Creating Beth Emet Community Together


Tuesday, February 28 | 7 Adar 5783

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For more information about a specific program or blurb, click on the headline or check out the Beth Emet website.

Highlights

Soup Kitchen Celebrates 20 Years and Honors the Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet


Jilian Denlow Highlights The Beth Emet Soup Kitchen in The Evanstonian

"I have been lucky enough to see my mom's involvement with Beth Emet's Wednesday Soup Kitchen over the years. Even in the depths of COVID, Beth Emet and their loyal force of volunteers continued to serve those experiencing food insecurity. Having the opportunity to talk to the organizers of Evanston's many soup kitchens has been so rewarding and I hope this article shows a small piece of what they have done for the Evanston community."


Soup Kitchen Celebration

Sunday, March 19 at 5:00 pm | In-Person

On March 19, we will celebrate the Soup Kitchen’s accomplishments, raise money to ensure that it can continue its operations long into the future, and honor the legacy of Rabbi Peter Knobel, under whose leadership and in conjunction with a team of visionaries, the Soup Kitchen was founded in 2002. The Knobel family has generously offered to match, dollar for dollar, the first $50,000 of donations received, and the Soup Kitchen will be renamed the Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet.


Your contribution will ensure the ongoing success of this vital communal service, recognize the extraordinary dedication of the Soup Kitchen leadership, and celebrate the legacy of Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel.

Register and/or Donate Today

Reproductive Rights: Purchasing and Packing Gift Bags for Abortion Patients

We’re packing 100 Comfort Care Bags for people who have had abortions, in conjunction with Planned Parenthood of IL. Each bag costs $18. Help us meet our goal! You can join in person and/or donate now. This Friday, March 4 is Reproductive Rights Shabbat with a guest D'var Torah by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg titled, "The Torah of Reproductive Justice."

The Green Maven- BE Like a Tree

February's Blogpost by The Dayenu Circle

This month’s The Green Maven, is inspired by Tu B’Shevat. It’s more important than ever to celebrate and honor our trees. They sequester carbon, produce oxygen, regulate temperature, and prevent erosion. Trees also provide food, shelter, and resources for countless species of animals.

Purim @ Beth Emet

Purim

Purim Celebration for Families with Young Children

Sunday, March 5 | 10:30 am | In-Person

Come for the Purim shpiel (skit), costume parade (kids and adults!), lots of singing, and the famous Purim Carnival! All of this is geared especially towards families with kids five and under.

BESSY Purim Carnival for All Ages

Sunday, March 5 | 12:00 - 1:30 pm | In-Person

Celebrate Purim with BESSY (our high school youth group) this year! Our annual Purim Carnival is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Come support Beth Emet's youth programs and have a great time. There are opportunities for our littlest of littles through our high school seniors. Please reach out to BESSY advisor, Emma Milner-Gorvine, with any questions, concerns, or just plain excitement. 

Megillah Reading and Shpiel

Monday, March 6 | 7:00 pm

In-Person and Virtual on LiveControl



Back In-Peron! Come in Costume, Enjoy a Shushan Spritz, and Experience the Magic of the Purim Shpielers"

Purim fun for everyone! We can't wait to see you at this year's Purim Shpiel, Romancing The Throne. Whether you attend in-person or participate online via LiveControl, we promise you'll have a good time and much-needed laughter! Costumes are encouraged (whether you are joining in the Sanctuary or in your living room!)

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM)

Organized by the Beth Emet Inclusion Committee

Thank You to Tellin' Tales Theater

"Breaking Barriers: I Am Who I Am": three performers shared their unique and often humorous stories to Beit Sefer students in grades 6-7, along with a virtual audience on Thursday, February 23. During the Q&A, following the performance, audience members asked some very direct and honest questions to better understand each of their stories. Watch the recording here.

BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
Full Calendar with Links
Program Registration 

Wednesday, March 1

What Are The Takeaways for the U.S. From Uruguay's Transformative Climate Change Measures?

7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom

Uruguay is an international Climate Change leader which has transformed its energy sector to 90% renewables, planned relocation of vulnerable coastal communities, built climate resilient infrastructure, and changed agriculture as well as cattle ranching, for sustainability and climate resilience. We will be joined on zoom by Jackson Mihm, Associate Editor, and Alejandro Trenchi, Research Assistant for the Caribbean Climate Change Project, both from Global Americans. 


