Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter |
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Wednesday, May 4, 2022 / 3 Iyar 5782 |
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Today, on Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, we remember the fallen Israeli military who gave their lives for Israeli independence and those we have lost to acts of terror. |
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Celebration of Our Staff and Honoring Rabbi Andrea London's 25 Years in the Rabbinate
6:00 pm Services In-Person and Virtual (fusion worship) *Note Early Start Time*
7:30 pm Festive Shabbat Dinner
Pre-registration is not required for services, just come!! Be sure to wear a mask and have your vaccination information on file. (If you haven’t already provided the details, submit all vaccination and booster information here.)
This evening is our community celebration honoring Rabbi Andrea London for 25 years in the rabbinate and to 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. Services will include a guest D'var Torah by Rabbi David Jaffe, known for his application of spiritual practices for personal growth. Learn more in this interview with Rabbi London!
Following services, we will have a festive (and fun!) Shabbat dinner. If you still wish to attend, please contact the office. As always, we will be adhering to the current COVID and safety protocols.
To listen to the service dial 847-869-4230 and press 7
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*Just Announced!*
Nosh and Study with Rabbi David Jaffe
Saturday, May 7 at 4:00 pm at Beth Emet (in-person only)
Rabbi David Jaffe is a teacher to many, and we are fortunate that he not only will be giving the D’var Torah on Friday evening, but will also be offering a teaching on Shabbat afternoon at 4:00 pm. His teaching will focus on Tikkun Middot. To make our Shabbat that much sweeter, please bring a dessert or sweet treat to share (enough for 8-10 people). Home-baked sweets are highly encouraged!
Please note, this will not be livestreamed.
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Congregational Opportunities |
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Beit Sefer Commemorates Yom Hashoah
In honor of Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Beit Sefer held a ceremony last Thursday led by Rabbi Memis-Foler and Cantor Cotler.
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Redlining Evanston Exhibit at Beth Emet
On display through June 4
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.
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First Annual Israel Independence Day Film Festival
All Access Tickets to 11 Films; A Portion of Each Ticket Sale Benefits Beth Emet
Today, 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!
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Inclusion Committee Meeting
Monday, May 9 at 5:00 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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Reparations and Jewish Thought Presented by Hebrew Union College
Presented by the Bamberger Family as part of
The Dr. Fritz Bamberger Memorial Lecture Series
Tuesday, May 10 at 1:00 pm
Rabbi Jonathan Crane, Raymond F. Schinazi Scholar of Bioethics and Jewish Thought at the Ethics Center, Emory University; Professor of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine; Professor of Religion, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
Christina Jefferson, Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the San Francisco Forty Niners
Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., HUC President; Moderator
There is no doubt America was built by enslaved people. Though many argue whether anything is owed to their descendants, Judaism strongly disagrees.
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Israel Music Concert on Zoom: 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, a longtime friend of Beth Emet. Between songs the trio will share stories of their music and collaboration.
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Covid and Mental Health, Where Are We Now? with Nina Henry
Wednesday, May 25 at 7:00 pm
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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Social Action Committee Meeting
Tonight, 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.
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Interfaith Action Evanston: Producemobile and SNAPGap Program
Saturday, May 7 from 10:00 - 12:00 pm
Drop Off Location: First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St. Evanston, IL 60201
Beth Emet is a proud member of Interfaith Action Evanston (IAE), which operates the “Producemobile” once a month, distributing food to Evanston’s families experiencing food insecurity. IAE has added a new dimension to the distribution of food through the "SNAPGap" program. SNAPGap collects and distributes items that most of us consider necessary but are not eligible for purchase with federal benefits, such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, or shampoo. IAE identifies1-3 items for distribution each month.
The items that IAE will be distributing in May are razors, shaving cream, and deodorant. If you purchase these items locally for donation, you can drop them off at the donations site listed below.
If you purchase the items online, please have them delivered to the First United Methodist Church address above.
Please note that the faith community coordinating SNAPGap will change each month so the delivery location will change in the future.
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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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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.
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!
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*Cancelled* A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
Friday, May 6
We apologize for any inconvenience, A Close Look at Torah will not be meeting this Friday.
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Which Son Was It? Islam and the Sacrifice of Ishmael / Judaism and the Binding of Isaac with David Gottlieb- Part 2
Friday, 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
Zoom Link- Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 863 7886 0491 l Passcode: 1224
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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 8 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 10 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.
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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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