Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 / 26 Nisan 5782

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A Celebration of Our Staff and Honoring Rabbi Andrea London's
25 Years in the Rabbinate
Friday, May 6
6:00 pm Services
7:30 pm Festive Shabbat Dinner
*Please note that times have changed since our recent postcard was sent*

Join in our community celebration to say thank you to our staff for their creativity, flexibility and resilience over these last many months and for all they did and continue to do to keep our synagogue strong and vibrant during these challenging times. In addition, we will be celebrating and commemorating Rabbi London's 25 years as a rabbi, leading Beth Emet for 22 years with spiritual wisdom, a commitment to social justice, and deep engagement in all aspects of congregational life. Services will include a guest D'var Torah by Rabbi David Jaffe, known for his application of spiritual practices for personal growth. Following services, we will have a festive (and fun!) Shabbat dinner. As always, we will be adhering to the current COVID and safety protocols.
Missed last week's Dayenu Circle Rally at Fountain Square?
Climate Action Shabbat Eco Fair
Did you miss last Friday's Climate Action Shabbat? Or watched services from home? It was a wonderful service with stirring music, original on-screen graphics, a beautiful meditation by Rabbi Memis-Foler, and a truly empowering and inspirational talk by Senator Laura Fine on the intersection of mental health and climate change.

If you missed the Eco Fair, check out the links (and more photos!) to the climate and environmental organizations that participated: Beth Emet's Dayenu Circle; Citizens' Greener Evanston; Environmental Justice Evanston; Go Green Wilmette; and Citizen's Climate Lobby.
Congregational Opportunities
Bedtime Ritual: Boker Tov Podcast Episode Two

Ease into your evening with meditation and song by Rabbi Andrea London and Cantorial Student Sarina Elenbogen-Siegel.

Photo by Dina Elenbogen, Design by Ilan Elenbogen-Siegel
Hitkansut Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony: Yom Hashoah Ceremony with Shalom Hartman Institute
Tonight, April 27 at 6:00 pm
This experiential commemoration weaves survivor testimonies, literary texts, music, poetry, and prayer into a poignant ritual of remembrance. Join us online from Jerusalem and North America for this transformational ceremony. And if you are interested, log in tomorrow for a full day of inspired learning as we examine Jewish memory and the complex moral issues presented by the war in Ukraine, a crisis that seems tragically familiar this Yom Hashoah. Register for this event here.
Redlining Evanston Exhibit at Beth Emet
April - June
Beth Emet is displaying an exhibit in the main lobby, describing how redlining in Evanston segregated the community. Along with the exhibit, the Beth Emet Reparations Working Group developed a presentation running on a lobby screen explaining how redlining impacted the north shore suburbs and links redlining with the movement to acknowledge the wrongs done to Black citizens and find ways to repair the harm.
Come check out this very informative exhibit.
Taharah Training for All
Sunday, May 1 from 7:00-9:00pm 
Jewish communities have established groups to care for the deceased. Performing a Taharah (ritual washing, purification and dressing of the body) is part of this care. Members of the Progressive Chevrah Kadisha (PCK) participate voluntarily in this ultimate “Chesed Shel Emet” (genuine kindness), as there is no one to thank you. The PCK will hold a training for those interested in training for this sacred act at Chicago Jewish Funerals.
RSVP and send any questions to Marci.
Soul Stitchers- Virtual Knitting Circle
Tuesday, May 3 at 6:45 pm
Know how to knit and/or crochet? As a tribute to Nikki Zarefsky z”l, join us for an hour (on zoom) of knitting and connecting 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. Newcomers are welcome and encouraged to join! Please send us an email with any questions.
First Annual Israel Independence Day Film Festival
All Access Tickets to 11 Films; A Portion of Each Ticket Sale Benefits Beth Emet
Wednesday, May 4 - Monday, May 9

Celebrate Israel with six nights of exclusive, award-winning films, available to view from the comfort of home via your TV, computer or mobile devices. Your ticket purchase provides limited-time access to this series of 11 films, plus exclusive bonus content and more, with new material added each night of the festival. Enter the code BEMET at checkout to receive a discount and support your local community! A portion of your ticket even goes to Beth Emet. Watch the official trailer. Learn more and reserve your ticket today!
Social Justice
Climate Emergency Resolution Passed by Evanston City Council
Monday night, April 25, a Resolution declaring a Climate Emergency in Evanston was passed unanimously by the Evanston City Council.

Hank Neuberger, long-time Beth Emet member and member of the CARP Implementation Task Force and Environmental justice Evanston, shares his reflections on the importance of this legislation.
Even More Donations to The Ark Food Pantry
As we conclude this year's Passover Food Drive, Beth Emet members contributed an additional 17 bags of groceries this past weekend for The ARK food pantry. (Together with the Passover donations, Beth Emet has now collected 90 bags of groceries!) Thank you to all who made this year's drive so successful!
Dayenu Circle Meeting
Tonight, April 27 at 7:30 pm
At our upcoming meeting, we will reflect on our successful Earth Week activities and do some brainstorming for our priorities in the fall. Also, the parent group of Dayenu, a Jewish climate action group, is launching a national advocacy campaign for this spring, so come and find out more about how you can get involved.
Please RSVP to Sharon Smaller.
Beth Emet Stands Against Racism
Thursday, April 28 from 10:25-11:00 am
Participate with Beth Emet at the annual YWCA Stand Against Racism. We’ll gather along Ridge Avenue from 10:25 to 11:00 am to take our place as we stand along the corner of Dempster and Ridge. Bring a sign or poster, a whistle, bell or other noisemaker to attract car riders to our important message.

