WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Events
- New! “Hummus in the Hut” Sukkot Celebration, September 23
- Gift of Membership Program Extended
- Mussar Study Group, October 11
- New! Book Club, October 18
- Shir Hadash Gala, October 20
- Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, October 28
- Coffee House Night, November 10
- Volunteer Help Needed at SH
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Evening Service, Friday September 21, 7:30pm
- Simchat Torah Celebration, Sunday September 30
- --Family Education Program, 4:00pm
- --Pizza Dinner, 5:30pm
- --Service, 7:30pm
- Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
- “Jewish History”
Religious School
- Sunday School, September 23
Israel Awareness
- Israeli Movie Night at SH, October 6
- SH Sponsors Film Screening at Israeli Cinema Festival, October 28
- Save the Date! Joint Hanukkah/Diwali Celebration, November 18
- Did You Know? Facts About Israel
Social Action
- Help Hurricane Victims and Do the Mitzvah of Giving Tzedakah
- Support Food Pantries with Interfaith Council
Ongoing Fundraisers
- SHOP Shir Hadash
- Simcha Tree Leaves
- Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers!
- Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
- Links to Fundraisers: Amazon, iGive, and More
MEMBERSHIP NEWS AND EVENTS
“Hummus in the Hut” Sukkot Celebration, September 23
Dinner at 5:30, Service at 7:00pm
Back by popular demand, put your hummus to the test at our Second Annual Hummus in the Hut competition! Bring your own homemade hummus to compete, or bring your taste buds to vote! We will serve falafel, pita, and sides. Visit the website for details and registration links.
Can't make it for dinner? Come at 7:00 for a Sukkot service led by Rabbi Eitan! Shake the lulav and etrog, help us decorate our sukkah, and enjoy "dwelling" with friends and family in our sukkah - the true sukkot mitzvah!
Gift of Membership
Stay tuned for more information on the extension of this program for the current year. The High Holidays came so early that we didn't have sufficient opportunity to promote this valuable opportunity. Think about whether you have a friend or relative that would appreciate being "gifted" a complimentary membership for the balance of this year. Dues and building fund will be waived. It does not include school tuition and fees. We had 19 "Gift" members last year and hope to double that this year. Watch for more details coming soon.
Mussar Study Group, October 11
All are welcome to join the Shir Hadash Mussar study group, which will meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm. The core text we are studying is Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, by Alan Morinis, Founder and Dean of the Mussar Institute. The book is available on Amazon and through other booksellers. There is no charge for participation in the Mussar Study Group. Please note that our original meeting dates have changed. The new schedule for the next several months is:
October 11: Order
November 8: Compassion
December 6: Gratitude
January 3: Equanimity
February 7: Honor
Please email Lynn Liebling lliebling@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in attending or if you have any questions.
Book Club, October 18
Our next selection will be After Abel and Other Stories by Michal Lemburger. Our meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 18 at 7:30pm at the home of Abby Edler, 275 E. LaSalle in Vernon Hills. For more information, contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
Shir Hadash Gala, October 20
Invitations have been mailed for our community gala honoring Fred and Melanie Andes for their years of leadership and service. This very special event will be held October 20, 7:00 to 11:00pm, at Bella Via in Highland Park. The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, raffles, and live entertainment.
Placing an advertisement in the 2018 Gala Tribute Journal is a wonderful way to commemorate Fred and Melanie Andes. Whether it’s a personal sentiment or a show of support from your business or organization, Bonny Davidson will make placing your journal ad easy. Choose from the following sizes:
- Inside front cover: $180
- Inside back cover: $180
- Back cover: $250
- Full page ad: $90
- Half page ad: $54
- Business card sized ad: $18
Ad space must be reserved by September 28. If you need help designing artwork for your ad, send copy and info to Bonny Davidson at beedee2@earthink.net no later than September 28. Pre-designed ads must be submitted to Bonny in jpeg or pdf form by October 4. Contact Bonny with any questions by email or by phone at 847 867 2463.
