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Creating Beth Emet Community Together
Wednesday, January 25 | 3 Shevat 5783
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Support This Year's Mitzvah Appeal Campaign | |
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Final Phase of the Mitzvah Appeal! New Matching Challenge!
Our goal for the Mitzvah Appeal is $280,000 and we are 75% of the way there. We need everyone to participate so we can be successful together! To ensure that we get there, a group of very generous past lay leaders has stepped up to create an incentive pool that will match dollar-for-dollar any increase over last year's donation, this year's donation, or any new gift. For those who have yet to pledge, you can find the link below. For those who have already pledged, we both thank you and ask for you to consider increasing your pledge which will be matched. We are counting on you... your support matters.
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Last of Our Mitzvah Appeal Events! Not Too Late to RSVP! | |
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D.C. 2023 Spotlight: Brunch with U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky
This Sunday, January 29 | 9:45 am
In-Person at Beth Emet and Virtual
Suggested Minimum Pledge: $36 per person
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With a change in the House leadership, there will be much to discuss with the newly convened 118th U.S. Congress. Discussion will be moderated by Peter Slevin, Northwestern University Journalism Professor, former Chicago Bureau Chief of the Washington Post and author of Michele Obama-A Life. Brunch will be served in-person or grab your favorite breakfast food and cozy up to the Zoom screen.
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Tax Wise Charitable Giving
Tuesday, February 7 | 7:00 pm | Virtual on Zoom
Tzedakah is an essential tenet of Jewish life. Regardless of how old you are or your stage in life, there are tax efficient ways to give to organizations that matter to you and easy ways to include philanthropy in your estate planning such as making a meaningful legacy gift to Beth Emet. Tax planning experts, Adam Prawer-Stock, Ted Froum and Steve Reiches will lead this informative session. Discussion and Q&A moderated by Karen Isaacson.
Sponsored by Dor L’Dor, From Generation to Generation, Beth Emet’s Planned Giving Program. For more information on Dor L'Dor, check out Beth Emet's website.
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Shattering Barriers: I Am Who I Am
Thursday, February 23 at 5:15 pm
In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month, we are so excited to welcome Tellin’ Tales, a Chicago-based theater company. Three seasoned solo performers share personal vignettes based on their real-life stories about living with a disability. Organized by the Beth Emet Inclusion Committee
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BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
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Thursday, January 26
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.
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Friday, January 27
A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
9:30 am | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom
There are many ways to interpret Torah and its nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. We will continue our learning, reading, and interpreting the text of the Book of Deuteronomy line by line. New learners are always welcome.
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Anonymity and Annihilation with Dr. Barry Wimpfheimer
11:00 am | Virtual on Zoom Only
David Weiss Halivni z’l (1927-2022) was a revolutionary in two separate intellectual arenas- Talmudic analysis and Jewish theology. He is known for innovating the notion that much of the Talmud was produced by a group of unnamed editors whom he called Stammai as well as worked to process personal and communal experiences of the Holocaust in religious terms. Come learn about how Halivni’s Talmudic theory and unique theology might inform one another.
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No Oneg Shabbat
Note: There will not be an Oneg prior to services. Watch for details when future Ongei Shabbat (Onegs) will be scheduled.
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Kabbalat Shabbat Services
6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual on Livecontrol
Rabbi London will give a D’var Torah on chapter 4 of Here All Along. If you do not yet have your copy of the book and/or wish to join a book circle, check our website.
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.
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Reconvening on Climate Action and Resilience
3:00 pm | In-Person at Lorraine Morton Civic Center
It's time to bring people together from all corners of Evanston to discuss climate action and to collaborate on tackling our shared challenges. No matter who you are and whether or not you are affiliated with a local environmental organization, YOUR participation is critical. Come ready to talk, learn, and re-energize your passion for climate action. Register Here.
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Family Food Face-Off for Tu B’Shevat - A Celebration of Trees!
4:30 pm | In-Person
Be a part of our first ever culinary face-off for families and kids kindergarten- 3rd grade. Trees, pods, seeds, and even dates may be part of the afternoon challenge.
What will YOUR family discover in their mystery basket? Prizes, Yummy snacks, stories and fun for all!
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Welcome Brian Leichtman!
Come into Beth Emet to meet Brian, our new Lifelong Learning and Programming Administrative Assistant. Brian Zvi Leichtman is a longtime Jewish educator, who has taught in synagogue schools and served as a Kabbalat Mitzvah tutor. He will be supporting programs at Beth Emet, including our Beit Sefer and Adult Education programs. Brian is also a freelance musician, composer, and Cantorial Soloist. Outside of work, Brian can be found at his home in Rogers Park with his Chihuahua-Dachshund mix, Bowzer.
