Our current policies regarding our Bridge Phase practices, Building and Site Occupancy Limits, and Wellness Criteria can be found on the Shir Hadash website. Masks are to be worn at all services, meetings and programs. If you need assistance, please email the office at admin@shir-hadash.org or call 847-498-8218. You may additionally reach the Rabbi on his cell 847-525-7746 at any time, and our President Stuart Aizenberg at 847-840-7895.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT A GLANCE
Creative Worship and Ritual ..
- Friday: Zoom Dinner Blessings: "Golden Oldies Series" October 22, 6:15 p.m.
- Next Week: Zoom Shabbat Service: “5th Friday Learner’s Service: Ask the Rabbi Series” Friday, October 29, 7:30 p.m.
- Red Alert: Save our Zoom Services
The Rabbi's Corner -- "Coexist"
Membership News and Events- Yom Kippur Appeal - We Need Your Help!
- Reconstructing Judaism 2022 Convention - Register by October 31
- Donate by October 21; In-Person October 24: Help Individuals Experiencing Domestic Violence
- Tonight: Book Club Meeting Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Bird Watching at The Grove, Saturday, October 23, 8:30 a.m
- Soap Sack Introductory Meeting, Wednesday, October 27, 7:30 p.m.
- Soup Kitchen Fundraiser
- Krafts and Kibitzing, November 3, 7:30 p.m.
Religious School
- Sunday School in Session, October 24, 9:45 a.m.
Adult Education
- Thursday Zoom Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Eitan, October 21, 1:00 p.m
- Sunday Morning Virtual Adult Ed Classes, October 23
- Hebrew Reading, 10:00 a.m.
- Torah and Jewish Philosophy, 10:00 a.m.
Ongoing Fundraisers
- Restaurants, ShopWithScrip, iGive, and Amazon Smile
CREATIVE WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Friday: Zoom Dinner Blessings: "Golden Oldies Series" Friday, October 22, 6:15 p.m. -- Join us on Zoom as we light candles, bless our families, sanctify the wine, and bless the challah before Shabbat dinner. Rabbi Eitan will lead a 20-minute ceremony to welcome our Shabbat dinners at home. Golden Oldies? Yes, Rabbi Eitan begins by surprising us with a few great 78 rpm records played on his Sonora gramophone.
Next Week: Zoom Shabbat Service: “5th Friday Learner’s Service: Ask the Rabbi Series” Friday, October 29, 7:30 p.m. – This Zoom service offers a unique opportunity to ask your questions about the Shabbat worship service, the meaning of the prayers, why we do things as we do, and just about anything else in Judaism.
Red Alert: Save Our Zoom Services -- It’s quite unfortunate that we continue to have a problem signing up people to be Zoom Hosts for services. We always seem to be scrambling. Sometimes it’s even the day of the service. Currently, we need hosts for October 29, for all four services in November, and for everything beyond that.
Many of these are Zoom-only services. Most anyone that is familiar with Zoom can be the host from home. We can provide training and instructions.
Twice a month we have hybrid services (in person and on Zoom). We have found a way to significantly simplify how that is done. Anyone that has the technical know-how to host from home could come in and host from the synagogue. Again, we can provide training and instructions.
If we continue to have to scramble to find hosts, we will reluctantly reach the point at which we decide that there will be no Zoom. Contact Jerry Weiss or Stuart Aizenberg to volunteer or if you have any questions.
THE RABBI’S CORNER
October 22-23, 2020 / 17 Heshvan 5782
Shabbat Vayera
Torah Portion: Genesis 18:1-22:24 / Haftarah Portion: II Kings 4:1-37
“Coexist”
Dear Friends,
I have often looked upon the “Coexist” bumper stickers and wondered if this is a new thing or something very old. This week’s Torah portion answers that question. Abraham was living in the land of Canaan amongst the Canaanites. A time came when he met with a local king, Avimelech of Gerar. Together they ate and worshipped, even though they were of different faiths.
If Abraham and Avimelech could find common ground, so can we. Reach out to friends and neighbors in the spirit of human kindness. Find that which unites us, rather than that which separates and divides. Celebrate that which we share, rather than dwelling in disagreement. Rejoice in the tolerance and understanding that brings us to coexist.
Zay a mentsch – Be a good person.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
Click here to read The Rabbi's Corner on the Shir Hadash website.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS AND EVENTS
Yom Kippur Appeal - We Need Your Help! Shir Hadash does not generate enough income through our very popular voluntary commitment program to fund all of our expenses. We rely on the annual High Holiday Appeal to help make up the difference.
It's not too late for you to help. Thanks to those that already have. If you have not, then please take a few minutes and consider doing so. In case you missed it or would like to see it again, here's the excellent appeal that was done by Johannah Simon.
If you'd like to donate, please click here or contact the office. Thank you.
