Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / 17 Cheshvan 5781 |
|
|
Although we knew that it was likely that we wouldn’t have the results of the election by today, it doesn’t make it any easier to wait patiently as all the votes are counted especially when it seems that there may be legal challenges, delaying the process and increasing the rancor in our country. But wait we must as we also insist that all votes be fairly counted. The health and well-being of our democracy depends on it. At the same time, we need to firmly condemn statements that promote mistrust in our election system any time these claims are baseless and serve only to stoke the fires of suspicion and fear that are smoldering in our country.
The Book of Proverbs teaches us that the power of life and death are in the tongue, and our leaders have a special responsibility to use rhetoric carefully because their words can lead either to violence or to calm depending on how they express themselves. In addition to being the day after a highly rancorous and contentious election, today is the 25th yahrtzeit of the assassination of Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was gunned down in Tel Aviv on November 4, 1995, following a peace rally. Leading up to that fateful day were months of violent rhetoric about Yitzhak Rabin from critics of his peace initiatives, including the man who shot and killed the prime minister.
As I’ve been thinking about both the US election and Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, I found the following words by the late US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall particularly prescient. He said, “Democracy just cannot flourish amid fear. Liberty cannot bloom amid hate. Justice cannot take root amid rage. America must get to work. In the chill climate in which we live, we must go against the prevailing wind. We must dissent from the indifference.”
So many of you at Beth Emet have taken Justice Marshall’s words to heart, and over the last few months have worked tirelessly on this election by calling and writing to people across the country to get out the vote and helping to ensure that each person vote would be counted. I’m so proud of this work and all that you’ve done to strengthen our democracy. You channeled your concerns into fighting for justice and fairness in our society, and you didn’t give into fear, indifference and rage.
Whatever happens with the final vote tally and any related legal proceedings, we know that there is much we will still need to do to hold our elected officials accountable for creating the just and peaceful society that God instructed our ancestors to establish and to which our prophets gave poetic voice—in which justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream (Amos) and we can all sit beneath our vine and fig tree and not be afraid because we have beaten our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks (Isaiah).
Tonight there will be a rally in Daley Plaza at 5:00 pm to call for every vote to be counted, and on Friday night during worship we will come together on Zoom to support one another, whatever the outcome of the election and to offer prayers for our nation and ourselves. If you feel the need to speak with any of the clergy before then, please reach out to us.
Additionally, the Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders will be meeting tomorrow to develop an interfaith communal response. We will post that information on Facebook and on our website and in our pre-Shabbat email to the congregation.
Let us join together to seek justice and fairness, insist on thoughtful speech in our public discourse, and pray for peace for ourselves and our country.
L’shalom,
Rabbi London
|
|
|
Dying Doesn’t Feel Like What I’m Doing: How Rachel Cowan Changed the Face of Judaism - a documentary film with Paula Weiman-Kelman
Sunday, November 8 at 1:00 pm
Rabbi Rachel Cowan, a beloved and influential mindfulness teacher is diagnosed with aggressive cancer. She uses her spiritual practice to navigate her death while looking back on her full life. Rabbi Cowen z’l, was a civil rights activist who taught people how to “sit” with themselves and stand up for others. The first female convert to become a rabbi, she and her late husband were instrumental in encouraging support of intermarried couples. Widowed at forty-eight, she had a powerful second act, transforming Jewish philanthropy, and transforming Jewish life by bringing mindfulness and meditation into the mainstream. After she was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer, she used her terminal illness to teach others how to die well.
No fee
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 862 7585 2006 / Passcode: 292508
Paula Weiman-Kelman is a veteran documentary filmmaker known for her moving portraits of inspiring women, including her recent Dying Doesn’t Feel Like What I’m Doing. Earlier films include Rites of Passage and The Re-annotated Alice.
|
|
Congregational Opportunities |
|
|
Israel Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 5 at 7:30 pm
All are welcome to join the Israel Current Events Discussion of the Israel Committee. The discussion will focus on: Israeli reaction to providing medical care to a Palestinian leader; the recent power play by a right-wing and Orthodox coalition at the World Zionist Organization which almost caused the organization to split; results from the new AJC survey of American Jews regarding Israel; existence of a viable path for Israeli Palestinian citizens to achieve equal rights.