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One Book, One Congregation Book Groups Continue to Connect
Newly Formed Book Circle for Beth Emet Alum 20/30s
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This past Sunday, eleven Beth Emet alum in their 20/30s came together on Zoom to discuss the first few chapters of Sara Hurwitz' Here All Along. | |
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This was the first time many have seen each other in years, and it was wonderful to reconnect and dive into meaningful dialogue. Led by Rabbinical student and Beth Emet alum Max Antman, much of the session focused on how Jewish children should be a part of the conversation involving the content and breadth of their Jewish learning. They also discussed the difference between reading the Torah for plot and depth. The session was a complete success, and the group will reconvene in February to continue the conversation. | | |
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Shoutout to Karen Isaacson's Book Circle which met last Tuesday.
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.
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We Want to Hear From You!
Whether it's good news to share or you would like to be featured or know someone who should be featured "In The BE Family," let us know or contact Bekki Kaplan.
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BE Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
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Help Feed the Hungry at A Just Harvest
Wednesday, January 25
We need one more volunteer to cook and up to three more to serve lunch at A Just Harvest on Wednesday, January 25. Michelle Oxman will be cooking there at 9:30 am. We serve from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Please call Michelle at 847-558-9797 if you can help.
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Bakers Needed for the Soup Kitchen in January and February
The Beth Emet Soup Kitchen guests love home baked desserts! We are currently seeking volunteers who could bring 3 dozen nut-free dessert servings for a Wednesday night dinner in January or February. Delivery to the synagogue is between 3:30- 4:30 pm on the assigned date. This is perfect for congregants who want to help out from home.
To receive an assignment and additional details, please email for available dates.
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BE a Driver
Looking for a quick way to do a mitzvah? We are looking for drivers for special deliveries/gifts from the congregation. Only takes a few minutes to brighten someone's day! Contact Bekki Kaplan for more information and/or to add your name to the list.
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Upcoming Congregational Opportunities | |
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Visual Midrash? Decoding Medieval Jewish Art with Dr. David Shyovitz
Friday, February 3 and 10 | 11:00 am | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom
Pre-modern Jews are often described as “people of the book,” but Jews produced visual art over the centuries as well – images in illuminated Bibles, Machzorim, and Haggadot that are complex, often learned, and sometimes deeply subversive. How might our understanding of Torah study shift if we accompany study of Jewish texts with study of Jewish images?
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Learners Minyan
Saturday, February 4 | 9:30 am | In-Person
Want greater comfort in a Shabbat morning service? Wondering what the prayers mean or when we bow? Marci Dickman will lead this Learners' Minyan on Shabbat morning. We will pray, sing, laugh and reflect.
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Kahal Potluck Luncheon
Saturday, February 4 | 11:30 am |In-Person
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What Makes a Family? Tools for Talking About Family Diversity
Sunday, February 5 and 12 | 9:30 am | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom
In this 2-part interactive series, led by Ilana Dvorin Friedman and Rabbi London, we will consider how cultural notions and assumptions about “family” can hinder their sense of belonging. Through ongoing discussion and storytelling, grown-ups can support young children to embrace the beauty of all families. This adult series is perfect for parents and grandparents of children birth through 3rd grade.
Free child-care available—Please reserve your spot in advance
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An Inside Look at the Abraham Accords
Sunday, February 5 | 11:00 am | Virtual on Zoom
The historic Abraham Accords dramatically improved Israel’s position in the Middle East, normalizing Israel’s ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. In 2½ years, the Accords have led to a renewed relationship with Morocco, security agreements with Bahrain and Morocco, Saudi Arabia treating Israel “as a potential ally,” expanded trade and other business opportunities, and more. Sponsored by the Israel Committee
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Racial History of Evanston Bus Tour And interfaith Conversation
Sunday, February 5 | 2:00 pm | In-Person
Please note: This event is currently full. To be added to the waitlist, click here.
Visit places of importance to Evanston's Black community, learn about prolific residents in Evanston's Black history, and discuss Black resistance to systemic racism in the city.
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Soul Stitchers- Virtual Knitting Circle
Tuesday, February 7 | 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! Please send us an email with any questions.
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Social Justice Committee Meeting
Monday, February 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 so many ways to get involved and help to support those suffering as a result of policies of injustice and marginalization.
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Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski Is Back!
Co-Sponsored by JBaby
Starting Tuesday, February 14 | 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!
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Congregational Announcements | |
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Tzedakah Grant Fall Awardees
The Tzedakah Committee awards grants to deserving non-profit organizations that best exemplify Beth Emet's social justice core values of righteousness and justice; love of one's neighbors and for the stranger; compassion; kindness; and hospitality. This fall, the committee awarded two $1,000 grants to Clearbrook of Arlington Heights and Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E). A summary of the C.A.R.E. funded project is included below.
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Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.)
This Skokie not-for-profit will use its grant to purchase two wide-span heavy-duty storage racks and supplemental cat food for its pet food pantry. The pantry distributes free pet food and supplies to needy north shore families. Beth Emet members Neal and Phyllis SHanoff and Alison Finkel and her daughter, Ray, volunteer at the pantry.
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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.
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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. | | | | | | |
