WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Upcoming Events
- Please Respond! Capital Improvement Survey
- Wine Tasting Event, March 10
- Parents Note: Youth Group Outing to Rockin’ Jump, March 11
- Book Club, March 15
- MOSH Poker Night, March 17
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shared Shabbat Service at JRC, March 2, 7:00pm
- Upcoming Special Services:
- Guest Speaker: Executive Director of Jewish National Fund, March 9, 7:30pm
- Pausing in the Wilderness Family Service, Dinner, and Evening Service, March 16
- Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
- “Taking Responsibility”
School News
- Religious School, March 4
- Thank You to Purim Carnival Volunteers and Donors!
- SAC Meeting, March 11
Youth Activities
- Shir Hadash Youth Outing to Rockin’ Jump, March 11
Adult Education
- Bagel Breakfast Speaker Series, March 4: “Jews in the Soviet Military in WWII”
- Torah and Jewish Philosophy Class, March 4
- Living Judaism Sunday Class Resumes March 11
- Lunch and Learn at Shir Hadash, March 1
Social Action
- Passover Food Packing and Delivery, March 18 and 25
- Mac n' Cheese Drive Makes Noise and Help the Hungry
Israel Awareness
- Speaker at Shabbat Services, March 9
- Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel
Ongoing Fundraisers
- Simcha Tree Leaves
- 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
Please Respond! Building Improvement Survey - Deadline Extended
What does Shir Hadash need to make our building a home? As with all homes, remodeling, and updating are necessary to keep it current, in good repair, and comfortable are essential. The Building Committee has created a list of items it believes are needed to make our building a home. What do you think we need? Your input will shape decisions that affect us all as a congregation.Please take three minutes to complete the survey found here. It includes opportunities for you to rate proposed projects and to suggest other ideas that you feel are important. Please respond no later than March 31. Thank you for your participation!
New! Wine Tasting Event, March 10
Please join your friends from Shir Hadash for an evening of wine tasting at Mehran Farahmandpour's house in Long Grove. We will have several wines to compare, ranging from sparkling wine, whites, reds, and even Mehran's own wine (if you feel adventurous). A variety of cheeses will be paired with the wines. We'll start at 7 PM. Bring a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, or a favorite cousin! Bringing a bottle to share is optional. For details and event registration, click here. The final day to register is Friday March 9.
Parents Note: Youth Group Outing to Rockin’ Jump, March 11
The Shir Hadash Youth Group has an exciting planned to Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park on March 11. Don’t let your kids miss out! Scroll down to the Youth Group heading for details and to register for this fun event.
Book Club, March 15
The next book for Book Club will be The Two Family House by Linda Cohen Loigman. This book is a multigenerational tale taking place in Brooklyn involving gender expectations and secrets. The Book Club meeting will be March 15, 7:30pm, at the home of Cheryl Schultz, 1381 Sunnyside Avenue in Highland Park. Contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com for more information.
New! MOSH Poker Night, March 17
Come for an evening of poker, pizza, and socializing with Men of Shir Hadash. We will meet the home of Dan Wellisch, 14 Whitehall Court in Buffalo Grove, at 7:0pm. $20 chip buy in plus approximately $10 for pizza. Please RSVP to Dan at danwellisch@gmail.com or 847 254 9356 to reserve your spot (maximum of 14 players).
New! Community Passover Seder, March 29
Registration is now open for our Community Seder, to be held at the synagogue on March 29 beginning at 6:00pm. This special SH tradition includes a wonderful seder led by Rabbi Eitan and a delicious veggie/dairy potluck meal. Click here for complete details and registration. Note that seating is limited and we often have waiting lists: don’t delay, RSVP today!
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Special Shared Shabbat Service with JRC, Friday March 2, 7:00pm
at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, 303 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
Shir Hadash will join with our sister congregation JRC (Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation) of Evanston for a shared Shabbat service experience, during which we will hear from the president of the Reconstructionist Movement, Rabbi Deborah Waxman. Rabbi Eitan will join JRC Rabbi Rachel Weiss and Cantor Howard Friedland in leading a service filled with music, discussion, and camaraderie. Rabbi Waxman will also give a talk about future activities of the national Reconstructionist movement. Following the service, we will join in a community oneg.
Upcoming Special Services
Mark your calendar for these Shabbat services in March:
- March 9, 7:30pm -- Second Friday Speaker Series Welcomes Marlene Dodinval, Executive Director for the Jewish National Fund
- March 16, 5:30 Family Service and 7:30 Evening Service: Pausing in the Wilderness, a celebration of Passover with story, song, and prayer -- plus a Passover-themed dinner at 6:15 between the services! Click here for details.
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
March 2-3, 2018 / 16 Adar 5778 / Shabbat Ki Tissa
Torah: Exodus 30:11 - 34:35 Haftarah: I Kings 18:1 - 18:39
“Taking Responsibility”
Dear Friends,
What is our obligation to take responsibility for what happens when we are in charge? In this week’s Torah portion, Aaron is put in charge of the Israelite camp while Moses is up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. The people rebel and demand that Aaron create a Golden Calf for them to worship – which he does. When Moses sees the calf, he smashes the tablets and confronts Aaron. Aaron explains that he merely threw gold into a fire and out popped a golden calf!
Many commentators believe that Aaron was threatened by the mob and feared for his life. Giving in to their appeal and fashioning the idol was his only way of staying alive. Yet, Aaron never took the risk to speak strongly against them and guide the people back to belief in the One God. With Moses gone, Aaron caved to their demands – showing a tremendous lack of courage and control.
We often find ourselves in tense situations that require quick action - about which we are not fully prepared. Our tradition asks only this of us – act with responsibility. Take charge. Let our Jewish values be our guide. Do the best you can… and be a mentsch.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
To enjoy past entries of the Rabbi's Corner, please visit our website.
