WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
MOSH Poker Night, November 4
WISH: Challah Bake, Potluck Breakfast, and Gift Shop
Send a Kid to Israel Partnership Now Open
Calling All Singers! Interfaith Thanksgiving, November 19
Volunteers Needed to Help Plan 2018 Gala
Help Us Improve Our Website
Israeli Film Festival Outing, November 5
New! Book Club Joins “One Book/One Community”
“Let’s Make Our House a Home” Survey Coming Soon
Creative Worship and Ritual
Family Shabbat, Friday November 3, 5:30pm
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday November 3, 7:30pm
Shabbat Morning Bar Mitzvah Service, Saturday November 4, 9:30am
Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
“Hospitality”
School News
Religious School, November 5 -- Change Your Clocks!
Purim Carnival Planning Kickoff, November 5, 9:30
School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting, November 5, 10:30
New! Parents Potluck Breakfast, November 19
New! Kids Holiday Bazaar, December 3
Adult Education
Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Begins November 12
Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Thursday at 1:00pm
Social Action
Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed, November 12
JCFS Toy Drive, Now Through December 10
Israel Awareness
Join the SH Israel Committee
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel
Israeli Films
Israel-Related Discussions -- Suggestions Welcome
Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council
Upcoming Fundraisers Support Interfaith Council, November 14-15
Ongoing Fundraisers
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
MOSH Poker Night, November 4
Men of Shir Hadash (MOSH) will meet for dinner and poker at the home of Marc Fargotstein, 427 Lamont Terrace, at 7:00pm this Saturday, November 4. Participation will be capped at 16 players. RSVP to Dan Wellisch, 847 254 9355.
WISH: Challah Bake, Potluck Breakfast, and Gift Shop
Women in Shir Hadash (WISH) had a great turnout at the Great Challah Bake, with four full tables of Shir Hadashniks making bread together. Many thanks to Cindy Grills for her hard work in organizing this event!
Our next get-together will be a potluck breakfast on Sunday, November 19. Also, please let us know if you can spare a Sunday morning to help out in the Gift Shop. We are open during Sunday School hours. Email Cindy, homes@cindygrills.com, to volunteer. Stop by to see our new merchandise -- it’s never too early to plan for Hanukkah!
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.
New! Calling All Singers!
Come be a part of the Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, November 19. This event is sponsored by the Interfaith Council. (Click here for more event details.)There will be a combined choir from all participating congregations. Rehearsals will be on November 6 and 13 at 7:00pm at Temple Chai in Long Grove. Sheet music is available both before and at rehearsals. Please let Ken Wexler know if you're interested - (847) 769-8247 or khwexler@gmail.com.
Volunteers Needed for 2018 Gala
We are planning a fabulous Gala for October 2018 to honor Fred & Melanie Andes, pillars of Shir Hadash, for their hard work, commitment & dedication over the past 23 years. We are looking for volunteers to help with this special event. If you are interested in being a part of the planning, please contact Cindy Grills at events@shir-hadash.org, or call/text (847) 409-3707.
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!
New! Book Club
Our next book is the Spertus One Book/One Community 2017 selection, Windy City Blues by Renee Rosen. This is historical novel about the Chess brothers and their instrumental role in supporting the black original artists of the Chicago Blues movement. We will meet in the second week of December. More details to follow. Contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com for questions.
“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
Family Shabbat, Friday November 3, 5:30pm
Our first service this Friday is for families with young kids. You should arrive at 5:30 for dinner - this time, pasta! Then, at 6:00, there will be a fun service with Rabbi Eitan, including Shabbat prayers, stories, songs, and dance. And to add to the fun - if you'd like, you can come in costume! (The kids, of course, but adults are welcome to do so too.) Following the service, there will be snacks, and a Shabbat activity.
Also, we are starting a clothing drive to help those in need prepare for the coming winter. Donations of hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and jackets are all welcome and encouraged.
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday November 3, 7:30
The people of Sodom and Gemorah paid no attention to values, ethics, and common decency. Yet, as Reconstructionists, we emphasize “Values Based Decision Making” as a way to live a healthy, holy, and meaningful life. Come explore our movement’s list of 48 values and see how these Jewish values apply to the way we live as individuals and as a community. Please join us for the service, bring something to share at the oneg, and participate in our warm clothing drive (see above).