Join the Great Big Challah Bake, October 25
Shir Hadash will be participating in this year’s Great Big Challah Bake at the Bernard Weinger JCC on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00pm. Limited spots are available; contact Cindy Grills by September 25 at 847 409 3707 or homes@cindygrills.com.
Shir Hadash Sponsors Film at Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, October 28
Shir Hadash is proud to sponsor a screening of the film Fractures as part of the 2018 Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema. Directed by Arik Lubetsky, Fractures is a timely film that raises many universal questions, conflicting feelings, and dilemmas that both women and men are grappling with in today's world. Shir Hadash’s sponsorship of this event is made possible by a donation from Jerrold Carl and Susan E. Cohen.
The screening will take place Sunday, October 28, at 6:00pm at the ArcLight Cinemas in The Glen in Glenview. After the movie, we will walk over to The Curragh restaurant to discuss the movie over dinner, a nosh or dessert (each picking up his or her own tab). We have a block of 20 tickets; $15 each. First come, first served - don’t delay! Register at www.shir-hadash.org.
Save the Date! Coffee House Night Returns November 10
It's not too early to Save the Date for our next Coffee House Night - Open Mic Style on Saturday, November 10. Doors will open at 6:30; the event will run from about 7:00 - 10:30. You will be amazed at the wonderful talent you'll hear.
Volunteer Office Help Needed
Our administrator Julie Wellisch would greatly appreciate some volunteer help around the Shir Hadash office. No experience required, just a positive attitude and some free time! In particular, we have the following roles to fill:
- On the second and fourth Friday of each month, we have the Russian Holocaust survivors group that meets here in the morning from 9:30 through the Chair Yoga class at noon. Volunteers are needed to help answer the door and direct people to their meeting location.
- On the second Tuesday of every month, we have the Jewish War Veterans of Buffalo Grove meeting at 9:30 - 12:00. Volunteers can help with coffee and also answering the door and directing people.
There are plenty of other jobs to do around the office as well. Please contact Julie at admin@shir-hadash.org and let her know the times you’re available to help. Thank you!
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday September 21, 7:30pm - Shabbat Ha’azinu
“The Jewish Calendar: Why are there so many holidays in the fall?”
In addition to our Friday evening worship, Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow will discuss the Jewish calendar and the cycle of festivals in the fall and throughout the year. Bring a treat to share at our potuck oneg refreshments.
Simchat Torah Celebration: Pizza Dinner & Service, September 30
Don’t miss Shir Hadash’s observance of Simchat Torah on Sunday, September 30! Click here for complete details and registration.
4:00pm: Family education program (in place of our usual morning Sunday School)
5:30pm: Pizza Dinner - Regular, gluten-free, and dairy-free options will be available. Please register and pay by Friday, September 28.
7:00pm: Join us for an evening of food, music, and dancing with our Torahs as we unroll the entire Torah scroll and read the end, then start over all the way a the beginning. During the service, we will also honor students who are new to our Sunday School. Don't miss the Mighty Shir Hadash Klezmer Band or the Affy Tapples and potluck oneg afterward!
Don’t miss Shir Hadash’s observance of Simchat Torah on Sunday, September 30! Click here for complete details and registration.
4:00pm: Family education program (in place of our usual morning Sunday School)
5:30pm: Pizza Dinner - Regular, gluten-free, and dairy-free options will be available. Please register and pay by Friday, September 28.
7:00pm: Join us for an evening of food, music, and dancing with our Torahs as we unroll the entire Torah scroll and read the end, then start over all the way a the beginning. During the service, we will also honor students who are new to our Sunday School. Don't miss the Mighty Shir Hadash Klezmer Band or the Affy Tapples and potluck oneg afterward!