This event is co-sponsored by the Beth Emet Dayenu Circle, Interfaith Action Climate Change and Justice Subcommittee, Citizens Climate Lobby Evanston Northshore Chapter, Citizens’ Greener Evanston and Go Green Wilmette

Thursday, March 2


Qigong with Netiva Caftori

10:00 am | Virtual on Zoom

Our very own Netiva Caftori invites us to experience the healing practice of Qigong with her. Qigong is a millennia-old system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health and spirituality.

Friday, March 3

Cancelled: A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London

9:30 am

The Purpose of Jewish Literature Today with Dr. Claire Sufrin

11:00 am | Virtual on Zoom Only

Do novelists fill the role once occupied by prophets? Are Jewish novelists writing books that are either too Jewish or not Jewish enough? We will read and discuss two recent essays- each addressing one of these questions- alongside two recent novels, The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen and Fleischman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. We will consider: Are these novelists saying something prophetic? What makes these works Jewish and is it enough or too much? 

Click on the title above for links to the article and book excerpts. Prior reading is welcomed but not necessary for participation.

Reproductive Rights Kabbalat Shabbat Services with D'var Torah by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg and March Birthday Blessings

6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual on LiveControl

Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg will share this Shabbat’s D’var Torah titled, ”The Torah of Reproductive Justice” in honor of Reproductive Rights Shabbat. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg is an award-winning author and writer who serves as Scholar-in-Residence at the National Council for Jewish Women (NCJW). 


As this is the first Friday of the month, we will be offering a birthday blessing to all our March birthdays! Here's a list of all those who are celebrating!

Saturday, March 4

Kahal Shabbat Morning Service

9:30 am | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom

Kahal Potluck Lunch

12:00 pm | In-Person

We will gather for lunch immediately following the Kahal service in the Crown Room. If you are able to attend, please bring a vegetarian, nut-free dish or lunch item for all to enjoy. If you'd prefer, instead of bringing food, you can always make a contribution to help cover the cost of supplemental items. If you can't bring or make anything, please come anyway. Your presence is the most important contribution.

Reproductive Rights: Packing Gift Bags for Abortion Patients

4:00 pm | In-Person

Information can be found above.

Sunday, March 5

Sunday Morning Minyan

9:00 am | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom

First-timers are encouraged!


Purim Celebration for Families with Young Children

10:30 am | In-Person


BESSY Purim Carnival for All Ages

12:00 - 1:30 pm | In-Person

Monday, March 6


Erev Purim

Megillah Reading and Shpiel

7:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual on LiveControl

Back In-Peron! Come in Costume, Enjoy a Shushan Spritz, and Experience the Magic of the Purim Shpielers"

Tuesday, March 7


Purim

Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski Is Back!

Co-Sponsored by JBaby

9:30 am | In-Person

Join us for joyful, collaborative music-making with Nicole Jaworsky 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!

Soul Stitchers- Virtual Knitting Circle

7:00 pm | Virtual on Zoom

Know how to knit and/or crochet? As a tribute to Nikki Zarefsky z”l, join us for an hour (on zoom) of knitting and connecting as we create shawls to warm people during services and/or healing shawls that will bring warmth to those in need in a hospital, home or other settings. Newcomers are welcome and encouraged to join!

Wednesday, March 8

AIPAC and the US-Israel Relationship with Jordyn Harris, AIPAC Chicago Associate Area Director

7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is a bipartisan American organization with a long and successful history advocating a strong US- Israel relationship. AIPAC encourages the US government to enact specific policies creating an enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel. AIPAC has evolved, with a newly implemented strategy to ensure Israel remains safe and secure with America by its side. This event is sponsored by the Israel Committee.

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BE Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

See all our current volunteer opportunities

Don’t Mind Getting a Little Dirty While Doing Good?

The Beth Emet Soup Kitchen needs your help. Clean-up volunteers are needed from 5:45 - 7:15 pm on Wednesdays. Join other fun people on the Soup Kitchen clean-up team! Sign up for a regular slot 1-2x a month. To sign up or to get more info, contact: Leslie Shulruff.

Reproductive Rights: Purchasing and Packing Gift Bags for Abortion Patients

On March 4, Beth Emet's Reproductive Rights Task Force is supporting Planned Parenthood of Illinois by packing care bags for people who have had abortions. You are invited to donate funds, purchase supplies through our Amazon wishlist, and/or help pack the bags. Click on the link above for details. We'll also write notes to abortion patients and clinic staff.

