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Creating Beth Emet Community Together
Tuesday, March 7 | 14 Adar 5783
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Happy Purim!!
Purim Was a Blast! Thank You to All who Participated and Attended!
See our Purim photo galleries! And keep sending in more photos! Missed out and want to watch the recording?
Purim Shpielers Extravaganza!
With much appreciation to our amazing Purim Shpiel Directors Susan Forte and Barb Wertico, and to our impressive Shpielers, lyric writers and the band who never fail to entertain and make Purim special for all: Cliff Berman, David Graham, Dan Kaplan, Robin Langer, Steve Miller, Louise Motel, Rebecca Raus, Linda Schneider, Alan Teller, Diane Weil, Jonathan Yenkin and Jerri Zbiral. And Thank you to Dan Kaberon, Dan Kaplan and Jonathan Singer for accompanying Barb in the band.
Talented Megillah Readers
Nisan Chavkin, Danny London, Rebecca Raus, Jade Selch, Tamar Selch, Zach Selch and Diane Weil.
A thank you to all our BESSY-ites (Beth Emet’s Senior Synagogue Youth) and Emma Milner-Gorvine, BESSY Advisor.
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Purchasing and Packing Gift Bags for Abortion Patients
Many hands make light work. Our amazing volunteers wrote notes and packed 100 comfort care bags for abortion patients, with items suggested by Planned Parenthood. Two clinic providers were on hand to share the challenges faced by people choosing abortion, and the ever-shifting political environment that affects reproductive rights. Anya and Teo Seigel-Acevedo, who organized a similar event for their Kabbalat Mitzvah, inspired the group with their thoughts. The Crosscourt Trio rounded out the event with a rousing song championing a woman’s right to chose.
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Beth Emet will celebrate the Soup Kitchen’s service to the community, honor the volunteers who make it happen, 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.
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BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
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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 other Beth Emet members(on zoom) for an hour 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!
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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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Thursday, March 9
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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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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Part 2: 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.
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Refugee Shabbat: Kabbalat Shabbat Service
6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual on LiveControl
The Beth Emet community has worked 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.
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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.
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Engaging with Israel Despite the Current Government
Sunday, March 12 | 2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm |Temple Beth Israel in Skokie
Inviting all Chicago area clergy, professionals, and lay leaders to attend this in-person day of learning
Come learn, celebrate, and strategize with other Israel leaders as we reflect on the political situation in Israel and work to deepen engagement in our Reform congregations and communities as Israel approaches its 75th Anniversary. With everything going on in Israel, we have a unique opportunity to come together to internalize, discuss and act.
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"The Gate" Performance
Sunday, March 12 | 7:00 pm | Temple Beth Israel in Skokie
Inviting everyone in the Chicago area!
Watch educator and writer, Robbie Gringas, perform his sixth solo show, "The Gate." On a small insignificant kibbutz in the Galilee a great debate rages: Should the gate that faces the local Arab village be locked shut, or should it remain open? Robbie presents his charming show with a lightness of touch, a thoughtfulness and a depth of emotion that has been the hallmark of his displays of physical story theater over two decades of international performance.
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Social Justice Committee Meeting
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 support those suffering as a result of policies of injustice and marginalization. Interested in being added to the mailing list? Contact Bekki Kaplan.
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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!
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Mazal Tov to Emily and Max!
Two past BESSY presidents, Emily Isaacson and Max Yenkin, high-five at a celebration following the Chicago election on February 28. Emily is the campaign manager for 46th Ward runoff candidate Angela Clay, and Max is the Near North Regional Coordinator for Brandon Johnson’s mayoral campaign. So proud of these progressive politically active alums!
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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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Looking for Shabbat Connection Cooks
Would you like to share your delicious cooking with others? Every Friday, one volunteer for Shabbat Connection cooks, and another delivers a home-cooked meal to someone in our Beth Emet family who may need support in times of need. Whether you would like to make a lovely dinner once or twice a year, or more often, it’s a mitzvah! Contact Kathy Kaberon.
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Congregational Announcements | |
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The Green Maven- BE Like a Tree
February 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.
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This event was 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. | |
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. | |
Upcoming Congregational Opportunities | |
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Current Politics with Professor David Zarefsky
Wednesday, March 15 | 7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom
A continuing lecture-discussion class on contemporary public issues of interest to Jews as citizens.
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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.
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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.
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Young Family Shabbat Sing-Along
Saturday, March 25 | 9:15 am | In-Person
Sing, Shake and Slide! Young Families are invited to our Shabbat Sing-Along, followed by playground fun at Beth Emet!
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Dayenu Circle Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, March 28 | 7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom
Calling on all those concerned about climate change. Come to the next Dayenu Circle zoom meeting. We will explore ways to become a more zero-waste congregation by looking at other Evanston faith communities that have adopted zero-waste practices, e.g., composting and avoiding disposable plastic items.
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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. | | | | | | |
