WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
Israel Committee Film Screening: Footnote, December 2
Holiday Bazaar, December 3
Easy Ways to Help Shir Hadash While You Shop!
Hanukkah Singalong Celebration, December 9
WISH: Gift Shop Help Needed
Volunteers Needed to Help Plan 2018 Gala
Book Club, December 14
Creative Worship and Ritual
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, December 1, 7:30pm
Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
“Facing Our Fears"
School News
Religious School, December 3
Kids Holiday Bazaar, December 3
Youth Activities
Hanukkah Hoopla, December 3
Adult Education
New Series: “Judaism: Believe It or Not” Bagel Breakfast and Guest Speaker Rabbi Steven Bob, December 3
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: The Mizrahi Project, December 6
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
Israeli Film Night, December 2
Join us for the Israel Committee’s next film showing at SH on December 2. We will be screening Footnote, a Cannes Film Festival winner for best script about a cantankerous Talmudic scholar competing with his high-achieving son. Both tragic and comic, and full of wry dialogue and one-upmanship, Footnote is a subtle tale of ego, temptation and ultimate betrayal. Should be a fascinating and fun evening! There is no charge for the screenings; however, donations will be accepted and refreshments are available. Click here to learn more.
Kids Holiday Bazaar, December 3
Don't forget to send money with your child this Sunday! Each class will have a time slot during Sunday school to shop for holiday gifts for their family members. Parents, members & non members are also welcome to shop! Gift shop will be open from 9:00am to 12:30pm. There will be great gifts for everyone many items priced from just $2 to $10! All proceeds benefit Shir Hadash. Click here to learn more.
Easy Ways to Help Shir Hadash While You Shop!
SHOP Shir Hadash is here to help you share the season of giving by making it easy to get gifts for your friends and family (as well as buy your groceries, gas, restaurant cards). Hundreds of gifts cards are available to make your holiday shopping a snap. There are multiple easy ways to get your gift cards:
- Pick them out in person on Sundays during Religious School
Hanukkah Singalong Celebration, December 9
Get ready for an awesome Hanukkah with a one-of-a-kind Shir Hadash celebration! Enjoy music from the Might Shir Hadash Klezmer Band, menorah lighting, glow sticks, a gourmet latke cooking demo, singing, dancing, stories, latkes and donuts. Games and activities start at 6:15 pm, with the show at 7:00 pm. Bring something to share at our potluck oneg.
WISH: Gift Shop Helpers Needed
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, December 14
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.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday December 1, 7:30pm
“Shabbat Torah Service”
Come experience an up close and personal reading of the week’s Torah portion featuring the sibling rivalry and reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. It’s a special portion that offers many important lessons for contemporary life – from parenting to family harmony. Rabbi Eitan will open the Torah for all to see and will answer your questions about how Torah scrolls are made and the finer points of reading the text. We’ll offer a special blessing for December birthdays and usher in the Hanukkah season as we welcome the Jewish month of Kislev. Bring a treat to share at the oneg refreshments.
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
December 1-2, 2017 - 14 Kislev 5778 - Shabbat Vayishlach
Torah Reading: Genesis 32:4 - 36:43 / Haftarah Reading: Obadiah 1:1-21
“Facing Our Fears”
Dear Friends,
How do we face our fears in society, in relationships, in life? I recall an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show discussing this. The consensus was that there is no way to go around it, under it, over it. The only way to confront a difficult situation is to go through it.
In this week’s Torah portion, Jacob is about to return to the Land of Israel and soon he will meet is estranged brother Esau. On the night before the meeting, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious being, an angel perhaps, who injures his hamstring so that he limps for the rest of his life. What is the meaning of this?
Rabbi Samuel ben Meir put it this way: “Actually, Jacob was frightened of meeting his brother. Fearing what Esau might do to him and his community, Jacob was about to flee. God saw this and sent the angel to prevent Jacob from running away. He injured the hollow of his thigh because he wanted Jacob to know that he should have shown greater faith and that no one can flee from God.”
The only way to deal with difficult and frightening situations is to meet them head on and go through them. With tenacity and good judgment, hopefully, we come through whole and strengthened, wiser and more knowledgeable for the future.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
SCHOOL NEWS
Religious School, December 3
We look forward to seeing all our students back at school this Sunday at 9:15am. Want to learn more about the Religious School programs? Contact Geoff at 847-498-8218 or Geoff@shir-hadash.org.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Hanukkah Hoopla, December 3
If you’ve signed up for our Hanukkah Hoopla celebration, remember to stay after Sunday School on December 3 to join in the fun! Parents are welcome to stay or to pick up kids at 2:00pm.
ADULT EDUCATION
New Series: “Judaism: Believe It or Not” Bagel Breakfast and Guest Speaker Rabbi Steven Bob, December 3
We are excited to announce a new adult ed series that will be offered one Sunday a month from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Admission is just $5.00 per person to cover food and drink. Our first guest will be Rabbi Steven Bob speaking on “Jonah and the Meaning of our Lives.” Future dates: January 7, February 4, March 4, April 8, and May 5.
Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Sundays
Sundays, 11:15 am to 12:25 pm on 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! 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.
Check out our new schedule:
First and Third Thursdays, 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lunch & Learn at the Synagogue
- Upcoming Dates: Dec 7 & 21, 2017; Jan 4 & 18, Feb 1 & 15, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, 2018
Second Thursdays, 10:00-11:0am - 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: Dec 14, 2017; Jan 11, Feb 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, 2018
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 only 1/6 of 1% of the landmass of the Middle East (Israel is roughly half the size of Lake Michigan).
- Israel has more museums per capita than any other country in the world.
- At many Israeli bus stops, you can find a tzedakah box for charitable donations.
Israeli Film Series: Footnote, December 2
The Israel Committee presents the award winning film Footnote on Saturday, December 2, beginning at 7:00pm. See our item at the top of the newsletter for complete details.
Community Event: Mizrahi Project Film Screening, December 6
Christians United for Israel (CUFI), in partnership with Stand With Israel, presents a new initiative called The Mizrahi Project, telling the story of more than 850,000 Jewish refugees expelled from North Africa and the Middle East. This event includes a film screening, a panel discussion with Mizrahi community members, and a dessert reception. The event will be held at Kehilat Chovevei Tzion, 9220 Crawford Road, Skokie. Presented free of charge and open to the public. Click here to RSVP.
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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