SCHOOL NEWS
Thank You, Purim Shpiel & Carnival Volunteers!
We had a yet another successful Purim Shpiel and Carnival this past Sunday. Not only did younger and older members enjoying themselves side-by-side, but we built on our already strong community, which is truly inspiring. And let’s not forget that it was all for a great cause: raising money for our Religious School!
A huge thank you to all the volunteers for putting time and energy into making this happen. A particularly big thank you goes to to Cindy Grills whose vision and energy were the driving force behind the event.
And many thanks to the businesses and members who donated to the silent auction, including:- Anderson Musik
- Continental Restaurant
- Claim Company
- Elan Spa
- Hair Express Unlimited
- DancEd Center
- Buffalo Restaurant
- Los Arco’s
- Max & Benny’s
- Nickel City
- Original Bagel & Bialy
- Peacock Car Wash
- Purple Sprout
- Stir Crazy
- Trader Joe’s
- Xsport
- And the Kharasch, Pierce, Grills, Radzely, Schleicher, and Weiner-Kaplow Families
Volunteering is a great way to make connections with other Shir Hadash members and help the community in the process. There are always opportunities to help, so get involved and have some fun!
Religious School, March 4
We’re looking forward to seeing our students ready to go at 9:15 on Sunday, for an exciting school day.
SAC Meeting, March 11
All religious school parents are invited to participate in our next SAC meeting at 11:00am on Sunday, March 11.
Sunday Morning Bagel Bar Help Needed
We all enjoy the delicious bagels at Sunday school, graciously donated by Tammy Pomper. Now we need some volunteers to pitch in with set-up and clean-up. Please contact Glenn Graff, nflsunday1966@gmail.com, or Tammy Pomper, tammy.g.pomper@gmail.com, to learn more.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Shir Hadash Youth of All Ages: Jump High with SHY on March 11
The long-awaited outing to Rockin' Jump trampoline park is almost here! On March 11, 1:00 to 3:00pm, all Shir Hadash youth are invited to jump and eat lunch. Just $15 for SHY members, $18 for non-youth group members. This price includes lunch, grip socks, and 90 minutes of jump time. More details and registration form can be found here. If you have questions, contact Lisa Burton Radzely at sac@shir-hadash.org.
ADULT EDUCATION
Bagel Breakfast Speaker Series, March 4
“Jews in the Soviet Military in WWII”
More than 500,000 Jews served in the Soviet military during WWII. They received medals and citations at a higher rate than the average Soviet soldier. Our guest speaker (and member), Dr. David Liebling, is a psychiatrist specializing in PTSD who has traveled to Russia several times. We will learn in particular about two famous Jewish soldiers: Lidiya Litvyak, a female ace fighter pilot, and Colonel Vasily Grossman, the most famous combat reporter on the Russian front. The discussion starts at 11:00am.
Torah and Jewish Philosophy Class, March 4
Instructor: Fred Andes
Join us to dig deep into the weekly Torah portion and take a look at modern Jewish philosophy.
Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization Resumes March 11
Sundays, 11:15 am to 12:25 pm on March 11, 18; April 15, 22, and 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.
Lunch and Learn at Shir Hadash, March 1
Join Rabbi Eitan and Shir Hadash members and friends for refreshing and contemporary Jewish learning. We are currently studying Talmud, specifically the Mishna Trachtate Berachot. Everyone is welcome. No prior study, expertise, or background required. We will meet this week on Thursday, February 15 at 1:00 pm at Shir Hadash. Feel free to bring your lunch.
SOCIAL ACTION
Passover Food Packing and Delivery, March 18 and 25
Shir Hadash is again joining with Maot Chitim of Greater Chicagoland to help pack and deliver Passover food boxes for needy Jewish families all over the Chicago area. There are two different ways you can participate:
- Packing boxes, Sunday, March 18 from 9:30 to 10:30am. The address for the packing is 7100 N. McCormick Blvd, Lincolnwood, IL. (Located at the Lincolnwood Town Center across the parking lot from Kohl's)
- Delivery of food packages on Sunday, March 25, from 9:30. to 11:30am in the Buffalo Grove/Wheeling area. We will be delivering approximately 100 food packages, which will be in large boxes weighing approximately 20 lbs. each. We deliver to several large complexes and use a rental truck to transport the boxes. I will provide the address of where to meet for those interested in helping deliver boxes.
We need approximately 10 people for packing on March 18 and about 10 - 15 people for delivery on the March 25. If you are interested in helping on one or both of these dates, please email Mark Lenhart, mjlenhart@comcast.net ASAP.
Mac N' Cheese Drive Makes Noise and Helps the Hungry
Thank you to everyone who brought mac 'n cheese boxes and other noisy foods. Not only did they help us celebrate Purim, but they were greatly appreciated by the food pantry.
ISRAEL AWARENESS
Guest Speaker at Shabbat Services on March 9
Marlene Dodinval, the Executive Director for the Jewish National Fund in Chicago, will be our featured speaker for Shabbat services on March 9. As we approach the 70th anniversary of Israel, Marlene will be talking about the Jewish National Fund’s involvement in the creation of the State of Israel and their ongoing work to build a prosperous and sustainable country for all its citizens.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel
- Israelis, per capita, are the world’s biggest consumers of fruits and vegetables.
- Israelis, per capita, are also the world’s biggest consumers of chicken.
- Cherry tomatoes were originally engineered in Israel in 1973.
- Israeli cows produce more milk per cow than almost any country in the world.
- The diet of the animals at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo is altered annually so it’s kosher for Passover.
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 nachaswith 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
SHOP for ... Spring?
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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