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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Evening Service with SHED Talks, February 14, 7:30p.m.
- Sponsor an Oneg
- No Religious School, February 16
- Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
- 2020 Event Preview
- Mussar Study Group, February 13
- Book Club, February 20
- Coffee House Night, February 22
- Yom Tikkun Olam, February 23
- Thank You for Yom Tikkun Olam Donations!
- Trivia Night, February 29
- 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
Shabbat Evening Service with SHED Talks, Friday February 14- “SHED TALKS – Shir Hadash’s version of TED Talks” – We begin with a brief Kabbalah Shabbat to welcome the Shabbat with song and story. Then, Shir Hadash members offer personal reflections on life, living, and Judaism. Doug & Stacey Meyer will present four organizations in which they are involved. These organizations reflect their values and those of the Jewish people, and make a difference to many people in the Chicagoland area.
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 14-15, 2020 / 20 Shevat 5780 / Shabbat Yitro
Torah: Exodus 18:1 - 20:23 Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1 - 7:6; 9:5 - 9:6
“In the Wilderness”
Dear Friends,
Why were the Ten Commandments given in the wilderness? In this week’s Torah portion, the Children of Israel were encamped at Mount Sinai on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land. After three days of purification, God proclaimed the Ten Commandments from the mountain top. Some consider the Ten Commandments amongst the most important parts of the Torah story and an essential piece of Jewish tradition and identity. So, why were they given in the wilderness and not later, when the Israelites arrived in the Land of Israel?
In the Mechilta de Rabbi Ishmael it is taught that the Ten Commandments were given in the wilderness so that they could be given to everyone – all peoples. Were they given in Israel, the Israelites could have kept them for themselves. By giving them in public, out in the wilderness, we know that the Ten Commandments belong to anyone who wishes to bring Torah into their life.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
No Religious School, February 16-- Our Religious School is off this week, due to Presidents' Day Weekend and Kallah for our older students. However, the following adult classes and meetings will take place on Sunday:
- Torah & Jewish Philosophy with Fred Andes at 9:30 a.m.
- Online Only: Hebrew Reading & Prayer with Steve Lewin at 10:30 a.m.
- Gala Committee -- Come join in the planning! 11:00 a.m. in the corner conference room
- Purim Acts Meeting/Rehearsal -- 12:30 p.m.
New Adult Ed Class: Judaism's 10 Best Ideas (no meeting February 16)-- Sundays, 11:15 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.: Feb. 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.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 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
Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day) is Two Weeks Away! Join Us February 23! Individuals, families, members and nonmembers - join us at Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day) on February 23. This synagogue event will run 9:15am-12:30pm at Shir Hadash, and it will continue in the afternoon for those who want to go to Orphans of the Storm animal shelter. We start the day with programming for adults and teens while religious school students have their own programming 9:15am-10:15am. Then, students will join the rest of the congregation and nonmembers as we participate together to do enjoyable and meaningful activities that will help the homeless, veterans, troops, animals, those facing serious illnesses, and others. There are activities geared to adults and teens, as well as projects designed for young children. Click here for further details. Any time between now and February 23, bring travel-sized toiletries for domestic violence shelters to the lobby if you have not yet donated supplies. Email socialactionsh@gmail.com if you have questions.
Thank You to All Who Donated Yom Tikkun Olam Supplies! Thank you to the many generous Shir Hadash members who donated supplies for Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day). Thanks to you, we will do so much good and help others in many ways. Come on February 23 at 9:15am as we help the homeless, veterans, troops, animals, people facing serious illnesses, and others!
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 successful show!
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.
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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