Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 / 4 Tevet 5782 |
|
|
Checked Out the New Bethemet.org?! It's the Talk of the Town!
Thank you for all the incredible support and feedback on our new website! If you haven’t yet seen it… today is your day! Check it out.
AND make sure you check out the MyBethEmet, our member portal. The Membership Directory is Back! And so much more.
|
|
|
In the BE Family
Send Us Your News!
|
|
|
Beth Emet has so many amazing members, each offering unique talents to the greater community. Share your news with all of us so we can both celebrate and get to know one another a bit better…. Especially during these (mostly) virtual times. Send your news to Bekki Kaplan, and if possible, please include a photo!
|
|
Lionel Rothbard celebrated his 100th Birthday and 65th Wedding Anniversary
Born in London, England Lionel J. Rothbard immigrated to New York at the age of 2-1/2 aboard the S.S. Majestic, and he and his family continued their journey to Chicago where they landed in the south shore neighborhood.
In July 1942, shortly after graduating from Hirsch High School, Lionel was inducted into the U.S. Army. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in November 1943 and was assigned to the 80th Infantry Division in Europe as an Ambulance Platoon Officer. He served in The Battle of the Bulge and The Invasion of Normandy, and was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and Bronze Star with 4 battle stars. He was discharged in March 1946, remained in the Active Reserve, and retired as a Colonel.
He graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science and enjoyed a long career with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Company. He is married to Phyllis Locke Rothbard. They have 2 children, Deborah Rothbard Bianco and Frank, David Rothbard and Violy and 2 marvelous granddaughters Monica and Erika Rothbard. Phyllis and Lionel have had the good fortune to travel extensively in the U.S, and much of Europe. On November 22, 2021, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
To quote Lionel, "Surround yourself with your family, have a wife that loves and likes you and thank God each day for another day". And of course, "always vote and support the White Sox!"
|
|
Congregational Opportunities |
|
|
Social Action Committtee Meeting
TONIGHT, December 8 at 6:00 pm
Whether a first timer or a seasoned regular, hear updates and learn how you can become involved with supporting Afghan refugees, providing food, shelter and other provisions for homeless and/or hungry individuals (we have several paths from which to choose), addressing Climate Change and so much more.
|
|
|
Inclusion Committee Meeting
TONIGHT, December 8 at 6:30 pm
Join as we examine our current practices and explore ways to create a culture of belonging and inclusivity for Beth Emet members of all abilities. We know that all individuals can contribute to our community.
|
|
Soul Stitchers - Virtual Knitting Circle
TONIGHT, December 8 at 6:30 pm
Know how to knit and/or crochet? As a tribute to Nikki Zarefsky z"l, come for an hour (on Zoom) as we create shawls to warm people during services and/or healing shawls that will bring warmth to those in need in a hospital, home or other settings. Please send us an email with any questions.
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6799- Meeting ID: 861 3332 6288 | Passcode: 1224
|
|
|
Not So Current Politics with David Zarefsky
TONIGHT, December 8 at 7:30 pm
Current policy and political decisions often reflect or are influenced by events from earlier historical periods. This onoing lecture-discussion class investigates these earlier moments and how they relate to the present. The December session will explore America's most famouse political debates- revisiting Lincoln and Douglas. Prior familiarity with the historical periods is not required.
No fee for members; non-member fee $10
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 895 5560 8235 | Passcode: 1224
|
|
The Mitzvah Appeal Campaign Features
Two Exciting Events with Ronnie Rice of New Colony Six (NC6)
Musical Legend Ronnie Rice returns to Beth Emet to share songs from his heart and stories from the road- not to be missed. Ronnie joined New Colony Six, a popular American soft rock band, in 1966, and his band scored two big hits, "I Will Always Think About You" and "Things I'd Like to Say," and the group placed ten singles on the Hot 100 between 1966-1971.
|
|
|
Special, Intimate Evening with Ronnie Rice
Thursday, December 9 at 7:30 pm on Zoom
Suggested Minimum Pledge: $360
Get to know this larger-than-life personality, and you’ll even learn a secret or two! Your pledge includes admission to all of this year’s Mitzvah Appeal events. For those who have already pledged – thank you!
|
|
Fun, Rockin’ and Raising with Ronnie Rice, of the New Colony Six
Saturday, December 11 at 7:30 pm
Suggested Minimum Pledge: $36 per person if joining in person or per livestream link.
Ronnie has been playing guitar and rocking since his teenage years, when he walked the halls of Beth Emet. Our local boy will be returning to the Sanctuary (fortunately our acoustics have been improved since Ronnie studied at Beth Emet!) to share his music and stories with us.
