Like you, we were shocked and horrified by the senseless violence in our community yesterday. During times of great strife, our help comes not only from God, but from our loved ones and our community as well.

We continue to compile more resources, so please continue to check back as needed during this recovery period. Additionally, if you have a resource you would like to share, please send to Aviva, and we will share it with the community.

We are here for you, to help heal and pray for a world free of terror. May there come a time where we are free to celebrate our sacred and secular holidays without fear of injury.

Take a moment to read Evanston Mayor, Daniel Biss’s response.

One of the most challenging aspects of the horror of gun violence is discussing it with our children. The URJ has put together a list of resources that will provide comfort, context, and salient information so we can better equip ourselves to have those hard conversations.

Adults have a crucial role in restoring safety and normalcy for children after they experience a traumatic event like the shooting in Highland Park. JCFS clinicians will present developmentally appropriate guidance and tools for healthy communication during stressful circumstances. Registration is free of charge.

Led by trauma informed experts, JCFS Chicago will be offering an evening of support. All are welcome to attend this virtual event focused on healing through words of comfort, conversation, and music. Registration is free of charge.

Explore your spirituality or connection to the “Mystery” or the “Divine” in the world. Our tools will include mindfulness practices, journaling, questioning, and conversation.

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.

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.

Join us for joyful, collaborative music-making with Nicole Jaworski and Jamberry Music! Class is geared to kids 6 months to 2.5 years old and siblings are welcome to join!

Interfaith Action Evanston (IAE) operates the monthly Producemobile, which distributes fresh produce to Evanston’s families experiencing food insecurity. Interfaith has recently added a new dimension: the SNAPGap program. SNAPGap collects and distributes items that most of us consider necessary but are not eligible for purchase with federal benefits, such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, or shampoo. Interfaith identifies 1-3 items for distribution each month.

These items are needed by July 11: Items can be purchased online.

Dish soap

All-purpose cleaners

Sponges (package of 3 only).

If you purchase these items locally, leave in the bin on the front porch at Stuart and Leslie Shulruff’s house, 1140 Forest Ave, or you can drop them off during office hours at St. Nicholas Parish/UCYM office at 806 Ridge Ave, Evanston (847) 719-9071

The Beth Emet Soup Kitchen is currently recruiting volunteers to help on most Wednesday evenings in July and August. We are making assignments for sack lunches, salads, and nut-free desserts, which are made at home and delivered to the synagogue. We are also looking for help onsite to prepare the rest of the meal, and to serve it to a portion of our guests who choose to dine inside. Learn more and sign up.

This past Friday, following services, more than 40 folks welcomed the holiday weekend with a picnic Shabbat dinner. So grateful to catch up with new and old friends, play some games, and of course have a July birthday cake.

We recently consolidated BE Connected and EmetMail into one weekly e-newsletter, to be sent on Tuesdays! We've simplified the categories, updated the formatting, and made it easier (we hope) to read all that is happening at Beth Emet and how to get involved. Now that we have a few weeks under our belts, we would love your feedback! Our goal is for the e-newsletter to be as straightforward and informative as possible!

Please let us know what you think! For the 18th, 36th and 54th person who offers feedback, a parking spot during the High Holy Days is yours!  

Please join Beth Emet’s Young Families! We’ll enjoy Havdalah and singing with Cantor Cotler, a pizza dinner, a campfire for roasting yummy marshmallows, and fun on the playground. A perfect Saturday evening! Cost: $20 per family

Taking Down Goliath is a climate-focused community organizing training specifically for Jewish 18 to 32 year olds by Dayenu, A Jewish Call to Climate Action. All are welcome to nominate someone. This is one training, spread out over three sessions.

​The overall mission of the Disability Pride Parade is:

To change the way people think about and define “disability”; break down and end the internalized shame among people with Disabilities; and promote the belief in society that Disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with Disabilities can take pride.