WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
- Billy Kaplan and "Shabbat Sweet" Return, November 20
- Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, November 22
- Announcing the First Shir Hadash Cookbook -- and Top Chef Event!
- Plan Ahead for Hanukkah -- with SHOP!
- Hanukkah Candles Available at Shir Hadash
- Book Club
Creative Worship and Ritual
- This Week's Services
- "Shabbat Sweet" Evening Service, Friday, November 20 at 7:30pm
- Shabbat Morning Bar Mitzvah Service, Saturday, November 21 at 9:30am
The Rabbi’s Corner
- "Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving"
- Help Needed for Interfaith Thanksgiving Event, November 22
- Sunday School, November 22
- Adult Ed Continues on Sunday Mornings
- Sunday Morning Specials -- Bagels, Coffee, and Football on TV!
- Lunch and Learn with the Rabbis Resumes on Thursdays
- Ra'am Chapter Dinner, November 30
- New! GMR South Suburbs Dance, December 5
- BBYO International Convention
- Hands On Hanukkah, November 29
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
The Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, of which Shir Hadash is a member congregation, will present an engaging and welcoming Thanksgiving event. Join clergy from local houses of worship, including our own Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow, as they share music, thoughts, and prayers of thanksgiving, blessing, and peace. The celebration will be held at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, beginning at 7:00pm. Free admission; please bring a donation of non-perishable food or paper goods for local food banks.
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.
Announcing the 1st Ever Shir Hadash Cookbook…and “Top Chef” Inspired Event!
We are going to publish the first ever Shir Hadash cookbook in Spring 2016, and we need your recipes! We want our cookbook to reflect our diverse membership, so please submit your family favorites, Sephardic specialties, gluten-free recipes, etc.
The cookbook will be professionally published and contain special pages of interest, a table of contents, an index, helpful cooking hints, and recipe category dividers. Please submit three to five of your favorite recipes. We will strive to include at least one of your recipes. Recipes are due by December 21, 2015. Visit our website for details and submission forms.
In conjunction with the cookbook publication, we will be holding a “Top Chef”-style event on Saturday, April 9, where congregants will prepare and bring their dishes, and attendees will taste each dish and select the winning dish in each category. Mark your calendar!
Hanukkah Candles Available at Shir Hadash
Our annual candle sale begins this week. They will be available at Friday night services and during Religious School. Get ready for the holiday and help Shir Hadash at the same time!
Book Club
Our next meeting will be in January to discuss "A Backpack, A Bear and Eight Crates of Vodka: A Memoir” by Lev Golinkin. This is the true story of the author's exit as a young boy from the Ukraine in 1980, at the height of the Soviet Union's Anti-Semitism. The date and location for our meeting will be announced in future newsletters. For more information, contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
This Week's Services
"Shabbat Sweet" Evening Service -- Friday, November 20, 7:30pm:
"Shabbat Sweet" Evening Service -- Friday, November 20, 7:30pm:
Don’t miss our special musical
Shabbat event on Friday, November 20 at 7:30pm. Billy Kaplan’s “Shabbat Sweet”
is an original contemporary journey of music, reading, and prayer. Performers
will include musicians and singers from both the Jewish Reconstructionist
Congregation (JRC) and Shir Hadash. “Shabbat Sweet” is a Friday night service
that blends ancient Jewish prayers with original melodies by JRC musician and
youth leader Billy Kaplan. The lively, soulful melodies have a freshness that
manages to seem familiar to many.
Shabbat Morning BarMitzvah Service -- Saturday, November 21, 9:30am
Shabbat Morning BarMitzvah Service -- Saturday, November 21, 9:30am
We will welcome Benjamin Wellisch to the Bima as our Bar Mitzvah. All are invited to participate in the service.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
November 20-21, 2015 / 9 Kislev 5776
Shabbat Vayetze
Torah - Genesis 28:10-32:3 / Haftarah - Hosea 12:13-14:10
“Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving”
Dear Friends,
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. No other nation around the
world gives thanks the way we Americans do. We Jews strongly identify with the
holiday because its origin is found in our fall harvest festival of
Sukkot. We recognize the core value of
Thanksgiving, the notion of giving thanks. In fact, the Jewish people have the
value of Thanksgiving built into our very identity thanks to one of our
ancestors, Leah.
