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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
- Shabbat Kabbalat Service and SHED Talks, March 8
- Sponsor an Oneg
- Shabbaton at Shir Hadash, March 9
- Religious School, March 10 -- Spring Forward for Daylight Savings Time!
- Adult Education Programs, March 10
- Shabbat Evening Service with Grades 4 and 5, March 15
- Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eitan, Thursdays
- Sunday! JUF Dessert Reception, March 10
- New! Hamentaschen Bake, March 14
- New! "Mordecai's Mountain Retreat" Adult Purim Event, March 16
- New! Purim Carnival, March 17
- Noisy Food Drive, Now through March 17
- Book Club, March 21
- Mussar Study Group, Rescheduled to March 28
- Board Nominations Open -- Annual Meeting May 19
- Come Sing with Lahaka
- 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
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday March 9, 7:30pm - “SHED TALKS – Shir Hadash’s version of TED Talks” – We begin with a brief Kabbalah Shabbat to welcome the Shabbat with song and story. Then, Shir Hadash members offer personal reflections on life, living, and Judaism. Oneg refreshments sponsored by Julie Wellisch & Felicia Pearlman to follow.
2. Julie Wellisch & Felicia Pearlman- “Cancer Schmancer” - Living with our SOB and how fate, faith, resilience, and humor gets us through our day.
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 8-9, 2019 / 2 Adar II 5779 /Shabbat Pikudei
Torah: Exodus 38:21 - 40:38 / Haftarah: I Kings 7:51 - 8:21
“Transparency”
Dear Friends,
As the portable desert sanctuary, the Mishkan or tabernacle, was being crafted, the Torah carefully listed the order of construction as well as all the donations that were offered by the people. In fact, the Torah repeated these lists numerous times – over and over again. What can this mean?
Ramban suggests that this repetition is all about the love that God had for the sacred shrine and how important it was for all Israelites. Other commentators suggest that the message is really about the moral responsibility that public leaders have to care for the public treasury. When people make donations, it is critical that those in leadership act with honesty and integrity. The rabbis say that Moses wanted to avoid any gossip in the community that might lead to people believing that he was profiting from the donations. Thus, he insisted on transparency, that all the books be open to the public and the lists be shared with the people.
The message is clear, whenever we are in positions of responsibility, whether in public or private, we must act honestly and in the best interest of all. Our actions must instill confidence, unity, and trustworthiness.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
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.
Religious School, March 10 -- We look forward to seeing all our students in school at 9:15 a.m. It's the first day of Daylight Savings Time, so be sure to move your clocks ahead on Saturday night!
Shabbat Evening Service with Grades 4 and 5, March 15 -- Our fourth and fifth graders will help lead Shabbat services on Friday, March 15. We will welcome as our guests the fifth grade class from St. Peter's United Church of Christ. Students and parents are invited to share in a Shabbat dinner at 6:30pm, followed by the service at 7:30pm. Please let Rabbi Marcey know if you will be attending. Volunteers to help with dinner would be much appreciated.
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.
New! Annual Hamentaschen Bake for Purim Bake Sale, March 14--Bring a batch of your best hamentaschen dough (dairy or parve; cookie preferred, not yeast) and your favorite fillings for a fun baking session at Shir Hadash. We will provide the rolling surfaces and flour, round cookie cutters and the ovens! Also please bring a rolling pin and cookie sheet to keep things moving along. Two time slots: 10:00am -- 2:00pm or 7:00 -- 9:00pm. We will have containers to pack them up for sale at the Purim Carnival. (Yes, you can take a few home) Click here to register!
New! Adult Purim Event, March 16 -- Revisit the good old days in the Catskill Mountains with an evening at Mordecai's Mountain Resort! On Saturday, March 16 from 7:00 – 10:00pm, enjoy a hilarious evening of music, song and comedy. No registration! No charge! Potluck Dessert table! Be there or be square! Click here for details.
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.
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, Rescheduled to March 28 -- 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 28 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.
At this time, we are seeking members who are interested in serving in the open Board positions, including President, Executive Vice-President, Vice-President for Programming, and four At-Large Board Members for two-year terms. If you are interested in running for any of these positions, or if you would like more information, please contact Fred Andes at fandes@btlaw.com. Completed nomination forms must be received at the office by March 22.
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.
Tzedakah for the ARK -- Through the end of March, tzedakah will help the ARK do its important work of providing medical care, food, and other basic necessities to more than 4,000 Chicagoland Jewish families. The ARK assists them in navigating self-reliance by providing free, comprehensive services within a framework of Jewish values and laws.
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.
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