|
If you are experiencing difficulty receiving EmetMail, please contact Pierce at PBoydbagby@BethEmet.org.
If you have content you'd like to have considered for EmetMail, please send to DSiegelAcevedo@bethemet.org by 5pm on Tuesday.
There will be no EmetMail next week, and the building will be closed.
| | December 18, 2025 | 28 Kislev 5786 | | | The Shortlist: 12/18 -12/28 | | |
Thursday, Dec 18
Beacon of Light Protest | 4:00 pm
Beit Sefer + JCC Joint Candle Lighting + OSRUI Visit | 4:15pm
Israeli Dancing | 7:15 pm | Weiner Room and Zoom
Friday, Dec 19
A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London | 9:30 am | Weiner Room and Zoom
Reengaging Psalms with Rabbi Michael Balinksy | 11:00 am | Weiner Room and Zoom
Shabbanukah | 5:00 pm Dinner | Services 6:30 pm | Sanctuary and LiveControl
Saturday, Dec 20
Kahal Shabbat Morning Service | 9:30 am | Weiner Room and Zoom
Sunday, Dec 21
Building Closed
Sunday Morning Minyan | 9:00 am | Offsite
Monday, Dec 22
Building Closed
Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew | 11:00 am | Room 202
Tuesday, Dec 23
Building Closed
Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski | 9:30 am | Crown Room
Wednesday, Dec 24
Building Closed
The Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen | 4:00 pm | Crown Room
Thursday, Dec 25
Building Closed
Beacon of Light Protest | 4:00 pm
Friday, Dec 26
Building Closed
Shabbat B'bayit | Services 6:30 pm | Zoom
Saturday, Dec 27
Building Closed
Kahal Shabbat Morning Service | 9:30 am | Home of Roger and Marilyn Price
Sunday, Dec 28
Building Closed
Sunday Morning Minyan | 9:00 am | Offsite
PLEASE NOTE: The building will be closed December 21 through December 28 and then again on January 1.
| | |
Click the blue hyperlink in the titles to access the event website page,
including links to registration, LiveControl, and more.
| | |
Debbie Gilbert, We Will Miss You
Congratulations, Thank You, and Mazel Tov to our long-time Finance Manager Debbie Gilbert who is retiring December 31st. "We are deeply grateful for the many talents Debbie brought to her role, carefully shepherding our finances with a smile and a can-do spirit," Rabbi London said. "Debbie was always willing to help and cared not only about the financial bottom line, but about each and every person with whom she interacted."
To honor her as she stands at the threshold of her retirement, we invite you to consider a donation to Beth Emet in her honor. While Debbie will be missed in the Finance Manager's office, we are grateful she will remain part of our Beth Emet community.
Kol hakovod and all best wishes to Debbie from the entire Beth Emet family,
The Beth Emet Staff
| | |
Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders Received Outstanding Ally Award
On December 3, 2025, Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders received the Outstanding Ally Award at the National Symposium for State and Local Reparations held in Evanston. In 2020, Evanston became the first municipality in the country to commit to funding reparations for those in our community who had been harmed by racism. In the spring of 2022, 18 congregations in Evanston, including Beth Emet, pledged to raise money for this effort to repair the harm done by systemic racism. On Martin Luther King Day in 2023, the Evanston clergy announced they had received almost $1,000,000 in pledges. We are delighted that Beth Emet and the Evanston faith community have been recognized for this important work, which other communities around the country are now working to emulate.
Watch our website soon to see the statement that the interfaith community signed in 2022. Matt Feldman, treasurer of First Repair, Evanston's reparations movement, and Rabbi London signed on behalf of our congregation. The Evanston Community Foundation is still accepting donations for reparations here. Please contribute if you feel moved to do so.
| | |
Here Comes....Shabbanukah
Friday, December 19 | Dinner and Art Activities | 6:30 pm Services in Sanctuary and LiveControl
What do you get when you add Chanukah + Shabbat? Shabbanukah! Celebrate the lights of Chanukah AND Shabbat at our multi-age evening of food and community. The night will include dinner, art activities, Shabbanukah service, and youth group events for middle school. An evening full of light, laughter, and connection awaits.
5:00-6:30 pm Congregational dinner and art activities - Registration has closed, but there will be a limited number of walk-ins available! Please pay at the door.
5:30-6:30 pm Middle school youth group event - Register
6:30-7:30 pm Shabbanukah service in the Sanctuary
| |
SAVE THE DATE: Shir Shabbat & BEYOND!
