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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shiva for Julie Sharpe Wellisch, August 23
- Shabbat Evening Service, August 23
- Time to Register for High Holidays
- Sponsor an Oneg
- New Education Director Announced
- Adult Ed: Torah and Jewish Philosophy, Summer Sundays
- School Registration Now Open
- Annual Picnic Rescheduled
- Membership Renewal Forms are Open
- School Supply Drive Extended to September 8
- Mussar Study Group Resumes in September
- Rides Needed to Services
- In Search of Nametags
- Visit our Reading Corner
- Reconstructing Judaism Today - Link to e-Newsletter
Social Action
- Tzedakah to help Legal Immigrants, Asylum Seekers, and Unaccompanied/Separated Children
Jewish Community
- Volunteer Opportunity for Spanish Speakers with HIAS
Israel Awareness
- Israeli Film Series
- Sponsor a Bimah Ark Panel -- Only Three Left!
- SHOP Shir Hadash
- Simcha Tree Leaves
- Don’t Forget Our Permanent Restaurant Fundraisers!
- Shir Hadash Memorial Wall
- Links to Fundraisers: Amazon, iGive, and More
Shir Hadash Mourns Passing of Julie Sharpe Wellisch -- It is with great sadness that we inform our community of the death of congregant and staff member Julie Ann Sharpe Wellisch, beloved wife of Dan, mother of Benji, and daughter of members Peggy Sharpe and the late Burton Sharpe.
The funeral will be held today, Thursday, August 22 at 2:00pm at Chicago Jewish Funerals Buffalo Grove Chapel, 195 N Buffalo Grove Rd. Interment will follow immediately at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W Rand Rd, Arlington Heights. Shiva will follow immediately from 4:30 - 9:00pm at Shir Hadash Synagogue, 200 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling. Shiva will continue there Friday from 4:00 - 7:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the community for Shabbat services at 7:30pm.
The funeral will be held today, Thursday, August 22 at 2:00pm at Chicago Jewish Funerals Buffalo Grove Chapel, 195 N Buffalo Grove Rd. Interment will follow immediately at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W Rand Rd, Arlington Heights. Shiva will follow immediately from 4:30 - 9:00pm at Shir Hadash Synagogue, 200 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling. Shiva will continue there Friday from 4:00 - 7:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the community for Shabbat services at 7:30pm.
Time to Register for High Holiday Services -- Believe it or not, the High Holidays are coming soon – less than 6 weeks away! Selichot is on Saturday, September 21, and Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of Sunday, September 29. Members will be receiving e-mails over this coming weekend, so they can register for the Holidays, volunteer to help, and get tickets for their guests. All of the information that you need to register – and the whole Holidays schedule – are on the members-only section of our web site. If you have any questions about the Holidays, feel free to e-mail cwr@shir-hadash.org . We’ll see you all on the Holidays!
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, execdir@shir-hadash.org to make arrangements.
August 23-24, 2019 / 23 Av 5779 / Shabbat Ekev
Torah: Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25 / Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14 - 51:3
“Not by Bread Alone”
Dear Friends,
As the Children of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses warned them not to become arrogant. After all the trials and difficulties that they overcame in the desert, life in the Land of Israel would surely bring comfort and abundance – a recipe for pride and self importance. It would be essential that the Israelites remember that their survival and success came from God’s blessings. Thus, this week’s text teaches “man does not live by bread alone.”
Likutei Torah offers this lesson: “Human beings do not live from physical bread… but only by God’s power, which went forth at the time of creation and which caused bread to come into existence. It is from this spiritual essence that human beings live because it is the food that provides nourishment for the soul. (A Torah Commentary for Our Times: Volume 3. Harvey Fields, page 120)
Take time for mindfulness and awareness of the blessings and abundance that are showered upon us each and every day.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
New Education Director Joins Shir Hadash -- It is with great excitement that we announce that Rachel Dorit Goldberg has agreed to become our Education Director, effective immediately. Rachel is a multi-passionate and creative educator, entrepreneur, and community organizer. She is currently a student in the Rabbinical Ordination Program at Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal in Philadelphia. She holds a teacher certification in Secondary Social Studies Education with Middle School Endorsement and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa, where she majored in History and minored in Sociology.
