For daily event updates, check our calendar. Follow us on Facebook, Instagramor Twitter. Download the Shir Hadash App forApple or Android
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
- Family Shabbat and Evening Service, March 1
- Sponsor an Oneg
- Religious School, March 3
- Adult Education Programs, March 3
- Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan, Thursdays
- Shabbaton at Shir Hadash, March 9
- JUF Dessert Reception, March 10 - Join the Committee
- Mussar Study Group, March 14
- Noisy Food Drive, Now through March 17
- Lahaka Rehearsal Schedule
- Book Club, March 21
- Sunday! Soup Kitchen Help Needed, March 3
- Tzedakah for the ARK
News from Reconstructing Judaism
- Trans Jews are Here: A Convening, New York March 29-31
Israel Awareness
- Did You Know? Facts About Israel
- Birthright Trip Registration Open
- Israeli Film Series
Jewish Community Events
- JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival, March 1-17
- SHOP Shir Hadash
- Simcha Tree Leaves
- Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers!
- Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
- Links to Fundraisers: Amazon, iGive, and More
Family Shabbat, Friday March 1, 5:30pm -- Our next Family Shabbat event is tomorrow March 1, 2019 at 5:30 pm at Shir Hadash. We will be celebrating Purim! We will have hot dogs and tots for dinner, a Shabbat Service lead by Rabbi Eitan, and then make Purim crafts (groggers anyone?)! Please plan to attend this very special event as we will recite the story of why we celebrate Purim so that we are ready when the holiday comes later next month.
Evening Service, Friday March 1, 7:30pm -- Celebrate the Shabbat at our exciting and lively evening service. Rabbi Eitan leads our worship with song, story, and explanation that makes our service meaningful for all. Bring a treat to share at our pot luck oneg refreshments.
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. The donation covers all food, including a special celebration cake. Please contact Nancy Kekst at the synagogue office to make arrangements.
March 1-2, 2019 / 25 Adar I 5779 / Shabbat Vayak’hel-Shekalim
Torah: Exodus 35:1 - 38:20
Maftir: Exodus 30:11 - 30:16 | Shabbat Shekalim
Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 - 12:17 | Shabbat Shekalim
“Wisdom, Ability, and Knowledge”
Dear Friends,
What does it take to do work that inspires others? In this week’s Torah portion, Moses gives instructions to the Children of Israel on how to construct the Tabernacle, the portable shrine, in the desert as they move from Egypt to the Promised Land. The plans and descriptions are elaborate and complicated. The materials needed to build the worship place, the Tent of Meeting, also called the Mishkanin Hebrew, were of the highest quality. The Israelites brought free will offerings of gold, silver, copper, fine yarns, leathers, woods, and more. Yet, someone special was needed to do the work to turn the materials into holy vessels. That fell to Betzalel, the chief craftsman.
The text tells us that God endowed Betzalel with the qualities of wisdom, ability, and understanding. The combination of these three attributes would allow Betzalel to see to it that the Mishkan, all the implements within, as well as the clothing of the priests and Levites would be splendid and inspiring.
And so it is with us as well. As we go about our daily life, let wisdom, ability, and knowledge guide us in the work that we do. Let these qualities help us to inspire others and live life to the fullest. Make every day a blessing.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
Religious School, March 3 -- We look forward to seeing all our students in school at 9:15 a.m.
Adult Education Programs -- Our Adult Ed classes continue on Sunday, including Torah Study & Modern Jewish Philosophy with Fred Andes, Living Judaism with Rabbi Eitan, and the new Hebrew Reading and Prayers class with Steve Lewin. For times, visit the Shir Hadash calendar.
Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan -- Each Thursday, join the Rabbi and Shir Hadash members and friends for an exploration of the weekly Torah portion from 1:00 to 2:00pm. Don’t be surprised if archaeology, sociology, contemporary world affairs as well as law, medicine, and business ethics enter the lively conversation as we plumb the deeper meanings of Judaism’s core text. Participants are encouraged to share their views, questions, and opinions.
Shabbaton, Saturday March 9 -- To make up for our snow day, we will be hosting a Shabbaton here at Shir Hadash. We will have a wonderful Shabbat Service which our students will participate in, followed by lunch,and fun Shabbat activities: games, crafts, putting together Mishloach Manot Bags (gift bags) for Purim. Please let Rabbi Marcey know if your child and family will be attending.
