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
Another Successful Coffee House Night
MOSH Poker Night Recap
Reminder: SH Building Closed on Wednesdays
“Let’s Make Our House a Home” Survey Coming Soon
Creative Worship and Ritual
Shabbat Morning B’not Mitzvah Service, Saturday November 11, 9:30am
Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
“A Time to Mourn”
School News
Religious School, November 11
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, Begins November 12
Brunch, Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
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
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!
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.
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
We met at Joy Ames’s home on October 25 to discuss The English Assassin by Daniel Silva. We commented on the genre, mysteries , and mentioned art restoration, with which Scarlett Andes is familiar. Then we discussed in depth the shameful role of Switzerland in WWII which was far from neutral. There was collusion between the Nazis who stole art treasures and the Zurich bankers that hid the art for a profit. We thank Joy and Cinnamon, her new puppy, for their hospitality.
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.
Another Successful Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style
What a wonderful time we had at our fall Coffee House Night on October 21. The event featured 15 Acts, 17 performers, and over 60 people in attendance including friends we haven’t seen in ages. Coffee House Nights at Shir Hadash are gaining momentum as an “it” place for live performances by local talent!
Thank you to Margie for her leadership of the Coffee House Night event series. Thank you to Scarlett, Melanie and Joy for graciously tending our Baked Goods/Beverage Table, and to all who contributed goodies. Thank you also to our Front of the House team Jack and Marc, our Tech Leader Dave,, and to Geoff, Rabbi Eitan, and Melanie for publicizing and supporting the event. Finally, a huge thank you to our Set-up/Break-down Team headed by Don, and to Lynne, Debi, Melanie, Scarlett, Jack, and a host of others who converted it back to our Sunday-ready Sanctuary.
Mark your calendar for our next Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style event on Saturday, February 3, 2018. Hope to see you there -- you never know who’s going to drop in to an Open Mic!
MOSH Poker Night Recap
MOSH held a poker night with seven players last Saturday. As usual, we played with low stakes and had a mix of skill levels. We always learn and play games with crazy twists to keep things interesting. Thanks to Mark Fargotstein for hosting, and to all for contributing your poker skills in a fun, learning environment. We had a great time!
Film Festival Recap
We had a great turnout on November 5 for the Chicago Israeli Film Festival screening of The Wedding Plan, sponsored by Shir Hadash. A group of 20 members enjoyed the film and then gathered in a private room at Bravo Cucina for comments by Rabbi Eitan, friendly conversation, and a tasty nosh. A great evening for everyone!
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
No Shabbat Evening Service on November 10
Enjoy celebrating Shabbat at home with your family and friends.
Shabbat Morning B’not Mitzvah Service, Saturday November 11, 9:30am
We welcome Eliza and Tatum Kalina to the bima as B’not 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 10-11, 2017 / 22 Heshvan 5778
Shabbat Chayei Sarah
Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18 / Haftarah Portion: I Kings 1:1-31
“A Time to Mourn”
Dear Friends,
How long should we mourn the loss of loved ones? Abraham confronts the death of his beloved wife Sarah, purchasing a cave near Hebron for her burial. Yet, through his grief, the Torah tells us that he continued living and taking care of responsibilities. Through his sadness, he sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, Rebekah. Later on, Abraham would marry again, this time to Keturah.
In contemporary times, following the funeral service, our Jewish tradition tells us to sit shiva for seven days and then wait thirty days before returning to the cemetery. We mourn for parents and spouses for a full year. We mourn for children for thirty days. Despite these guidelines, our quick-paced society is leading us to shorten the mourning period. Many sit shiva for only a day or two. Yet, as human beings, we know that change is slow and change is hard. Despite our best efforts to move on quickly, everyone mourns and grieves differently.
Here’s what the apocryphal book of Ben Sirach, chapter 18, says: “My child, let your tears fall for the dead, and as one in great pain begin the lament. Lay out the body with due ceremony, and do not neglect the burial. Let your weeping be bitter and your wailing fervent; make your mourning worthy of the departed, for one day, or two, to avoid criticism; then be comforted for your grief. For grief may result in death, and a sorrowful heart saps one’s strength.”
When the time to mourn comes, trust yourself and honor your uniqueness.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
SCHOOL NEWS
Religious School, November 11
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 Hoopa, 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. Questions? Contact Lisa Burton Radzely, sac@shir-hadash.org.
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
- Tel Aviv has over 100 sushi restaurants, making it the #3 sushi city (per capita) in the world, behind Tokyo and New York.
- Israel was the first country in the world to ban underweight models.
- Israel is the only country in the world to revive an unspoken language and adopt it as its national language.
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!
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. Many Shir Hadash singers and musicians will be participating, so come see them perform in this joyous celebration! Click here for more information.
Donations of baked treats are needed for the post-service reception. Please bring either homemade or store-bought goods to Temple Chai on November 19 between 1:00 and 3:00pm.
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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