For daily event updates, check our calendar. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Download the Shir Hadash App for Apple or Android
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Multigenerational Shabbat Evening Service, January 10, 7:00 p.m.
- Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, January 11, 9:30 a.m.
- Sponsor an Oneg
- Religious School, January 12: Youth and Adult Ed Programs
- New Adult Ed Class: Judaism's Ten Best Ideas with Rabbi Eitan
- New! No'ar Hadash Midwest Youth Kallah, February 14-16
- Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
- 2020 Event Preview
- New! Synagogue Coffee Discussion on Israel Policy and Reconstructing Judaism, January 12
- Purim Performers Wanted! First Meeting, January 19
- New Member Dinner, January 25
- Book Club, February 20
- New! Yom Tikkun Olam, February 25
- Trivia Night, February 29
- Voting Opens Soon for World Zionist Congress
- Save the Date and Get Involved! 25th Anniversary Gala, May 2
Social Action
- Relief Efforts for Ugandan Flood Victims
- Aid to Australia
Community Initiatives
- JUF Annual Campaign Extended to Fight Hate
- Help Immigrant Teens
- 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
Multigenerational Shabbat Evening Service, January 10, 7:00 p.m. - We will bring all generations of the community to our special early Friday night services, being together in one space at one time. 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 an exciting Shabbat service. Special guest Rabbi Maurice Harris will be visiting with us from the central office of Reconstructing Judaism. Please bring aa dessert to share at our oneg refreshments.
Shabbat Morning Bat Mitzvah Service, January 11, 9:30 a.m. - Mazel tov to Hannah Curtis, daughter of Pam and Nate Curtis.
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.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
December 10-11, 2020 / 14 Tevet 5780 / Shabbat Vayekhi
Torah - Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 / Haftarah - I Kings 2:1-12
“The Cave of Machpelah”
Dear Friends,
This week’s Torah portion brings us to the end of the book of Genesis. The story of Joseph concludes with the Children of Israel settled in Egypt – a safe haven from the famine that was ravaging the region. Even thought the focus is clearly on settling in the Nile delta area of Goshen, the connection to the Land of Israel is still very present. Jacob, the family patriarch, died with a final request, that he be buried in the Cave of Machpelah, back in the land of Israel, in modern day Hebron. A funeral caravan was organized and Jacob’s body was brought back ‘home.’
That is the message of this story, that the Land of Israel is the Jewish homeland. Regardless of where we live and the countries of which we are loyal and proud citizens, our Jewish spiritual and historical roots lie in the Land of Israel. For millennia we have concluded our Passover seders with the words “Next Year in Jerusalem.” Our Hebrew language and Bible are clearly rooted in the Land. We pray facing east towards the Land.
Celebrate the ongoing connection to our ancestral home. If you can, go visit the State of Israel and revel in the modern miracle that it has become in the Land of Israel.
Religious School, January 12 -- We look forward to seeing all our students at Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. In addition, we will hold our regular Adult Education classes, along with special classes, committee meetings
*Torah & Jewish Philosophy with Fred Andes at 9:30 a.m.
*SPC Meeting 10:15 a.m.
*Hebrew Reading & Prayer with Steve Lewin at 10:30 a.m.
New Adult Ed Class: Judaism's 10 Best Ideas (No meeting on January 12) -- Sundays, 11:15 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.: Jan. 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 23; Mar. 1, 8 and 15. Instructor: Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
This class is based on Rabbi Arthur Green's book Judaism's 10 Best Ideas. We will explore what Rabbi Green considers the fundamental principles of Judaism and the concepts that exemplify the best contributions that Judaism has made to civilization.
New! No'ar Hadash Midwest Youth Kallah, February 14-16 -- The annual No’ar Hadash Midwest Youth Kallah for all of the Reconstructionst Youth in the Region (us, JRC, a few smaller midwest synagogues) is happening February 14-16 & Registration Is Open!
Much of the programming will be planned by participants and the leadership team will begin meeting at JRC soon... Please write Rachel Goldberg at educdirector@shir-Hadash.org to let her know if you'd like to be part of the leadership team for Kallah, and she will make sure you are included in those communications.
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.
Filling out your 2020 calendar? Be sure and add these Shir Hadash events:
- January 25 -- New Member Havdalah and Dinner. All members welcome! Scroll down for details.
