Shir Hadash Weekly Newsletter -- May 31, 2018

For daily event updates, check our calendar. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Download the Shir Hadash App for Apple or Android

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE

Membership News and Events

• Capital Improvements Survey Results
• Save the Date! Hot Tub Havdalah, July 7

Creative Worship and Ritual

• Family Shabbat, June 1
• Board Installation Shabbat Service with Lahaka Adult Choir, June 1
• Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, June 2
• Upcoming Services
• Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today

The Rabbi’s Corner

• “Color Blind”

Adult Education

• Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, May 31

Israel Awareness

• Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel

Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council

• Events and Programs from Interfaith Council

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 NEWS AND EVENTS

Capital Improvement Survey Results

As promised, below are the results of the Capital Improvement Survey which sought to learn what projects our members viewed as important to pursue. They are ranked in descending order with the average score for each project. The scoring is based on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being most important and 10 being of no importance.

Average Score/Item 

• 2.252: Driveway Repair/Maintenance
• 2.364: HVAC
• 4.381: New Furniture Lobby & Community Room
• 4.706: Painting
• 4.762: Ark Door & Sanctuary Artwork
• 5.050: Pay Down Mortgage
• 5.133: Built-In Gift Shop
• 5.167: Library & Conference Room Improvements
• 5.222: High Definition Sanctuary Camera
• 6.059: Additional Lighting In Classroom Hall and Replace Exit Signs
• 6.167: Twelve Tribes Artwork In Sanctuary
• 6.438: Landscaping & Features at Green Space East Of Building 

Thanks to all who took the time to complete the survey and contribute to the results.

Save the Date! Hot Tub Havdalah, Saturday, July 7, 7:30pm

Community Havdalah, Social, Dessert and Hang-Out at the Schleicher home. Join the Shir Hadash community at 7:30pm for an intimate havdalah service at the home and garden of members Sandi & Lise Schleicher. No RSVP necessary. For the address, drop a note to info@shir-hadash.org.

CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL

This Week’s Services

Family Shabbat, Friday June 1, 5:30pm -- Don’t miss our “Welcome Summer” family Shabbat on June 1, featuring a delicious dinner of hot dogs, tater tots, and roasted marshmallows. Rabbi Eitan will lead us in songs and prayers in an interactive service designed for families with young children.

Shabbat Evening Service: Friday June 1, 7:30pm

Board Installation Shabbat – Celebrating Jewish Leadership

Join us for a Shabbat service celebrating the long tradition of leadership in service to the Jewish community. From Moses and Aaron to the Priests and Levites to the leaders of today, there is an unbroken chain. We will install the new members of our Board of Directors and wish them great success. The Lahaka adult choir will sing during our services.

Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, Saturday June 2, 9:30am

We welcome Marlee Michaels to the bima as Bat Mitzvah.

Upcoming Services

• Friday, June 8 -- Kabbalat Shabbat and Speaker Series, 7:30pm
• Friday, June 15 -- Shabbat Under the Stars Outdoor Service, 7:30pm

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

June 1-2, 2018 / 19 Sivan 5778
Shabbat Beha’alotecha
Torah: Numbers 8:1 - 12:16 / Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7

“Color-Blind”

Dear Friends,

Does the Torah actually make a comment about racial prejudice? Indeed it does!  In this week’s Torah portion, Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses for marrying a Cushite woman. The land of Cush is in Africa south of Egypt, essentially northern Sudan and Ethiopia. So, presumably the woman was of darker skin color.  We cannot be certain who the Cushite woman was.  She might have been Tzipora, Moses’ wife.  However, Tzipora was the daughter of a Midianite priest, who probably came from northern Arabia. The Cushite woman might have been a second wife, or she may be from a different story tradition regarding Modes’ wife/wives.

Most commentators believe that Miriam and Aaron’s criticism was about the woman’s dark skin color. Because of the outburst Miriam is punished with leprosy. Both Moses and Aaron intervene with God on her behalf, with the famous words, El na refa na lah– heal her God and she will be healed. Miriam is sent from the camp for seven days and eventually she recovers.

