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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual
- No Shabbat Service October 25
- New! Multigenerational Early Service, November 1
- Sponsor an Oneg
- Religious School, October 27
- Adult Ed: Torah & Jewish Philosophy and Hebrew Reading, Sundays
- Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
- Tonight! Mussar Study Group, October 24
- Chicago Festival of Israeli Film, November 9 and 17
- Coffee House Night, November 16
- New Book Club Selection for December 19 Discussion
Social Action
- Help Serve Dinner at Soup Kitchen, November 3
- Tzedakah to help the Bahamas -- Hurricane Relief
- Ends Tomorrow! Sponsor a Child for Hanukkah -- Sign Up by October 25
- This Sunday - Sign Up Now - Luggage for Freedom Event for Victims of Domestic Violence
- Winter Warmth Clothing Drive
- 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
No Shabbat Service October 25 -- We hope you enjoy celebrating Shabbat with your family and plan to join us for services next week.
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 25-26, 2019 / 27 Tishrei 5780 / Shabbat Bereisheet
Torah Portion: Genesis 1:1-6:8 / Haftarah Portion: Isaiah 42:5-43:10
“Awe”
Dear Friends,
As the fall progresses and the leaves turn to a myriad of colors, take some time to appreciate the beauty all around us. On this Shabbat, we read of the creation of the world as we start reading the Torah from the very beginning. The account of the days of creation provides a great opportunity to pause in awe of the miracle of all existence – the earth, the heavens, and all life.
The fifteenth-century rabbinic commentator Don Isaac Abravanel noted the fragile balance that was contained in the perfection of creation. Abravanel noted that had the sun been closer to the earth or larger in size, we would burn up. Likewise, had the sun been further away or smaller, the earth would be too cold to maintain human life. Everything was placed in the exact position. God’s creation is a work of awesome perfection.
As we read the creation story, take some time to experience the wondrous world in which we live. Note how everything works in amazing harmony, a balance with stirs the soul and fills the spirit. Awe.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
Religious School, October 27 -- We are back on our regular school schedule this week! We look forward to seeing all our students at 9:15 a.m.
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.
New Sunday Morning Class! Reconstructionism: American Judaism for the 21st Century, October 27 and November 3, 11:15 am to 12:25 pm. Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow will lead a two-session introduction to the finer points of our creative and innovative Reconstructing Judaism Movement. This mini-course is highly recommended to new members of Shir Hadash and parents of new students in our religious school as well as anyone wanting a refresher on Reconstructionist Judaism. Key concepts of Reconstructionist movement philosophy and theology will be presented and discussed as a way to understanding what makes Shir Hadash so special and unique in the Jewish community.
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! 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.
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.
New Book Club Selection for December 19 Meeting -- At our next meeting we will be talking about The Lake on Fire, a novel by Rosellen Brown. The epic narrative follows 19th-century Jewish immigrants as they move from rural Wisconsin to industrialized Chicago at the time of the Columbian Exposition. Join us for a lively discussion at a member's home and bring a nosh to share! To RSVP and for location details, contact the office at admin@shir-hadash.org or (847)498-8218.
SOCIAL ACTION
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@comcast.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 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.
This 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 from October 20 through November 17. If you have any questions, please email SocialActionSH@gmail.com or ask our Social Action Chair, Lisa Burton Radzely.
JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
New! Immigration: Then and Now, November 20 -- Adult Jewish Education Co-op (AJEC) invites you to an exploration of some of the key issues of immigration led by Dr. Joyce Witt. What did our grandparents and great-grandparents have to deal with as they made their way to this country? What is different today, and how does Judaism teach us about the way immigrants should be treated? The presentation will be held at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road in Long Grove from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $18, cash or check; no preregistration required.
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.
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