. Tickets are $12 a person. Act now so you don't miss out!
Book Club, November 4
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 4, at the home of Cheryl Schultz, 1381 Sunnyside in Highland Park. We will discuss All the Light We Cannot See, a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Anthony Doerr. Please RSVP to Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
Havdalah and Pasta Dinner Celebrating New Members, November 7
There is no cost for the dinner for our new members. We would appreciate a donation of $10 per adult and $4 per child ages 4-12 from our members of more than two years. Children 3 and under are free. Click here for more details and registration. See you on November 7!
Live from the 92nd Street Y Returns, November 8
Mindfulness Meditation Group
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 4, at the home of Cheryl Schultz, 1381 Sunnyside in Highland Park. We will discuss All the Light We Cannot See, a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Anthony Doerr. Please RSVP to Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
Havdalah and Pasta Dinner Celebrating New Members, November 7
Come celebrate our new and returning members of the past two years! Everyone is invited for a special Havdalah service and pasta dinner in honor of the growth of Shir Hadash on Saturday, November 7 at 6:00pm. We hope to have members of the Madrichim helping with the younger children, so please plan to bring them as well!
There is no cost for the dinner for our new members. We would appreciate a donation of $10 per adult and $4 per child ages 4-12 from our members of more than two years. Children 3 and under are free. Click here for more details and registration. See you on November 7!
Live from the 92nd Street Y Returns, November 8
As part of its “Live from NY’s 92nd
Street Y” series, Shir Hadash Synagogue is pleased to announce that it is
hosting the live broadcast of Rabbi Lod Jonathan Sacks’s presentation Not in God’s Name – Confronting Religious
Violence on Sunday, November 8 at 7:00pm. This will be an interactive
experience in which attendees will have the chance to submit questions to the
speaker.
“Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y” brings
lectures, interviews and readings from nationally and internationally
recognized political figures, entertainers, news makers and authors to
community organizations across America and Canada. Currently, Shir Hadash is
the only synagogue in the Chicago area offering ‘92Y’ programming.
Admission for the lecture is free for
Shir Hadash members; guests will be asked to make a donation of $5 per
attendee. To purchase tickets and for more information, call (847) 498-8218 or
visit www.shir-hadash.org.
Mindfulness Meditation Group
Mindfulness meditation consists of exercises in which we practice being fully present in the moment, compassion, and returning to our intention (teshuvah). All Shir-Hadashniks are welcome to join our member-led mindfulness meditation group. A number of us practiced together on several occasions last year and everyone who did seemed to enjoy it and get something helpful out of it. We will set a group schedule based on interest and availability. Interested? Please contact Rick Zinbarg, rickzinbarg@gmail.com.
Lost: Tallis Bag
Lost: Tallis Bag
A member has been looking for a hand-made tallis bag, featuring a needlepoint sailboat with a Star of David. Inside is one great-grandfather's tallis, and the other great-grandfather's tefillin, along a small shofar. It was last seen at Our Lady of the Brook at Rosh Hashanah. If you have seen it or know where it is, please contact Lynne Arons, Lynne.Lyongroup@comcast.net.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Services This Week:
- Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, October 16, 7:30pm
- We will have many special things to celebrate during our Friday night service! First, we will be celebrating the sixth anniversary of Gunther Rice's bar mitzvah -- as in 6 x 13 years, or 78 years, since he was called to the Torah! Gunther will offer a special d'var Torah to mark the occasions. We will also celebrate baby namings for three of Ida Berman's grandchildren (the children of Amanda and Ben Rossi). This all fits with the week's Torah portion about Noah -- we grow and learn from the experiences that we have throughout our lives (even if we're not building an ark). Come celebrate with us -- and please remember to bring something to share at the oneg!
- “Noah's Bark”: Outdoor Shabbat Morning Service and Blessing of Animal Pets, Saturday, October 17, 10:00am
- Join Rabbi Eitan and Rabbi Seeg in celebrating our love and care of our pets on the Shabbat when we read in the Torah about Noah and the Ark. Our out-of-doors one-hour service will include a ceremony to welcome our beloved animal pets into our Shir Hadash community and offer them special blessings. Dress for fall weather and make sure your pets are properly leashed, caged, etc. If rain is forecast, the service will be postponed. Please check the website for details. Please bring animal toys, treats, bedding and other animal care supplies to donate to area animal shelters. Tasty refreshments (for the humans, not the pets) will be provided following the service.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
October 16-17, 2015 / 4 Cheshvan 5776
Shabbat Noach
Torah – Genesis 6:9-11:32 / Haftarah – Isaiah 54:1-55:5
“In the Image of God”
Dear Friends,
After Noah emerged from the ark, he received a series of
basic religious commandments known as the Seven Noahide Laws, which Judaism
considers obligatory for all of humanity. The final law prohibits murder of
another human being: “Whoever sheds a person’s blood, that person’s blood shall
blood be shed…for human beings were created in the image of God.” (Genesis 9:6)
What is the meaning of this unique term, “in the image of God” (“b’tzelem
Eloheem”)? As God has no form (a fundamental principle of Judaism), how can
humans be created “in God’s image?” Maimonides explained that this verse refers
to our human intellect and self-awareness, which allows us to comprehend our
own existence. Ramban argues that this phrase refers to the human soul—the
spiritual-metaphysical element that can never be extinguished. These
interpretations highlight a core Jewish belief in the uniqueness of all human
beings, who share an intellectual, spiritual and metaphysical element of
godliness.