She brings to Shir Hadash a wide range of experience in Jewish organizations, education, spirituality, and wellness. Most recently, she has served as a leadership fellow and group facilitator at Mishkan Chicago, leading prayer, preparing original drashes, and designing and facilitating group programs. She worked as educational program administrator and site director at the largest child care provider in the country, implementing proprietary enrichment curriculum at six schools. She has also served as the director of youth programs and youth advisor at an area synagogue, and has ten years of experience as site director of the City of Evanston’s Young Artist Project, a summer arts program for youth.
Many thanks to Rabbi Eitan, VP of Education Alan Bernover, and the search committee of Sean Fisher-Rohde, Elliot Simon, Lynne Arons, Carole Mostow and Joel Bakrins for their hard work in completing a swift and comprehensive search for our new Education Director. We are looking forward to the start the school year on Sunday, September 8.
Torah and Jewish Philosophy Summer Schedule -- While Religious School is on summer break, our Torah/Jewish Philosophy Adult Ed class with Fred Andes will continue to meet every other Sunday morning at Shir Hadash. Anyone who is interested may contact Fred at fandes@btlaw.com for details.
School Registration is Open -- Along with other membership materials (see below) Religious School registration is now available online. Access the forms by clicking here (note, forms function best on computers rather than handheld devices).
Membership Forms Now Available Online -- Have you renewed your membership? Don't be left behind! You can't register for high holiday services until you do! Our membership forms are online and awaiting your information! Simply visit this link to renew your current membership, become a new member, and register for religious school! You must be a member in order to register for school. Please complete the forms on a computer. If you do find any issues that need correcting, simply write us at admin@shir-hadash.org and we will assist you, or call the office at 847-498-8218.
Picnic Rescheduled -- In respect for the Wellisch family, we have chosen to reschedule this weekend's annual picnic. Plan to join us for a BBQ picnic lunch following the first day of Sunday School on September 8. Details will be shared next week.
School Supply Drive Extended to September 8 -- Holmes Middle School in Wheeling has asked for help. They don't have enough new spiral notebooks, pencils, markers, three-ring binders, and dividers for binders. Please help all Holmes students have these necessities. Other area schools also need new school supplies, so bring donations to Shabbat services and the picnic. There is a box in the lobby labeled School Supply Drive.
New! Shir Hadash College Connection --If your child(ren) are heading off to college or grad school, be sure to send them a little taste of Shir Hadash High Holidays this year. This is a special treat for children of Shir Hadash members only, sponsored by Rabbi Eitan! If we have success with this holiday package, we may do another one for Passover. There is no charge for this gift, but of course you are always welcome to make a donation to the synagogue in thanks! The package will include kosher holiday treats like honey sticks, dried apples, electric tea lights, teas, sweets and savories, as well as holiday readings. In order to participate, please visit this page and complete the form - one student per form. Signups are due by the end of the day on Friday, September 13. Questions? Call the office or email admin@shir-hadash.org.
Rides Needed to Services -- Steve Perlis is one of our newest members. He's 71 and a retired Navy veteran, who found us when he attended a Jewish War Veterans meeting at Shir Hadash. He no longer drives. Steve lives on Mill Creek Drive in Buffalo Grove, and would like to find members willing to offer him a ride to and from Shabbat services as well as High Holiday Services. Are you willing to be added to a list of potential drivers that could help Steve when you both plan on attending? If so, please let Suzie Sabransky and Stuart Aizenberg know. Thanks!
Shir Hadash is offering an opportunity to get some background in what Mussar is all about. There will be two Intro to Mussar sessions, on Thursday, September 5 and Thursday, September 12 at 7:30 pm at Shir Hadash. Members who attend these sessions will then have the option of joining our ongoing Mussar group, which meets one Thursday evening per month. Our core text is Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis. Please obtain the book either through your local library or purchase and begin reading Part One.