- February 1 -- Israeli Movie Night
- February 9 -- Cocktail Night at Mehran's
- February 14-16 -- No'ar Hadash Midwest Youth Kallah (Grades 6-12)
- February 22-- Coffee House
- February 23 -- Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day)
- February 29 -- Trivia Night
- March 7 -- Adult Purim Night
- March 8 -- Purim Carnival
- April 3 -- Pausing in the Wilderness Service
- April 9 -- SH Community Seder
- April 25 -- Israeli Movie Night
- May 2 -- 25th Anniversary Gala
- May 16 -- Coffee House
New! Synagogue Coffee Discussion on Israel Policy and Reconstructing Judaism, January 12 -- Come for an informative conversation at 7:00 p.m. with Rabbi Maurice Harris, Associate Director for Thriving Communities and Israel Affairs Specialist from the Reconstructing Judaism Movement, and Rabbi Eitan. Bring your questions.
Purim Performers Wanted! First Meeting on January 19 -- Plans are underway for Morty's Borscht Belt comedy evening for Purim on March 7 at 7:00 p.m. If you participated in the past -- or if you've always wanted to -- here's your chance! The producers are looking for stand-up comedy acts, singers, and other types of talent for the show. If you are interested, come to a short meeting at 12:30 pm. on Sunday, January 19. RSVP to davidedler@gmail.com.
New Member Dinner, January 25, 6:00 p.m. -- We have more new members this year than at any time in the recent past. Help welcome them at a special evening including Havdalah, wine, dinner and entertainment. Register here for Saturday, January 25 at 6:00 p.m. Free admission for members who joined since February 2019 and their immediate families; for others, $18/per adult, $7 for children 4-12 and free for children under 4. Please RSVP by January 17 so we know how much food will be needed.
Book Club New Selection: Next Meeting February 20 -- 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.
This month's selection is God's Gold: The Quest for the Lost Temple Treasures of Jerusalem. Archaeologist Dr. Sean Kingsley describes the modern-day quest for the priceless icons of the Jewish faith plundered from the great Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.
New! Yom Tikkun Olam, February 23 -- A day for our congregation to repair the world. The entire Shir Hadash community will come together to make the world a better place. There will be projects for everyone, including ones geared to adults as well as activities that young children can do. This event is for individuals and for families -- for everyone in our congregation who wants to help the homeless, domestic violence survivors, people with a serious illness, veterans, children, animals, and more! Stay tuned for more information and mark your calendar for the morning of February 23.
Trivia Night, February 29 -- Save the date for the 4th Annual Shir Hadash Family Trivia Night on Saturday, February 29 at 6:00 p.m. The event benefits the Samuel I. Andes Scholarship Fund, which is a need-based fund to assist children who otherwise would not be able to attend the Shir Hadash Religious School due to economic reasons. Trivia buffs - high school-aged and older - will enjoy this fast-paced, high energy, friendly competition! There will be six rounds of trivia with cash prizes for the top teams, plus a live auction and a 50/50 raffle! Pizza, soft drinks and bake sale items will be available for purchase. Free babysitting is available for children up to age 12 (tots must be potty-trained). Online registration will be available soon.
Special Auction Item! Check your calendars and come ready to bid on four choice aisle seat Cubs tickets! The game is against the Phillies on April 25 (2:20 start) in row 3 of section 226.
Voting Opens Soon for World Zionist Congress -- Every 5 years, elections are held throughout the Jewish world for the World Zionist Congress. The WZC then spends billions of dollars that make a big difference in Israel. This is your chance to register and VOTE!
Reconstructing Judaism recommends that you VOTE for the ARZA slate to best reflect our values! ARZA will advocate that WZC funds be spent to support religious pluralism and freedom in Israel, women’s equality at the Western Wall, Israeli environmental organizations, peacebuilding and democracy efforts, and LGBTQ rights in Israel. ARZA will also work with other progressive delegations to the WZC to prevent these funds from being spent on projects in the settlements.
Voting takes place online from January 21 to March 11, 2020 and will take less than 90 seconds to participate. If you are a US citizen or resident who is Jewish and at least 18 years old, click here and sign up for a Remind Me To Vote notice and easy instructions. Or you can write to votearza@gmail.com and ask for a reminder.
