WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
- 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
- Financial Planning Education Program Postponed
- Plan Ahead for Hanukkah -- with SHOP!
Creative Worship and Ritual
- No Shabbat Services this Week
- "Noah's Bark" Service a Howling Success
The Rabbi’s Corner
- "A Critical Difference"
- Soup Kitchen, November 15
Education
- Sunday School, October 25
- Adult Ed Continues on Sunday Mornings
- Sunday Morning Specials -- Bagels, Coffee, and Bears Football!
- Save the Dates for BBYO GMR Events
- BBYO International Convention -- Registration is Open
Ongoing Fundraisers
- 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
We've sold all 30 of our reserved block of tickets to the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, featuring three short films at 5:30 on Sunday, November 1 at the AMC Theater in Northbrook Court. You can still buy tickets: visit the festival website for more info. After the films, we are going 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. If you plan to join us at the restaurant, email Rebecca Rice at r.rice1@comcast.net so she can add you to the table reservation.
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 Lord 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. Click here for details about this thought-provoking presentation.
“Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y” brings lectures, interviews and readings from 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.
Financial Planning Education Series Postponed
Our financial planning workshops are being rescheduled, so the College Planning session will not be held tonight. Please watch the newsletter for announcements of future times and dates.
Financial Planning Education Series Postponed
Our financial planning workshops are being rescheduled, so the College Planning session will not be held tonight. Please watch the newsletter for announcements of future times and dates.
Plan Ahead for Hanukkah -- with SHOP Gift Cards
Hanukkah starts December 6! You know you’ll be giving out lots of gift cards in December – and when you buy them from SHOP, you help Shir Hadash without paying a penny more. Plan ahead and start SHOPping now! Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for current SHOP special bonuses.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
No Shabbat Services This Week
Enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your family, and plan to join us on Friday, October 30.
"Noah's Bark" Service a Howling Success!
Last Saturday, about 15 Shir Hadash members and 10 dogss met in our West Courtyard on a crisp fall morning. Rabbi Eitan and Seeg held a regular Shabbbat service and then had a special blessing for the animals. The kiddish included treats for both humans and dogs, including a doggie-treat pie! It was a great opportunity for members to get to know each other, and an even better chance for the dogs to meet and play together. Humans and canines are looking forward to the next one.
Enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your family, and plan to join us on Friday, October 30.
Last Saturday, about 15 Shir Hadash members and 10 dogss met in our West Courtyard on a crisp fall morning. Rabbi Eitan and Seeg held a regular Shabbbat service and then had a special blessing for the animals. The kiddish included treats for both humans and dogs, including a doggie-treat pie! It was a great opportunity for members to get to know each other, and an even better chance for the dogs to meet and play together. Humans and canines are looking forward to the next one.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
A Critical Difference
October 23-24, 2015 / 11 Heshvan 5776
Shabbat Lech Lecha
Torah Portion: Genesis 12:1-17:27 / Haftarah Portion: Isaiah
40:27-41:16
“A Critical Difference”
Dear Friends,
Last week we read about Noah and the Flood. Noah heard and answered God’s call to save
human and animal species by building an ark that would carry them all through
the deluge. Because of Noah, we learn
from the text that God put the rainbow in the sky as a sign that never again
would God destroy so much life through floodwaters. This week, we meet Abram, later named
Abraham, who heard and answered God’s call to leave his home in the land of
Babylonia and journey west to a new land that would be given to his
descendants.
We have two great men who are ancestors of our Jewish
People. The obvious question to ask is
why did Abraham merit the honor of being the first Hebrew, and not Noah. According to our rabbinic commentators, the
answer can be found in the reaction of each to impending destruction. You see, when Noah heard that a flood was
coming that would wipe out virtually all humanity and life on earth, what did
he do? He followed God’s instructions
and obediently built a large ark or ship that could carry male and female of
each species. When the rain came, he
climbed aboard and rode out the flood.