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 838 0733 1828 / Passcode: 1224
|
|
Office Hours with Karen Isaacson, President
Sunday, November 8 at 10:00 am
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 pm *Please Note Change of Date*
This is Andy Griffith’s film debut, so he must be playing a nice guy, right? You may be in for a shock if you’ve never seen this Elia Kazan drama about an Arkansas drifter who's invited to appear on the radio, becomes a media sensation and abuses his new power in frightening ways. And if you have seen this movie, well, it may feel extra topical right now.
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 867 4739 7579 / Passcode: 1224
|
|
For a list of next week's events and recordings from previous programs, check out the website! |
|
|
Death:
Donald Marks, husband of Renee Marks, father of Robin Dombeck, Steven (Pam) Marks, and Jody Leiva died on Saturday, October 31.
|
|
Consider making a donation to Beth Emet in honor of or in memory of a friend or a loved one. You can do so online or contact the office. Families will be notified of your contribution.
|
|
Thank you to all those who made a generous contribution to Beth Emet this past month!
|
|
Interfaith Action Emergency Overnight Shelter Training
Wednesday, November 4 at 12:00 pm OR Friday, November 6 at 5:00 pm
Interfaith Action has released their shelter training dates. Experienced volunteers are welcome to attend if they are interested in the changes to the EOS (Emergency Overnight Shelter) due to COVID-19. The shelter opens November 8 and Beth Emet is hosting in December. The first training is on Wednesday, November 4th at noon. The second is Friday, November 6th at 5pm.
Zoom Link - Meeting ID: 842 3739 6060 / Passcode: 859225
|
|
Social Action Committee Meeting and Guest Speaker Mark Iris
"Police Reform in the U.S. Prospects and Problems"
Monday, November 9 at 6:00 pm
All are encouraged to join us at 6:00 pm for a Social Action Committee Meeting, and stay on at 6:45 pm for the guest speaker, Mark Iris, speaking about "Police Reforms in the U.S. Prospects and Problems."
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 821 2875 3938
Mark Iris, Beth Emet congregant and Northwestern faculty member, shares his knowledge on policing, police arbitration/litigation, and prospects for police reform. Mark served as the Executive Director of the Chicago Police Board for 21 years (1984-2004). Since 2004, he has been on the faculty at Northwestern University. He has taught in the Political Science Department, and also offered seminars on police accountability at Northwestern's Law School. He now supervises undergraduate students in the Mathematical Methods in the Social Science Program. Those students do empirical research on policing issues, using data bases provided by major city police departments across our country.
|
|
|
Film “Microplastic Madness”
Sunday, November 15 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
The Environment and Climate Action Committee (ECAC) is excited to bring the award-winning film “Microplastic Madness” to Beth Emet. “Microplastic Madness” is the story of 56 fifth graders from Red Hook, Brooklyn (NYC) whose actions on plastic pollution morph into extraordinary leadership and scalable victories. Taking on the roles of citizen scientists and community advocates, they collect local data, lead community outreach, and use their own local data to inform policy by testifying and rallying at City Hall. Then they turn their focus back to school, taking action in their cafeteria to eliminate all single-use plastic!
The movie has been officially selected into over 25 film festivals, won 5 awards, and screened in over 45 cities across the US and 6 cities abroad.
Following the 76 min. film, ECAC will offer suggestions for families and individuals to lead a more planet friendly life. Gather the family together and be inspired by Brooklyn youth to take plastic free action!
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 819 3688 8066 / Passcode: 536383
|
|
We Are Done Dying: The State of Black People in Evanston and North Shore in 2020
Annual Freedom Fund “Event” – Awardees Including Beth Emet Synagogue & Rabbi Andrea London
Saturday, November 21 at 5:00 pm
This year during an unprecedented time of COVID19 and the resurgence of racism in the United States, the Evanston/North Shore NAACP will host its annual Freedom Fund “Event.” Visit the Evanston/North Shore NAACP website for the most up to date information about this event.
In years past, the branch has hosted a Freedom Fund Banquet at the Evanston Golf Club on Dempster. Because of COVID19, this year’s event will be held virtually, via Zoom conferencing. This program will include; a Panel Discussion based on the topic, music by Jernone Smith, recognition of six organizations in Evanston for their work in the community, acknowledgement of Gold, Silver, Bronze sponsors and sharing president awards for some who have provided outstanding services in our branch.
