WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
Help Needed with Sukkah, October 29
Send a Kid to Israel Partnership Now Open
Help Us Improve Our Website
Israeli Film Festival Outing, November 5
“Let’s Make Our House a Home” Survey Coming Soon
Creative Worship and Ritual
No Shabbat Services October 27-28
Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
“The Reward of Doing a Mitzvah”
School News
Religious School, October 29
Purim Carnival Planning Kickoff, November 5, 9:30
School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting, November 5, 10:30
Youth Activities
SHY Bowling Party Kicks Off a Fun Year of Activities
Adult Education
New! Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Begins November 12
New Format! Brunch, Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
Social Action
Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed, November 12
Israel Awareness
Join the SH Israel Committee
Israeli Films
Israel-Related Discussions -- Suggestions Welcome
Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council
Upcoming Fundraisers Support Interfaith Council
Ongoing Fundraisers
New! Simcha Tree Leaves Available for Purchase
Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers!
Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
Links to Fundraisers: Amazon, iGive, and More
SHOP Shir Hadash
Reminder: Building Closed on Wednesdays
In our ongoing attempts to save energy where possible, the synagogue building will be closed on Wednesdays during business hours. If you need to contact our staff for an emergency, please call the synagogue office at 847-498-8218. The line is being forwarded and someone will either answer the phone or get back to you as soon as they are able.
MEMBERSHIP AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Help! Sukkah Dismantling This Sunday
We need help on Sunday morning, October 29 at 9:30am to remove the Sukkah. As a Thank You, we’ll have free coffee and bagels after the job is done! Meet in the kitchen. If you have cordless drills or electric screwdrivers, awesome...otherwise we will have one or two available. Regular screwdrivers work too! Thanks for helping out!
Send a Kid to Israel Partnership Open Now
The SKIP savings incentive program was created to anticipate and save for our children’s Jewish education. SKIP allows families, their congregations and JUF/JF to become partners in planning for a young person’s future Israel Experience. Contributions from JUF and Shir Hadash are made to an interest-bearing savings account for students. Students in 3rd-6th grade are eligible to enroll in SKIP; families are eligible to contribute to their children’s SKIP account for a maximum of seven years (3rd-9th grade). Funds may be used through age 26. Registration closes November 15. For more information please contact Cindy Grills at (847) 409-3707 or homes@cindygrills.com.
The SKIP savings incentive program was created to anticipate and save for our children’s Jewish education. SKIP allows families, their congregations and JUF/JF to become partners in planning for a young person’s future Israel Experience. Contributions from JUF and Shir Hadash are made to an interest-bearing savings account for students. Students in 3rd-6th grade are eligible to enroll in SKIP; families are eligible to contribute to their children’s SKIP account for a maximum of seven years (3rd-9th grade). Funds may be used through age 26. Registration closes November 15. For more information please contact Cindy Grills at (847) 409-3707 or homes@cindygrills.com.
Help Us Improve Our Website
An engaging, user-friendly website is very important in helping us communicate with our members and for making information available to people who might want to join our Community. We are looking at ways to improve our website. If you have technical skills in website design or you would enjoy crafting descriptions about Shir Hadash for the website, then we can use your help! Or even if you just have suggestions on how to improve the website, please share your thoughts with us. If you are interested in providing website input or helping with the project, please contact Glenn Graff at nflsunday1966@aol.com.
Israeli Film Festival Outing, November 5
As part of the Chicago Festival of Israeli Film, Shir Hadash is sponsoring a screening of The Wedding Plan at 2:00pm on November 5 at the ArcLight Theater in The Glen. Come to the film and join other Shir Hadashniks afterwards for refreshments at Bravo Cucina, a short walk from the theater. Our initial block of 20 tickets sold out, but not to worry: you can also get individuals tickets through the festival website.
If you are planning to come to Bravo after the film, please click here to RSVP for that as well so we can have the restuarant prepare tables for us. (That includes people who have already signed up for the movie.) Looking forward to a great turnout and a fun evening!