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
September 21-22, 2018 / 13 Tishrei 5779
Shabbat Ha’azinu
Torah: Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:52
Haftarah: II Samuel 22:1-51
“Jewish History”
Dear Friends,
How important is learning our history today? In this week’s Torah portion, Moses began his final address to the Children of Israel with the words, “Remember the days of old. Consider the years of ages past.” Three thousand years ago, as the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Moses was telling the Israelites to know their istory and remember the past.
History is critical to Jewish identity. It is a fundamental pillar of Reconstructionist Judaism. For us, history is more than learning stories about long ago. It is our way of connecting with our ancestors who lived in the past. It is our way of understanding how they lived as Jews, celebrated Jewish life, and added their own unique creativity to our evolving religious civilization. As Elie Wiesel teaches, history bonds Jews to a “collective memory.”
As we enter a New Year, I encourage you to pick up a book or watch a video about Jewish history. Discover your roots in Jewish history. Then, be ready to embrace the Jewish future.
Zay a mentsch – Be a good person. Help each other.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Sunday School, September 23
We’re off to a great start with a new school year! We’ll see all our students and families at 9:15 on Sunday. If your kids aren’t registered yet, click here for the forms.
ISRAEL AWARENESS
Israeli Films at Shir Hadash
We plan to continue our series of Israeli films at Shir Hadash this fall. We are working on screening rights for the next film and tentatively plan to have a screening on October 6. All showings are free, begin at 7:30pm, and offer snacks for sale. Please contact Burton Kopulsky at bkopulsk@chicagobooth.edu with both suggestions for future films and/or if you can help by sponsoring a showing.
Shir Hadash Sponsors Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema Screening, October 28
Don’t miss a special Shir Hadash outing to see the film Fractures, sponsored by Shir Hadash as part of the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema. Scroll to the top section for details!
Save the Date! Celebrate Hanukkah and Diwali with Shir Hadash and StandWithUs, November 18
Mark your calendars for the evening of November 18. We are partnering with StandWithUs at an event to bring together our local Jewish and Hindu communities. The event will feature Samson "Mahatma Moses" Koletar, the world's only Indian-Jewish stand-up comedian, along with music, desserts, and dance lessons! We are looking for members to help underwrite our sponsorship. Please contact Burton Kopulsky at bkopulsk@chicagobooth.edu if you can help.
Did You Know? Facts About Israel
- Rosh Hashanah is the only Jewish holiday celebrated for two days both inside and outside of Israel. This is because of the timing of the new moon and the challenges, even in Israel, of getting the timing right for the holiday in ancient times.
- In Israel, the entire country shuts down for Yom Kippur. Every single shop is closed, private and government offices, airports, transit, and even the roads are deserted. In more secular areas, kids and adults alike take over the streets with their bicycles.
- Purim is celebrated a day later in Jerusalem than the rest of the world. Certain cities in Israel, like Jaffa and Tiberias, celebrate two days of Purim. This is because walled cities from the time of Purim celebrate a day later recognizing the later fighting in the Persian city of Shushan.
- Modern Israeli holidays like Independence Day and Jerusalem Day are observed based upon the Hebrew calendar vs. the Gregorian calendar used for secular purposes globally.
SOCIAL ACTION
Help Hurricane Victims and Do the Mitzvah of Giving Tzedakah
To help those who have lost their homes and businesses in the hurricane, we will collect donations for the Jewish United Fund's Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Fund. Please put contributions in the tzedakah box near the prayer books. Coins, bills, and checks made out to JUF are welcomed. All donations will be matched up to $750 by one of our members, so please support Shir Hadash's effort to help the hurricane victims. We will collect for a few weeks. 100% of contributions will go toward hurricane relief. JUF is absorbing all administrative costs. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Burton Radzely at SocialActionSH@gmail.com.
Food Pantry Donations Continue
Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council supports local food pantries throughout the year. Please remember those less fortunate by donating canned goods 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.)
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 for School!
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.
To view past editions of the Newsletter, please visit our website.
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