Following the birth of her fourth child, Leah declares that, “‘This
time will I praise the Eternal One,’ therefore she called his name Judah.”
(29:35) ‘Juda’ism and the Jewish people take the name from ‘Judah.’ The word
“Jew” (yehudi in Hebrew) is derived from the region of Judah (Judea) where the
remnants of Israel survived following the exile of the Ten Tribes. Our appellation
(Yehudim) is directly linked to the Hebrew word for “giving thanks” (L’hodot,
as in todah rabbah—“thank you very much”). Thus, the very name of our people
and religion, means essentially, “those who give thanks.”
Rabbi Jessica Locketz notes that Judaism views every day as a day of
thanksgiving: “From the words we say upon arising—‘Modeh ani l'fanecha,’—‘I
give thanks to You (for compassionately restoring my soul)’—to the daily
multitude of blessings and prayers in our worship services, our tradition
teaches us that showing gratitude is part of our way of life. Every day brings
ample opportunities for acts of mindfulness and thanksgiving that can transform
our lives and repair the world.”
Yet, we must also expand the idea of Thanksgiving beyond our dining
room tables this coming Thursday. We must also express hakarat
hatov—“recognition of good works” to those that have come to the rescue and
safety of those suffering terror attacks in many lands and cities. Israel now
finds itself in the throes of a wave of terror which has maimed and killed
dozens of Israeli citizens, including women, children and the elderly. Recent bombings in Beirut as well as
shootings and bombings in Paris have caused terrible suffering. Yet, remember that when civilians run away
from the attacks, police, army, and rescue services run towards the danger.
While this Thursday we will give thanks in the comfort and safety of
our homes, we must make the effort to say thank you to those who bring safety
and security to Israelis under attack and all those who suffer the horrors of
terrorism. It is in our name to express
thanksgiving, for we are Jews, “the people who give thanks.”
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Help Needed for Interfaith Thanksgiving Event, November 22
Shir Hadash is playing a critical role in the upcoming Northwest Suburban Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, on Sunday November 22nd from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Shir Hadash, along with Hope Lutheran Church, will be sharing the "hospitality" responsibilities, setting up, serving at an oneg and cleaning up for the estimated 1000-1100 people we expect to attend. Rabbi Eitan will be participating in the service as well.
How you can help:
- We need seven volunteers from 5:00-7:-00pm before the service on November 22 for set up, and seven volunteers from 7:30-9:30 for serving and clean-up.
- Food for the oneg: (bakery items, packages of cookies, donuts, coffee cake, etc.) to be dropped off at the synagogue the morning of November 22 before 2:00 pm or at the home of Marla Callistein, 1209 Hazel Ave. in Deerfield.
If you would like to sign up for any of these volunteer opportunities, please click here and add your name to the sign-up sheet.
EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
We look forward to seeing our students at parents at 9:00am for Z'man Kehilah.
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 Hadashniks and enjoy the mornings!
Football Games on TV before Religious School Pickup
It's warm inside and the TV's on! 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.
It's warm inside and the TV's on! 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.
Lunch & Learn with the Rabbis Resumes on Thursdays
Rabbis Eitan Weiner-Kaplow & Scott Segal invite Shir Hadash members and friends to a a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the weekly Torah portion. Don’t be surprised if archaeology, sociology, contemporary world affairs as well as law, medicine, and business ethics enter the lively conversation as we plumb the deeper meanings of Judaism’s core text. Participants are encouraged to share their views, questions, and opinions. We’ll meet on Thursdays from noon to 1:00pm. Pack a lunch and join us!
