WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
- Welcome our New Office Adminstrator
- Chili Cook-Off, April 29
- School and Synagogue Open House for Prospective Members, April 30
- Mother's Day Gifts in the Shir Hadash Shop
- New! “Know Your Neighbor’s Religion” Panel
Discussions, May 15 and 22
- Annual Meeting and Elections, May 21
- Coffee House Night Concert Series, May 6
- Book Club, May 16
- A Festive Send-off for Rabbi Seeg, May 19
- Thank You from the Wellisch Family
- Recap: Coffee House Night - Open Mic Style
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, Saturday, April 29, 9:30am
The Rabbi’s Corner
Youth Education Announcements- “Laws of Purification"
- Religious School, April 30
- Mother's Day Shuk (Market), April 30
- School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting, May 7
- End of Year Celebration, May 21
- Sunday Morning Adult Classes
- Thursday Lunch 'n Learn
- Sunday Speaker Series: "Is It Good for the Jews?" April 30
Youth Activities
- Laser Tag for Grades 5-12, April 30
Social Action
Community Events
Ongoing Fundraisers
- Sock Drive for the Homeless
- Shop for Yourself and Feed a Neighbor, May 2 and 3
- Open Mosque Day, April 29
- Help SH Member Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research
- Subscribe to Reconstructionism Today Newsletter
Ongoing Fundraisers
- Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
- Links to Fundraisers: Amazon, iGive, and More
- SHOP Shir Hadash
MEMBERSHIP AND UPCOMING EVENTS
It is with great excitement that we announce that Julie
Wellisch has joined the professional staff as our new Office
Administrator. Julie brings enormous
energy and experience as she has been a member of Shir Hadash for 16 years. During that time she has worn many hats,
including Lahaka member, Lights & Miracles producer, WISH coordinator, and
most recently a member of the Board of Directors. Julie lives in Buffalo Grove
with her husband Dan and son, Ben. Please take a moment to stop by the office,
call or email her at admin@shir-hadash.org to personally welcome Julie in this
new role.
Mark your calendar and get ready to show off your chili-making skills -- or just enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by fantastic SH cooks! It is the biggest (...and the only) Kosher food event in all of Wheeling, Illinois! The Great Shir Hadash Chili Challenge will be April 29, beginning at 6:30pm. To register or learn more, visit our website by clicking here.
We're looking for new families for our amazing one-day-a-week Religious School. Know anyone to recommend? Bring your friends to our Open House on Sunday, April 30 from 10:00am to noon! Families will meet with our Rabbi, Education Committee Members, and Director of Education. Click here for more information to pass on to your friends.
Just in time for Mother's Day, new merchandise has arrived in the Shir Hadash Gift Shop! We have new jewelry and other great ways to spoil Mom and support the synagogue at the same time. Drop by during Sunday School hours to see what's new, or contact Julie Wellisch, admin@shir-hadash.org, to shop during the week.
“Know Your Neighbor’s Religion” Panel
Discussions, May 15 and 22
Join us for
a pair of panel discussions about the shared and unique aspects of the
different traditions within Judaism and Christianity, presented by the
Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. Speakers will describe each movement’s
positions on key issues of faith, practice, and tradition, with time for
questions from the audience.
Shir Hadash will host the first panel on May 15, offering
perspectives on Reconstructionist, Reform, and Conservative Judaism. On May 22,
presenters from the Catholic, Methodist, and Lutheran traditions will be on the
panel at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road in
Prospect Heights. Both discussions begin at 7:00pm.
The Shir Hadash 2017 annual meeting will be held on Sunday, May 21 at 9:15am at the synagogue. (The meeting will be followed by the annual end-of-the-year School Assembly.) You will be asked to vote on nominees for open positions on the Board of Directors, and to approve the Shir Hadash budget for 2017-18.
Shir Hadash is thrilled to present “Cruisin’ Through the Blues” with The Million Dollar Blues Band featuring one of our own, Dave Levit. This custom show will take us back in time with the music that created and inspired so many other performers and genres for decades to come. They will feature songs that had a Jewish influence exposing the people who brought this music from the street to the stage. It will tie in music from the formative years of the Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Jazz, and Rock-N-Roll.
Reserve your seat by emailing Margie at MargiePromoPro1@aol.com (please write "Blues Concert" in the subject line). Volunteers, please contact Margie as well. Because of your generosity and attendance at our past Open Mic events, we are able to offer this concert for a free will donation. See you there!