This program will take place in person as well as livestreamed. To participate in person, you must be vaccinated and adhere to the current safety protocols.
|
|
|
Educational Reparations for Evanston
Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 pm
In part 3 of our educational events on Reparations, we have the privilege of hearing from Professor kihana miraya ross. Northwestern Professor kihana miraya ross has received a Spencer grant to study having educational reparations to repair historic educational injustice in Evanston. “‘In recognizing the debt owed to its Black residents and pledging actual dollars towards repairing centuries of educational inequities, Evanston is in unchartered waters. The world will be watching as the first city in the U.S. to approve reparations embarks on an unparalleled move toward educational justice for its Black residents,’” said ross, describing the moment as an unprecedented research opportunity. The project will inform ross’s second book and may be the subject of a feature-length documentary”. Northwestern Now (9/1/21). Ross is an Assistant Professor of African American Studies at Northwestern with a Ph.D. in Social and Cultural Studies of Education. We are looking forward to this community event. RSVP required for the Zoom Link.
|
|
Q and A with an Israeli Diplomat
Postponed due to a conflict at the consulate. The new date will be out shortly.
|
|
|
Congregational Delegates needed for URJ Virtual Meeting
Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm- Sign up by Friday, December 17
Since its founding Beth Emet has been a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (formerly known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations). Leadership of the URJ proposes amendments to the URJ Constitution and Bylaws, and the North American Board of the URJ has approved the Amendments. Now, a special meeting of the URJ General Assembly is required to enact these changes. The Assembly is made up of representatives of the member congregations; Beth Emet is allotted eight delegates.
Interested in representing Beth Emet? Please email Karen Isaacson no later than December 17.
|
|
Mitzvah Appeal Campaign:
DC 2022 Spotlight: Brunch with U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky
Sunday, January 9 at 10:00 am
Suggested Minimum Pledge: $36 per Zoom link.
Grab your bagel or your favorite brunch dish and Zoom in as Jan updates us about what is happening in the ever-changing political landscape in Washington. This is the final event in our Mitzvah Appeal 2021-2021 campaign.
|
|
|
Walk for Warmth is back!
Monday, January 17, 2022 at 11:00 am
Join Beth Emet’s team in support of Interfaith Action of Evanston’s third annual Walk for Warmth and help raise funds to support the Emergency Overnight Shelter and the Warming Centers. Interfaith Action has expanded its services, extending the dates for the overnight shelter and the hours for our Warming Center and we need your help to sustain these efforts. On MLK Day of Service 2022, we invite you to join us in the fight against homelessness and hunger in our community. Let’s carry on Dr. King’s legacy and continue his fight for economic, social, and racial justice. Teams will meet at the Hinman entrance of the First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St, Evanston, IL 60201 in Evanston, at 11:00 am to walk a two-mile circuit of eight of the IAE overnight shelter sites.
This is a family-friendly event and people of all ages are welcome to show their compassion by walking all or part of the route. To join Beth Emet’s team or to donate in support of our team, click here. |
|
Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski is Back at Beth Emet! Co-sponsored by JBaby
Tuesday, December 14 at 9:30 am
Nicole is back! Join us for joyful, collaborative music making with Nicole Jaworski and Jamberry Music! In this class, you and your little one will bond with each other and make new friends while we sing, dance, play, pretend and experiment with instruments. Class is geared to kids 6 months to 2.5 years old and siblings are welcome to join! Masks for everyone 2+, and social distancing, will be expected. Class will be held on Zoom if conditions change. This program will take place from November 30- January 18 from 9:30-10:15 am at Beth Emet Synagogue.
|
|
Winter Fun Fest for Young Children (0-5) and a Loving Adult
Sunday, December 19 from 11am - 12:00 pm
Come in from the cold! Create a winter gift for our animal friends, a gift for your family and enjoy a story with Rabbi London. Masks and social distancing are expected.
|
|
|
Gan Yom Rishon
Starting Sunday January 9 from
9:30 -11:00 am
Gan Yom Rishon is an interactive class for children ages 3-5, with a parent/caregiver, that meets on Sunday mornings in-person at Beth Emet this winter.
6 Sessions: January 9 - February 13.
4 Sessions: February 27, March 6, March 20, and March 27 (and the Purim Carnival on 3/13!)
Each week we’ll experience Judaism through music, art, cooking, and yoga. Gan Yom Rishon is also open to non-members. Register Here
|
|
A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
Friday, December 10 at 9:30 am
There are many ways to interpret Torah and its nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. We will continue our learning from last year, reading and interpreting the text of the Book of Deuteronomy line by line. New learners are always welcome. Texts will be provided.
No fee for members, non-member fee $100
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 880 3271 0378 | Passcode: 785827
|
|
|
|
|
Conversations to Nourish the Soul
Thursday, December 16 at 6:15 pm
Explore your spirituality or connection to the mystery or the divine in the world. We will use the prayerbook, poetry, and ourselves as our texts, aiming to deepen our connections and discern meaningful paths in our daily lives. Our tools will include mindfulness practices, journaling, questioning, and conversation. Doubting God’s existence? Come explore.
|
|
Resources for Well-BEing
Programs and materials to support us during this challenging time
|
|
|
Every week, this section will highlight resources—programs/services/guidance—to enhance our well-being. |
|
Healing Through The Seasons: Mourning A Loved One Lost To Overdose
Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 pm
Two Jewish leaders will share their personal grief journey of loss due to overdose, illuminating paths to healing. The evening will include setting intentions, wisdom from a grief educator, a community member reflecting on supportive steps to move through the early months of grief, and some music for healing an restoring health.
|
|
J Street Chicago Annual Event
Wednesday, December 15 at 12:00 pm
Join J Street Chicago in celebration of our successes and growth over the past year at their annual benefit on Wednesday December 15 at noon the Union League Club of Chicago. - or virtually from your home Register using this link
This event will feature an important discussion between former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes and J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. In a frank and open conversation, they will explore the path forward for the Biden and Bennett administrations, and the ways our pro-Israel, pro-peace movement can rise to the moment.
For more information [including J Street's COVID-19 safety policies] please see this link or email Karen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