Shabbat Morning Bar Mitzvah Service, Saturday November 4, 9:30am
We welcome Brandon Mesirow to the bima as Bar Mitzvah.
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
November 3-4, 2017 / 15 Heshvan 5778
Shabbat Vayera
Torah Portion: Genesis 18:1-22:24 / Haftarah Portion: II Kings 4:1-37
“Hospitality”
Dear Friends,
What is our obligation to welcome guests into our community and our homes? This week’s Torah portion includes two stories of welcoming guests – first, when Abraham welcomes the angels into his tent and second, when Lot welcomes angels to his home in Sodom. In both cases, the hosts rushed to welcome the guests and take care of their immediate needs so that they could rest and be comfortable.
This principle is reflected in a story about Chofetz Chaim, a famous Jewish rabbi, teacher, and sage who lived in Poland in the 19th and early part of the 20th century. According to the story, a young person visited the great teacher, arriving at the synagogue as Shabbat was beginning. Having been on the road for a long time, the guest was hungry and weak. The rabbi invited the person to Shabbat dinner and when they sat down to the table, the rabbi skipped singing ‘Shalom Aleichem,’ the song to greet the Shabbat angels, and instead went right to Kiddush and motzi – the blessing for wine and bread, then served the meal. The young person asked why the rabbi had skipped Shalom Aleichem, and the great rabbi replied that the guest was hungry and should be fed as quickly as possible. The angels can wait to be greeted!
As Jews, hospitality is a fundamental value and principle of our tradition. Invite someone to Shabbat dinner and welcome them with honor, respect and joy!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
SCHOOL NEWS
Religious School, November 5 -- Change Your Clocks!
Don’t forget that Daylight Savings Time is coming to an end! Turn those clocks back, enjoy an extra hour of sleep, and then bring the kids for a great day of school starting 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. We will meet in the annex conference room (a/k/a RAILS). 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 in the annex conference room (a/k/a RAILS). Questions? Contact Lisa Burton Radzely at sac@shir-hadash.org.
New! Parents Potluck Breakfast, November 19
Come nosh and schmooze with other parents in the Shir Hadash kitchen during Sunday School. Visit with old friends and make some new ones! The fun starts at 9:00am. Click here to learn more.
New! Kids Holiday Bazaar, December 3
Kids and parents can shop for great Hanukkah gifts at this special event from 11:00am to 12:30pm during Sunday School. Many items priced from just $2 to $10! All proceeds benefit Shir Hadash. Click here to learn more.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Save the Date!
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, 1-2 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.
Support the JCFS Toy Drive, Now Through December 10
Each year, Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) provides gifts for over 500 needy children receiving agency services such as counseling, foster care, respite, and other essential support services. To accomplish this, they rely on the support of donors like you. With your help as a Holiday Gift Drive donor, children in need will see their wishes become reality this holiday season.
Place toys in the collection bins located in the lobby. Gift cards can be donated at the SHOP table or the Shir Hadash office. Bins will be available until December 10.
Click here for more information. Contact Lisa Burton Radzely at lisashsa@gmail.com if you have questions.
Place toys in the collection bins located in the lobby. Gift cards can be donated at the SHOP table or the Shir Hadash office. Bins will be available until December 10.
Click here for more information. Contact Lisa Burton Radzely at lisashsa@gmail.com if you have questions.
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? -Fun Facts about Israel
Israel has two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic.
Israel is only 1/6 of 1% of the landmass of the Middle East (Israel is roughly half the size of Lake Michigan).
Golda Meir was the 3rd woman in history to serve as a country's prime minister.
Israel has two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic.
Israel is only 1/6 of 1% of the landmass of the Middle East (Israel is roughly half the size of Lake Michigan).
Golda Meir was the 3rd woman in history to serve as a country's prime minister.
Israeli Films
We encourage you to attend the Chicago Festival of Israeli Film with SH on November 5 (see Events above) and mark your calendar for the Israel Committee’s 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
The Israel Committee would like to offer ongoing discussion sessions related to Israel and the Mideast. Are there other topics that members would like to see covered in a discussion? Please let Ed or Burton know.
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!
New! Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, November 19
Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving at a community celebration featuring all the member congregations of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. This inspiring event brings over 1000 attendees together to give thanks through music, thoughts and prayers. The celebration begins at 7:00pm at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road in Long Grove. Click here for more information.
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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