Passover Food Drive

Drop Off March 20 through March 26 and/or Shop at Mariano's on Sunday, March 26

The Tzedakah Committee is pleased to announce the 2023 Beth Emet Passover Food Drive. The drive enables the clients of The ARK to keep Passover by collecting kosher for Passover foods and then donating the food to The ARK's pantry. The Tzedakah Committee is also soliciting volunteers for our collection drive at Mariano's on Sunday. Read for contact details and updated collection list.

Upcoming Congregational Opportunities

Interested in a Course on Reparations?

Also, as many of you know we ran a very successful 4-part course on Reparations this past fall. We are curious if there is interest to run this course again later this year. Please complete this 2-question survey so we can find out!

Part 2: The Purpose of Jewish Literature Today with Dr. Claire Sufrin

Friday, March 10 | 11:00 am | Virtual on Zoom Only

See above for more details

Refugee Shabbat: Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Friday, March 10 | 6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual on LiveControl

The Beth Emet community has been working closely with a refugee family for one full year. Through the triumphs and mishaps, volunteers have learned new perspectives, cultural differences, and built lasting relationships. This Shabbat will be an opportunity to continue learning about the refugee experience in Skokie and how you can participate in this and similar projects.

Beit Sefer Consecration and Naming Ceremony Followed by Dinner

Saturday, March 11 at 5:00 pm

Here All Along Discussion on Chapter 6 with Rabbi London

Sunday, March 12 | 9:45 am | In-Person

This year the Beth Emet community is reading the book, Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz. Rabbi London will lead a conversation on Chapter 6 of the book, "Prayer and More: Finding the Primal in Jewish Spiritual Practice." This is a wonderful opportunity to contemplate questions about Judaism and explore Jewish identity. Babysitting will be provided. Advanced registration requested.


The One Book, One Congregation programs are generously sponsored by the Judith F. Krug Fund, David and Florence Fingeret Fund, Solomon and Lillian Krug Fund, and the JELLO (Jewish Education: Lifelong Learning Opportunities) Funds in the Beth Emet Foundation.

Tour The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Museum at Legacy Apartments and the Dr. MLK Living Memorial

Sunday, March 12 | 2:00 -7:00 pm | In-Person

Sponsored by Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders and Evanston Own It

Join us in visiting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Apartments Exhibit & the MLK Living Memorial, followed by dinner & interfaith/interracial conversation at Chicago's Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation.

The bus tour begins and ends at Beth Emet. Free and open to the public! Make sure you arrive on time, so you do not miss the bus.

Social Justice Committee Meeting

Monday, March 13 | 7:00 pm | Virtual on Zoom

The Social Justice Committee centers around the values of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), through a hands-on, interactive, and committee-based approach. There are many ways to get involved and help to support those suffering as a result of policies of injustice and marginalization. Interested in being added to the mailing list? Contact Bekki Kaplan.

Current Politics with Professor David Zarefsky

Wednesday, March 15 | 7:30 pm | In-Person? Virtual?

A continuing lecture-discussion class on contemporary public issues of interest to Jews as citizens.

Conversations to Nourish Our Souls with Marci Dickman

Thursday, March 16 | 7:15 pm | Virtual on Zoom

Not sure how to connect to the Mystery or the Divine in the world? Perhaps you are seeking an honest conversation about making meaning in life and what really matters. We will use the prayerbook, poetry, prose, and ourselves as our texts, aiming to deepen our connections and discern meaningful paths in our daily lives. Our tools will include mindfulness practices, journaling, questioning, and conversation.

Annual Meeting

Monday, March 20 | 7:00 pm | Virtual on Zoom

The Annual Meeting is a time set aside each year, for our members to hear from Beth Emet’s President, Treasurer, Foundation president, and clergy on the state of the congregation. Complying with our by-laws, we show accountability for finances, communicate our year’s accomplishments and challenges, and share plans for our synagogue’s future activities. We will also elect new officers and board members as well as show our appreciation to those who have completed their terms on the board. View the official nominating letter here. And mark your calendar for Friday, March 24: Kabbalat Shabbat Services to Honor Our Officers and Board of Trustees (Incoming and Outgoing).

Congregational Announcements

Missed a Program? 

When possible, we record our programs for those who were unable to participate. When recordings are available for adult programming, you can find them on the calendar event and on the website.

Current COVID Protocols: Masks are recommended, but not required. We ask that whenever you are in the building, we each continue to respect one another’s personal space and comfort levels. 

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