“Let’s Make Our House a Home”
As promised, a survey is being prepared to ask for your input on what projects you would like to see the Board undertake to improve our building. Look for it after the Holidays and please take the time to respond to it. Let's work together to make the improvements you want.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
No Shabbat Services this Week
Enjoy celebrating Shabbat at home with your family and friends.
Oneg Volunteers Needed for Services
Sign up to help as an oneg volunteer for one of our upcoming services. It's easy: just click here to pick a date, bring a challah, and show up! You'll receive a reminder email the week before with more details. For more information, contact Sean Fisher-Rohde at oneg@shir-hadash.org.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
October 27-28, 2017 / 8 Heshvan 5778
Shabbat Lech Lecha
Torah Portion: Genesis 12:1-17:27 / Haftarah Portion: Isaiah 40:27-41:16
“The Reward of Doing a Mitzvah”
Dear Friends,
What is the reward of doing a mitzvah? Remember that the word mitzvah does not mean ‘good deed.’ Rather, it means ‘commandment’ or ‘obligation.’ A mitzvah is something we do because God and our tradition demand it of us - expect it of us. Doing a mitzvah is something that mentsch, a fine human being, does… because that’s how a fine human being acts.
So, when Abraham’s nephew Lot was held captive by four kings of Canaan, Abraham immediately pursued and defeated the kings and their armies. Lot was released and the King of Sodom offered Abraham a reward, which he promptly refused. From this story, we understand the Jewish concern for the liberation of captives –which occupied the Jewish communities during the Middle Ages when kidnapping and holding for ransom was rampant. Beyond this, we learn about what the reward for doing a mitzvah should be. Here is what the Talmud says in Pirkei Avot – the Sayings of the Sages:
“Concerning the doing of a mitzvah, Antigonos of Socho taught: ‘Be not like servants who work for their master only on condition that they receive payment, but be like servants who work for their master without looking for any reward; and be filled with reverence for God.’ And Shimon be Azzai commented that the ‘reward of doing one mitzvah is the opportunity of doing another.’”
As our world becomes more and more commercialized, do more mitzvot. Help each other. Volunteer your time. Step up and speak out for justice. Remember that the reward of doing a mitzvah is the opportunity of doing another.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
SCHOOL NEWS
Religious School, October 29
We look forward to seeing all our students at 9:15am. Want to learn more about the Religious School programs? Contact Geoff at 847-498-8218 or Geoff@shir-hadash.org.
Purim Carnival Planning Kickoff, November 5
Starting early so we can make our Purim Carnival better than ever! Come Sunday, November 5, 9:30-10:30am if you have ideas or want to help. There are small things to do, as well as big ones. Can't make the meeting but still want to get involved? Contact Cindy Grills by emailing homes@cindygrills.com, or you can text or call her at (847) 409-3707.
School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting, November 5
Sunday School parents, the School Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting is an opportunity to hear what's going on at religious school, to share ideas, and to get involved in helping our school in various ways. The next SAC meeting is November 5, 10:30am-12:30pm. Questions? Contact Lisa Burton Radzely at sac@shir-hadash.org.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
SHY Goes Bowling to Kick Off New Year
24 Shir Hadash Youth had fun bowling at the kickoff Youth Group event. We had separate lanes for early elementary, older elementary, and middle school, as well as a couple of lanes for high school students. The next youth group activity will take place December 3. More information coming soon!
ADULT EDUCATION
New Class! Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Begins November 12
Sundays, 11:15 am to 12:25 pm on Nov 12, 19; Dec 10, 2017. Jan 14, 21, 28; Feb 11; March 11, 18; April 15, 22, 29, 2018.
Instructor: Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
A survey of essential and fundamental concepts of Judaism - its roots, history, sacred texts, holidays, and life cycle celebration. This class offers a great opportunity to learn what Judaism offers us to live, learn, celebrate and relate to life’s challenges in a Jewish way, today! This class is for everyone – from those with no Jewish background to those with a strong Jewish background, and all in between.
