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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Multigenerational/Religious School Shabbat Shira Service, February 7, 7:00p.m.
- Shabbat Morning Bar Mitzvah Service, Saturday, February 8, 9:30 a.m.
- Sponsor an Oneg
- Religious School, February 9: Youth and Adult Ed Programs
- New Adult Ed Class: Judaism's Ten Best Ideas with Rabbi Eitan
- No'ar Hadash Midwest Youth Kallah, February 14-16
- Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
- 2020 Event Preview
- Saturday! Cocktails at Mehran's, February 8
- Final 3 Days! Shortage of Food Donations for Individuals in Need
- By This Sunday! Drop Off Supplies for Yom Tikkun Olam
- Mussar Study Group, February 13
- Book Club, February 20
- Coffee House Night, February 22
- Registration Open Now! Yom Tikkun Olam, February 23
- Trivia Night, February 29
- Graphic Artist Needed! Get Involved in Gala Planning
- Event Recap: Israeli Movie Night
Social Action
- Aid to Australia
- 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/Religious School Shabbat Shira Service, Friday February 7- Our Shabbat Shira (Shabbat of Song) celebration features the singing of our Lahaka adult choir under the direction of Marek Rachelski. Come join in the celebration of our ancestor's escape from Egyptian bondage - the moment when they crossed the Sea of Reeds and sang for joy. Bring fruit and nut treats for the oneg in celebration of Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year of Trees!
Shabbat Morning Bar Mitzvah Service, Saturday February 8, 9:30 a.m. -- We welcome Nathan Wight and his family as he is called to the bima. Mazel tov!
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
February 6-7, 2020 / 13 Shevat 5780 / Shabbat Beshalach - Shira
Torah - Exodus 13:17-17:16 / Haftarah - Judges 4:4-5:31
“Liberation”
Dear Friends,
What is the core message of the Exodus story? This week’s Torah portion tells of the moment when the Israelites left Egypt and began their march to the Promised Land. It tells of the miraculous crossing of the Sea of Reeds and the beginning of the travails of desert living.
It is said that when designing the one-dollar bill for the newly independent United States of America, Benjamin Franklin had a special idea. He wanted to see a depiction of the freeing of the Israelites on the back of the bill. For Franklin and all who study the Exodus account, the meaning is clear. This is the story of how a people can rise up, shake off the shackles of corrupt leadership, and take hold of its own destiny. It is the story of how ordinary people can fight for freedom and then set up a government of the people. It is the story of liberty.
As we hear the Torah chanted this Shabbat, think of all the freedom movements that this week’s portion has inspired. Think of all those to whom our story has given hope and courage. Think of all who have been encouraged to seek human dignity and self-respect. This is the message of the Exodus – liberation.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
Religious School, February 9 -- 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 and more:
- Torah & Jewish Philosophy with Fred Andes at 9:30 a.m.
- Family Activity Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m.
- SPC Meeting, 10:15 a.m.
- Hebrew Reading & Prayer with Steve Lewin at 10:30 a.m.
- Judaism's Ten Best Ideas with Rabbi Eitan at 11:15 a.m.
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.
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 with the Rabbi, 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.
Overview of Upcoming Events -- Be sure and add these Shir Hadash events (and scroll down for details about February events):
- February 7 -- Multigenerational Service
- February 8 -- Cocktails and Conversation at Mehran's
- February 14-16 -- No'ar Hadash Midwest Youth Kallah (Grades 6-12)
- February 22-- Coffee House Night
- February 23 -- Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day)
- February 29 -- Trivia Night
- March 7 -- Adult Purim Night (Performers Wanted!)
- 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
Saturday! Cocktails and Conversation at Mehran's, February 8 -- Join your friends from Shir Hadash for an evening of cocktail mixing at Mehran Farahmandpour's house in Long Grove, on Saturday February 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. We will have several drinks to compare, ranging from classic to fun. A variety of cheeses and other snacks will be paired with the drinks. Click here for directions and to RSVP.
Final 3 Days! Shortage of Food for Individuals in Need -- We have collected very few donations of food to help the homeless and others in need during Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day). Please consider donating snack-size applesauce, snack-size boxes of raisins, Nutrigrain bars or other soft bars that don't have nuts, and boxes or bags of white rice. We also could use more lip balm and lotion to help people get through winter. Please sign up here so we can ensure receiving a variety of items, and bring them to Shir Hadash by this Sunday, February 9. You also can purchase online and have it mailed to the synagogue. Another option is making a monetary donation and we will buy the items for you. Email socialactionsh@gmail.com if you have questions.
By This Sunday! Drop Off Supplies for Yom Tikkun Olam -- Thank you to everyone who has signed up to donate supplies for Yom Tikkun Olam, our Social Action Day! We need the supplies by this Sunday, February 9, so we have enough time to sort the donations and get ready for the big event on February 23! Please bring them to the synagogue's lobby or place an online order to be delivered to the building. Email socialactionsh@gmail.com if you have questions.
Mussar Study Group, February 13 -- All are welcome to join our monthly discussion of Mussar, meeting on Thursday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. Mussar is a centuries old Jewish body of teachings, a perspective, and a disciplined practice that provides distinctively Jewish answers to the sorts of questions any thinking person asks about life. Mussar provides guidance in identifying your uniquely personal path of spiritual growth and offers practices to help bring about that growth. For more information, contact Lynn Liebling, lliebling@sbcglobal.net, or Kayla Shonberg, klashon4@gmail.com.
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.
Coffee House Night - Open Mic Style, February 22 -- Only 3 weeks until the next Coffee House night! Join us at Shir Hadash for a wonderful evening of live local talent in a club atmosphere with phenomenal sound, goodies, beverages, friendship and camaraderie. Be part of the audience, be behind the scenes, or perform at our next Coffee House event. Please contact Margie at MargiePromoPro1@aol.com or via this link if you would like to perform or help behind the scenes. As you know, it takes a village to put on a sucessful show!
Register Today! Yom Tikkun Olam, February 23 -- A day for our congregation to repair the world. Yom Tikkun Olam, A Day of Repairing the World, will be an opportunity for our entire congregation to do activities that help the world. There will be projects for individuals, for families -- for everyone who wants to improve the world. In order to help us calculate needed supplies, please let us know if you will be joining us on Sunday, Februrary 23 to make the world a better place. Programs from 9:15am-12:30pm will occur at Shir Hadash, and there is an opportunity to play with shelter cats and see shelter dogs at Orphans of the Storm at 1:00pm. Click here for more information and registration.
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). Click here for online registration.
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.
Graphic Artist Needed! 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. We are looking for a graphic artist to create a logo for the event. If you can help, or would like to get involved with the planning committee, contact Nancy Kekst, execdir@shir-hadash.org.
Event Recap: Israeli Movie Night -- Last Saturday, Shir Hadash presented “The Syrian Patient,“ a moving documentary about the special relationships that formed between Israeli hospital staff and Syrian patients (wounded in Syria’s civil war), who were transported into Israel for medical treatment. The next Shir Hadash Israel movie night is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 (the movie title will be announced at a later date). We encourage all to attend, both for the movie and the discussion afterwards.
SOCIAL ACTION
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.
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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