WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
- January 18: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Shira
- Sponsor an Oneg!
- Religious School, January 20 - Field Trip to The Grove Postponed
- Adult Education Programs
- Tonight! Book Club, January 17
- Israeli Film Series, January 19
- Great Spaghetti Showdown & Movie Night, January 26
- Town Hall Meeting, January 27
- Coffee House Night, February 2
- Yom Tikkun Olam, February 10
- Trivia Night, February 23
- Help for Federal Employees Affected by the Shutdown
- PADS Homeless Shelter Seeks Volunteers
- Tzedakah for California Wildfire Relief
- Support Food Pantries with Interfaith Council
Israel Awareness
- Saturday! Israeli Film Screening at SH, January 19
- Did You Know? Facts About Israel
- SHOP Shir Hadash
- Simcha Tree Leaves
- Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers!
- Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
- Links to Fundraisers: Amazon, iGive, and More
Shabbat Evening Service, January 18, 7:30pm – Our Shabbat Shira (Sabbath of Song) celebration features the singing of our Lahaka adult choir under the direction of Marek Rachelski. Come join in the celebration of our ancestor’s escape from Egyptian bondage – the moment when they crossed the Sea of Reeds and sang for joy. Bring fruit and nut treats for the oneg refreshments in celebration of Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of Trees!
Sponsor an Oneg! Having a birthday, anniversary or remembrance? You can sponsor an oneg to celebrate. A dessert oneg is $136 and everybody appreciates and enjoys your hospitality. Please contact Nancy Kekst at the synagogue office to make arrangements.
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.
January 18-19, 2019 / 13 Shevat 5779 / Shabbat Beshalach - Shira
Torah - Exodus 13:17-17:16 / Haftarah - Judges 4:4-5:31
“Miracles”
Dear Friends,
This week we read in the Torah about the Crossing of the Sea of Reeds by the Children of Israel. We will recite the Song of the Sea, Miriam’s song upon reaching the distant shore in safety. Thus, this Shabbat is called “Shabbat Shira – the Shabbat of Song.”
We may never fully understand what happened at the Sea of Reeds that saved the Israelites from the advancing Egyptian army and chariots. The Torah tells us that a strong wind blew and God split the sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land. The Egyptian army was drowned as the waters returned back. Clearly something astonishing and momentous happened. Clearly, this was a peak moment in Israelite history – a turning point that opened the way for the future of the Jewish people.
Whether this was supernatural experience or a coming together of natural phenomena that opened the path forward, either way our tradition calls it a miracle. That a band of slaves could risk it all and outrun the Egyptian army, then, when they were completely trapped, could slip away - is something to be celebrated. We Jews are inspired by this story and the message it conveys. At every moment of our lives, in the best and worst of times, when the way forward seems unclear and without hope, somehow we will find a way. With faith, tenacity, and determination, our tradition tells us to keep on the path towards goodness, justice, and freedom. Our tradition tells us to believe in the way forward and hopefully a way will be found – that’s miracle enough for me.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
To past entries of view Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow's blog, please visit our website.
Youth Religious School, January 20: Well, winter has arrived in the Chicagoland area! Because the temperature on Sunday is predicted to be 1 degree with a windchill of 5-10 below zero, we are going to postpone our visit to The Grove until March or April.
The plan is to have Religious School as normal at our Shir Hadash building this week, January 20, starting at 9:15am and dismissing at 12:30pm. In addition, we will hold our usual Torah and Jewish Philosophy class with Fred, Living Judaism with Rabbi Eitan and Hebrew Crash Course with Steve Lewin.
We are also monitoring the weather and snow reports for this weekend and will contact you should any closure be needed. You can reach Rabbi Marcey by e-mail rabbimarcey@shir-hadash.org or cell phone 773-593-5123.
Adult Education Programs -- Learning is a lifelong activity! Discover these Sunday morning adult ed classes, now underway:
Living Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Spirituality & Civilization -- 11:15am to 12:25pm; Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 24; Mar. 3, 10; April 7, 14; 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.
Torah Study and Modern Jewish Philosophy -- 9:30 to 10:30am; Instructor Fred Andes. Are you interested in what the Torah has to tell us as modern Jews? Spend some time with us looking at the upcoming week’s Torah portion (in English, don’t worry about your Hebrew) and, as we Jews do, taking it apart, digging deep inside, and trying to figure out what it meant to Jews back then and what it should mean to us now. Then, we’ll take a look at modern Jewish philosophy.