We will be joining dozens of Evanston organizations and hundreds of individuals, young and old, in a demonstration extending along Ridge Avenue in solidarity with communities all over the nation. In this time of rising violence, bigotry, and government attacks on civil rights, we all need to stand together and make our voices heard loud and clear.
Then, join the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism Keynote Address, “Calling in Allies for Shared Accountability”, 12:00-1:30 pm. Loretta J. Ross, an intellectual, professor, and activist, will speak about calling in allies and fighting white supremacy.
The keynote address is free and virtual. Register with YWCA Evanston/North Shore.
Tzedakah Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 pm
Whether or not a member of the committee, observe the tzedakah grant application process and learn about simple volunteer opportunities such as tzedakah box drop off day on May 22 and the committee's sponsored soup kitchen day on September 21.
Social Action Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00 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.
Pre-registration not required. Zoom Link coming soon.
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to Get More Involved? Looking for Ways to Connect?
Volunteering as a member of the community is not only good, but it’s a place to connect to our shared Jewish values and build relationships.  Check out the following opportunities, and if you have any questions or wish to learn more, contact Bekki Kaplan

Seeking Volunteers in the Office
Do you have a passion for building community and an eye for detail? Come be a friendly face in the office a few hours a week or even just for an afternoon. And of course, if you know anyone looking for a full time role, we are seeking two talented executive assistants.
Reach out to Geoff.
 
Sign Up for Challah Midrash
We’ve had a challah midrash each week since the start of 5781! Whether you’ve baked challah before or not, this is a fun chance to do some creative and inspiring baking! There are several opportunities for bakers in the coming months, and our very own Karen Isaacson is happy to provide recipes and any advice to the bakers.
Please email Karen if you are interested in participating or have any questions!

Shabbat Connections Volunteers Needed
Each Friday, one of our volunteers cooks and delivers a complete Shabbat dinner to a members of the Beth Emet community. Whether due to illness, a recent death in the family, a new baby, or a recent move, a delicious meal is always welcome, and this mitzvah is only possible with the help of our volunteers. We are looking for volunteers to help with our May meals and into the summer. Even if you can only volunteer once every few months, your time and effort are greatly appreciated. Financial support is available to our volunteers to offset the expenses. Please contact Arlene Berke or Kathy Kaberon.

Drop Off Bags to Members
Interested in making deliveries? Want to connect with other members?  We are looking for volunteers to drop off yahrzeit bags or Beth Emet gifts bags to members. To learn more, contact Bekki Kaplan.  

Our Afghan Family Needs Bikes!

Spring is here and our Afghan family is eager to ride bikes!
Here is what we need:
  • Women's 26" comfort/upright handlebar bike with handle brakes
  • Kids 20" bike with training wheels
  • Kids 14" or 16" bike with training wheels
  • Toddler cruiser car or trike with adult push bar for 2 year old
  • Helmets: Two adult, two toddler, and two kids

If you have these available to donate, please contact Alison. Thank you!
Young Family Programs
Gan Yom Rishon In-Person---Begins this Sunday!
Sunday, May 1 at 9:30 am
Please join us! Sunday morning fun for you and your 3-5 year old. Together we'll celebrate Yom HaAtzma'ut (Israel Independence Day), Lag B'Omer and more. Singing, crafts, stories, movement, and friends.
May 1, 8, 15, 22: 4 class sessions

Register here (Note: the classroom has limited capacity due to Covid, so please do register if you're planning to attend.)
Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski! Co-sponsored by JBaby
Tuesday, May 3 at 9:30 am
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. This program will take place through May 17 at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
The fee per family is $90.00
Contact Kathy with any questions.
Lifelong Learning
*Cancelled* A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
Friday, April 29
We apologize for any inconvenience, A Close Look at Torah will not be meeting this Friday.
Which Son Was It? Islam and the Sacrifice of Ishmael / Judaism and the Binding of Isaac with David Gottlieb
Fridays, April 29 and May 6 at 11:00 am
Islam and Judaism both claim the supreme sacrifice for the eldest sons of their respective traditions. We’ll look at similarities and differences between the quranic and biblical tellings of the story and how they developed over time. We’ll reflect on the significance of those differences for Jewish-Islamic relations.
Member fee $25, or included in Friday morning package; non-member fee $35
Not So Current Politics with Professor David Zarefsky
Tuesday, May 3 at 7:30 pm
Current policy and political decisions often reflect or are influenced by events from earlier historical periods. This ongoing lecture-discussion class investigates these earlier moments and how they relate to the present. The May session will explore the long history of conspiracy arguments.
Prior familiarity with the historical periods is not required.
Italian Jewish History: A Virtual Tour with David Shyovitz
Fridays, May 13 and 20 at 11:00 am
Jewish settlement in Italy dates back more than 2000 years, and today visitors to Italy can still see some of the magnificent buildings, monuments, and other relics that encapsulate the rich and diverse Italian Jewish experience. This class will offer a virtual tour of Rome and Venice as seen from the vantage point of Jewish history. Even if flights to Europe are grounded, you can experience the sights and sounds of Italian Jewish history from the comfort of home.
Member fee $25, or included in Friday morning package; non-member fee $35