WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
"Let's Make Our Building a Home"
Membership News and Upcoming Events
- WISH Turkish Art Marble Painting, February 15
- Sign Up Now for Trivia Night, February 25
- New! Meal Train to Support the Wellisch Family
- Book Club
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, February 10, 7:30pm
- Shabbat Morning Minyan Service, Saturday, February 11, 10:00am
- Oneg Volunteers Needed
The Rabbi’s Corner
Youth Education Announcements- "It's the Little Things"
- Religious School -- Special Tu B'Shevat Family Program, February 12
- Kallah is Coming! February 17-19
- New! Pitch in for Purim!
Youth Activities
- Kallah Retreat for Grades 6-12, February 17-19
- New! Sunday Speaker Series Welcomes Rick Rosenfeld, February 26
- Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
- Monday Evening Adult Ed Classes
Social Action
Community Events
- Help Shir Hadash Feed the Needy, February 19
- New! National Day of Jewish Action for Refugees, February 12
- New1 Denial Film Screening, February 19
- New! Dessert Reception for JUF Annual Campaign Fund, March 5
- Links to Fundraisers: Amazon, iGift, and More
SHOP Shir Hadash
MEMBERSHIP AND UPCOMING EVENTS
WISH Turkish Art Marble Painting, February 15
Come and join WISH (Women In Shir Hadash) on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00pm for a fun night of Ebru Turkish Art Marble Painting! (Look it up on YouTube.) We’ll meet at Shir Hadash. Bring a bottle of wine or your favorite decadent snack. All we need is an idea of how many are coming so that we have enough supplies. A $10 donation at the door is also appreciated to cover the cost of the supplies needed for our activity. Email your RSVPs to juliewellisch@gmail.com or call/text 847-345-9073. Hope to see all you ladies there!
Sign Up Now for Trivia Night, February 25Limited spaces still available! Trivia Night is coming to Shir Hadash on Saturday, February 25. This multi-round general trivia night will be fun for high schoolers and beyond. All proceeds will be donated to the Samuel I. Andes Scholarship Fund and our religious school. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top teams. There will also be raffle prizes galore, pizza sales, and free babysitting! Click here for registration and further info.
Meal Train to Support the Wellisch Family
Julie
Wellisch, one of our longtime members, recently started chemotherapy due to a
recurrence of metastatic breast cancer of the bones. A meal train calendar has
been set up to help the family with dinners, to give them more time to spend
together and less time in the kitchen. You can sign up to help by clicking here. Please set up an account and pick a date when
you can help with dinner. Julie, Dan, and Benji thank everyone for the support
they are receiving.
The next book will The Seven Good Years, a memoir by Etgar Keret. This promises to be a uplifting, life-affirming, and humorous. The next Book Club will meet in March - details as to date and location TBA. For questions, contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Shabbat Evening Service -- Friday, February 10, 7:30pm: This Friday night, we celebrate Shabbat Shira – the Shabbat of the Song. In this week’s Torah portion, the people of Israel cross the Red Sea – and once they get across, they sing to God. And then, Miriam leads the women in another song. So, on Shabbat Shira, we sing! Our singing will be led by our wonderful Lahaka choir under the direction of our Music Director Marek Rachelski. (Yes, they will perform their famous rendition of “Miriam’s Song.”) Don’t miss this celebration, and don’t forget to bring something for the oneg! We’re coming up to Tu B’shevat, the New Year of Trees, so fruit is especially welcome. See you Friday!
Shabbat Morning Minyan Service -- Saturday, February 11, 10:00am: On Saturday morning, we will hold a small, information Shabbat service. Everyone is welcome to participate – we have English readings, Torah portions, and other roles to fill. Afterwards, we will enjoy a light Kiddush lunch together. Please let the Worship committee know that you are planning to come by emailing Fred at fandes@btlaw.com.
Oneg Volunteers Needed
We need oneg leaders for this week and future services.What does it take to volunteer for an oneg and what dates do we need? It’s simple: visit www.shir-hadash.org and sign into the member’s area of ShulCloud (or just follow this link). Choose a date, bring a challah, and show up. You’ll get a reminder that week, and an email with all the details. There are more dates than these, so feel free to sign up for any that fit in your schedule. Thank you for participating!
