Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday, July 14, 2021 / 5 Av 5781

Soul Stitchers - Virtual Knitting Circle
TONIGHT, July 14 at 7:30 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.
Zoom Link - Ph: 3612-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 858 4724 8966 | Passcode: 1224
High Holy Days 5782
Beth Emet has a variety of worship options and programming this year for the High Holy Days to ensure that everyone – whether in-person or virtually – can renew their spirit, connect with the community and friends new and old, and build upon Beth Emet’s foundation of strength. Many of these details and registration details are reviewed in the email sent to the congregation on July 13.
Congregational Opportunities
Tisha B'Av Service
Saturday, July 17 at 8:00 pm
On Tisha B’Av we commemorate the destruction of both the Temples that stood in Jerusalem and other calamities that befell the Jewish people on this date. Please fill out this form to RSVP. Don't forget to indicate if you'd like to attend in person or via zoom. 
Zoom Link  - Ph: 3612-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 833 3004 7985 | Passcode: 637560
Student Cantor Beth Reinstein- Summer Concert Series
Saturday, July 24 at 6:00 pm
Beth Reinstein has officially begun her Cantorial student pulpit at Washington Hebrew Congregation, and thankfully we have been invited to continue on her journey! Follow along through Havdallah and the concert at this link.
Register for Kabbalat Shabbat- In Person - July 23
Following our first successful in person services, worship with us in person if you are fully vaccinaed and have a confirmed reservation! Please fill out this form and submit no later than noon on the Thursday before services. We’ll confirm your attendance and provide you with logistics as to what to expect when coming to Beth Emet.
We are so excited to welcome you back to the Sanctuary! 
Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Still don't believe we are having in person services? Check out these photos from the previous successful Shabbat services!
Seeking teachers for Beit Sefer and Youth Programs - Might you know of someone? 
Perhaps you know someone who might like to teach this year. Perhaps you taught at one time and think fondly on that experience. Teaching has changed a bit -- though the sparkle in kids' eyes, the depth of kids' questions and the excitement of kids' learning are still awe-filled and gratifying. Most positions are Sundays or Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons.

Beth Emet has more openings than usual as several of our amazing clergy-to-be teachers from this past year have left the area. I welcome the opportunity to share more with anyone who might be interested. Please do contact me. Looking forward to a year of learning, teaching and connecting in-person. -Marci Dickman
Receive Yahrzeit Notifications by Email
With a change in our database systems, we would like to take this opportunity to find out if you wish to receive notifications by email. Please contact Wendy and let us know. Notices are sent two weeks prior to the yahrzeit. And if you wish to be notified on the Hebrew date, please let us know that as well.  
For a list of next week's events and recordings from previous programs, check out the website!
Lifecycle Notices
Death:

Jane Walchirk, wife of the late Victor Walchirk, mother of Ellen, Amy, and Mark (Theresa), and grandmother of Benjamin, Lauren, Adam, Ethan, Allison, Natalie and Gabriela.

Barbara Kazan, mother of Nona Lipsit, grandmother of David (Alison), Rachel (Ryan), Alliyah and Samantha.
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.
Resources for Well-BEing
Programs and materials to support us during this challenging time
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.
Jewish Organizations Offering Meditation Sits
UIC: College of Applied Science
List of resources to help people with disabilities, their families, service providers and the workforce that support them in the areas of engagement opportunities and educational materials. New resources are added every two weeks.
Social Justice
Interfaith Action needs your help. 
There are several morning openings for Door Greeters at the Hospitality Center. Door Greeter’s mostly sit and make sure the guests remain in designated areas. Please click here for the responsibilities and opportunities to sign up for a shift. Thank you!
Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed
The Soup Kitchen continues to provide take-away meals every Wednesday evening, and we rely on a small onsite team with many volunteers making part of the meal at home. We're now making summer assignments to those interested in helping out by making either sack lunches, a large salad, or homemade nut-free desserts at home and delivering them to Beth Emet on the scheduled date. Cost of groceries is about $35 for 20 lunches and $20 for a large salad. Please let us know your interest in helping out (email [email protected]), and we'll find you an open date and provide the shopping list and/or instructions.  
Spring 2021 Tzedakah Grant Award Winners
This spring, the Tzedakah Committee awarded five $500 grants to deserving non-profit organizations that best exemplify Beth Emet’s social justice core values of righteousness and justice; love of one’s neighbors and for the stranger; compassion; kindness; and, hospitality. Since 1987, thanks to the Congregation’s continued generosity, the Tzedakah Committee has awarded 322 grants totaling $140,764. Each week we will be highlighting a successful applicant.

The next successful applicant is:
  • Community Animal Rescue Effort, Inc. The mission of this Skokie-based organization is to foster and support positive relationships between people and companion animals. CARE re-homes companion pets into safe homes, provides educational and counseling resources, and works to reduce overpopulation. The tzedakah grant will be used to purchase three wide-span, mobile, heavy-duty storage racks to improve the efficiency of CARE's pet food pantry. The pantry distributes donated supplemental nutrition and supplies to families in need.

The Tzedakah Committee will continue to provide grants to eligible and deserving non-profits. the filing deadline for the fall 2021 award cycle is October 31. The committee encourages congregants to help charitable organizations with which they may be involved to submit grant applications for future grant cycles.
Young Family Programs
Shabbat Singing with Cantor Cotler
Friday, July 16 at 10:00 am
Perfect for kids up to age 6, and folks of any age who like to sing and dance!
Zoom Link - Ph- 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 825 2802 4744 / Passcode: 671592
Singing, Supper and S'mores
Saturday, July 17 at 3:30 pm
Our annual campfire, pizza dinner and s'mores for all, on the Beth Emet playground! We'll enjoy Havdalah and singing with Cantor Cotler, too. So much fun! Registration is required so that we can order a pizza for your family. Register here by TOMORROW, Thursday, July 15.
Bagels in the Park- Save the Date
Sunday, August 15 at 10:30 am
Families are invited to Bent Park in Evanston, where we'll play, hang out and enjoy! Registration coming soon.
Community Programs
Are you interested in learning more about the JCC Child-care center at Beth Emet?