WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Membership News and Events
- Shir Hadash Gala, October 20 - RSVP Now to Join the Waitlist
- Gift of Membership Program Extended to November 15
- Tonight - Mussar Study Group, October 11
- Sunday - Social Action Committee Kickoff Meeting, October 14
- Book Club, October 18
- Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, October 28
- Coffee House Night, November 10
Creative Worship and Ritual
- No Shabbat Evening Service on October 12
- Oneg Volunteers Needed -- Sign Up Today
The Rabbi’s Corner
- “Noah, the Father of All Humanity”
Religious School
- Sunday School, October 14
- New! All-School Field Trip to Oriental Institute at U of C, October 21
- Save the Date! Kids’ Gift Bazaar, November 18
Israel Awareness
- Israeli Film Night Recap
- SH Sponsors Film Screening at Israeli Cinema Festival, October 28
- Joint Hanukkah/Diwali Celebration, November 18
- Did You Know? Facts About Israel
Social Action
- Volunteers Needed for Soup Kitchen, November 4
- Update! Help Hurricane Victims: Online and In-Person Options
- 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
A Few Notes from Nancy Kleine Kekst, Executive Director
Busy, busy, that’s what we are here--working on all the items we couldn’t get done during the holidays! A few items of note:
- I need a few office volunteers to clean the supply cabinets and do some data entry for me. Please contact me at execdir@shir-hadash.org if you have any time to volunteer.
- We are looking for an office volunteer on Sunday mornings during religious school to sit at a table in the lobby, open the door, answer phones and be of general service to members. Hours are 9:00am to approx 12:30 pm. Please contact me at execdir@shir-hadash.org if you have any time to volunteer.
- We still could use some volunteers this Sunday morning to take down the sukkah and the bimah decorations. Please contact me atexecdir@shir-hadash.org if you can help out in the morning during Sunday school.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS AND EVENTS
Shir Hadash Invites you to a Gala Honoring Fred & Melanie Andes, October 20
RSVPs for the Gala are on by wait list only…..pending restaurant approval.
The Shir Hadash 2018 Gala will be October 20 at 7:00pm at Bella Via in Highland Park. Join us for an exquisite dinner, Fiddler on the Roof skits, dancing with the DJ, a Heads-or-Tails Raffle, and MANY Silent Auction items. Click here to RSVP for the waitlist.
Gift of Membership Opportunity Extended to November 15
Do you have a friend or family member you'd like to give the Gift of Membership for the balance of this year? Contact the office or Stuart Aizenberg, stuartaizenberg@gmail.com, for more information. You will be provided with a certificate that you can give to your candidate that they can turn in with their request for membership.
The deadline is extended to November 15. Their membership will be good through June 30. Dues and Building Fund are waived. School tuition and fees are required if they want to enroll children in our religious school. Previous Shir Hadash members are not eligible.
Tonight - 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. There is no charge for participation in the Mussar Study Group. The 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.
Social Action Committee Kickoff October 14
The first Social Action Committee meeting will take place Sunday, October 14, at 9:45am. Let's start planning which social action activities Shir Hadash will do this year. If you can't attend the meeting but want to get involved, email Lisa Burton Radzely at socialactionsh@gmail.com.
Book Club, October 18
Our next selection will be After Abel and Other Stories by Michal Lemburger. This book contains the stories of many women of the Bible, told in their own unique voices. Our meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, October 18 at 7:30pm at the home of Abby Edler, 275 E. LaSalle in Vernon Hills. RSVP to Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.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.
Coffee House Night Returns November 10
Attention non-performers and performers, members and non-members…. 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 do not need to be one of the performers to attend; everyone is welcome! You will be amazed at the wonderful talent you'll hear. Bring a date, bring a friend or come solo – the evening is well worth your attendance. There is no charge; a free will donation will be graciously accepted.
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
No Shabbat Evening Service on October 12
Enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your family.
