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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Evening Service, October 18, 7:30 p.m.
- Simchat Torah Pizza Dinner & Service, October 20
- New! Multigenerational Early Service, November 1
- Sponsor an Oneg
- Religious School, October 20
- Adult Ed: Torah & Jewish Philosophy and Hebrew Reading, Sundays
- Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
- Mussar Study Group, October 24
- Tonight! Book Club, October 17
- Chicago Festival of Israeli Film, November 9 and 17
- Sukkot Recap
- Save the Date - Coffee House Night, November 16
Social Action
- Food Drive Success -- Thank You!
- New! Help Serve Dinner at Soup Kitchen, November 3
- Tzedakah to help the Bahamas -- Hurricane Relief
- Final Week! Sponsor a Child for Hanukkah -- Sign Up by October 25
- Next Sunday - Sign Up Now - Luggage for Freedom Event for Victims of Domestic Violence
- Winter Warmth Clothing Drive Starts October 20
- 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
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday October 18, 7:30pm -- Shabbat Sukkot
“Ecclesiastes – Finding our Place in Nature on Sukkot” At this special Shabbat Sukkot service we will read and study selections from the book of Ecclesiastes, also known as Kohelet. Through these verses we are taught to feel small amongst the vastness of the universe. Yet, we come to appreciate all that the natural world gives us. Bring a treat to share at our oneg refreshments.
Simchat Torah, Sunday October 20 -- The Jewish festival of Simchat Torah celebrates our love for our Jewish tradiiton of learning and studying sacred scripture, the Torah. This is a great family holiday celebration. We wil begin with a community pizza dinner at 5:30 p.m. (click here to RSVP) and then continue with our celebration. We welcome everyone, younger and older, to dance numerous circle dances with our Torah scrolls led by our singing rabbi and members of the Mighty Shir Hadash Klezmorim band. Our newest religious school students will be honored through a ceremony called "Consecration." Following the dancing, we will unroll a Torah scroll from end to end for all to see and have our 7th graders stand by their bar/bat mitzvah Torah portions. We will read the last few lines of the Torah and then the first few lines, thus finishing and beginning our study anew. Finally, taffy apples will be served and everyone is invited to visit our Sukkah harvest booth.
New! Special Early, Multi-Generational Friday Night Service, November 1, 7:00 p.m: On Friday November 1, we are trying something new (as we like to do at Shir Hadash). We want to expand our efforts to bring all generations of the community to our Friday night services, being together in one space at one time. So, we will have one service, starting earlier than usual: 7:00 pm. We encourage all generations to come – young, old, and in between are all welcome. We encourage all school families, seniors, not-yet seniors, and anyone else who would like to come worship with us as a community, to enjoy a shabbat service and then oneg. Please bring a dessert to share.
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.
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.
October 18-19, 2019 / 20 Tishrei 5780 / Shabbat Chol Hamo’ed Sukkot
Torah Portion: Exodus 33:12-43:26, Deuteronomy 16:13-17
Haftarah Portion: Ezekiel 38:18-39:16
“Sukkot – Appreciating the Gifts of Nature”
Dear Friends,
You shall live in booths seven days… in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in sukkot when I brought them out of the land of Egypt... [Leviticus 23:42-43]
In Jerusalem on the day after Yom Kippur, sukkah booths suddenly appear all over the city. They are beside houses, on apartment balconies, and even next to restaurants. These feeble huts remind us of the dwellings of our ancestors as they travelled through the desert for 40 years from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Through the flimsy roofs, we let in the wind and the rain. We see the stars and moon when we look up through the branches. Tradition tells us to read the book of Ecclesiastes to remind ourselves how small and insignificant we are when compared to the immensity and majesty of all creation. And yet, while feeling tiny and minute in the cosmos, we also come to appreciate how fortunate we are to be alive. We pause to take in all that the natural world has to give us.
Spend some time in a sukkah and pause to reflect on how lucky we are. Let your senses remind you of how good it is to be alive and how fortunate we are to share in nature’s bounty.