THE RABBI’S CORNER
February 10-11, 2017 / 15 Shevat 5777
Shabbat Beshalach
Torah - Exodus 13:17-17:16 / Haftarah - Judges 4:4-5:31
“It’s the Little Things”
Dear Friends,
This week we will read of the miraculous liberation of our people as
they left Egyptian slavery and crossed the Sea of Reeds to freedom. It was an amazing event. Moses and Miriam’s song of celebration is
recorded in an epic poem called the “Song of the Sea” which is read in
synagogues around the world. From this
song come the words of the famous Mi Chamocha – Who is like you, Eternal One –
section of the worship service. That event should have changed us forever. But, memories are short. As soon as the celebrations
finished, our ancestors continued with their complaining and whining about the
water, the food, the conditions of desert life, and so much more. Apparently
miracles, as spectacular as they are, simply don’t change lives. They are
easily and quickly forgotten.
According to Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, “To reform human character
takes much more than “special effects,” no matter how divine their origin. To transform human behavior requires instead
constant and gradual education, reinforcement, discipline, and community.” And
that is the beauty of our Jewish way of life.
Instead of waiting for the big events, we recognize that each custom,
each ritual, each mitzvah, each celebration, each act of worship, and each
moment of learning has the potential to move us closer and closer to becoming
our best selves. It’s the little things that make the greatest difference.
This Friday evening, we will celebrate Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of
the Song. It will be a celebration of
singing and music led by our Lahaka choir under the direction of Marek
Rachelski. Come join in the grand
festivities and then remember to focus on the little things of Jewish tradition
that make life so meaningful and transformative.
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
YOUTH EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
On Sunday, February 12, we will have a departure from our usual schedule and classes. From 10:00-11:30 am, join us to celebrate Tu B’Shevat together with activities for the whole family.
Tu B’Shevat is the New Year for Trees, an opportunity to look longingly toward spring, and a chance to consider Judaism’s view of our natural world. Our program includes five different stations with each station’s program running approximately 20 minutes. We will have art projects, food projects, planting projects, and more! There is no set rotation; families will be able to experience the different options in whatever order best suits your mood and interests.
At 11:30, the Shir Hadash programming will finish for the day. Families are encouraged to head over to Rochelle Zell Jewish High School in Deerfield for the JNF (Jewish National Fund) Tu B’Shevat Community Celebration. Please contact Rabbi Seeg, learning@shir-hadash.org, for more information.
Next month over President’s Day weekend, we will have our annual regional retreat for 6th-12th graders. We will leave by bus on Friday, February 17 around 4:00pm and return on Sunday, February 19 around 1:00pm. The retreat takes place at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (aka OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and includes Reconstructionist youth from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
This is a great chance to get to know other Shir Hadash students as well as peers from around the region. All of the programming is created and implemented by a committee of student leaders including a number of our Shir Hadash madrichim. Click here for the registration form.
Pitch in for Purim!
It’s
almost time for Purim, and we are getting ever closer to the annual Shir Hadash
Purim Carnival! We have a number of easy ways that you can help us make it the
best carnival ever:
- There are a handful of items that we are asking people to donate – things that will help us decorate, create additional games, and provide the carnival atmosphere that we all love. Click here to see our wish list. No donation is too small (or too big!), so please help out any way you can.
- We are also accepting donations of excess “swag” – leftover toys, games, bar/bat mitzvah goodies, party favors – items that could be prizes for our carnival games.
- Lastly, we are collecting items for a silent auction. If you have a skill or item to donate, or know another individual/organization/business that might want to donate, please contact Rabbi Seeg or Lisa Burton Radzely (shirhadashsac@gmail.com) as soon as possible.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
We're getting ready for Kallah, an outstanding chance to join with other Reconstructionist youth from around the Midwest! Scroll up to our "Youth Education" section for details, and contact Rabbi Seeg with any questions.
ADULT EDUCATION
Sunday Speaker Series Welcomes Rick
Rosenfeld, February 26
Join
us on Sunday, February 26 from 11:00am -12:30pm to hear from Rick Rosenfeld, Shir Hadash member
and Executive Director of Hands of Peace. Hands of Peace is an interfaith organization that empowers young people to raise their voices as leaders of change. Rick will share the
important work he and Hands of Peace are engaged in, as well as what we can do
to promote peace, understanding, and dialogue within our own community. . Through the power of dialogue, Palestinians,
Israelis, and Americans partner to pursue peace, equality, freedom, and
justice. Bagels and coffee will be
available. No RSVP is necessary.Sunday Morning Adult Ed Classes
Check out these engaging Adult Ed opportunities that meet during our Religious School hours. All are welcome.
- Torah and Philosophy, 9:30-10:30am
- Learning the Shir Hadash Prayer Book, 10:30-11:30am -- We will be studying the Amidah, or Standing Prayer, including its meanings, origins, and significance in modern Jewish life.