Save the Date, and Get Involved! Shir Hadash 25th Anniversary Gala, May 2 -- Planning is underway for our 25th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, May 2. The event chair is Ila Rothschild and we have a core committee in place. But we are forming subcommittees:
- Theme/Design/Invitations/Marketing: Nancy will do invitation printing and SC pages
- Decor/Giveaways: Nancy and Cindy
- Food/Entertainment: Ila Rothschild
- Program Book: Nancy will coordinate and assemble
- Event Program: Video, Speakers - chairperson needed
- Basket Auction: Chairperson needed
- Administration, RSVP, & Budget: Karen Burnham
SOCIAL ACTION
Donate to Send Food, Blankets, and Mattresses to Jewish Ugandan Flood Victims -- We have received a plea for help for those who are starving and have lost their homes due to flooding. The Ugandan Jewish community, Abayudaya, has been devastated by record rains and flooding. They are trying to figure out how to survive. We are answering their call for help by assisting them with purchasing food. If we raise enough funds, the homeless individuals also will be able to buy blankets and mattresses. The situation is dire. If you are able to help, donations can be made in one of three ways:
- In the tzedakah box near the prayer books
- Check mailed or delivered to the office, made out to Shir Hadash and Notes field indicating "Uganda flood recovery"
- Donations made online here. For online donations, select Social Action for Type and indicate Uganda Flood Recovery in the Notes field.
Contact our Social Action Chair, Lisa Burton Radzely, at SocialActionSH@gmail.com or Lynne Arons at lynnearons1@gmail.com if you have questions.
Australia Wildfire Assistance -- We've all seen the heartbreaking images and heard the staggering statistics about the Australian wildfires. A problem this huge needs all of the help they can get from everyone around the world. There are several reputable organizations where you can help displaced persons, injured animals, and the firefighting effort.
- Local fire departments: Victoria and New South Wales have been hardest hit. The Victoria fire department is welcoming donations at this link, while New South Wales fire department donations can be made by clicking here.
- Injured animals: WIRES is the New South Wales-based Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc., Australia's largest wildlife rescue organization. It requests donations to fund the rescue and care of animals affected by the fires. In December, WIRES received more than 20,000 calls and volunteers attended more than 3,300 rescues, according to the organization's website. All animal rescuers are volunteers. Learn more at wires.org.au.
- Displaced persons: The Australian Red Cross is supporting thousands of people in evacuation centers and recovery hubs. Learn more about where your money goes and donate at redcross.org.au. The American Red Cross is also accepting donations for bushfire relief efforts.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
JUF Extends Campaign to Fight Hate Through January 16 -- In response to rising incidents of anti-semitism, JUF has extended its annual campaign until January 16. Your support helps our community take a stand against hate. Click here to donate.
Help Immigrant Teens -- We have heard so much about the issues at our southern border. Now we have a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children directly affected by it. Legal teens have been brought to local suburbs while they await joining their U.S. relatives with whom they will live, heal and recover from the horrors of their experiences. Needless to say, it is a stressful and confusing time.
While these children await transfer to the U.S. family members with whom they will live, they need some essential items for the cold months ahead. They also would benefit greatly from enrichment and entertainment. We will be donating to 12-17 year old males. Most of them do not speak English, so it's best to donate activities that do not involve reading English. Items can be new or gently-used. Please make sure they have all of the pieces. They do not have access to batteries, and please no items associated with violence. The most-needed items are: headphones, slippers, hats, hoodies, bathrobes, stuffed animals, coloring books (appropriate for teens), lip balm, sunglasses, gel pens, playdough, molding clay, air dry clay, popsicle sticks, painting supplies, glitter sticks, construction paper, sketch books/paper for art, stickers, canvas, wooden crafts to paint, books in Spanish (beginner readers), video games (Wii and Playstation), sand for sand tables, 3D puzzles, therapeutic games to deal with anger, self-esteem, etc.
For your convenience, you can order online and mail items directly to the Illinois location.
For your convenience, you can order online and mail items directly to the Illinois location.
- Send items to Mary Kieger, Project San Francisco, 1150 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 (the facility's name is not provided for the children's safety and privacy. All donations will be used locally. The national name for the program is San Francisco).
- If possible, include a Gift Message and say that you are a member of Shir Hadash Synagogue.
- A donation receipt can be requested when you mail items to the facility. Shir Hadash cannot provide donation receipts.
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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