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Same’ach – Happy Holidays,
Zay a mentsch -- Be a good person.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
No Morning Religious School, October 20 -- This week, we will not be holding our regular morning classes. But be sure to join the Shir Hadash community for the Simchat Torah celebration service on Sunday evening -- scroll back up for details!
Adult Ed Classes, Sunday mornings -- Check out our Adult Education classes taking place this Sunday: Torah & Jewish Philosophy with Fred Andes at 9:30 a.m. and Hebrew Reading & Prayer with Steve Lewin at 10:30.
Lunch & Learn, Thursdays -- Join the Rabbi and Shir Hadash members and friends at 1:00 p.m. for a refreshing and contemporary exploration of the weekly Torah portion, a selected book of the Bible, or a contemporary work of Jewish wisdom.
Tonight! Book Club, October 17 -- The Shir Hadash Book Club is reading The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty. The author, a renowned culinary historian, offers a fresh perspective on our most divisive cultural issue, race, in this illuminating memoir of Southern cuisine and food culture that traces his ancestry—both black and white—through food, from Africa to America and slavery to freedom. We will meet on Thursday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. For the location of the meeting or more information, contact the office at admin@shir-hadash.org or (847) 498-8218.
Mussar Discussion Group, October 24 -- Life repeatedly challenges us. How do we translate high-level concepts of ethical living to this moment in time? Mussar is a Jewish practice that guides us on this path. Shir Hadash's Mussar Study Group discusses the core text Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis. Our next group meeting will be Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lynn Liebling, lliebling@sbcglobal.net or Kayla Shonberg, klashon74@gmail.com.
Chicago Festival of Israeli Film, November 9 and 17 -- Shir Hadash has blocks of tickets available for two great Festival offerings at the ArcLight Theater in Glenview: "The Unorthodox" on Saturday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. and "Israeli Men in Shorts" on Sunday, November 17, at 5:15 p.m. (Click the links for details and registration.) Tickets are $15 each. After the films, we will walk to a nearby restaurant for a nosh and conversation. Shir Hadash is a sponsor of the Festival thanks to a generous donation by Susan E. Cohen and Jerry Carl.
Save the Date! Coffee House Night, November 16 -- Attention: Non-performers and Performers, Members and Non-members…. Save the Date for our next Coffee House Night - Open Mic Style on Saturday, November 16. Doors will open at 6:30; the event will run from about 7:00 - 10:30.
You do not need to be one of the performers to attend; everyone is welcome! You will be amazed at the wonderful talent you'll hear. Bring a date, bring a friend or come solo – the evening is well worth your attendance. While there is no charge, a Free Will Donation will be graciously accepted and appreciated so we can continue running wonderful programs like this.
Sukkot Recap from Melanie Andes -- Our Soup, Salad, and S'mores-gasbord celebration was a succulent success this past Sunday. Rabbi Eitan led a lovely service in the sanctuary that was followed by performing our ancient ceremony in the sukkah.
I want to thank everyone who helped to make this event so warm and delightful, not to mention delicious. Bonny Davidson made vegetarian matzah ball soup, Rachel Seigel made potato leek soup, Sandy Weiss made lentil soup, Mira Zweiban made minestrone, and Melanie Andes made split pea soup. Our salad makers were Joy Anes who made a spinach salad, Susie Baker who made a salad with "lots of fun things", Susie's friend Sharona made a salad as did Marc Fargotstein. Rebecca Rice made a gluten free corn bread, and Reba Meshulam made a regular corn bread plus home made barekas. Delicious olive bread, pumpernickle, chiabatta, baguette, bagels, and challah were also brought. The soups and salads were so delicious that there was nothing left.