The Torah text is sending us a message from more than 3,000 years ago. We may not judge a person based on the color of their skin, their country of origin, or their marital status. There is a better way. It was the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King who summed it up best: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Zay a mentsch – be a good person.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

To enjoy past entries of the Rabbi's Corner, please visit our website.

ADULT EDUCATION

Lunch and Learn at Shir Hadash, May 31

Join Rabbi Eitan and Shir Hadash members and friends for refreshing and contemporary Jewish learning. We are studying the books of Joshua and Judges, which cover the fascinating period of Jewish history from the crossing of the Jordan River until the first kings of Israel. Everyone is welcome.  No prior study, expertise, or background required. Feel free to bring your lunch.

ISRAEL AWARENESS

 

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel

• Israel has the highest number of university degrees per capita in the entire world and also the highest per capita number of PhDs.
• There's sense of informality among teachers and students in Israeli institutions and hence, they call their teachers by their first name.
• Women form the majority of those studying for degrees in Israel - at the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral levels.
• Israeli academics produce more scientific papers per capita than anywhere else in the world and by a large margin – 109 per 10,000 people.
• The Weizmann Institute of Science has been voted the best university in the world for scientific research.

NORTHWEST SUBURBAN INTERFAITH COUNCIL

Events and Projects from the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council

Shir Hadash is an active member of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. We look forward to the summer with the following upcoming programs:

1. 5^th Annual i-Walk Against Hunger, June 24: A family walk from St. Mary Parish to Hope Lutheran Church and back. All donations collected go to assist our food pantries. We need walkers, sponsors and volunteers.
2. 5th Annual Service Trip to Detroit, August 1-5:Volunteers will work with Cass Community Social Services to repair, maintain and build facilities to benefit the hungry, homeless, and unemployed. For more information and to register, click here.
3. Food Donations: Please remember those less fortunate. Donations of canned goods are accepted throughout the year at our food pantries located at Congregation Beth Am (1370 Abbott Court, Buffalo Grove), Kingswood Methodist Church (401 W. Dundee, Buffalo Grove) and St. Mary Parish (10 North Buffalo Grove Road.)

We are discussing ideas for further educational programming. If you have any suggested topics, please contact Suzanne Wexler at skwexler@yahoo.com or 847-769-8257.

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

SHOP for Teacher and Grad Gifts!

It’s the end of the school year, and you know you’ll be picking up lots of gift cards for the teachers and graduates in your life! 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.

Shir Hadash Weekly Newsletter -- May 24, 2018

For daily event updates, check our calendar. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Download the Shir Hadash App for Apple or Android

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE

Creative Worship and Ritual

• No Shabbat Services at SH on May 25-26
• Upcoming: Family Shabbat and Shabbat Evening Services, June 1
• Recap: A Special Shavuot Evening of Learning
• Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today

The Rabbi’s Corner

• “We are all Nazirites”

School News

• Religious School on Summer Break
• Celebration Recap
• Shavuot at Sunday School

Adult Education

• Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, May 24

Israel Awareness

• Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel

Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council

• Events and Programs from Interfaith Council

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

CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL

No Shabbat Services at SH, May 25-26

Enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your family.

Upcoming Services on June 1:

Family Shabbat, 5:30pm -- Don’t miss our “Welcome Summer” family Shabbat on June 1, featuring a delicious dinner of hot dogs, tater tots, and roasted marshmallows. Rabbi Eitan will lead us in songs and prayers in an interactive service designed for families with young children.

Shabbat Evening Service: 7:30pm -- Board Installation Shabbat – Celebrating Jewish Leadership

Join us for a Shabbat service celebrating the long tradition of leadership in service to the Jewish community. From Moses and Aaron to the Priests and Levites to the leaders of today, there is an unbroken chain. We will install the new members of our Board of Directors and wish them great success. The Lahaka adult choir will sing during our services.

