WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SHIR HADASH
THIS WEEK'S SHABBAT SERVICES: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Special Religious School Grades K-3 Family “Pajama Shabbat” 5:30 pm
Our first service this Friday is intended for families with young children through 3rd grade. Come at 5:30 for a light dinner. At 6:00, Rabbi Eitan and Rabbi Marcey and the kindergarten through third grade students will lead a lively service that includes the Shabbat prayers along with story, song, and dance. Following the service, we will join for refreshments and a shabbat activity. Bring treats to share at the oneg refreshments.
“Solidarity Shabbat” Evening Service, Shabbat Chayei Sarah 7:30pm
The deadliest act of anti-Semitism in North American history requires the greatest act of solidarity. That’s why Shir Hadash is joining with the North American Jewish community and major religious streams for a Solidarity Shabbat - to mourn the victims of the attack on the Tree of Life / Or Simcha and Dor Hadash synagogue in Pittsburgh and to demonstrate that we won’t be intimidated as Jews – whether in our synagogue or elsewhere. Our Shabbat worship will include readings of strength and comfort and an opportunity to discuss and share our thoughts and feelings. Following services, we will enjoy light refreshments. Please bring a treat to share.
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 2-3, 2018 / 25 Heshvan 5779 / Shabbat Chayei Sarah
Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18 / Haftarah Portion: I Kings 1:1-31
“Mourning the Dead”
Dear Friends,
In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham mourns the death of his beloved Sarah. This week, all across America, we mourn the deaths of 11 Jews murdered at prayer in Pittsburgh. Following are my comments at the prayer vigil held this past Monday evening:
Tonight, we stand against hatred. Tonight, we gather for this memorial to the victims of the shooting at Tree of Life / Or L’Simcha Synagogue building in Pittsburgh, which included members of the Reconstructionist Congregation Dor Hadash, a sister congregation to Shir Hadash. Tonight, we raise our voices against anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry. Tonight, we express our outrage at this senseless killing and to say "enough" to the violence. Tonight, we stand for compassion, acceptance, open-mindedness and love.
In the face of hatred, we will forge understanding;
In the face of violence, we will build peace;
In the face of bigotry, we will breed tolerance;
In the face of discrimination, we will seek justice;
In the face of darkness, we will spread light.
- Rabbi Michael Weinberg
The Jewish community is hurting this evening as we reel from one of the worst attacks on our community in American history. We grieve and weep for the victims and their families – both the dead and the injured, worshippers and police officers. We are horrified and heartbroken as we try to make sense out of the senseless slaughter of the innocents. Unfortunately, this tragedy is not isolated. For we have come to know all too well mass-shootings at schools, nightclubs, concerts, places of work, and more. Live-shooter planning and drills are commonplace throughout America. The atmosphere of hate and violence in our society is unbearable.
We in the Jewish community know that we are not alone in our grief. The outpouring of love and support from our friends of all faiths is a tremendous source of strength and comfort. There is no better response to hate than a community coming together in love, unity, and prayer. So, I thank everyone who came tonight and everyone who has sent us messages of solidarity and hope.
As we begin this vigil of Solidarity, I offer this prayer: Eloheinu, veilohei avoteynu v’imoteynu, Our God and God of our ancestors, God of all humanity, give us the strength to move through these days of grief and shock. Help us help the Pittsburgh Jewish community, and all those affected by this tragedy. Help us to expose and put an end to the hatred and intolerance that abounds. Help us to come together in unity, understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and love. Amen.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
NOTES FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NANCY KLEINE KEKST
Thank you to everyone who helped us with security and arrangements for Monday evening's prayer vigil. We are a beautiful community trying to create love and peace in a world where hate and violence sometimes win, as they did in Pittsburgh on Saturday. We appreciate how smoothly and safely Religious School ran on Sunday, and we will continue to make specific security enhancements for everyone’s safety. Please note that we are collecting funds in our tzedakah box to help the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting victims and their families.
And now for a few more business notes:
- We welcome Karen Burnham to our administrative staff. Karen will be working in the front office on Thursdays. She has a great business background and a long history of volunteer leadership. Please stop by and introduce yourself!
- We seem to be missing the Shir Hadash tablecloth: are you washing it? If so, please bring it back.
- We welcome Flappy's Pancake House to our Fundraising program. Stop by one of their three locations for breakfast or lunch, sign the Shir Hadash book, and they will donate a percentage back to us.
Warmly, Nancy
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Remember Daylight Savings Time Ends this Sunday at 2:00am - Fall back and enjoy an extra hour of sleep before you come to school!
School Schedule for November 4:
Religious School 9:15 to 12:25: Havayah for Grades 8-12, 12:30 to 2:00
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.
SHIR HADASH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Donations Now Accepted to Support Pittsburgh Families.
Tzedakah donations are now being collected for the Pittsburgh victims and families of the recent tragedy. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to the cause via JUF. You can donate directly into the Tzedakah box at Shir Hadash, or by writing a check to JUF. You can also make a donation via Shul Cloud with a notation that funds are to be directed to Pittsburgh assistance. This will run through November 30. For any questions, please contact Chana Sulpar at csulpar@yahoo.com.
Sunday! 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.
Mussar Study Group, November 8
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: 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.
