Comprehensive Weekly Newsletter
Monday, November 22, 2021 / 18 Kislev 5782

Please Note: Beth Emet Offices Are Closed This Week
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.
Chanukah
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

*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.*
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.
Congregational Opportunities
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.  
Click here to learn more.
Click here for the Zoom Link
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
Current Politics with David Zarefsky *Rescheduled*
Tuesday, November 30 at 7:30 pm
A continuing lecture-discussion class on contemporary public issues of interest to Jews as citizens. Special attention will be given to the policy and political issues facing the Biden administration.
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.
Zoom Link- Ph: 312-626-6799 - Meeting ID: 898 8073 2872 | Passcode 1224
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.
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.
If interested, please email Terri Michaels or call (847-691-8167) or email Marci Dickman
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:
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.
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
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
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.

To RSVP and/or to share any questions: contact Marci Dickman
Social Justice
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:
Beth Emet-
Outside near the west entrance (parking lot)
Sunday 11/21 9 am - 12 pm
Monday–Thursday 9 am- 5 pm
Donna and Ben Wolf’s
front porch
1132 Grant St, Evanston
Anytime!
Leslie and Stuart Shulruff’s front porch
1140 Forest Ave, Evanston (porch is on Hamilton Street)
Anytime!
Young Family Programs
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.
The fee per family is $90.00. Please register here.
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. 
Lifelong Learning
Adult Education
All the listings for Adult Education Courses are now up on our website with more details. Please do register in advance.
A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
Friday, November 26- Canceled
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.
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.
Skokie Public Library: Business and Employment Resources
Skokie Public Library has resources to help people exploring new careers and starting new enterprises.
Contacts: Mike Buhmann (job search)
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
Community Programs
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.