Hebrew Reading Crash Course -- Sundays, 11:15am to 12:25pm; Instructor Steve Lewin. This course is the continuation of the Fall semester and concentrates on teaching basic Hebrew alphabet and reading skills.
The next book we discuss will be Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean by Edward Kritzler. The book's subtitle gives a taste of the story: How a Generation of Swashbuckling Jews Carved Out an Empire in the New World in their Quest for Treasure, Religious Freedom, and Revenge. Melanie Andes will lead what is sure to be a fascinating discussion. We will meet on January 17 at 7:30pm at the home of Donna Torf, 2210 Ash Lane in Northbrook. For questions contact Meryl Abensohn at abenkras@aol.com.
Saturday! Israeli Film
Series at Shir Hadash, January 19 - Gett:
The Trial of Viviane Amsalem - Our next film will be on January 19
at 7:30pm. We will be showing "Gett: The Trial of
Viviane Amsalem" about the struggles of obtaining a Jewish divorce.
This fascinating film has won multiple awards. Admission is free and snacks
will be available for purchase.
The Great Shir Hadash Spaghetti Showdown & Movie Night, January 26 -- Following in the footsteps of two successful years of The Great Chili Cookoff, this year you are invited to attend The Great Spaghetti Showdown!
When: Saturday, January 26, 6:00pm
The Rules:
- Anyone can enter! We will provide regular and gluten-free pasta -- You will provide the sauce!
- Sauces and meatballs must be made with Kosher meat (beef, bison, chicken, turkey, etc.) OR can be vegetarian/pareve. No dairy will be served. (Sorry, no parmesan cheese!)
- Bring your sauce in a crock pot or Dutch oven to compete for bragging rights to best meat, best vegetarian, most innovative, fan favorite sauce, etc.
- BYOB and pot luck pareve dessert!
- Movies: Crossing Delancey for adults; Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs for kids.
- Dinner: $10/person; $20/family. Entrants admitted FREE!
- Admission to the movies is free, although donations to help cover licensing fees and security will be appreciated.
Register today via the Shir Hadash online calendar.
Town Hall Meeting, January 27 -- Please join us on Sunday, January 27 at 10:00am for a very important town hall meeting. We will be discussing the findings and implementations of our Security Taskforce led by Jerry Weiss. The taskforce was created in response to the tragedy that took place in Pittsburgh last October to insure the safety and wellbeing of all who enter our doors. We will also be sharing the experiences and information from the first Reconstructionist convention in eight years, which was held in November in Philadelphia. In attendance were Stuart Aizenberg, Scarlett Andes, Nancy Kleine-Kekst and Marc Fargotstein.
Coffee House Night-Open Night Style, February 2 -- Members and non-members, join us at Shir Hadash for a wonderful evening of live local talent , a club atmosphere with phenomenal sound, goodies, beverages, and an amazing evening of friendship and camaraderie. Be part of the audience, help behind the scenes, or perform onstage at our next Coffee House Night on February 2. If you are interested in performing or participating behind the scenes and have not yet contacted Margie, please visit the event on the Shir Hadash calendar and follow the prompts. As you know, "it takes a village" to put on a successful show. Be sure to mark your calendar so you don't miss this event - you never know who will be there!
Mussar Study Group, February 7 -- The final meeting of the Mussar study group will be February 7 at 7:30pm. The core text we are studying is Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, by Alan Morinis, and we will discuss Honor on February 7. There is no charge for participation in the Mussar Study Group and all are welcome. Please email Lynn Liebling, lliebling@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions.
Yom Tikkun Olam, A Day of Repairing the World, February 10 --February 10 will be a day that you feel good about helping so many. All Shir Hadashniks will come together at the synagogue to do tikkun olam (repair the world). There will be projects that appeal to everyone, from adults to young children. We will make meals for the homeless and cook dog biscuits for an animal shelter; create care packages for troops; do art projects benefiting veterans, children in the hospital, children in foster care, and others who need cheering up; write letters to people recently diagnosed with breast cancer; create bird feeders; and make personal care kits for people facing domestic violence. With so many choices, we guarantee that you can find projects that interest you, and you will make the world a better place.