Brunch & Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
Our Lunch & Learn program is evolving! Check out our new format:
First and Third Thursdays, 12-1 pm – Lunch & Learn at the Synagogue
Upcoming Dates: Nov 2 & 16, Dec 7 & 21, 2017; Jan 4 & 18, Feb 1 & 15, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, 2018
Second Thursdays, 10-11 am - Brunch & Learn at the Continental Restaurant (788 S. Buffalo Grove Road in Buffalo Grove – next to Garden Fresh on the corner of Dundee of Buffalo Grove Road)
[Note: Everyone orders and pays separately for food and drink]
Upcoming Dates: Nov 9, Dec 14, 2017; Jan 11, Feb 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, 2018
Fourth Thursdays, 12-1 pm – Lunch & Learn in the Loop
Dates: Nov 30, 2017; Jan 25, March 22, April 26, May 24, 2018
Join Rabbi Eitan and Shir Hadash members and friends for a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the weekly Torah portion, a selected book of the Bible, or a contemporary work of Jewish wisdom. 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.
SOCIAL ACTION
Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed, November 12
On Sunday November 12, from 2:00 to 4:00pm, 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 need six to eight families (20-25 people total) who are able to prepare, cook, and serve at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church interfaith soup kitchen in Evanston.
Each family will be responsible for bringing a precooked meat or pasta entrée (in disposable dish, no vegetarian please), one large bag frozen mixed vegetables, and a dessert to feed approximately 15 people. If this is too much for you to supply individually, please feel free to join with another family to bring a meal. This is a great family event because there is no age limit to volunteer, but from past experience, kids should be at least six years old to safely participate in this event.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Mark Lenhart at mjlenhart@comcast.net.
ISRAEL AWARENESS
Join the Israel Committee
Reach out regarding this newsletter section to Ed Rice (e.rice1@comcast.net) or Burton Kopulsky (bkopulsk@chicagobooth.edu) of the SH Israel Committee. They appreciate your feedback, ideas, and suggestions, and encourage other members to join the committee.
Did you know? - Eco Facts about Israel
Israel is one of only two countries that began the 21st century with a net gain in the number of its trees.
Per square kilometer, Israel has one of the highest levels of bird traffic in the world. Over 500 million migrating birds cross its airspace.
More than nine out of 10 Israeli homes use solar power to heat water.
Israeli Films
Over 30 people participated in the recent showing at the synagogue of The Green Prince. Most of the viewers also stayed for a lively post-film discussion. Please consider attending the Chicago Festival of Israeli Film with SH on November 5 (see events above) and coming to our next film showing at SH on December 2. We are also open to suggestions and ideas for future film nights.
Israel-Related Discussions -- Suggestions Welcome
Synagogue members enjoyed two Israel-related discussions on Yom Kippur. Are there other topics that members would like to see covered in a discussion? Please let Ed or Burton know. The Israel Committee would like to offer ongoing discussion sessions related to Israel and the Mideast.
NORTHWEST SUBURBAN INTERFAITH COUNCIL
Upcoming Fundraisers Support Interfaith Council
Sunset Foods on November 14-15
Shir Hadash is a proud member of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, which sponsors community activities throughout the year. Please help us expand our programs by participating at a fundraising event at Sunset Foods on November 14-15. Click the link to access the event flyer, bring it into the stores, and a portion of your purchases will be donated to Interfaith Council. Thanks for your support!
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
Simcha Tree Leaves Available for Purchase
Our Tree of Joy—a Simcha Tree—is situated in our Community Room to remind us of all the joys of our lives. The leaves come in copper, silver, and gold. Each leaf marks a lasting memory of a joyous simcha in the lives of members of Shir Hadash. We invite you to add your loved ones’ simchas to our Tree and share your nachas with our congregation or just add your loved ones’ names out of love.
Leaves can be purchased to mark your special family or individual accomplishments. Click here to see additional information and make your purchase.
Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers!
The Continental Restaurant in Buffalo Grove or 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.
Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
Having a Memorial Plaque for a loved one in Shir Hadash’s Memorial Wall ensures that Yahrzeit will be observed for them in perpetuity by our congregation.The cost for a plaque is $360. Many congregants prepay and reserve plaques.You may register for the plaque(s) through our website, 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
Fall into SHOP!
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. For more information, email Michelle at SHOP@shir-hadash.org.
Thank you for supporting Shir Hadash with your SHOP purchases!
To view past editions of the Newsletter, please visit our website.
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