Recap: A Special Shavuot Evening of Learning

We observed Shavuot with unique and inspiring programs on May 19. We explored the galaxies from the comfort of our building in a pop-up planetarium, and heard from Deerfield Mayor Harriet Rosenthal about how her Jewish values shape her civic priorities, especially with regard to Deerfield’s recent ban on assault rifles. Many thanks to Sean Fisher-Rohde for facilitating the planetarium exhibit, and to the volunteers who made the rest of the evening possible (including the delicious blintz bar!)

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

 May 25-26, 2018 / 12 Sivan 5778

Shabbat Naso

Torah: Numbers 4:21 - 7:89 / Haftarah: Judges 13:2 - 25 

“We Are All Nazirites”

Dear Friends, 

What does it take to be a Nazirite? The Torah portion describes that a Nazirite is an Israelite commoner, neither a Kohen/priest or a Levite/assistant, who wishes to take on a vow of holy service. To become a Nazirite, one must not cut one’s hair, not drink wine or eating grapes in any form, and not contact a dead body. In that state of ritual purity, a Nazirite can assist with the religious and cult worship of the people of Israel. The most famous Nazirite in the Bible was Samson. Remember his long hair? 

While the biblical approach to the Nazirite is no longer applicable to contemporary times, we do have a form of holy service that is still quite relevant – volunteering to assist in the synagogue and Jewish community. Each time we step up to serve on a Board, lead or join a committee, run a program, teach in a religious school, etc., we are becoming a modern day Nazirite. The work we do as volunteers in the Jewish community is indeed holy and critical for the ongoing vitality of Jewish life, heritage, and tradition. While no vows of abstinence from hair cutting and drinking wine are required, all we ask is that you serve with honor, distinction, and do your best to add to strength of our Jewish world. 

I extend my hearty Mazal tov and appreciation to our incoming Board and all the leaders, movers, and shakers of Shir Hadash in all your capacities. Because of your devotion and commitment, Shir Hadash continues to be the unique, vibrant, creative, and caring community that inspires the lives of its members and the community each and every day.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

To enjoy past entries of the Rabbi's Corner, please visit our website.

SCHOOL AND YOUTH NEWS

School’s Out for Summer!

We’ll miss all our wonderful students, teachers, and madrichim! Hope you have a great summer and we’ll see you in September.

A Message from Lisa Burton Radzely, 2017-18 Youth Group Coordinator

What a great way to conclude a year of fun Youth Group events! Religious School families joined together this past Sunday as we celebrated the end of the school year and Shavuot. The cold weather didn't dampen our fun as we packed the annex with nearly 70 people enjoying slime making, gaga, various races, sidewalk chalk, and the epic pie-eating contests. For many, the afternoon's highlight was the pie-eating showdown between Rabbi Eitan and Geoff.  Mazel tov to Geoff on his victory.

Events like this one cannot happen without numerous volunteers. Thank you so much to Alan Bernover, Jen Bernover, Michelle Fisher-Rohde, Sean Fisher-Rohde, Cindy Grills, Molly Michaels, Katie Pierce, and Chana Sulpar.  

We could use a bigger Youth Group Committee next year so we can hold even more fun events. Get involved!  Email youth@shir-hadash.org if you are interested in learning more or want to join the Youth Group Committee.

Shavuot at Sunday School

Shavuot celebrations continued on Sunday morning during Religious School. During the tefillah (prayer) service, the madrichim (top photo) recited the Ten Commandments in Hebrew. Mazel tov to all of the madrichim, particularly Alex Schleicher who chanted an aliyah. All students, teachers, and School Advisory Committee (SAC) members were honored by receiving aliyot (bottom photo is the aliyah for grades 4-7).

ADULT EDUCATION

Lunch and Learn at Shir Hadash, May 24

Join Rabbi Eitan and Shir Hadash members and friends for refreshing and contemporary Jewish learning. We are studying the books of Joshua and Judges, which cover the fascinating period of Jewish history from the crossing of the Jordan River until the first kings of Israel. Everyone is welcome.  No prior study, expertise, or background required. Feel free to bring your lunch.

