Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter |
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Wednesday, May 11, 2022 / 10 Iyar 5782 |
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Starting next week both BE Connected and EmetMail will be combined for a new and improved e-newsletter, to be delivered to your inbox each Tuesday! Stay tuned! |
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Kabbalat Shabbat Services Honoring
Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler
Festive Oneg to Follow
Guest D’var Torah: Rabbi Mary Zamore
Friday, June 3 at 6:00 pm
*Note Early Service Time*
Show your appreciation of Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler during services and at an Oneg with heavy appetizers held in her honor. In addition to a song from The Players, the service will include a Dvar Torah offered by Rabbi Memis-Foler’s dear friend and colleague, Rabbi Mary Zamore, Executive Director of the Women’s Rabbinic Network.
As we prepare to send Rabbi Memis-Foler off on her new adventures in New Jersey we would like to create a scrapbook of memories for her. If you have photos or would like to compose a short paragraph, please send them along to Helayne Levin. All submissions must be received by Friday, May 27. No late entries please. Thanks!
The evening will be sponsored, in part, by The Rabbi Karl and Eve Weiner Fund
Let us know you’re coming so we can plan the Oneg accordingly. RSVP Today. |
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Are You Graduating This Year?
Share Your Graduate's Simcha!
In June we'll be sharing the names of all of our 2022 graduates. Please fill in a few details so we can share your graduate's simcha with our Beth Emet community. Forms must be submitted by Friday June 3.
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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 here, and if possible, please include a photo! |
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Jerri Zbiral's Documentary is Airing This Month!
Czechs in Chicago: A Home in the Heartland is a documentary film that chronicles how Czechs helped build and shape Chicago from their arrival in the 19th century to today. By creating distinct Czech neighborhoods, founding cultural and business institutions and contributing to political and civic leadership, Czech immigrants have stories to tell.
Years ago I met fellow filmmakers Susan Marcincus & Larry Jacobs through Susan’s Slovak roots. I did most of the initial photo research for the film and have been involved creatively over the years. I am on-camera for the small Jewish section filmed at Beth Emet (where the Holocaust mantle I designed is prominently featured.)
I was born in Prague shortly after WWII, ultimately settling in Chicago. I am proud of this film, especially relevant to my life, my Czech heritage and my Judaism.
The 90-minute documentary airs on WTTW Friday, May 20 at 8:00 pm.
See below for a behind the scenes look! Thanks to Alan Teller for the photographs!
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Mazal Tov Howard & Lisa Sachs
Beth Emet Honors Howard and Lisa Sachs' 50th wedding anniversary on May 2.
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Congregational Opportunities |
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Sounds of North Africa and the Middle East: An Evening with Epichorus
Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 pm
Join the Epichorus trio for a night of Hebrew songs, gems of poetry and prayer set to new music inspired by the desert sounds of the Middle East and North Africa. Composer and oud player Rabbi Zach Fredman will be joined by Malian kora virtuoso Yacouba Sissoko on his 21 stringed harp, and hammered dulcimer virtuoso Max ZT, who grew up at Beth Emet and is the son of Jerri Zbiral and Alan Teller. Between songs the trio will share stories of their music and collaboration. Sponsored by the Israel Committee.
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Covid and Mental Health, Where Are We Now? with Nina Henry
Wednesday, May 25 at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Tammy Besser, JCFS Social Worker and a member of the Beth Emet Inclusion Committee, will introduce the topic, as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month.
Nina Henry, JCFS Addiction Specialist and Mental Health Educator, will facilitate a conversation about the impact of the pandemic on one’s daily life, work, relationships and more. As a result of the world changing and anticipation of our uncertain future, many people are experiencing anxiety, grief and other feelings. We will discuss ways to identify, cope with, or manage these feelings and how communities, including Beth Emet, can provide support and connection.