The awardees for this year’s Freedom Fund Event includes:
- Bethel AME Church, Pastor Rosalind Henderson
- Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, Rabbi Andrea London
- C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor, Clarence and Wendy Weaver Ebenezer AME Church, Pastor Deborah Scott
- Evanston Township High School, Dr. Marcus Campbell Evanston Fight For Black Lives
- Invited panelists includes;
- Mr. Dino Robinson, Shore Front Legacy
- Mrs. Delores Holmes, Former Alderman, 5th Ward Lionel Jean-Baptiste, Judge, Cook County
- Margaret “Peggy” Tarr, Columnist, Evanston Roundtable
|
|
|
Tzedakah Committee Box Exchange
November 30 - December 3 from 9:00 am-2:00 pm
The Beth Emet Tzedakah Committee is pleased to announce that we have scheduled a Tzedakah Box exchange for the week of November 30 (Monday-Thursday) from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. The drop-off location will be at Beth Emet just inside the new, west-side entrance of the building off of the parking lot. You can hand your tzedakah box to Shlomit through the window for a contactless exchange and take a new box from the table in the vestibule. Alternatively, you can contribute directly to the Tzedakah Fund by credit card or through your Beth Emet account. Just visit the Beth Emet Tzedakah Page and click on "Donate directly to the Tzedakah Fund here."
As always, the contributions received are used exclusively to fund our grant program for the benefit of local and Israeli not-for-profits whose missions align with Beth Emet's social justice core values of righteousness/justice, love of one's neighbors and for the stranger, compassion, kindness, and hospitality. For more information about the Tzedakah Grant program, please view our Tzedakah page or contact committee chair, Barry Isaacson by email or by phone at 847-624-6434. For those unable to drop off their contributions the week of November 30, please contact Marla Topp to schedule your drop-off. |
|
Winter Accessory Drive For The Soup Kitchen Guests
Now through December 7
During November & early December, the Beth Emet Soup Kitchen is holding a Winter New Accessory Drive in place of its yearly Winter Coat Drive. Due to the pandemic, Soup Kitchen guests may not enter the building or try on coats so we will instead be collecting & distributing NEW ADULT SIZE hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and hand warmers. All donated items should be unused and good quality - please no Dollar Store acrylic items as they do not keep fingers warm. Large men’s sizes are preferred. Collecting now through December 7. Your generosity is most appreciated!
Easy drop off in bins at these locations:
|
|
|
Beth Emet
Outside the West Doors
off the Parking Lot
Monday-Friday
8:30 am-7:00 pm
|
|
Donna and Ben Wolf’s
Front Porch
1132 Grant St, Evanston
Anytime
|
|
Leslie and Stuart Shulruff’s Front Porch
1140 Forest Ave, Evanston
Anytime
|
|
|
|
Gan Yom Rishon
Sundays through November 15 from 9:45-10:15 am
This is perfect for your 3-5 year old child (or grandchild) who is not attending a Jewish Early Childhood Program.
Gan Yom Rishon is the place to be! We’ll enjoy creative activities, movement, music and snack together while exploring Jewish traditions and values. Register here. $32/family for 4 weeks
|
|
|
Shabbat Singing with Cantor Kyle Cotler
Every Friday at 10:00 am
Perfect for kids up to age 6, and folks of any age who like to sing and dance! Zoom Link
|
|
|
Jamberry Music and Movement Class on Zoom, with Nicole Jaworski
Tuesday, November 10 at 11:00 am
Enjoy singing, dancing, swaying and jumping--and meet new friends! Great for kids ages 6 months - 2 years. $15/child through November 17. Co-sponsored by JBaby. Register here.
|
|
Adult Education
A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
Friday, November 6 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 Numbers 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
Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with David Shyovitz
Fridays, November 6 and 13 from 10:45 am - 12:15 pm
Though the peril of climate change is a recent awareness, Jewish tradition has long grappled with the theological import of the natural world, and has developed insights and doctrines that may provide guidance to modern day environmentalists. We will survey key thinkers and traditions, and reflect upon the modern-day implications of pre-modern Jewish texts.