To help us know how many supplies we need, it is appreciated if you register here. Also, please consider making an in-kind or monetary donation to help with the many needed supplies. See below.
Supplies for Yom Tikkun Olam: In-Kind and Monetary Donations Needed!
Our day of repairing the world - Yom Tikkun Olam - will require a lot of supplies. Please help us offer projects benefiting children, animals, homeless, veterans, the troops, people facing serious illness, domestic violence victims, the environment, and more. Sign up for what you would like to donate or make a monetary contribution. Use this signup link to donate specific supplies. Monetary contributions can be made by clicking here and then selecting Social Action under Donation. Thank you for doing the mitzvah of helping others!
New! Trivia Night, February 23 -- Save the date for the Third Annual Shir Hadash Trivia Night, scheduled for February 23 at 6:00pm. More details will be coming soon!
Singers Welcome to Join Lahaka! We are always looking for congregants to join our choir, Lahaka. We are a congregational choir, led by a music director, and we sing at various holidays and special Shabbat. Below are our rehearsal and, in bold, performance dates. Please join us! Contact Julie Wellisch in the front office, admin@shir-hadash.org.
Lahaka Schedule: Rehearsal and Shabbat
- January: Friday 1/18 Shabbat Shira
- February: Monday 2/4;
- March:
- April: Tuesday 4/2; Friday 4/5 Passover; Monday 4/29
- May: Friday 5/3 Shabbat; Monday 5/20
- June: Tuesday 6/4; Friday 6/7 Shabbat
Saturday! Israeli Film Series at Shir Hadash, January 19 - Our January film will be Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem. Scroll up to the Membership and Events section for details.
Did You Know? Facts About Israel - Numbers Edition!
- Population: 8,299,706 (July 2017 estimate includes Golan Heights and East Jerusalem).
- Median age: 29.9.
- Religion: Jewish 74.7%, Muslim 17.7%, Christian 2%, Druze 1.6%, other 4% (2016 est.).
- About 93% of the land is owned by the State of Israel, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and the Development Authority. The Israel Land Authority (ILA) manages the land. The government issues long-term leasing rights for land.
- 19 Israels could fit in the State of California.
- 500 million birds migrate over Israel each year.
Help for Federal Employees -- The Shir Hadash staff held a discussion regarding how we might be able to help federal government employees who are trying to make ends meet during the shutdown. Wheeling Social Services suggested that you can make food donations to the following organizations:
Wheeling Township Food Pantry is stocked by donations received from the community. Wheeling Township residents who need food due to financial difficulties may use the pantry. Call 847-259-7730 for information.
Food Connection is a Northwest Compass program located in Mt. Prospect that provides emergency relief for people who lack sufficient food and nutrition to meet their daily needs. The program assists clients by supplementing their household budgets through immediate food support. Call 847 392 2344 for information.
PADS Homeless Shelter Seeking Volunteers -- Kingswood Church in Buffalo Grove hosts the homeless on Tuesday nights year 'round. Typically 40-45 men, women and children come each week and are given a hot meal for dinner, a warm safe place to sleep, a shower, breakfast, a sack lunch and, most importantly, a welcoming environment serving up dignity and a smile. We currently have two very specific shifts we need help with - Cleaning (7:00-8:00am on Wednesday mornings) and Laundry Transport (pick up at Kingswood Church on Wednesday morning, drop off at local hotel who cleans the linens for free on Wednesday afternoon, and then pick up the laundry on Thursday and return it to Kingswood Church). People typically volunteer for these roles once or twice a month, or even once a quarter is helpful!
If you are able to volunteer in either of these roles, please be in touch with Suzanne Wexler - skwexler@yahoo.com; 847-769-8257.
The damage caused by the California wildfires is the worst in the state's history. Tzedakah donations through the end of January will help individuals and synagogues needing assistance with their devastating losses. All contributions appreciated. Checks can be made to JUF. Please leave contributions in the tzedakah box near the prayer books, or they can be given to the office in person or mailed to the synagogue. 100% of donations will go toward helping the fire victims because Jewish United Fund is absorbing all administrative costs. Contact our Social Action Chair, Lisa Burton Radzely, atsocialactionsh@gmail.com if you have questions.
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.)
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 - 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 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.
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