The notion that God created people in God’s image has served
as a guiding principal not only for Judaism, but has influenced intellectuals
and thinkers throughout history. The famous statement in America’s Declaration
of Independence that “all men are created equal” stems directly from the Judaic
teaching that every human being carries a spark of godliness within. The
concept of b’tzelem Eloheem also represents a core value of Israeli society,
which works to protect and defend all lives. One of the basic values of the
Israel Defense Forces taught to every Israeli soldier is the value of Human
Dignity: “The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity.
Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion,
nationality, gender, status or position.”
Good people around the world recoil at the heinous
Palestinian terrorism that is surging through Israel. We pray that Israel’s security forces will do
what is necessary to restore calm and bring the perpetrators to justice. Moreover, we pray that soon the day will come
when all those dwelling in our holy land will see each other as created
b’tzelem Eloheem – in the image of God – and find a way to live together in
peace.
This Shabbat, as every Shabbat, we will pray for the peace
of Jerusalem. May she know peace and may the human dignity of her inhabitants
be protected.
Shabbat shalom.
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School, October 17
We're looking forward to seeing all our students and parents at 9:00am for a great day of learning.
Adult Education Classes on Sunday
Adult Ed is back on Sunday mornings at Shir Hadash! This year we have two of the regular favorites and then a new class especially for parents. The schedule for the day looks like this:
9:30-10:30 Torah Study/Modern Jewish Philosophy with Fred Andes
10:30-11:15 Adult Hebrew Reading with Steve Lewin
11:15-12:25 Jewish Spiritual Parenting: Raising a Mentsch
- Parenting has never been easy—but in a culture that encourages more screen time than face time, how can you make sure that your kids stay connected to what really matters in life? This class will reveal the Jewish spiritual wisdom that can help you shape your sons and daughters as individuals and your families as a whole. Together, we will explore spiritually nourishing approaches to help you foster essential Jewish values like gratitude, joy and honesty in your kids. Part lecture, text study, and discussion, the class will explore many timeless teachings and spirit-filled activities, rituals and prayers that will help you cultivate strong Jewish values and cherished spiritual memories in your own family.
- Instructors: Rabbis Eitan Weiner-Kaplow & Scott Segal, and guests
- Fee: $36 per household (includes text book and materials)
- Text Book: Jewish Spiritual Parenting: Wisdom, Activities, Rituals and Prayers for Raising Children with Spiritual Balance and Emotional Wholeness by Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Michelle November, MSSW.
For more info about any of these adult ed programs, contact Rabbi Seeg at learning@shir-hadash.org.
Bagels and Coffee on Sunday Mornings
Each Sunday that we have Religious School, coffee and bagels are available in the lobby for purchase. President Glenn Graff and some Board members are usually around to discuss all things Shir Hadash. Stop in and sit and chat with your fellow Shir Hadashnicks and enjoy the mornings!
Football Games on TV before Religious School Pickup
The Bears are turning things around! When you're picking up the kids from Sunday School, come into our multipurpose room and watch the first 25 minutes of the Bears game each Sunday.
The Bears are turning things around! When you're picking up the kids from Sunday School, come into our multipurpose room and watch the first 25 minutes of the Bears game each Sunday.
TEEN NEWS
Ra'am Connect Event: Police Department Tour, October 17
On Saturday , October 17 at 7:00pm, Ra'am will be getting a special tour of the Northfield Police Department followed by a Q&A session with a real police sergeant! (Crazy, right?) This is a Connect event so make sure you bring all of your middle school Jewish friends and family. Program is open to grades 6-8; all Ra'am Chapter members are encouraged to come too! For more info and to RSVP, contact raambbyo@gmail.com.
Ra'am Event: Candy Sushi at Shir Hadash, October 19
Everyone in grades 8-12 invited; you don't have to be a chapter member, so bring your friends! We'll be making super yummy candy sushi while talking about kosher laws and what they actually mean. Meet up at Shir Hadash at 7:00pm. Please RSVP to raambbyo@gmail.com.
GMR Regional Event: Bro/Sis Convention, October 23-25
Sign up now for this fun BBYO regional weekend of brotherhood, sisterhood, and more at Beber Camp in Mukwonago, Wisconsin! Click here for details and online registration. Hurry: space is limited and registration must close October 16!
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
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.
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!
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. 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
Fall Into SHOP!
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.
Bonuses Now Available
- Bed Bath & Beyond -- 1% until October 16
- Cabela's -- 3% until October 16
- Aeropostale -- 2% until October 23
- L.L. Bean -- 2% until October 16
- California Pizza Kitchen -- 5% bonus from October 17-30 AND customers who purchase $10 CPK gift cards or ScriptNow eCards will receive a 13% contribution instead of the standard 8%!
ReloadNow -- Now available for Darden Restaurants, including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Yard House, Longhorn Steakhouse, Seasons, and Bahama Breeze.
New on ReloadNow: Taco Bell gift cards are now available for ReloadNow with the same great 5% rebate.
New ScripNow Products:
New on ReloadNow: Taco Bell gift cards are now available for ReloadNow with the same great 5% rebate.
New ScripNow Products:
- Playstation Store and Playstation Plus
- Harry & David (Replacing Physical Cards)
- Spafinder Wellness 365 -- $100 ScripNow Now Available
Thanks to the following families for participating in SHOP this week:
- Zinbarg
- Schleicher
- Edler
- Sulpar
- Green
- Andes
- Callistein
- Fisher-Rohde
- Lewin
- Idelman
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