Friday, February 6 | 5:15 & BEYOND! Activities | 6:30 pm Service
We'll come together across the generations for a Community Retreat Reunion AND a Dor l'dor Shabbat Celebration that you, the family, and the entire Beth Emet family won't want to miss. More details coming soon!
| |
SAVE THE DATE: One Congregation, Many Voices Event Following Soul Spark Shabbat
Friday, March 20 | 6:30 pm Service| 7:30 pm Congregational Dinner | 8:30 pm Program
Certain life stages and life-changing events come with a wealth of established Jewish rituals. Other stages and events do not. Where are the gaps, and how do we create new rituals for those times? What makes a ritual meaningful? What transition are you currently facing that doesn’t have an established Jewish ritual supporting it? During this module in our ongoing annual program, we’ll explore individually and collectively how we can mark life stages and events in ever more meaningful ways. We’ll come together on March 20 for dinner following an abbreviated Soul Spark Service. We’ll explore the contours of life’s chapters and create some new rituals of our own. Registration link to follow.
To kick off this focus, we’re running a monthly THRESHOLDS column here in EmetMail where we’ll feature writing and/or artwork by our members that focuses on rituals–established and invented–that help us mark transitions, widely defined. If you’d like to submit work (essays under 700 words, photography, visual art, a song) to be considered, please email Debbie Siegel-Acevedo. Scroll down for the inaugural entry, as Debbie kicks us off.
| SO MANY WAYS TO ENGAGE AT BETH EMET | | |
Fight for Democracy Like a Mensch: A New Tikkun Middot Opportunity
Kickoff on Sunday, February 1 | 9:45 am | In person
Rooted in Jewish ethical wisdom (Tikkun Middot/Mussar), this program, Fight for Democracy Like a Mensch (FLM), supports those who feel the heartbreak in our current political environment and want to respond—not with despair, but with grounded action. This program helps us face what’s happening with courage, clarity, and compassion, offering tools to metabolize fear, stay in relationships across differences, and act with integrity amidst rising injustice. Learn more here.
If you are interested in exploring and/or signing up, please contact one of the facilitators, Susan Sloss (susansloss@gmail.com), Bekki Kaplan (bekkikaplan@gmail.com) or Dan Kaplan (dankaplan18@gmail.com), by Monday, January 5.
We look forward to learning and creating change with you!
| | |
Save the Date for the Family-Friendly Walk for Warmth
MLK Day, Monday, January 19th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | First United Methodist Church
Please join Beth Emet’s Team for Interfaith Action’s 7th Annual Walk for Warmth. Meet at First United Methodist Church, 516 Clark Street on the corner of Church and Hinman. There is a 2 mile walk -or- a ½ mile walk or come to the kick-off program only!
We honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on this day of service. The walk helps raise awareness of homelessness in or community. Your donation supports Interfaith Action’s programs including the overnight shelter. Register here or through the QR code.
Questions? Contact Leslie Shulruff zamaed@comcast.net
| | | |
Bundled Blessings Social Justice Activity
Wednesday, January 21 | 6:30 to 8:00 pm | First United Methodist Church
Do you like babies? Silly question!
Please join the Social Justice Committee to package diapers for distribution to 21 local agencies working with families in need. Bundled Blessings is a volunteer led effort spearheaded by a team at First United Methodist Church. Each month volunteers from the community sort and package 47,000 diapers that go to 900 children in Evanston and surrounding areas. Diapers aren’t covered by either SNAP or WIC funds and yet there is a growing need among families affected by poverty.
Beth Emet volunteers will meet at First United Methodist Church on January 21 at 6:30 pm for a tour of the facility and an overview of the program. Then we’ll get to work for the next hour. It’s a fun and important mitzvah activity that doesn’t require any money or diapering expertise! Just good will and the ability to count to 10!
Please sign up through this link to volunteer.
Contact Jessie Macdonald if you have any questions. Jess22mac@comcast.net
| | |
Join the Shalom Squad and Help Engage New Members
Are you interested in helping integrate our newest members into our ever- growing Beth Emet community? We need your help! Become part of the Shalom Squad and you'll be "matched" with a new members and/or invited to participate in specific engagement opportunities across the year. Please contact Jodi Portnoy or Debbie Siegel-Acevedo to express your interest and we will happily share more.
| | |
Would You Like to Be Considered for BE's Board of Trustees? Inquire Within!
The Nominating Committee (NomCom) is creating an opportunity for members who may wish to be considered for the Board to express their interest by filling out a form or reaching out to us.
It takes more than our esteemed clergy and capable professional staff to guide and sustain Beth Emet. Your fellow congregants, including the Board of Trustees, help the congregation fulfill its mission through policy decisions, stewardship, and initiatives focused on membership, development, and programming. Learn more here.