Oneg Volunteers Needed for Services
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
Shabbat Noach
Torah: Genesis 6:9 - 11:32
Maftir: Numbers 28:9 - 28:15 | Shabbat Rosh Chodesh
Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1 - 66:24 | Shabbat Rosh Chodesh
“Noah, the Father of all Humanity”
Dear Friends,
Who is our common ancestor? In this week’s text we find that it is Noah who is the progenitor of humanity. According to the story of the Flood, everyone was killed, except for Noah, his wife and their three sons. Shem became the father of the Jewish people, while Ham and Yafet became the fathers of all the other peoples of the earth. Thus, everyone has a common relative in Noah and his wife.
Since we are all related, our tradition recognizes that all are in relationship with God and God’s commandments. While the Jews received the Torah, all the other peoples are similarly bound to a set of ethics and moral principles. Our sages compiled seven laws that are universal amongst all humanity. Called the Noahide Laws, they are:
1. Do not worship idols.
2. Do not curse God.
3. Establish courts of justice.
4. Do not murder.
5. Do not commit adultery or sexual immorality.
6. Do not steal.
7. Do not eat meat torn from a living animal.
From these teachings, we learn that God expects the best behavior from everyone.
Zay a mentsch – Be a Good Person.
Shabbat shalom.
.Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Sunday School, October 14
We look forward to seeing all our students and families at 9:15am on Sunday.
New! Special All-School Field Trip, October 21
Shir Hadash will travel as a school to the Oriental Institute of Chicago to view artifacts and learn about the Jewish people as an ancient civilization that still thrives in the modern world. All specific details to come. We will be traveling by bus to Hyde Park. There will be a nominal fee and participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch with them.
Save the Date! Kids’ Holiday Gift Bazaar, November 18
Don’t miss our Kids’ Bazaar at Sunday School on November 18! Each class will have an opportunity to visit the Holiday Bazaar to purchase Hanukkah gifts for parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents – including lots of options priced $10 or less. Please send money to Religious School with your child. We have great gifts for everyone! Parents are welcome to shop as well! Don’t forget, all proceeds go to benefit Shir Hadash.
ISRAEL AWARENESS
Israeli Film Series
Many members and friends enjoyed the showing of the Israeli film "A Matter of Size" last Saturday at Shir Hadash. Our next film will be in January. 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!
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
- About 70 percent of the average rainfall in Israel falls between November and March.
- During January and February, precipitation may take the form of snow at the higher elevations of Israel's central highlands, especially in the Golan heights, and also around Jerusalem. Tel Aviv actually got 4 inches of snow in 1950!
- The highest temperature ever recorded in Israel was 129 degrees Fahrenheit at Tirat Tzvi in June of 1942. This is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Asia.
- The lowest temperature ever recorded in Israel was 7 degrees Fahrenheit at Tel Hatanim in the Beit Netofah Valley in February 1950.
SOCIAL ACTION
Volunteers Needed for Soup Kitchen, November 4
On Sunday November 4, 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 approximately 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. This event will require volunteers be available from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on November 4.
Each family will be responsible for bringing:
- A precooked meat or pasta entrée (in disposable dish, non-vegetarian)
- One large bag uncooked frozen mixed vegetables
- Dessert and fruit to feed approximately 12-15 people.
Please feel free to join with another family to fulfill 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.
Update! Online and In-Person Ways to Support Hurricane Florence Relief
Donations Close October 31.
We have added an online donation option for the Hurricane Florence Relief Fund. Donate by clicking here. All donations, whether via credit card online or via check, are tax deductible.
Through the end of October, we are collecting donations for Jewish United Fund's Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Fund. If you wish to contribute cash or a check, put contributions in the tzedakah box near the prayer books, or checks can be mailed to the synagogue. Checks should be made out to JUF. All amounts are welcomed. Donations will be matched up to $750 by one of our members, so please support Shir Hadash's effort to help the hurricane victims.
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.)
NEW FEATURE - SHIR HADASH IN THE WIDE WORLD
Share Your Travels!
We are introducing a new feature this week, sharing photos of Shir Hadashniks in unique Jewish places that they discover in their travels. To participate, send your photo with a brief description to newsletter@shir-hadash.org.
For our inaugural photo, here’s Jerry Weiss at the Shir Hadash (spelled Chir Hadach in the French transliteration) Synagogue Judaic bookstore in Paris last week. Thanks for sharing!
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 SHOP SHOPl!
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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Shir Hadash
200 W. Dundee Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
847-498-8218
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