ISRAEL AWARENESS

 

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel

• Though grapes have been grown in the area for more than 10,000 years, the Israeli wine industry is very young. There were no indigenous grapes because all the grapevines were destroyed during the 7th century Islamic conquest. Baron Edmond de Rothschild, owner of Chateau Lafite, restarted the Israeli wine industry in 1882 with French varieties. Israeli researchers are now working to reintroduce indigenous varieties with origins dating back to the bible.
• With a hot climate in the South and cooler weather in the North, Israel’s vineyards are able to produce an array of grapes on various kinds of soils including, volcanic basalt stone, lime stone, sand stone, terra rossa and even clay. Most vineyards are located at high elevations, so while temperatures may increase throughout the Summer, the grapes have a chance to cool down during the night. This consistency in weather combined with four distinct seasons provides the perfect climate for producers.
• Today there are about 300 wineries in Israel producing a wide variety of wines many of which are highly rated.

NORTHWEST SUBURBAN INTERFAITH COUNCIL

Events and Projects from the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council

Shir Hadash is an active member of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. We look forward to the summer with the following upcoming programs:

1. 5^th Annual i-Walk Against Hunger, June 24: A family walk from St. Mary Parish to Hope Lutheran Church and back. All donations collected go to assist our food pantries. We need walkers, sponsors and volunteers.
2. 5th Annual Service Trip to Detroit, August 1-5: Volunteers will work with Cass Community Social Services to repair, maintain and build facilities to benefit the hungry, homeless, and unemployed. For more information and to register, click here.
3. Food Donations: Donations of canned goods are accepted throughout the year at our food pantries located at Congregation Beth Am (1370 Abbott Court, Buffalo Grove), Kingswood Methodist Church (401 W. Dundee, Buffalo Grove) and St. Mary Parish (10 North Buffalo Grove Road.)

We are discussing ideas for further educational programming. If you have any suggested topics, please contact Suzanne Wexler at skwexler@yahoo.com or 847-769-8257.

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 Teacher and Grad Gifts!

It’s the end of the school year, and you know you’ll be picking up lots of gift cards for the teachers and graduates in your life! 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.

Shir Hadash Weekly Newsletter - May 17, 2018

For daily event updates, check our calendar. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Download the Shir Hadash App for Apple or Android

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE

Membership News and Upcoming Events

• Sunday! End of School Year Celebration, May 20
• Tuesday! Book Club, May 22
• Recap: Coffee House Night – Concert Series
• Registration Open for Reconstructing Judaism Convention, November 15-18

Creative Worship and Ritual

• Shabbat Evening Service, May 18
• Shavuot Programs, May 19
• Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today

The Rabbi’s Corner

• “Counting the People”

School News

• Last Day of Religious School! May 20
• End of the Year Party, May 20
• Teacher Appreciation Gift Donations Being Accepted Now
• Tzedakah Challenge - Help Our Students Meet Their Goal

Adult Education

• Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, May 17
• Torah and Jewish Philosophy, Sundays
• Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Last Class on May 20
• A Taste of Mussar Class, Thursday Evenings

Israel Awareness

• Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel

Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council

• Sock Drive for the Homeless Going on Now
• More Events and Programs from Interfaith Council
• Seeking an Additional Shir Hadash Rep for Interfaith Council

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

End of School Year Celebration, May 20

Our Religious School students and families and invited to enjoy a great send-off party to celebrate a wonderful school year. Scroll down to the School News section for details!

Next Tuesday! Book Club, May 22

The Book Club’s next selection will be The Bridal Chair by Gloria Goldreich. This is an exciting historical novel about the artist Marc Chagall: his personality, his physical flight from Russia to Paris (later Nazi-occupied) to America, and his daughter’s love. Our meeting will be on May 22, 7:30pm, at the home of Rebecca Rice, 3641 Bernay Drive in Northbrook. For more information, contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.

Recap: Coffee House Night – Concert Series

What a night! Thank you to Mitchell Green, Classical Guitarist for providing a fabulous evening of incredible music. It was a beautiful program with a stunning interpretation of 11 works of music by various traditional/classical and contemporary composers. It was a thrill to see so many Shir Hadash members and non-members in attendance – about 100 in all. Our baskets were very generously filled during the event! All in attendance remarked at how special this evening was and that they are anxiously awaiting our next Coffee House Night Event.  