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Kabbalat Torah and Gesher Tekes
Friday, May 27 at 6:30 pm
The Kabbalat Torah and Gesher service is a special time to hear from our graduating high school seniors about what they have learned during their years at Beth Emet, how Beth Emet has shaped them, and what they are taking with them as they move to the next stage of their lives. They model for our Gesher students and families, and our whole community, that Jewish learning and practice take on a whole new level of meaning and purpose after the Kabbalat Mitzvah years. You don’t want to miss this poignant evening filled with wisdom and love. After Kabbalat Shabbat services, the 7 graders (Gesher students) and families will have their own festive Shabbat dinner and closing program.
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Shavuot is Coming
Erev Shavuot Service
Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 pm (Virtual on Zoom)
Celebrate the Shavuot holiday together, on Zoom. Please note this will be a short service and we will not be meeting in person.
Shavuot Festival Morning Services (Including Yizkor)
Dairy Brunch & Learning to Follow
Sunday, June 5 at 9:30 am (in-person and Virtual on Zoom)
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai as well as the grain harvest, after counting of the Omer for 50 days, since the 2nd night of Passover. Come worship, eat and then study about revelations on Mount Sinai and what does it mean in this day and age. Registration for lunch is encouraged but not required.
You no longer need to pre-register to attend services, unless you have yet to submit your vax information. Please do so by completing the online form.
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RESCHEDULED: Cleaning Up Our Community- Beth Emet Celebrates Earth Day
Sunday, May 22 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Earth Day might have passed, but it’s not too late for a litter clean-up! Sponsored by Beth Emet’s Dayenu Circle, we’ll be holding a Northshore Channel Clean Up along McCormick between Dempster and Church in Skokie. We will meet at 2:00 pm at the northeast corner of McCormick and Dempster. Everyone in the Beth Emet community is invited to volunteer with this clean-up effort, but we recommend participation for ages eight and up. Supplies such as plastic gloves and trash bags will be provided, but if you have your own pair of garden gloves, please bring those along. Limited parking is available north of the meeting site, but another option is to park along Bennett just west of McCormick.
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Redlining Evanston Exhibit at Beth Emet
On display through June 4
Learn more about redlining in Evanston and the history of how it segregated the community. The exhibit, now through June 4th, offers a deeper explanation on 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. To learn more and get involved with Beth Emet’s reparations work, contact Bekki Kaplan.
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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 employment, we are seeking two talented executive assistants.
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.
Prepare for the Spring Tzedakah Box Drop-Off and Exchange
Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 22 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm and exchange your full tzedakah boxes for new ones! All contributions received are used exclusively to fund our grant program for the benefit of local and Israeli not-for-profits. Learn More.
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A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
Friday, May 13 at 9:30 am
There are many ways to interpret Torah and its nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. We continue our learning from last year, reading and interpreting the text of the Book of Deuteronomy line by line. New learners are always welcome.
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 880 3271 0378 l Passcode: 785827
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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
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Current Politics with Professor David Zarefsky
Tuesday May 24 at 7:30 pm
A continuing lecture-discussion class on contemporary public issues of interest to Jews as citizens. Stay tuned for this month's topic.
No fee for members; non-member fee $10
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Gan Yom Rishon In-Person
Sunday, May 15 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.
Register here (Note: the classroom has limited capacity due to Covid, so please do register if you're planning to attend.)
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Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski! Co-sponsored by JBaby
Tuesday, May 17 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.
Contact Kathy with any questions.
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Hello Havdalah!
Saturday, May 21 at 4:30 pm
Join JCC Early Childhood and Beth Emet Synagogue at Beth Emet for an in-person, outdoor Havdalah! Families are invited to come together for a song session with Cantor Cotler, braid a Havdalah candle and decorate a spice box and kiddush cup that you can take home! Masks and social distancing please. All are welcome!
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Greater Chicago Jewish Festival
Sunday June 12 from 11:00 - 6:00 pm
The Festival is Back: Joins Us in the Park! Save The Date!
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