The next Book Club selection will be Sarah: The Life of Sarah Bernhardt by Robert Gottlieb. This is the biography of a famous – and infamous – Parisian actress who was Jewish. Art Deco posters of the actress by Alphonse Mucha are currently on display at the Driehaus Museum at 40 East Erie Street in Chicago. The Book Club will meet on May 16 at the home of Melanie Andes, 945 Creek Bend Drive in Vernon Hills.
Save the Date for Honoring Rabbi Seeg with a Festive Send-off, May 19
Join the Shir Hadash Community on Friday, May 19 at 7:30pm for a music-filled, family-friends, and festive Friday night service. We will honor Rabbi Seeg for his contributions to our school, services, and adult education and wish him well on his move to Colorado. Save the date so we can give Rabbi Seeg a warm send-off!Thanks from the Wellisch Family
The Wellisch family would like to thank everyone who has participated in the Meal Train and called, emailed, and sent texts with your well wishes throughout Julie's treatments. Your love and support have been greatly appreciated.
Recap:
Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style
What a fabulous night we had!
It seemed that every available Musician in the Northwest Suburbs was at
Shir Hadash on April 22. We had 35 Acts (three trios, three duos, and 29 solo
acts) and over 90 people in attendance. Both members and non-members in
attendance contributed generously to our baskets. Coffee House Nights at Shir Hadash are gaining
momentum as an “it” place for live performances by local talent!
Thank You to all who contributed goodies to our delicious Bake/Beverage
Table, graciously attended by Scarlett, Melanie, and Maureen. A big thank you also goes to our Front of the
House team Kayla and our Tech Team
Kristin and Dave, who created our lovely, environment with fantastic sound. Web/in-house support (Geoff and Rabbi Eitan) deserve
a hearty thank you for getting the word out and supporting and encouraging this
event! And finally, a big thank you to our
Set-up Team, Don, who created Magic by transforming our sanctuary in to our
Coffee House Night venue.
Thank you everyone for making our April 22 Open Mic Night an exciting,
successful evening!
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, Saturday, April 29, 9:30am
We welcome Abby Wight to the bima as Bat Mitzvah.
Next Week: Family Shabbat, May 5, 5:30pm
Save the date for Nachos and Nachas! Bring the kids for a casual supper, followed by a brief, family-friendly service, activity, and dessert.
We welcome Abby Wight to the bima as Bat Mitzvah.
Next Week: Family Shabbat, May 5, 5:30pm
Save the date for Nachos and Nachas! Bring the kids for a casual supper, followed by a brief, family-friendly service, activity, and dessert.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
April 28-29,
2017 / 3 Iyar 5777
Shabbat
Tazria-Metzorah
Torah:
Leviticus 12:1 – 15:33 / Haftarah: II Kings 7:3 - 7:20
“Laws of
Purification”
Dear
Friends,
This week’s
Torah portion focuses on how we can bring health and renewal when disease
strikes. The priests developed a system
of washing, cleansing, observing, and waiting to see if healing would come. Poet Ruth Brin z”l brought these ancient
customs into the present through in her poem called, “Laws of Purification.”
Laws of Purification
Leviticus 13
Though it was difficult, long ago, to heal
the dread and deadly spots of leprosy,
it is also difficult to heal the deadly
hatreds
we carry in our hearts today;
How shall we even recognize, beneath their
bland
and persuasive smiles,
those who are diseased with corruption?
How can we banish the evil
that seeps into our own minds?
Oh Lord our God, we whose souls are
blemished
and whose minds are impure, ask of You.
By what rites can we be clean again?
By what ceremony can we be cured of all our
moral
illnesses?
Teach us, we implore You, as You taught
Moses,
the ways of righteousness and strength.
Help us to heal ourselves and to be
physicians
to those who need us.
Make our souls pure, as they came from You.
Shabbat Shalom,Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
To enjoy past entries of the Rabbi's Corner, please visit our website.
YOUTH EDUCATION
We look forward to seeing our students at 9:15am.
Get ready to shop! The Shuk is the market in Israel where one can find everything from food to jewelry to socks. The Shir Hadash Shuk will feature special items that will make great gifts for Mother's Day. The Shuk is presented by our madrichim (teaching assistants) and all proceeds will go towards supporting youth programming at the synagogue. Students will have an opportunity during the school day to exchange money for "shekels" and then haggle with our "shopkeepers" to get the best deal on a gift for mom, grandma, or anyone! The Shuk will be open from 10:30am-11:30am for students, parents, and community members. Come and hone your negotiating skills, support youth programming, and get something for mom all in one place! Please contact Rabbi Seeg with any questions.