Member fee $25 or included in Friday package; non-member fee $35
David Shyovitz (PhD University of Pennsylvania) is Associate Professor of History at Northwestern University, and Director of NU's Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies. He is the author of A Remembrance of His Wonders: Nature and the Supernatural in Medieval Ashkenaz (2017), and has lectured widely throughout the United States, Israel, and Europe.
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 815 7403 7535 / Passcode: 376119
|
|
Dying Doesn’t Feel Like What I’m Doing: How Rachel Cowan Changed the Face of Judaism - a documentary film with Paula Weiman-Kelman
Sunday, November 8 at 1:00 pm
See above for more details.
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 862 7585 2006 / Passcode: 292508
|
|
|
Samson and His Mother | Deborah, a Biblical Power Broker with Hyma Levin
Mondays, November 9 and 16 from 10:30 – 11:45 am
Samson loved women and violence; his mother understood God’s divine plan. Deborah was a charismatic military leader, poet, and prophet. We will examine their stories to learn how they can resonate for us.
No fee for members; non-member fee $15
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 881 7708 9222 / Passcode: 483527
Hyma Levin, Beth Emet’s Director of Education Emerita, has been a Jewish educator for more than forty years. She is a member of the Chicago Coalition for Interreligious Learning: Catholics | Jews | Muslims Working Together, and taught by request in Catholic elementary and high schools for more than fifteen years. A Life Member of Hadassah, Hyma facilitated a leadership-training program for the Chicago-Northshore Chapter. She has taught in a variety of adult education venues in the area.
|
|
|
|
Israeli Innovators with Avi Jorisch
Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 pm
ISRAELI INNOVATION AND TIKKUN OLAM: The Israel Committee, in partnership with the Israel Consulate in Chicago, presents Israeli author and entrepreneur Avi Jorisch who will speak about his book "Thou Shalt Innovate - How Israeli Ingenuity Repairs The World." The book explores Israel’s culture of innovation and tikkun olam, focusing on Israelis whose high tech inventions in agriculture, energy, water conservation, medicine and other fields are solving some of the world’s most formidable challenges to improve lives around the world. Mr. Jorisch is a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Counsel, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and Young Presidents' Organization, and formerly was an official in the US Departments of Treasury and Defense. He is the author of five books and numerous articles including in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News.
Zoom Link Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 862 9922 9898 / Passcode: 369010
|
|
|
Bob Dylan: Prophet Mystic Poet with Seth Rogovoy
Thursday, November 12 from 7:00 - 8:15 pm
An exploration of the deep and profound influence of Dylan’s Jewish background and scriptural roots on this Nobel Prize-winning rock poet's life and work. We will see how Dylan’s familiarity with Torah, Talmud, and Kabbalah has worked its way into his songs and public utterances, his embrace of Israel, and the Jewish outreach organization Chabad. We will reflect on and discuss how Dylan can best be seen and appreciated as a Jewish artist.
$10 fee
Seth Rogovoy was called “American Jewry’s greatest Dylan scholar” by Religion News Service. He is the author of Bob Dylan: Prophet Mystic Poet (Scribner, 2009), a full-length analysis of Bob Dylan’s life and work. He also wrote The Essential Klezmer: A Music Lover’s Guide to Jewish Roots and Soul Music (Algonquin Books, 2000), the all-time bestselling guide to klezmer music. Seth’s work has appeared for three decades in the English-language national Jewish publication, The Forward, where he is a contributing editor. Seth is the recipient of a 2016 Simon Rockower Award for excellence in arts and criticism, from the American Jewish Press Association, for his portrait of musician Leonard Cohen published in the April/May 2015 issue of Hadassah Magazine.
|
|
Spandex Hides More than Just a Covenant: How Superheroes of Modernity Reflect Jewish Identity and Values with Cantor Kyle Cotler
Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 pm
Many of our comic book superheroes were created by Jewish writers and artists to reflect the spiritual and psychological struggles caused by the historical circumstances of the time. Their ubiquity in popular culture is undeniable. But beyond the industry that began in print and has since spread to television, merchandise, and film, there is an underlying significance and relationship that the superheroes in DC and Marvel comics share with the Jewish people. We will explore how what started in the 1930s and 1940s as mild propaganda, with heroes such as Superman and Captain America fighting against the forces of fascism, evolved over the decades as a means of identity expression and exploration for many of their creators.
No fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