Have more questions? Email NomComBE@Gmail.com or reach out directly to NomCom co-chairs Samantha Nidenberg and Andy Rocklin. We look forward to hearing from you!
| | |
Host Your Next Event at Beth Emet! 🎉
Looking for a beautiful, welcoming space for your next event? Beth Emet has versatile rooms available for meetings, celebrations, workshops, classes, and more!
Our well-appointed facilities offer:
✨ Comfortable seating and meeting spaces
✨ Flexible room configurations
✨ Convenient location and amenities
✨ Supportive staff to help bring your vision to life
Whether you're planning a small gathering or a larger event, we have space that works for you.
📩 Interested? Contact Pierce at pboydbagby@bethemet.org to inquire about availability and rates.
🌐 Learn more and explore our spaces: https://bethemet.org/about/our-building/facility-rental
Rent space at Beth Emet today!
| | MORE UPCOMING BETH EMET PROGRAMS | | |
Reengaging Psalms with Rabbi Michael Balinksy
December 19, 11:00 am | Weiner Room and Zoom
The book of Psalms in the Bible is the foundation of a significant part of our liturgy. In this session, we will look at Psalm 92, the Psalm for Shabbat; Psalm 27, recited during the month before the High Holidays until Simchat Torah; and Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd. Through close readings, we will see how our ancient texts may nourish our contemporary sacred journeys, and what we experience when we study them as text and then use them for prayer.
Rabbi Michael Balinsky has taught at Beth Emet for many years. He first came to Evanston in 1981 where he was the Hillel director at Northwestern for 20 years, was next the Director of Faculty Development for Melton, and then led the Chicago Board of Rabbis. Michael is a graduate of Yeshiva University.
Members, register here.
Guests, register here.
| |
The Human Scale, A Story of Love and Conflict in the Middle East
February 1, 10:15 am
Mark your calendars for a special program coming up! On February 1, author Lawrence Wright will join us to discuss his book. Plan ahead so you can read the book before this event!
Members, register here.
Guests, register here.
| | |
Jamberry Music at Beth Emet: Winter Session Coming Soon
Tuesdays, January 6 - February 24, 2026 | 9:30 -10:15 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! Sign up for the winter session.
| | |
Thank You Beth Emet Community!
The Soup Kitchen held a very successful Coat drive last Wednesday, and it could not have been done without your support!
Ninety-two guests dined on chicken stir-fry, rice, salad, homemade desserts, and wonderful donated bread and pastries from Hewn Bakery. The guests were able to “shop” with a “personal shopper” to look for the items they most needed. This happened while The Jazz Dads played their energetic music throughout the evening. It made for a festive atmosphere!
Your donations over the past month are keeping the Soup Kitchen Guests warmer this cold winter. A special thanks to some very generous people who purchased new coats and boots and to those who worked hard to collect gently-used boots. Boots are especially in high demand, and this year there were more boots than ever before. One hundred thirty new and gently used coats were donated along with other layering pieces, new socks, hats, gloves, scarves, and beautiful men’s sweaters. Most everything that was not chosen was further donated to Connections for the Homeless.
Thank you to the 12 volunteers who came in to sort and the 46 volunteers who cooked, served, and cleaned or helped the guests with their winter gear.
This was a huge effort, and it resulted in a lot of happy Soup Kitchen guests!
Happy Hanukkah from all of us at the Soup Kitchen!
| |
Beth Emet held our annual winter retreat earlier this month, bringing together the community for a Shabbat of fun and connection. Check out the Winter Retreat Roundup to see all the magical moments, photos, and a written recap of the event!
| | Beth Emet artists Jane Weintraub and Clark Ellithorpe exhibiting their wares at SPACE 900, an art collective and exhibition space down the block from Beth Emet. Pictured here with others from Beth Emet who stopped by for their holiday sale! | | |
Interfaith Winter Solstice Celebration
Sunday, December 21 | 6:30 pm Gathering | 7:00 pm Performance | St. Luke's Episcopal Church (939 Hinman Ave, Evanston)
Join member of the BE Dayenu Circle at this gathering and performance presented by The EcoVoice Project.
| |
OY!
Saturdays through December 27 at 6:00 pm | Annoyance Theater (851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago)
Following up on last year's hit, "OY!" will feature brand-new sketches, songs, and improv from an all-Jewish cast as we explore the customs and cultures that unite Jews worldwide, while also celebrating Jewish joy and traditions. We understand the trying times our Jewish community faces, and we hope this show can provide an opportunity to gather and to celebrate what unites us!
Tickets can be easily purchased at www.theannoyance.com.
| | |
Our Community Needs Help. A Lot of Help.
| | |
Come Be a Beacon of Light!
