Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter |
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Wednesday, December 1, 2021 / 27 Kislev 5782 |
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Central Conference of American Rabbis Resolution in Support of Vaccine Mandates
The CCAR, the Reform Rabbis of North America’s rabbinic association, has issued the following resolution in support of COVID vaccine mandates as a way to save lives. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get a COVID vaccine. Jewish tradition teaches us the value of caring for ourselves and each other. Getting a vaccine is an important way to protect ourselves and others from severe illness. We continue to do what we can at Beth Emet to keep everyone safe, healthy, and connected. If you are in need of support, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with us. We continue to pray for good health and well-being for everyone. Read CCAR's statement here.
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Thank you to the 8th graders who lead a great game of Kahoots monday night and tested our Chanukah knowledge! Who knew Salty Cheese & Chanukah was a thing! |
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Virtual Chanukah Candle Lighting
Nightly Thru Sunday, December 5 at 6:30 pm
Celebrate Chanukah as a community by joining on Zoom each night at 6:30 pm as we light the candles together. Chanukah means dedication and is a celebration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it had been defiled. On Chanukah we rededicate ourselves to our purpose as a synagogue—to be a place of prayer, place of learning, place to gather and create community, and a place to live the values of righteousness and love. Each night a member of the congregation will reflect on how we can rededicate ourselves to these values during this Chanukah season and throughout the year.
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 831 9068 2330 | Passcode: 1224
*Please note: Friday, December 3 we will be lighting candles as part of our Kabbalat Shabbat Services. You are welcome to join us in person for services OR virtually on livecontrol.*
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Chanukah Concert for Families with Young Children
Sunday, December 5 at 4:00 pm
Come enjoy Chanukah songs and fun with Cantor Cotler, Rabbi London and guest Aimee Leigh! Holiday treats for everyone! Masks are required for all attendees. Please note, you can participate in this event in person as well as virtually.
To Attend Virtually, click here.
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In the BE Family
Send Us Your News!
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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!
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Roger Price Publishes article on Supreme Court Abortion Case
Following retirement from the practice of law eleven years ago, I began to study the relationship of Judaism and science, two of the great systems that address the big questions about our place in the universe. Those studies ultimately led to a blog and the publication of my book, When Judaism Meets Science.
One of the areas in which Judaism meets science, and not easily, is abortion. This week the Supreme Court will hear argument on a Mississippi law which would ban abortions weeks prior to viability, the current permissible limit. Over twenty Jewish organizations have filed or signed on to briefs as amici, friends of the Court. I was curious about what they said. Having read their briefs, which contained some surprises, I had more questions than before I started. My latest essay is an effort to think through the issues, legal, religious, and social.
To read Roger Price's latest article,"When Jews Argue In The Supreme Court About Abortion," click here.
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Congregational Opportunities |
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Social Action Committtee Meeting
Wednesday, December 8 at 6:00 pm
We welcome first time participants. Hear updates and 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, engaging in Advocacy work related to racial and immigration justice among other topics, learning more about Reparations in Evanston and beyond, and so much more.
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Inclusion Committee Meeting
Wednesday, December 8 at 6:30 pm
Join the Beth Emet Inclusion Committee 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.
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Support this Year's Mitzvah Appeal Campaign
Thank you for believing in Beth Emet. While our community is diverse in how we choose to worship, what we seek to learn, and how we want to live as Jews, we have one thing in common and that is Beth Emet is our home in which to explore, grow and engage. The last 18 months have been like no other, but we continue to be so grateful that our community has risen to the challenge. Each of you makes Beth Emet a strong community.
Each year at this time, we make a very important request that allows our community to renew our support to continue to be a vibrant congregation which offers each of us opportunities to bring more justice, compassion, and light to the world around us.
Like most synagogues, our annual membership commitment and fees cannot fully fund our annual operating costs. A successful annual Mitzvah Appeal campaign remains important to our financial stability and ensures that Beth Emet can continue to fulfill its mission. Make an impact by clicking on our online pledge form
So, we are asking for your support of the Mitzvah Appeal campaign.
Our goal this year is $250,000, which is about 10% of our operating budget. Last year our community stepped up with extraordinary generosity to meet our goal, and we turn to you again to renew your commitment. No gift to Beth Emet is too big or too small.
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! We are thrilled to announce an $18,000 matching challenge from a generous group of past and present presidents of Beth Emet and the Beth Emet Foundation. Any new or increased gift over last year will be matched dollar for dollar. Help us take advantage of this exciting opportunity and secure the full matching grant!
