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Help Repair the World this Sunday:
Yom Tikkun Olam at Shir Hadash! Scroll Down for Details!
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual
- Shabbat Evening Service, February 21, 7:30p.m.
- Sponsor an Oneg
- Religious School/Yom Tikkun Olam, February 23
- Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi, Thursdays
- 2020 Event Preview
- Tonight! Book Club, February 20
- Saturday Night! Coffee House Night, February 22
- Sunday! Yom Tikkun Olam, February 23
- Trivia Night, February 29
- Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Population Study
- Voting in World Zionist Congress Election, Now Through March 11
- Get Involved in Gala Planning
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, Friday February 21, 7:30 p.m. -- Shabbat Mishpatim/Shekalim: "The Ugly History of Religious Bigotry in America" -- We welcome guest speaker, Deacon Daniel Georgen of St. Mary’s Parish in Buffalo Grove. Deacon Georgen is a Roman Catholic Deacon serving in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and currently assigned to Saint Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Deacon Georgen is also an active clergy member of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council.
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.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
February 21-22, 2020 / 27 Shevat 5780 / Shabbat Mishpatim - Shekalim
Torah – Exodus 21:1–24:18 / Maftir: Exodus 30:11 - 30:16 | Shabbat Shekalim
Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 - 12:17 | Shabbat Shekalim
“You Shall Not Wrong the Stranger”
Dear Friends,
This week’s Torah portion reminds us to be kind to those we do not know and to help those in need. Exodus 22:20 reads, “You shall not wrong the stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” This should have special meaning for us Jews. Throughout our history, from biblical times to the present, there have been many times when we have been strangers in foreign lands. There have been many times when we were considered the ‘other.’ Often times, it brought prejudice, persecution, and repression. Thankfully, we now live in a time of relative security and safety. Nevertheless, because of our experience, we must help those who are insecure, refugees, and vulnerable.
Zay a mentsch – Be a good person! Respect the Stranger!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
Religious School/Yom Tikkun Olam, February 23-- However, the following adult classes and meetings will take place on Sunday:
- Torah & Jewish Philosophy with Fred Andes at 9:30 a.m.
- Hebrew Reading & Prayer with Steve Lewin at 10:30 a.m.
New Adult Ed Class: Judaism's 10 Best Ideas -- Sundays, 11:15 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.: Mar. 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 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
Tonight! Book Club 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.
Saturday! Coffee House Night – Open Mic Style, February 22 -- It’s time to enjoy some great music and entertainment at our Shir Hadash Coffee House Night this Saturday! You do not need to be a performer to join us at this event - it's for everyone who wants to enjoy live local talent. We Need Coffee House Night Team Members This Event! If you’re interested in volunteering to help out with set-up, the Treat and Beverage Bar (Bake Sale) or Front of the House, please contact Margie at MargiePromoPro1@aol.com. Thank you!
- Doors open at 6:30pm, performances will run from about 7:00pm to 10:30pm. Performers can share any talent – music, storytelling, dance, etc. There is a 1-2 song/story rotation or performance time of about 5-10 minutes based on a random draw. You might want to come around 6:30 to sign-in on the performance list, tune your instruments, exercise your voice, get your treats and coffee/tea and do your final preparation before the show begins. In an effort to try to stay within our scheduled event time, we will limit sign-ins to about 22 total slots. Time permitting, we may have additional one song/story slots available.
- Performers, please help us prepare for your needs by clicking here or contacting Margie at MargiePromoPro1@aol.com (put “Talent” in the subject line for performers or put “Treat” in the subject line if you are planning to bring a savory or sweet treat). This registration allows her to keep track of your tech requirements, set-ups for your talent, and update a preliminary talent list. Of course, your slot is not secure until you arrive and actually sign-in on the Performer’s Sign-Up list.
See you on Saturday for our next talent-filled evening with good friends, beverages and goodies, our fabulous sound system and YOU! (A free will donation is requested.)
Sunday! Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day), February 23 -- This Sunday is the time for individuals, families, members and nonmembers to 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. Email SocialActionSH@gmail.com if you have questions, and we will see you Sunday for Yom Tikkun Olam, Shir Hadash's Social Action Day. This event runs 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.
Bring Travel-Size Toiletries to Yom Tikkun Olam (Social Action Day) This Sunday -- If you haven't yet donated supplies to Yom Tikkun Olam, please bring travel-size toiletries for domestic violence shelters. They can be left in the lobby any time until Sunday, February 23. We most need shampoo, conditioner, body soap, deodorant/antiperspirant, and lotion. All travel-size toiletries are welcomed.
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.
Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Population Study -- Every ten years, a study is conducted in the Chicagoland area to measure the size of our Jewish community and determine its unique needs. This spring, NORC at the University of Chicago in partnership with Brandeis University are conducting the Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Population Study – a survey of our Jewish community in the Chicagoland area. The survey asks questions regarding characteristics, behaviors, attitudes, and needs of community members to inform future planning. The study is sponsored by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago. You may receive a letter, an email, and/or a phone call from NORC at the University of Chicago asking for your participation in this survey. Because this is a scientific survey, you may or may not receive a survey invitation. If you are invited, we encourage you to respond and participate.
Voting in World Zionist Congress Election, Now Through March 11 - The 2020 World Zionist Congress elections are here! This election is your opportunity to make progressive American Jewish voices heard in Israel, and to give support to progressive Israelis who are fighting for democracy, equality, and renewed peacemaking in their beloved country.
Reconstructing Judaism is partnering with the Union for Reform Judaism in support of the ARZA slate in this important election. If you’re 18 or older and a Jewish-American, you are eligible to vote. Voting is happening online now, and continues until Mar. 11, 2020.
Visit www.zionistelection.org and follow the steps to cast your vote. The whole process takes 90 seconds, though it does include a series of steps. It’s worth the effort! Click here for step-by-step voting instructions.
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. If you can help, or would like to get involved with the planning committee, contact Nancy Kekst, execdir@shir-hadash.org.
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.
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