- Modern Hebrew, 11:30am-12:30pm
Monday Evening Adult Ed Discussion, February 20
Our Monday “Soup and Study” series continues with a new class. All sessions start with soup at 6:30pm and continue with the learning component at 7:00pm. Please RSVP to Rabbi Seeg (learning@shir-hadash.org) only if you will be coming for soup. Otherwise, no RSVP necessary.
- February 20: The Ethics of Euthanasia -- With the emergence of the “right to die” movement and the legalization of physician-assisted suicide in several states, the question of choosing death remains at the forefront of many ethical and political conversations. This class will explore what Judaism says about these questions as well as refusing treatment and “pulling the plug.”
SOCIAL ACTION
On Sunday, February 19, Shir Hadash will be serving over 90 meals for needy individuals in our community. In order to provide the food and support for this meaningful project, we are looking for five or six families (18-20 people total) who are able to prepare, cook, and serve at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church soup kitchen in Evanston. This event will require volunteers to be available from 2:00 to 4:00pm on February 19. Each family will be responsible for bringing a precooked meat or pasta entrée, one large bag of frozen mixed vegetables, and a dessert to feed approximately 10-12 people.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
National Day of Jewish Action for Refugees, February 12
Opposed to the Immigration Ban? On Sunday, February 12, cities across the country will be holding Jewish Rallies for Refugees. There will be two action-oriented events happening in Chicago’s northern suburbs. Everyone is invited to join in community, lend your voice, and stand in support of refugees and immigrants:
Denial Film Screening, February 19
Opposed to the Immigration Ban? On Sunday, February 12, cities across the country will be holding Jewish Rallies for Refugees. There will be two action-oriented events happening in Chicago’s northern suburbs. Everyone is invited to join in community, lend your voice, and stand in support of refugees and immigrants:
Congregation Beth Am, Lakeside Congregation and the Children of Abraham Coalition
@ Congregation Beth Am, 1370 Abbott Court, Buffalo Grove
Start time: 12:15pm
Speakers: Rabbi Lisa Bellows, Beth Am; Father Corey Brost, Founder of the Children of Abraham Coalition; Magda Brown, Holocaust Survivor; Congressman Brad Schneider, 10th District; Rabbi Ike Serrota, Lakeside Congregation.
Click here to view the Beth Am Facebook Event.
Congregation Solel, 1301 Clavey Road, Highland Park
Start time: 1:00pm
Speakers: Rabbi Evan Moffic, Solel; Jessica Schaffer, HIAS Chicago; Congressman Brad Schneider, 10th District
@ Congregation Beth Am, 1370 Abbott Court, Buffalo Grove
Start time: 12:15pm
Speakers: Rabbi Lisa Bellows, Beth Am; Father Corey Brost, Founder of the Children of Abraham Coalition; Magda Brown, Holocaust Survivor; Congressman Brad Schneider, 10th District; Rabbi Ike Serrota, Lakeside Congregation.
Click here to view the Beth Am Facebook Event.
Congregation Solel, 1301 Clavey Road, Highland Park
Start time: 1:00pm
Speakers: Rabbi Evan Moffic, Solel; Jessica Schaffer, HIAS Chicago; Congressman Brad Schneider, 10th District
These events are sponsored by HAIS in partnership with over 20 national co-sponsor organizations. Share the invitation, make signs, and be heard!
Denial Film Screening, February 19
Congregation Beth Judea will host a free screening of the 2016 film Denial, based on the book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier by Dr. Deborah E. Lipstadt. (Click here to view a trailer for the film.) Dr. Lipstadt will be the guest speaker at the JUF Dessert Reception on March 5, described below. The film screening, free of charge and open to the public, will take place at Beth Judea, at the intersection of Hilltop and Route 83 in Long Grove. Please RSVP to lneiman@bethjudea.org.
Dessert Reception for JUF Annual Campaign Fund, March 5
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
Fundraiser Information Now Available on Shul Cloud
You can help Shir Hadash at no extra cost to you by taking advantage of a variety of ongoing fundraisers, including iGive, Amazon Smile, and more. For complete details, click here.
SHOP SHIR HADASH
SHOP for your Valentine!SHOP is 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. Orders can be picked up in the Shir Hadash office or purchased during Sunday School.
Thank you to the following families for supporting Shir Hadash with your SHOP purchases this week!
- Fargotstein
- Farahmandpour
- G. Graff
- M. Graff
- Fields
- Idelman
- Andes
- Sultan
- Herbin
- Wexler
To view past editions of the Newsletter, please visit our website.
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