Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter |
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / 13 Kislev 5782 |
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Dedicating a New Torah Mantle for our Czech Torah Scrol
This past Shabbat we dedicated a new mantle for our Torah scroll that was from Prague's Pinkas Synagogue before WWII, then in 1964 housed at the Westminster Synagogue in London before making its way to Temple Judea Mizpah, and finally to Beth Emet. This magnificent mantle shows the despair of the Holocaust and the hope that emerged afterwards.
Thank you to Jerri Zbiral for the design and making the Torah mantle with assistance from Alan Teller and Peter Sis, and David & Sharon Kessler who generously dedicated the mantle in memory of Dr. Harry & Susan Kessler under the guidance of Rabbi Amy L. Memis-Foler. Also special thanks to the Sifrei Torah Task Force for its support for the project.
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Please Note: Beth Emet Offices will be Closed the Week of Thanksgiving
Should you need to contact someone at Beth Emet during this time, please call the main number (847-869-4230), and press 4. The Clergy are available in case of an emergency. We look forward to connecting with you when the offices reopen on Monday, November 29.
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Learning From One Another: Let's Talk About Reparations
TONIGHT, November 17 at 7:00 pm
Whether you are in favor of, against or undecided about national reparations legislation, this is your opportunity to deepen your understanding. Join us to share your thoughts, concerns, questions and feelings so we can all learn from each other.
This program will include small group discussions in breakout rooms. Each breakout room will have one topic which will be randomly assigned using the ten specific reparations points of the National African Americans Reparations Commission’s plan for national reparations. A moderator will give a short summary of some key points for the assigned topic, followed by open discussion so everyone can consider other congregants’ views. We will then come back together to hear a short summary of key points discussed.
Let’s see where the conversation takes us.
Click here to read the Social Action reparations group’s executive summary regarding reparations.
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 897 3021 9215 | Passcode: 1224
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Fall Tzedakah Box Drop-Off/Exchange
Through Friday, November 19
The Beth Emet Tzedakah Committee is pleased to announce our fall tzedakah box drop-off/exchange for the week of November 15 (Monday-Friday) from 9:00am-5:00pm (Mon.-Thurs.) and 9:00am-3:30pm on Friday. Please note: Drop off during Beit Sefer hours is also an option. Drop your tzedakah boxes off just inside the west-side entrance of the building off the parking lot. Please bring your tzedakah box to Shlomit Hoch in the office or take a new box available in the west entrance area. Note that the Lucite tzedakah boxes are located by west entrance area and the Temple Menorah Lobby, directly off the main lobby. You may also use the slot at the sanctuary entrance to deposit donations.
For those of you who have not yet returned to the building, you also have the option of contributing to the Tzedakah Fund by credit card. Visit the Beth Emet Tzedakah page and click on "Donate directly to the Tzedakah Fund here." Or, you may submit a request to Debbie Gilbert, Beth Emet's finance manager, to transfer a portion of your account balance to the Fund. If you prefer to donate by check, make your check payable to Beth Emet and enter "Tzedakah Fund" on the memo line.
As always, the contributions received are used exclusively to fund our grant program for the benefit of local and Israeli not-for-profits whose missions align with Beth Emet's social justice core values of righteousness/justice, love of one's neighbors and for the stranger, compassion, kindness, and hospitality. For more information about the Tzedakah Grant program, please view our Tzedakah page or contact committee chair, Barry Isaacson by email or by phone at 847-624-6434. For those unable to drop off their contributions during the week of November 15, please contact Shlomit to schedule your drop-off.
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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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Josh Montgomery-Patt has Moved to DC!
Parents: Shelli Patt & Andy Montgomery
Member Since 2013
"I moved to DC to look for a job in advocacy, policy, or development. All 3 of these fields deeply appealed to me. Policy and advocacy help generate and translate the solutions to the massive problems facing the world today, and development is essential for ensuring that organizations have the resources to advocate and implement programs. I've known I've wanted to live in DC for years. As a history and government nerd, it's the perfect city for me, and I love how its public transit is even better than Chicago's. I moved to DC in late September and have recently gotten a job working as a Development Coordinator for Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, where I assist with fundraising and donor records. Since coming to DC, I've gotten involved in the Terry McAuliffe campaign for Governor of Virginia, several affordable housing activist groups, and some gaming groups, and I've also gone to synagogue services and events out here."
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Congregational Opportunities |
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High Holiday Survey and Feedback Opportunity
By Tomorrow, November 18
We are now safely past all of the 5782 High Holy Days! We are looking for your feedback on what you thought worked and what we might do better for both in-person and remote participation. Please fill out this brief survey. Your feedback is very much appreciated!
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Interfaith Action of Evanston 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wednesday, November 24 at 7:00 pm
This year the annual interfaith service will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 24th at Lake Street Church (607 Lake St., Evanston) at 7 pm and over Zoom. The service will feature keynote speaker: Bennett Johnson, Evanston history maker, the Evanston Interfaith Community Choir led by Music Director Dr. Diana Schmück, of Lake Street Church of Evanston. All attendees must wear a mask and be fully vaccinated.
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Kabbalat Shabbat Services Babayit- Shabbat At Home
Friday, November 26 at 6:30 pm
No In-Person Worship
After Thanksgiving, we will have a Zoom only Kabbalat Shabbat service the following day. We'll gather on Zoom for a lovely service and have an opportunity to see each other's faces and screens. We will NOT be in the sanctuary that evening.
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 838 9450 5337 | Passcode: 1224
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Virtual Chanukah Candle Lighting: Save The Date
Sunday, November 28 - December 5
Celebrate Chanukah as a community by joining on zoom each night at 6:30 pm for candlelighting, led by our members. In this time of rededication come learn how we can each rededicate ourselves through the lens of Beit T'filah, Beit Sefer, Beit Knesset, Beit Tzedek, and Beit Chesed.
Zoom Link - Ph: 312-626-6699 - Meeting ID: 831 9068 2330 | Passcode: 1224
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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.
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.
Please RSVP by Friday, December 3.
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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.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 8
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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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Taharah Training for All
For ages Jewish communities have established groups to care for the deceased. Performing a Taharah (ritual washing, purification and dressing of the body) is part of this care. Members of the Progressive Chevrah Kadisha (PCK) participate voluntarily in this ultimate “Chesed Shel Emes” (genuine kindness), as there is no one to thank you. "I have been a part of the Progressive Chevre Kadisha for the last decade. Caring for and purifying the body before burial has been a mitzvah that has strengthened my own soul and my connection to other souls. Please do contact me if you are interested." - Marci Dickman
The PCK will hold two trainings for those interested in training for this sacred act. The trainings will take place at Chicago Jewish Funerals (8851 Skokie Blvd, Skokie IL 60077)
The trainings will take place: Sunday, December 19 from 3:00-5:00 pm OR Sunday, January 23 from 7:00-9:00 pm.
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Beth Emet Camp Scholarships
Deadline is January 14, 2022
It is with tremendous appreciation that we say thank you to the Samuel Sherwin Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Gerald D. Chiss Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Beth Emet Foundation, the Harvey Rice Youth Fund, and to those who support them. If you are interested in applying for the summer of 2022, please fill out this form or contact Bekki Harris Kaplan with any questions.
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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
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
Starting November 30
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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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.
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Save The Date: 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, November 26 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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Reserve Your Seat On The Couch
Streaming through November 21
JCC Chicago kicks-off the 2021 Fall Festival with 8 films streaming over 3 weekends. From documentaries to dramas and accompanying Q&A's with subject matter experts, you won't want to miss these carefully curated films. Special festival passes on-sale now for a limited time.
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