WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
WISH: Potluck Breakfast November 19 and Gift Shop
Volunteers Needed to Help Plan 2018 Gala
Book Club, December 14
Reminder: SH Building Closed on Wednesdays
“Let’s Make Our House a Home” Survey Coming Soon
Creative Worship and Ritual
“Shabbat Sweet” Evening Service, Friday, November 17, 7:30pm
Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, Saturday November 18, 10:00am
Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
“Becoming Our Best Selves”
School News
Religious School, November 19
Parents Potluck Breakfast, November 19
Kids Holiday Bazaar, December 3
Youth Activities
Hanukkah Hoopla, December 3
Adult Education
Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Sundays
Brunch, Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
Social Action
JCFS Toy Drive, Now Through December 10
Israel Awareness
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel
Israeli Film Night at SH: Footnote, December 2
Community Event: Book Signing with Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, November 20
Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council
Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, November 19
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
MEMBERSHIP AND UPCOMING EVENTS
WISH: Potluck Breakfast and Gift Shop
Women in Shir Hadash (WISH) will hold 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!
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.
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 on Thursday, December 14 at 7:30pm at the home of Sandy Weiss, 2144 Walters Avenue in Northbrook. Please RSVP to Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
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.
“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
“Shabbat Sweet” Evening Service, Friday, November 17, 7:30pm
Billy Kaplan and Shabbat Sweet return to Shir Hadash this week! Don’t miss our special musical Shabbat event, 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. Billy will be joined by Shir hadash singers and musicians. Don’t miss this unique and exciting Shabbat experience!
Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, Saturday November 18, 10:00am
We welcome Hanna Otero to the bima as Bat 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 17-18, 2017 / 29 Cheshvan 5778
Shabbat Toledot
Torah: Genesis 25:19 - 28:9
Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18 - 20:42 | Shabbat Machar Chodesh
“Becoming Our Best Selves”
Dear Friends,
Nature or Nurture – What is our road in life? Are we to accept the personalities and styles with which we are born or can we change and improve? This is the challenge placed before Jacob and Esau in this week’s Torah portion. Esau is an outdoorsman and a hunter. Jacob prefers the tent and studying. Esau is quick tempered and rash, while Jacob is patient and methodical.
In the Genesis Rabbah commentary on the Torah 63:10, we find the following analysis of the brothers: “Rabbi Pinchas said in Rabbi Levi’s name that Esau and Jacob were like a myrtle and a wild rosebush growing side by side. When they had fully grown, one produced a sweet fragrance and the other produced thorns. For thirteen years, both Esau and Jacob studied at school. Afterwards, Jacob continued to study, and Esau became an idol worshipper. Jacob had learned that answers to questions came slowly and through hard work. Esau wanted immediate and easy answers.”
Nature or nurture? We are both. The important teaching of Jewish tradition is that each one of us can grow and improve. Each one of us can become our best selves.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
SCHOOL NEWS
Religious School, November 19
We look forward to seeing all our students at 9:15 this Sunday. Want to learn more about the Religious School programs? Contact Geoff at 847-498-8218 or Geoff@shir-hadash.org.
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 let us know what you’ll be bringing for the potluck. Questions? Email Cindy Grills, events@shir-hadash.org.
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
SHY Hanukkah Hoopla, December 3
Immediately after Sunday School
All Shir Hadash Youth welcome! Our first ever Hanukkah Hoopla event will run from 12:30 to 2:00pm, with a variety of activities as well as lunch. Pick your favorite activity!
- Customize a donut with your choice of filling
- Play dreidel for a chance to win a gift card
- Make presents for your friends or family
- Play gaga
- Hang out with your friends over lunch.
Parents, extend your Hanukkah shopping and pick up youth at 2:00pm, or feel free to participate! $10 for SHY members, $12 for non-members. Click here to sign up. Questions? Contact Lisa Burton Radzely, sac@shir-hadash.org.
ADULT EDUCATION
Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Sundays
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
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
Did You Know? Fun Facts about Israel
- Israel is the leading country using solar water heating per capita. Almost 90% of Israeli homes heat their water with solar heating systems.
- Israel is #3 in the world, after the U.S. and Canada, for number of companies listed in NASDAQ (stock exchange).
- The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is the oldest continuously-used cemetery in the world. The first recorded burials are from the First Temple period 3,000 years ago and burials continue there until today.
Israeli Film Night, December 2
Please mark your calendar for the Israel Committee’s next film showing at SH on December 2. We will be showing the award winning film Footnote, the story of insane academic competition, the dichotomy between admiration and envy for a role model, and the very complicated relationship between a father and son. Should be a fascinating evening! The film starts at 7:00pm. There is no charge for the screenings, however, donations will be accepted and refreshments are available.
Community Event: Book Signing with Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, November 20
Stand With Us Chicago welcomes Israeli activist, attorney, and author Nitsana Darshan-Leitner. She will sign and discuss her book Harpoon: Inside the Covert War Against Terrorism’s Money Masters at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road in Highland Park at 7:00pm on Monday, November 20. Click here for details.
NORTHWEST SUBURBAN INTERFAITH COUNCIL
Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, November 19
This Sunday! 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. Many Shir Hadash singers and musicians will be participating, so come see them perform in this joyous celebration! Click here for more information.
Treats for the celebration should be dropped off at Temple Chai between 1:00 and 3:00pm. Don't forget your non-perishable food items for the local food pantries. Please join us and our community for this meaningful program.
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
Hanukkah’s Coming: Get SHOPping!
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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