Reconstructing Judaism Convention 2022 - Discount Registrations Available Until October 31 -- Next year's Reconstructing Judaism Convention is scheduled for March 23-27 in Washington D.C. The last convention was held in 2018 in Philadelphia and was attended by Stuart Aizenberg, Scarlett Andes, Marc Fargotstein, Executive Director Nancy Kekst, and Rabbi Eitan Weiner Kaplow. It was enlightening, educational, eye-opening, and inspirational. We hope to get a larger contingent of Shir Hadash members to next year’s convention. You can see information about it here.
There is an Early Bird Discount Deadline of October 31. See pricing options here. There are prices for the full convention, partial attendance and online only.
Beyond the Early Bird Discount, Shir Hadash earned an additional $200 off for up to five registrants by being one of the first congregations to submit a video. (President Stuart Aizenberg is using one of the discounts to attend, so four discounts remain available as of now.) You must register by October 31 to use this additional discount, and it only applies to a full convention / in person attendance registration. Contact Stuart at president@shir-hadash.org or (847) 840-7895 if you are ready to register and would like the $200 off discount code.
Donate by October 21; In Person Event October 24 -- Help Those Experiencing Domestic Violence: In-Person and At-Home Options -- Today is the last day to donate toiletries, gallon-size Ziplock bags, and new sheets, towels or blankets can be dropped off for NCJW's Luggage for Freedom project. Items can be dropped off at Shir Hadash or in Northbrook, Deerfield, or Highland Park by October 21. Additional details can be found here.
In person, come to the West Ridge Center in Highland Park to sort items and to pack suitcases and backpacks that will be delivered to domestic violence shelters. Shifts are on Sunday, October 24, either 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. or 12:30-1:30 p.m.. Volunteers to deliver the suitcases and backpacks to domestic violence shelters also are needed; loading cars will begin at 1:45 p.m.. Due to COVID, you must register in advance for a shift; no walk-ins will be taken. Also, in-person volunteers must be vaccinated. Click here to register and for additional details. Questions? Email Lisa Burton Radzely at socialactionsh@gmail.com.
Today: Book Club Meeting via Zoom, Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m. -- For our October discussion, the Book Club is reading The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning.
Saturday: Bird Watching at The Grove, Saturday, October 23, 8:30 a.m. -- Join us on October 23 at The Grove Nature Center, 1421 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, to view our feathered friends on their annual migration! Ed and Rebecca Rice will share their birding knowledge with us as we enjoy the quiet morning hour. Email Kayla Shonberg to let us know if you plan to come, or with any questions.
Soap Sack Introductory Meeting via Zoom, October 27, 7:30 p.m. -- Calling all Knitters and Crocheters! Come learn about making soap sacks to donate (with a bar of soap in each one) to homeless shelters, food pantries, veteran clinics, relief efforts and social service agencies. For more information and patterns, visit SoapSacks.com. Let's talk about how we can get Shir Hadash members and friends involved in this worthwhile project at a Zoom introductory meeting. (Watch for Zoom link in upcoming newsletters.) Any questions, please reach out to Wendy Kopulsky.
Soup Kitchen Fundraiser -- Shir Hadash will sponsor 70 meals at an upcoming contactless soup kitchen on November 7 in Evanston. Patrons will receive a delicious, catered, individually boxed meal valued at $5.00 each, complete with entree, drink, vegetable, sides, fruit, and dessert. While we can't volunteer in person due to Covid, please consider making a donation so Shir Hadash can provide these meals. Click here and then select Social Action under Type, and write Soup Kitchen in Payment Notes. Thank you for helping those in need.
Monthly Krafts & Kibitzing, November 3, 7:30 7:30 pm - Crafters of all ages and abilities are invited to bring in their current crochet, knit, or other handicraft/art projects via Zoom. We will share ideas, learn tips and tricks, and shoot the breeze. Break-out rooms are available for our 17 years and younger set. Registration is required. For questions, please contact Elliott Simon.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Sunday School in Session, October 24, 9:45 a.m. -- We look forward to seeing all our students at 9:45 a.m.
ADULT EDUCATION
Today: Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi via Zoom, October 21, 1:00 p.m. -- Join Rabbi Eitan and Shir Hadash members and friends for a refreshing, contemporary exploration of the weekly Torah portion.
Virtual Adult Ed Sunday Morning Programs: Adults are welcome to join in the following adult education programs on most Sundays:
- Hebrew Reading, October 24, 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Steve Lewin.
- Torah and Jewish Philosophy, October 24, 10:00 a.m: If you would like to participate, contact Fred Andes.
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
No-Cost Ways to Support Shir Hadash -- There are several fundraising opportunities to support Shir Hadash without spending anything extra! Click here to learn about restaurant dine-and-donate programs, SHOP Shir Hadash gift cards, and iGive and Amazon Smile rebate donations.
To view past editions of the Newsletter, please visit our website.
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