In recognition of your pledge, we invite you to attend one or more of these exciting Mitzvah Appeal events:
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Special, Intimate Evening with Ronnie Rice
Thursday, December 9 AT 7:30 pm on Zoom
Suggested Minimum Pledge: $360
Through the magic of Zoom and with tasty treats in hand as a gift from us, enjoy a “pre-show” conversation with this larger-than-life personality as he shares stories from the road, songs from his heart, and answers your questions.
You’ll even learn a secret… or two. Your pledge includes admission to all of the events for this year’s Mitzvah Appeal campaign.
Make your pledge today and pledge today and RSVP. (Please RSVP by December 3.) For those who have already pledged – thank you!
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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. He’ll regale us with some of his oldies and goodies “I Will Always Think About You” and “Things I’d Like to Say” which ranked No 1 and No. 2 on WLS Radio in 1968. With a special appearance by Cantor Cotler, this is a night of legends! 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.
Make your pledge today and pledge today and RSVP. (Please RSVP by December 8.) For those who have already pledged – thank you!
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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.
Please RSVP by Thursday, January 6
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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.
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Q and A with an Israeli Diplomat
Wednesday, December 15 at 7:30 pm
This program will begin with a briefing by Israeli Consul Daniel Aschheim to give us clarity about positions of the Israeli government. Most of the session will be devoted to an opportunity for us to ask questions and express our concerns to the Israeli government.
Daniel Aschheim, a Jerusalem native, is Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest. He was appointed to this Chicago-based post in September of 2020. Aschheim comes to Chicago from West Africa, where he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
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Thank you to all those who made a generous contribution to Beth Emet this past month!
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Help The Soup Kitchen Guests Stay Warm This Winter!
Collecting Now through December 6
The Beth Emet Soup Kitchen is holding a Winter Coat and Accessory Drive. New and gently used/freshly cleaned winter accessories are most appreciated. Adult sizes only. Emphasis on quality over quantity. Please no Dollar Store acrylic items as they do not keep fingers and heads warm.
Thank you!
Needed:
- Women’s gloves, mittens and hats in all sizes
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Men’s gloves - size medium only
- Warm scarves for both men and women
- Winter boots for both men and women – all sizes
- Warm coats – all sizes, especially men’s XL and XXL
Your generosity is most appreciated! There will be bins at the following locations:
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Beth Emet-
Outside near the west entrance (parking lot)
Sunday 11/21 9 am - 12 pm
Monday–Thursday 9 am- 5 pm
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Donna and Ben Wolf’s
front porch
1132 Grant St, Evanston
Anytime!
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Leslie and Stuart Shulruff’s front porch
1140 Forest Ave, Evanston (porch is on Hamilton Street)
Anytime!
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Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski is Back at Beth Emet! Co-sponsored by JBaby
Tuesday, December 7
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.
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Winter Fun Fest for Young Families
Sunday, December 19 from 11am - 12:00 pm
Come create a gift for our animal friends and a gift for your family.
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A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
Friday, December 3 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
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Not So Current Politics with David Zarefsky
Wednesday, December 8 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 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
David Zarefsky is the Owen L. Coon Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Northwestern University, specializing in argumentation and the analysis and criticism of American political discourse. He is a former president of the National Communication Association, the Rhetoric Society of America, and the Central States Communication Association. In 2012 he received the Lifetime Teaching Excellence Award from the National Communication Association. David is a past president of Beth Emet.
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Resources for Well-BEing
Programs and materials to support us during this challenging time
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Every week, this section will highlight a few resources—programs/services/guidance—to enhance our well-being. We have also created a webpage on the Beth Emet website that has a more comprehensive list of resources.
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Skokie Public Library: Business and Employment Resources
Skokie Public Library has resources to help people exploring new careers and starting new enterprises.
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Womencare Counseling
Address: Center 1740 Ridge Avenue, Suite 201, Evanston IL 60201
Womencare provides individual, group, couple and family counseling, as well as sponsoring educational and professional workshops. We offer counseling to children and adolescents ages 4-21 and their families. Womencare is home to a team of skilled, licensed clinicians trained in the treatment of the complex issues of childhood and adolescence. Therapists use a variety of counseling techniques and tools that are chosen based upon each child’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities as well as their presenting issues. Treatment may include: play therapy, individual talk therapy, family therapy, and a range of creativity-based interventions, including art therapy, drama and role-play, journaling and poetry.
Contact: 847-475-7003
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Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism Candle Lighting from the Egalitarian Kotel
Thursday, December 2 at 11:30 am Central (7:30 pm Israel Time)
In the presence of Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) leadership and guests from the Government of Israel, partner organizations in Israel and around the world, Jerusalem area Reform rabbis, and members of our Movement. This special evening will light up the Kotel with festive brachot and songsand greetings that will reflect on the significance and centrality of the Kotel to Jews of all streams in Israel and around the world.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Click here to register in advance for the Zoom link. |
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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.
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