School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting, May 7
Our final SAC meeting of the school year will be on May 7 from 10:30am to 12:30pm in the annex.
School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting, May 7
Our final SAC meeting of the school year will be on May 7 from 10:30am to 12:30pm in the annex.
End of Year Celebration, May 21
School parents, mark your calendars for the end-of-school assembly. Celebrate another fabulous year at our religious school, and say a fond farewell to our Director of Lifelong Learning as Rabbi Seeg heads to Colorado. The end-of-school assembly will take place on May 21 at 11:30am-12:30pm, and immediately following the annual meeting.
ADULT EDUCATION
Everyone is invited to participate in our adult education classes. Our regular Sunday schedule is:
Sunday Speaker Series: Cheryl Banks, "Is It Good for the Jews?" April 30
- Torah and Philosophy, 9:30-10:30am
- Learning the Shir Hadash Prayer Book, 10:30-11:30am
- Modern Hebrew, 11:30am-12:30pm
Thursday Lunch 'n' Learn
Join Rabbi Eitan or Rabbi Seeg for a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the weekly Torah portion. We meet every Thursday at 1:00pm, no RSVP necessary. Don’t be surprised if archaeology, sociology, and 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.
Sunday Speaker Series: Cheryl Banks, "Is It Good for the Jews?" April 30
Join us for a nuanced perspective on the background and context of current events, with a focus on Israel. We will review the most topical headlines surrounding Israel, anti-Semitism, and US politics and try to figure out: “Is it good for the Jews?"
Cheryl Banks, M.A. is a historian and frequent lecturer who speaks throughout the Chicago area and nationally. Her expertise includes the history of Islam and Jewish-Islamic relations. She has taught classes on comparative religions, Middle Eastern history, the evolution of the Sunni/Shia split, the history of ISIS, Zionism and the history of Israel, Jewish education and the recent election vis a vis the Jews.
Our discussion begins at 11:00am. Bagels and coffee will be served. No RSVP necessary. Click here for more information.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Laser Tag for Grades 5-12, April 30
Calling all Shir Hadash youth in 5th grade and above! We are playing laser tag on Sunday, April 30. The event will take place at Bowlero in Buffalo Grove from 1:00-2:30pm and include two rounds of laser tag, pizza, and drinks, as well as game cards for the arcade. The cost of the event will be $15 per person. Please RSVP to Rabbi Seeg by April 27 at learning@shir-hadash.org with the subject heading "Laser Tag."
SOCIAL ACTION
The Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council is sponsoring its first "Knock Your Sock Off" sock drive to help the homeless in our communities. Donate new socks for men, women, and children in the collection box in the Shir Hadash lobby. Thank you for your generosity!
COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
Shop for Yourself and Feed a Neighbor, May 2 and 3
The Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, an affiliate of Shir Hadash and nine other suburban congregations, is partnering with Sunset Foods at all the grocer’s locations to generate funds for four area food pantries: Kingswood, Hope Lutheran, St. Mary’s and St. Alphonsus, all members of Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council.
Open Mosque Day, April 29
The Islamic Society of the Northwest Suburbs invites you to learn about our Muslim neighbors at Open Mosque Day on Saturday, April 29. From 2:45pm to 5:00pm, guests are welcome to visit the Islamic Society, 3950 Industrial Avenue in Rolling Meadows, for tours, presentations, food, and conversation. For more information, click here.
Help Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research
Shir Hadashnik Lynne Arons is participating in AVON 39: The Walk to End Breast Cancer this June. The money raised through the AVON 39 goes to fund important research and community programs. Please consider making a donation; you can click here to make an online gift, or if you would prefer to write a check please contact Lynne at rzldzl122@aol.com.
Subscribe to Reconstructionism Today
DONATIONS
To the General Fund
Susan and Joel Rosenthal, in honor of Sara Kulesza's Bat Mitzvah.
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
Shir Hadash is installing a Memorial Wall in the sanctuary, with individual plaques recording the Hebrew and English name of the deceased and the date of birth and passing. Having a Memorial Plaque for a loved one ensures that Yahrzeit will be observed for them in perpetuity by our congregation. On the Yahrzeit, or anniversary of the death, the lights next to the plaques of those whose death occurred on the same Hebrew date will be lit.
The cost for a plaque is $360. Many congregants prepay and reserve plaques.You may register for the plaque(s) through our web site, or request a paper order form by calling the office (847 498 8218),
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 Spring!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 for supporting Shir Hadash with your SHOP purchases!
To view past editions of the Newsletter, please visit our website.