Every Thursday, between 4:00 and 4:30 pm | Corner of Dempster & Ridge
Started by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, the Beacon brings together people of all faiths and secular backgrounds who feel called to stand with those facing injustice. The Beacon mobilizes its diverse community members to take action. Where there is cruelty, we create visible acts of solidarity and compassion. Where there is fear, we build community and mutual understanding. This powerful movement, which is spreading throughout the country, is held in Evanston weekly, on Thursday evenings, at 4:00 pm. The Beth Emet community, along with members of other local faith communities, stand together, with signs in hand, to stand against the hate, fear, and despair that is so prevalent these days. See you on the corner of Dempster & Ridge.
| | |
Upcoming Programs from Our Friends at JCFS
Not Alone: Navigating Family Estrangement with Compassion and Strength (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 20 7:00 pm -8:30 pm
🔗Click here to register
Contact LeahShefsky@jcfs.org for more information.
SibShops (In-Person – Northbrook)
Sundays: Jan 4, Feb 15, March 22, April 19, May 17, June 14 | 1–3:30pm
For siblings (ages 6–16) of children with disabilities and special needs. A relaxed, supportive and recreational space to connect, discuss common issues, and have fun.
🔗 Program Overview
Contact TamaraBesser@JCFS.org or call 773-765-3159 for required pre-registration or for more information.
Social Skills Classes (In-Person, Northbrook)
Led by speech-language pathologists to support social development through play and structured activities.
Wednesdays, 11am-12pm: January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11
Wednesdays, 4:15pm-5:15pm: January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11
Class Fee: $300/6-week session* (Class fee is waived for participants new to JCFS Chicago)
*Minimum of three participants needed to run the class
🔗Cick here to register.
Contact Ask@JCFS.org or call 855-275-5237 for more information
| | |
Help Needed at the Soup Kitchen
We currently are scheduling volunteers for 2026 for the Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet, which serves dinner every Wednesday evening. Kitchen volunteers work a 4:15 - 7:00 p.m. shift, cooking and serving the meal, and volunteers also contribute by purchasing and bringing most of the ingredients used in the meal preparation. Each week, we also need home bakers, who commit to providing 3 dozen adult servings of nut-free desserts, delivered to the synagogue between 3:30 pm - 4:30 p.m. on the assigned date. Please email soupkitchen@bethemet.org for an assignment and more information about available dates. Thank you!
| | |
What's a One Congregation, Many Voices Salon Group and How Can I Join One?
This is a time of transition for Beth Emet and for the broader Jewish community. We’ll continue to explore the Thresholds theme throughout the year in small lay-led “salon groups” that meet in facilitators' homes or on Zoom. Learn more about the salon program here. If you’d like to join a group, please contact ManyVoices@bethemet.org.
| | |
Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Soul Spark Shabbat Service
Whether you’re celebrating an important milestone, remembering the memory of a loved one, honoring a fellow congregant for a job well done, acknowledging a Beit Sefer teacher's big teaching anniversary, or feting a Beth Emet staff member (!), sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat or a Soul Spark Shabbat service is a wonderful way to share the event with the community. An Oneg Shabbat before services is an opportunity to welcome Shabbat with catered or homemade (or store-bought) treats. The Oneg offers time for everyone to come together to chat, meet new friends, and reconnect with those you already know. Once a month, we have a music-filled, contemplative Soul Spark Shabbat service, another opportunity to sponsor and add to the splendor of services. To learn more or choose a date, please reach out to Allan Bogan—we’d love to celebrate with you.
| | |
Challah Bakers Needed for January 2026 and Beyond
Beth Emet has embarked on a popular new initiative called A Gift of Challah, initiated by Cantor Young. Each Shabbat, someone signs up to bake challah (or two) in their home. The Klei Kodesh identify member(s) in need of a little extra love--perhaps someone who is celebrating an accomplishment, is ill, or had an especially challenging week. During Kabbalat Shabbat services, the Rabbi and Cantor ask for a volunteer in the Sanctuary to deliver the challah to that congregant. Please find additional information, including a link to the SignUp Genius sheet, here. Please contact the office with any questions.
| | |
Sermons Available Online
To watch our past sermons, please click here.
| | |
Sign Up to Receive Lifecycle Notices
To receive announcements for all births, weddings, and deaths, add your name to the mailing list through MyBethEmet (our member portal) on your individual page or contact the office.
| | |
Consider a Donation to Beth Emet
It's a great way to honor or remember someone special or to celebrate a wonderful moment in the congregation's life. This is an important way to support our community. If you have questions, email the office.
| |
| | | |
