A teacher in Evanston School District 65 has brought a lawsuit against the district which alleges that specific antiracist practices and curriculum of the district are illegal. In response to the lawsuit, a group of concerned Evanston residents wrote a petition in support of the district’s commitment to equity. Beth Emet was asked to sign it. More than a thousand people have signed the petition, including Rabbis London and Memis-Foler, and dozens of religious congregations have done so as well.

On Monday we held an information session about the petition. Afterwards the Board of Trustees met and voted to approve Beth Emet signing the petition. In addition to the petition, the Beth Emet Board of Trustees issued this statement.

Since our founding, Beth Emet has been engaged in fighting for civil rights and has been a leader in the Evanston community speaking out against hatred, discrimination, and bigotry of any kind. Working to create a more just and compassionate society is core to who we are as a congregation.

As our community transitions to providing both in-person and at home worship options, we are excited to share that starting next week Kabbalat Shabbat services will be back every Friday. To register to attend, please click here. Kahal Shabbat Morning services will be back in-person in the next few weeks. Here are a few reminders:

Please fill out this form and submit no later than Thursday at noon before the service.

Labor on the Bimah: Martin Ritter "Intersection of Workers' Rights, Judaism, and Chicago's past, present, and future."

This year's D'var Torah "Labor on the Bimah: Essential Dignity" will be given by Martin Ritter. Originally from Park Forest IL and an alumni of UIC with a BA in History and Political Science and a M. Ed. in Instructional Leadership. For the last 10 years Martin Ritter has been Political and Legislative Organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, AFT Local #1. He has been a part of a vibrant team who have succeeded at multiple complex labor and political campaigns in Chicago and Illinois. Prior to this position he was a high school social studies teacher and football coach for almost 10 years in CPS at Marshall HS and earlier Hyde Park HS. He also serves as a board member of the Jewish Labor Committee's Chicago chapter. He and his wife Reena Benson have one son - Lev Irving, two-and-a-half year old and live in the West Loop neighborhood.

For a list of next week's events and recordings from previous programs, check out the website!

dDon’t miss this opportunity to send Holiday greetings, Mazel Tovs, and acknowledgements to our members by submitting family photos for viewing during High Holy Day services. Maybe you want to share pictures of your family preparing for the Holidays, Simchas, or simply wish the congregation a joyous New Year. Send your pictures and greetings to Aviva Schwartz by Friday August 27 and enjoy the show!!

The Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) has offered our congregants this free learning opportunity during the month of Elul. The Shofar Project is a series of over 25 free live online events and weekly essays from IJS faculty. In preparation for the coming Shemitah year, each week will explore a different aspect of release: of our control over the planet, of other human beings, and of ourselves from systems, habits, and behavios of oppresion.

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 October 5- November 9 from 10-10:45 am at Beth Emet Synagogue. The fee per family is $90.00. Please register here.

Check out the Website!