The first regular session for the entire group is on Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 pm. We will discuss the middah (character trait) of Yirah (Awe or Wonder). Subsequent meetings TBA. For more information, contact Lynn Liebling, lliebling@sbcglobal.net or Kayla Shonberg, klashon74@gmail.com.
In Search of Nametags... -- We have inventoried the congregant nametags in the drawers by the sanctuary and seem to be missing almost 50 of them. Are they in your car? Your kitchen? Your Tallit bag? Coat pocket? Please help us conserve resources by bringing your wandering nametag back to Shir Hadash. In August we will make new ones to welcome our many new members!
Visit our Reading Room -- Have you seen our new mini-reading room? It is now located in the hallway outside the sanctuary, across from the restrooms. There are many books of interest. Please feel free to take one, enjoy it, and pass it along to a neighbor, but DON"T return it! We have more books to put out!
Reconstructing Judaism Today e-Newsletter -- Learn about what’s going on in Reconstructionist communities around the world, and gain access to exciting online learning opportunities and resources from the central organization of the movement, Reconstructing Judaism. To subscribe to the e-newsletter Reconstructing Judaism Today, and receive other vital communication from Reconstructing Judaism, just click on this link.
SOCIAL ACTION
Support Legal Immigrants, Asylum Seekers, and Unaccompanied/Separated Children: Tzedakah, Now Through Mid-October -- Help provide on-the-ground assistance to legal immigrants, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied/separated children. Now through mid-October, tzedakah will be split between JUF Asylum Seekers Fund and HIAS Border Response. These funds provide housing, basic necessities like clothing and toiletries, training on their rights, and legal assistance to legal immigrants, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied/separated children. For more information on the JUF Fund, click here. For more information about HIAS' efforts, click here.
Cash or checks can be placed in the tzedakah box located near the prayer books, or it can be given to the office. You can give tzedakah any time the building is open or you can mail a check to the synagogue. Checks should be made out to JUF Asylum Seekers Fund, HIAS, or to Shir Hadash with a note that it's for tzedakah. If you have questions, ask Lisa Burton Radzely or email her at socialactionsh@gmail.com.
JEWISH COMMUNITY
Volunteer Opportunity with HIAS in El Paso/Juarez -- There are currently more than 13,000 asylum seekers in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. These asylum seekers are not aware of their legal rights and don’t understand the very complicated process of seeking asylum in the U.S.
HIAS is seeking volunteers to stay in El Paso, Texas and travel into Ciudad Juarez daily to assist local staff in serving asylum seekers by providing Know Your Rights presentations and screening asylum seekers for potential legal representation. Each delegation of two to eight volunteers will last from Sunday-Friday. All volunteers must be at least advanced-proficient Spanish speakers, but need not have any experience working with asylum seekers or in immigration law. You can find out more information about this opportunity here.
ISRAEL AWARENESS
Israeli Film Series at Shir Hadash: Our next Israeli film showing will be after Yom Kippur in the fall. If you have any suggestions, please contact Burton Kopulsky, bkopulsk@chicagobooth.edu.
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
Twelve Tribes Bimah Panels: Only Three Panels Left to Dedicate! -- Celebrating our fifth anniversary in our building, our Twelve Tribes bimah ark panels are a combined creation of artists Maureen Fisher Schweit and Abe Schor, who worked together on concept, design and colors.
You are invited to participate in this fundraising historic project by dedicating all or part of a panel. Each panel dedication is $1,800; panels may be dedicated by more than one person and families may pool resources to dedicate one panel (e.g, $180 each by 10 people). Donors will be acknowledged on our new donor wall next to the Simcha Tree. The panel dedications will remain in perpetuity, or as long as the art remains in our sanctuary. (They will not expire in 18 years as originally stated.) To learn more about the Bimah Panels, click here. For questions, panel reservation, choice and payment options, contact Executive Director Nancy Kleine Kekst at (216) 789-2452 (mobile) or email execdir@shir-hadash.org.
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, Butterfield’s Restaurant in Northbrook, and 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.