Then, there was the S'mores-gasbord!! I didn't get the names of everyone who made s'mores themed desserts but we had, s'mores ruggalach, s'mores bread pudding, brownies, bars, and pops. Margie Skora couldn't attend the event but brought us beautiful chocolate chip cookies. Mira and Neil Zweiban, Chana Sulpar, Fred Andes, and Marc Fargotstein came early to help with set up and lots of people lent a hand with the clean up. Thank you to everyone who helped with set up, clean up, and cooking!!! And especially thank you to those who came and enjoyed the evening. We all had a wonderful time. See you at Simchat Torah this coming Sunday!!!
SOCIAL ACTION
Food Drive Success! We needed overflow space because Shir Hadashniks brought so many bags of food donations to Yom Kippur services! Thank you for stocking the ARK's food pantry shelves!
Help Serve Meals at Soup Kitchen, November 3 --Help Shir Hadash prepare and serve over 90 meals to those less fortunate in our community. We will be serving at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1004 Greenwood St, Evanston, IL on Sunday, November 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This is a great family event because there is no age limit to volunteer, but kids should be at least six years old to safely participate in this event.
Each participating family will be responsible for bringing a precooked meat or pasta entree (in disposable dish) that can feed approximately 15 people; one large bag frozen mixed vegetables; one bag of fresh fruit; and a dessert. We’re aware this may be a lot for some families so please feel free to join with another family to bring a meal. If you are interested in helping to serve on November 3, please contact Mark Lenhart, mjlenhart@sbcglobal.net, as soon as possible.
Help the Bahamas -- Hurricane Dorian's impact on the Bahamas is staggering. Thousands of homes were destroyed. As of September 22, at least 53 people are dead and more than 1,300 still missing—many likely swept to their deaths. The recovery process will be very slow, for the government has ordered no rebuilding for six months in order to "allow for recovery efforts and the removal of (billions of pounds of) storm debris."
Just as people around the world helped the US after Hurricane Katrina, it is now our turn to help the Bahamas. There are multiple ways you can give tzedakah: leaving cash or a check in the tzedakah box near the prayer books, or by mailing a check or leaving one with the office. Checks should be made out to Jewish Federation Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund. 100% of collected funds will provide relief for those impacted by this disaster, with Federation absorbing all administrative costs. Questions? Ask our Social Action Chair, Lisa Burton Radzely, or email socialactionsh@gmail.com.
Shir Hadash is teaming with Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) to help children get what they want this holiday season. Your involvement makes the difference between these children receiving gifts or not getting anything.
There are three ways you can help:
- Shop for a child's entire wish list ($50).
- Shop for half of a child's wish list. We will pair you with someone ($25 each).
- Donate any amount and have someone else shop for you. All amounts add up, so donations of all sizes are welcomed. $50 fulfills one child's wish list.
Next Sunday - Sign Up Now! Sort, Pack, and/or Deliver Items for Domestic Violence Shelters, October 27 -- Shir Hadash will participate in the upcoming Luggage for Freedom event helping hundreds of donations get to women and children leaving domestic violence shelters. Volunteers are needed to sort items, pack suitcases and backpacks, and then deliver donations to local domestic violence shelters. Ages four and up are welcome. Donations of new sheets, new towels, and Ziplock bags are accepted on that day at the event. If you have other items to donate – such as luggage - please email luggageforfreedom@ncjwcns.org.
The next Luggage for Freedom event takes place on Sunday, October 27, at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park.
- 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Sort
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Pack
- 1:30 PM: Deliver to shelters
Please email SocialActionSH@gmail.com if you would like to be part of the Shir Hadash team participating in this event. Indicate which time slot(s) you will participate.
Winter Warmth Drive: Gently-Used and New Winter Outerwear and Accessories, October 20 - November 17 -- We are having a winter warmth drive for local families. Gently-used and new hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, jackets, snowpants, and snowboots are welcomed. They will be distributed to local families who need assistance staying warm this winter. There will be a collection bin in the lobby October 20 through November 17. If you have any questions, please email SocialActionSH@gmail.com or ask our Social Action Chair, Lisa Burton Radzely.
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.
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