Coffee House Night Returns November 10
Members and non-members, join us for a wonderful night of live local talent, in a club atmosphere with phenomenal sound, goodies, beverages, and the amazing evening of friendship and camaraderie. Be part of the audience, help out behind the scenes, and/or perform at our next Coffee House Night on Saturday, November 10. Doors will open at 6:30pm; the event will run from about 7:00 - 10:30.
If you are interested in being part of the Coffee House Night Team (performing or contributing a treat for our Dessert Bar) please click the link or contact Margie at margiepromopro1@aol.com so we can get a rough idea of how many people will be joining us or are interested in performing. You won’t want to miss this event – you never know who will be there!
Social Action Committee Meeting, November 11
Social Action Committee will meet Sunday, November 11, 10:00am-12:00pm, in the annex conference room. We will pick what social action activities we will do this year. Come and contribute your thoughts! If you can't attend but want to be involved, contact Lisa Burton Radzely at SocialActionSH@gmail.com.
Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, November 18
Shir Hadash and the congregations of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council will come together for a Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, November 18 at 7:00pm at Saint Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road in Buffalo Grove. The service will include music, thoughts and prayers of thanks, and be followed by light refreshments. Please bring non-perishable donations for area food pantries.
Celebrate Hanukkah and Diwali with Shir Hadash and StandWithUs, November 18
Shir Hadash is co-sponsoring a first for Chicago: a joint celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees, and Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Come celebrate these two festivals of light with an evening of desserts, dancing, and entertainment by the world's only Indian-Jewish standup comedian! The event will be held at 6:00pm on Sunday, November 18 at Temple Beth El, 3610 Dundee Road in Northbrook. $10 pre-registration fee; click here to RSVP on the event website.We are looking for members to help underwrite our sponsorship. Please contact Burton Kopulsky at bkopulsk@chicagobooth.edu if you can help.
Give Warmth this Winter and a Gift this Holiday Season: Easy as ABC!
There are multiple ways you can help kids stay warm this winter and have a nice holiday. Pick and choose what you want to do!
A) Donate winter outerwear in the Shir Hadash lobby through December 2: clean gently-used or new jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, snowpants, and boots are welcomed for all ages. Donations will go to children in need at nearby schools.
B) Volunteer on December 2, 1pm-3pm, at JCFS in Northbrook (registration required): sort donated holiday gifts and "shop" from the donated items to fulfill children's wish lists. All ages welcome, but children under 13 must be supervised by an adult. Registration link coming soon!
C) Donate holiday gifts in the Shir Hadash lobby through December 16: most requested items are board games and card games • puzzles • Legos • dolls and accessories (especially ethnic dolls) • basketballs • soccer balls • science kits and other educational toys • headphones and mp3 players • gift cards. Donations will go to children in need who are JCFS clients or to children in the foster system who are living in group homes.
Questions? Contact Lisa Burton Radzely, Social Action Chair, at SocialActionSH@gmail.com.
Gift of Membership Opportunity Extended to November 30
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 30. 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.
Book Club
The next book will be Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean by Edward Kritzler. We will meet in January; more details in upcoming newsletter. For questions contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
COMMUNITY NEWS AND ACTIVITIES
JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Information Sessions,
November 3, 13 or 14
Calling all Teen Athletes and Artists! Next summer, JCC Chicago will be traveling to Atlanta (July 28-August 2) and Detroit (August 4-9) for the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games. The JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest are an Olympic-style sporting competition and arts celebration held annually each summer in North America. With delegations from Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, Panama, and the United States participating in the games, it is the largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world.
JCC Chicago is committed to bringing Jewish athletes and artists together from across the greater Chicagoland area. To participate in Maccabi, athletes must be 13-16 years old as of July 31, 2019 and artists must be 13-17 years old. Last year, we saw our participants push themselves to new limits, make new friends and experience the pride of representing our community on a national stage. Amazing, to say the least. For more information, contact Julie Minor at jminor@jccchicago.org or at 847-763-3639.
To learn more about this opportunity, come to one of the following informational events:
- Saturday, November 3, 7:00-8:30pm; Brunswick Zone Niles (7333 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles)
- Teens are welcome to come for free bowling and pizza, meet other teens interested in the games and our awesome coaches!
- Tuesday, November 13, 6:30-7:30pm, Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook or
- Wednesday, November 14, 6:30-7:30pm, Bernard Horwich JCC in Rogers Park
- Information session for parents and teens to learn about the Maccabi experience, tryouts, cost, housing, schedule, and all other things Maccabi!
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.)
ISRAEL AWARENESS
Israeli Film Series 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.
Did You Know? Facts About Israel
- Israel is ranked as the third most educated country in the world. This is slightly ahead of the United States which is ranked as sixth.
- Israel has a literacy rate of about 98%, well above the United States at about 86%.
- Israeli newspapers are published in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English, and French.
- Despite being a small country, Israel has 15 book publishers and two major bookstore chains with over 200 stores.
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 - Now Including Flappy’s!
The Continental Restaurant in Buffalo Grove, Butterfield’s Restaurant in Northbrook, and now all three locations of Flappy’s 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.
We’d Like Your Feedback!
We’re trying a new format to improve our newsletter. Please send your thoughts and feedback to newsletter@shir-hadash.org.
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