JUF Dessert Reception, March 10 - The annual Northwest Suburban JUF Dessert Reception will be held Sunday, March 10 at Temple Chai in Long Grove. The event features guest speaker Ira Forman, a widely acclaimed former U.S. diplomat, Jewish communal activist, author, educator, and international public speaker. For details and registration, click here.
Join the Committee! Rachel and Rich Siegel invite all Shir Hadashniks to participate in the JUF fundraiser as a committee member. No meetings to attend or calls to make -- committee members are just asked to make a donation of any size, allow their names to appear on the event program, and attend the event if possible. We have a great reason to participate: In 2018, Shir Hadash was awarded a Nonprofit Security Grant Program grant in the amount of $136,470! We could not have done it without the help of the JUF, which reviewed our application and gave us great feedback. To be part of the Committee, contact Rachel at rschicksiegel@gmail.com or Sandi Kaplan, sandikaplan@juf.org.
Noisy Food Drive, Now through March 17 -- Bring noisy foods like mac & cheese boxes, bags of beans, containers of oats, boxes of rice, or anything else that makes noise when you shake it. We will use them as groggers (noisemakers) during Purim and then donate them to a food pantry. Donations can be left in the lobby. Questions? Email socialactionsh@gmail.com.
Mussar Study Group, March 14 -- The core text we are studying is Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, by Alan Morinis. We will discuss the theme of Faith on March 14 and Trust on April 11. There is no charge for participation in the Mussar Study Group and all are welcome. Click here for an informative overview of Mussar. Please email Lynn Liebling, lliebling@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions.
New! Purim Carnival, March 17 -- Mark your calendar for Shir Hadash's Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 17! The spiel will be performed at 10:30am, followed by a fun-for-all fest with food, raffles, and unlimited games. Wristbands are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Visit the Shir Hadash calendar for more details.
Trans Jews are Here: A Convening, March 29 - 31, New York -- Trans and non-binary Jewish individuals are welcome to come celebrate and explore the intersection of transgender identity and Jewish life. Hosted by Congregation Beit Simchat Torah with Keshet, the convening includes Shabbat experiences, workshops, panels, discussions, presentations, and performances. Click here for more information.
Did You Know? Facts About Israel - Environment Edition!
- Israel is one of two countries in the world where the desert is shrinking vs. expanding.
- Israel is the world's leader in using water recycled from sewage. This "grey water" has allowed up to 40% cuts in fresh water while still producing equivalent crop yields.
- Over 80% of Israeli homes uses solar energy for hot water - the highest percentage in the world.
- Land use is a critical challenge for Israel since it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. A lot of effort is currently being focused on managing development in a sustainable manner.
Birthright Israel Opportunities – Spring and summer dates have been announced for Birthright Israel trips. Multiple opportunities are available for college students, graduates, and adults 27 to 32. For details, visit IsraeliwithIsraelis.com
Israeli Film Series at Shir Hadash - Look for more Israeli films at the synagogue in the future. Suggestions are welcome! The next film is tentatively scheduled for April 6.
Sunday! Soup Kitchen Help Needed, March 3 -- On Sunday, March 3, Shir Hadash will be serving over 90 meals to needy individuals at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church inner faith soup kitchen in Evanston. We need six to eight families (20-25 people total) who are able to prepare, cook and serve at this meaningful event from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. There is no age limit to volunteer, but kids should be at least six years old to safely participate.
Tzedakah for the ARK -- Giving tzedakah will help heat local households. The ARK paid utility bills for 750 clients last year, and the recent polar vortex will increase that need. All donations placed in the Shir Hadash tzedakah box near the prayer books or given to the office during February and March will be donated to The ARK.
JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival, March 1-17 -- The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival is in its sixth year, and reached over 12,000 film lovers in 2018. This year, the festival features 43 films at venues across the city and suburbs. The 2019 festival features a world premiere, 12 Midwest premieres and four Chicago premieres, totaling 96 screenings over the course of the three weekends. Insightful talkbacks by those instrumental to the films accompany many of the screenings. Learn more at the Festival website.
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 - 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 SHOP!--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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