Many thanks to our Front of the House team, Kayla, Maureen, Scarlett, Stuart, Melanie and Ken who helped with set-up and check-ins. Don, as always, was a rock star at setting up our sanctuary to look like a downtown music club. Scarlett, Melanie and Maureen kept the treats coming and the coffee flowing with their gracious hospitality at our Dessert/Beverage Bar which was jam packed with delicious sweet and savory items contributed by so many generous Bakers & Treat Makers. Scarlett, Carolyn, Rachel, Glenn and Julie were invaluable in helping to create the Posters, Flyers, Programs and getting the word out to the diaspora. Finally, clean up was magically accomplished by a host of Shir Hadash members and non-members who transformed the room back to Sunday School-ready. 

Watch for our next Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style event in the fall on November 10. As always, many thanks go to Rabbi Eitan, the Board, the Administrative & Executive Staff, and the entire Shir Hadash family for continuing to support these Coffee House Night Events with interest and bravado.

Registration Open for Reconstructing Judaism Convention, November 15-18

The annual convention for the Reconstructing Judaism Movement will be held November 15-18 in Philadelphia. Registration is open for this exciting event filled with workshops, music, worship, and fresh ideas. Click here for registration details, or contact Executive Director Geoff Prass, geoff@shir-hadash.org, for more information.

CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL

Shabbat Evening “No Frills” Service, Friday May 18, 7:30pm

Join us for a simple and straightforward one-hour Shabbat prayer service. We’ll use lots of traditional tunes and move through our worship with ease and grace. Bring a treat to share at the oneg afterwards.

Shavuot Programs, May 19, 7:00pm

"Shavuot Under the Stars"

Don’t miss our very special Shavuot programs on Saturday, May 19. That night, we study - and we eat dairy and wheat, in the form of our Famous Blintz Bar! We also have exciting twist to our study this year: after a short service, we will study the stars in a Jewish way - with the help of SH member and science teacher Sean Fisher-Rohde, who will bring a pop-up planetarium to Shir Hadash. (Kids and families especially welcome!) Then, we have a very special speaker, the Mayor of Deerfield, Harriet Rosenthal. She will talk about the assault weapons ban that Deerfield recently enacted - and her Jewish perspective on the actions that she has taken on that issue.

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

May 18-19, 2018 / 5 Sivan 5778

Omer Day 49

Shabbat Bamidbar

Torah: Numbers 1:1 - 4:20 / Haftarah: Hosea 2:1 - 2:22 

“Counting the People” 

Dear Friends,

As the fourth book of the Torah begins, the Book of Numbers or BaMidbarin Hebrew, Moses calls for a census of the people. There already was a census taken back in the Book of Exodus. So, why count the people again? Why now? One obvious explanation is that whole year has passed since leaving Egypt and it is important to ‘take inventory’ regularly and find out how many people are on hand. 

Torah commentator Yehuda Nachshoni teaches that “the census brings home the message to each and every one. Each sees that one does not stand alone but is a part of the totality of things. Yet, the entire world is dependent on each individual… By being counted, we know our place in and our worth to the community at large." 

Everyone has infinite worth and immeasurable value. Each person is created “in the image of God.” The message is clear. Everyone counts, Everyone is important. Do your best to see the beauty in each and every soul, those close and far, those with whom you agree and disagree, those known and unknown. We are all part of humankind.  We all matter. 

Zay a Mentsch – Be a Good Person.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

To enjoy past entries of the Rabbi's Corner, please visit our website.

SCHOOL NEWS

Last Day of School Year, May 20

Be there at 9:15 for our final session of the school year! And plan to stay for the big celebration afterwards (see below).

Free End-of-Year Party After School on May 20

After school on the last day, we will have a free end-of-year bash. Lunch and all activities will be provided compliments of Youth Group. There will be pie-eating contests, sack races, slime making, hula hoop contests, relay races geared to younger children and ones for tweens and teens, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more! Fun for all ages. 