TEEN NEWS
Ra'am BBYO Chapter Dinner at Shir Hadash, November 30
New! GMR South Suburbs Dance, December 5
The South Suburbs Dance will be on Saturday, December 5 at Temple Anshe
Shalom in Homewood/Flossmoor. We’ll have
buses leaving from all the JCCs including Buffalo Grove and Northbrook. Details coming soon!
BBYO’s International Convention Registration has opened 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 Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
- Mickey Herbin, in honor of Evelyn Schleicher's 80th birthday.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Hands-On Hanukkah, November 29
The Northwest Suburban Collaborative is once again sponsoring Hands-On Hanukkah at Barnes & Noble, Deer Park, on Sunday, November 29 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. This Hanukkah celebration is open to all, with activities geared to young children. Shir Hadash is participating in this event, with songleading by Rabbi Eitan and facepainting by Lynne Arons.
Even if you can’t attend the event, please plan on shopping at Barnes & Noble’s Deer Park store anytime on November 29. The Northwest Suburban Collaborative will receive a portion of the proceeds from purchases made that day. Please let them know you are members of one of the sponsoring organizations! The Northwest Suburban Collaborative is made up of Congregation Beth Judea, Congregation Or Shalom, Shir Hadash Synagogue, Temple Chai, JCC Chicago, Big Tent Judaism and The Jewish United Fund.
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.
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! Remember, 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
Restaurant.com -- 15% Bonus til November 20
American Express -- 1% Bonus til November 20
Shutterfly -- 2% Bonus til December 4
Restaurant.com -- 15% Bonus til November 20
American Express -- 1% Bonus til November 20
Shutterfly -- 2% Bonus til December 4
Thank-Scrip-ing™ Day is November 26! Don't miss 24 hours of awesome ScripNow®, Reload, and ReloadNow® bonuses from dozens of your favorite retailers. As always, the list of retailers is TOP SECRET - you'll have to wait until the promotion begins to find out who's participating.
To participate, you just need a ShopWithScrip® account, and you must be able to login to place online orders Sign up ASAP if you haven't already so you can receive your ScripNow eCards and add funds using ReloadNow in minutes, or use Reload to add funds overnight! Plus, with PrestoPay you can place your Thank-Scrip-ing Day order with MyScripWallet™, a mobile scrip experience. You can still participate and receive bonuses if you pay by check, as long as you place your orders within the 24 hours, you just won't receive your scrip until your coordinator releases the order.
If you have any questions, please give the Customer Support Team a call at 1.800.727.4715 opt. 3, or send an email to shopwithscrip@glscrip.com.
We have a colorful collection of gift card holiday wrappers back in stock and available for ordering. These colorful pre-cut glossy wrappers fold up to wrap your gift card in a fun, festive package. It even gives you space to leave a name, gift card amount, and a little note! The wrappers are available in a pack of 10 for $2, with a 10% non-profit contribution, and each pack includes 10 different seasonal designs.
It's almost gone! Get a head start on holiday shopping for the young readers on your list with a special offer from Amazon! Through November 20, if you order a ScripNow eCard for Amazon in any amount from $10 - $500, you'll be eligible for a 20% discount on Fire HD 6 Kids Edition Tablets.
Last call! Before November 20, place an order including at least $50 in TJX Gift Cards or ScripNow® eCards and you'll be entered to win a $500 TJX Gift Card. Ten families will win. Out of those ten, FIVE families will receive FREE SHIPPING for A YEAR for their organization!
New ScripNow Retailer: Southwest Airlines
Just in time for your holiday travels, we're excited to
announce Southwest Airlines ScripNow®! It's available to order in $10
increments, from $30 - $1000, with a 4% non-profit contribution.
Thanks to the following families for participating in Shop this week:
- Zinbarg
- Schleicher
- Sulpar
- G. Graff
- Estes-Goldman
- Lewin
- Litman
- Idelman
- Gagerman
- Gutterman
- Noweck
- Soglin
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