Abraham, however, reacted differently. When he was told to leave the city of Sodom pending God’s intention to destroy all those who lived there, Abraham
protested. Abraham argued and even
bargained with Go.d to save the city on behalf of the 50, or 45, or 30, 20 or
maybe 10 righteous individuals who might live amongst so many wicked people. Each time, God agreed to spare the city. When it became clear that there were not even
10 (a minyan) righteous people to found in the city, there was nothing more
that Abraham could say. He had tried his
best. Our rabbis teach that because
Abraham stood up to God and attempted to save life, therefore he merited being
the founder of the Jewish People. He
showed his quality of leadership through concern for preserving life.
This is Tikun Olam -- Repairing the World at its best.
Shabbat shalom.
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Soup Kitchen Help Needed, November 15
On Sunday, November 15, Shir Hadash 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 4:30pm. We need a minimum of 25 volunteers (about
10-12 families). There is no age limit to volunteer, but from past experience
kids should be at least six years old to participate.
Each family will be responsible for bringing an entrée that
will feed 10 to 15 people; one gallon of milk; one large bag of frozen mixed
vegetables; one large bag of fruit (oranges, bananas, apples, etc) and dessert.
If you are interested, please email Mark Lenhart at
mjlenhart@comcast.net by November 1. More information will be sent to
volunteers about one week before the event. Thanks for supporting this much
needed and appreciated effort!
EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School, October 25
We're looking forward to seeing all our students and parents at 9:00am for a great day of learning.
Kitah Aleph (K-1), Kitah Bet (2nd grade)
and Kitah Zion (7th grade): Upcoming Services November 6
On Friday,
November 6, Kitah Aleph and Kitah Bet students will be helping Rabbi Eitan and
Rabbi Seeg to lead the Family Service at 6:15pm. And this is not just any service: it is
Pajama Shabbat! Arrive about 5:45pm, with kids in their favorite pajamas, so
that we can bake cookies. We will then
enjoy a service with Rabbi Seeg, Kitah Aleph, Kitah Bet, and Rabbi Eitan. After our service, we will then get to enjoy
our cookies with some milk (a must), and a story or two to complete the
night. Stuffed animals, dolls or other
sleep friends are of course invited as well.
Kitah Zion, we didn’t want you to feel left out! You get to
help Rabbi Eitan lead the regular service that same night (Friday, November 6)
at 7:30pm. And this is not just any
service either: it is Shabbat Chayei Sara! This is the week we learn that the
first time Rebecca saw Isaac (to whom she was sold/promised for marriage), she
fell off of her camel. Ah, biblical love
at first sight.
Parents, if you have any questions about either service, please
contact Rabbi Seeg at learniing@shir-hadash.org.
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 with Rabbi Seeg and Rabbi Eitan
.
.
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
Save the Dates!
Put these
dates in your calendar for upcoming regional programs!
- Global Shabbat -- November 6
- Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Movie -- November 18 and 19
BBYO International Convention –
Registration is Open Now
BBYO’s
International Convention Registration opened last Thursday and over 2,400 teens
are currently registered including 80 from GMR! The dates are February 10-15, 2016. If you registered for IC, more information will be coming out shortly
about the waitlist and other details. If
you haven’t registered yet and want to join us in Baltimore, visit www.bbyo.org/azabbgic for more info!
DONATIONS
To the Samuel I. Andes Scholarship Fund
Chana Sulpar
To the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Brian Schultz and Emily Rosenzweig, of Hawaii, in appreciation of the warmth and kindness of the Shir Hadash community over the last few years.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
"Israel and the Changing Middle East," October 29
AIPAC and Congretation Beth Judea invite the public to a presentation by Dr. Jonathan Adelman entitled "Israel and the Changing Middle East in 2016" on Thursday, October 29 at 7:30pm. Dr. Adelman is Professor of International Affairs at the University of Denver and a former advisor to Condoleeza Rice. The program and dessert reception will be held at Beth Judea, 5304 RFD in Long Grove. For more information and online registration, visit www.aipac.org/bethjudea16.
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
- Aeropostale -- 2% until October 23
- 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
- Simon
- Idelman
- Estes-Goldman
- Friedman
- Herbin
- G. Graff
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