Families are welcome, or students can attend by themselves. The picnic and party begin immediately after school on May 20, and the fun continues until 2:00. Join us to celebrate the fabulous school year and Shavu’ot.

Tzedakah Challenge - Help Our Students Meet Their Goal!

We are so close to our goal of collecting $500 in tzedakah contributions this year, and Sunday is the last day! If we collect $500, all students will receive a prize to celebrate how much they've done to help others.

ADULT EDUCATION

Torah and Jewish Philosophy Class, Sundays

• Instructor: Fred Andes

Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30 to dig deep into the weekly Torah portion and take a look at modern Jewish philosophy.

Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization, Last Class on May 20

• Instructor: Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

A survey of essential and fundamental concepts of Judaism - its roots, history, sacred texts, holidays, and life cycle celebration. Our final class for the school year will be Sunday May 20 at 11:15am.

Lunch and Learn at Shir Hadash, May 17

Join Rabbi Eitan and Shir Hadash members and friends for refreshing and contemporary Jewish learning. We are studying the books of Joshua and Judges, which cover the fascinating period of Jewish history from the crossing of the Jordan River until the first kings of Israel. Everyone is welcome.  No prior study, expertise, or background required. Feel free to bring your lunch.

A Taste of Mussar

An introduction to the study and practice of Jewish spiritual ethics. Mussar is a centuries old Jewish body of teachings, a perspective, and a disciplined practice that provides distinctively Jewish answers to the sorts of questions any thinking person asks about life. Our concluding class will be tonight, May 17.

ISRAEL AWARENESS

 

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Israel

• Israel won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday with a song about women's empowerment called "Toy".
• This was Israel’s first win since 1998, and fourth win overall. Israel's entry beat competitors from 42 other countries.
• About 200 million people watched this year’s contest, held in Lisbon, Portugal. Next year's event will be in Jerusalem since Israel won the competition.
• Netta Barzilai, the winning singer, is a 25-year-old Israeli who incorporated the Chicken Dance into her winning song.

NORTHWEST SUBURBAN INTERFAITH COUNCIL

Sock Drive Going on Now

Interfaith Council’s annual Knock Your Socks Off collection for mens’, womens’, and childrens’ new socks is going on now. Please bring new socks to help fill the box near in the Shir Hadash lobby through the end of May. Donations will be distributed to our homeless neighbors in the Northwest Suburbs.

Other Events and Projects from the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council

Shir Hadash is an active member of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. We look forward to the summer with the following upcoming programs:

1. 5^th Annual i-Walk Against Hunger, June 24: A family walk from St. Mary Parish to Hope Lutheran Church and back. All donations collected go to assist our food pantries. We need walkers, sponsors and volunteers.
2. 5th Annual Service Trip to Detroit, August 1-5: Volunteers will work with Cass Community Social Services to repair, maintain and build facilities to benefit the hungry, homeless, and unemployed. For more information and to register, click here.
3. Interfaith Trip to Israel, summer 2018: details forthcoming.
4. Food Donations: Please remember those less fortunate. Donations of canned goods are accepted throughout the year at our food pantries located at Congregation Beth Am (1370 Abbott Court, Buffalo Grove), Kingswood Methodist Church (401 W. Dundee, Buffalo Grove) and St. Mary Parish (10 North Buffalo Grove Road.)

We are discussing ideas for further educational programming. If you have any suggested topics, please contact Suzanne Wexler at skwexler@yahoo.com or 847-769-8257.

Seeking Shir Hadash Representative for Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council

Please consider joining Suzanne Wexler in representing SH at the Interfaith Council.. The council members meet on the first Monday of each month from 7:30-9:00pm. We share ideas from our congregations as well as plan and execute community-wide programs to serve our communities, including our neighbors in need. Please contact Suzanne if you are interested in hearing more: skwexler@yahoo.com or (847) 769-8257.

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 Teacher and Grad Gifts!

It’s the end of the school year, and you know you’ll be picking up lots of gift cards for the teachers and graduates in your life! 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.