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Creating Beth Emet Community Together
Tuesday, May 16 | 25 Iyar 5783
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Leil Shavuot: One Jewish Evanston
Thursday, May 25 | 6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual Options
All are welcome as multiple Evanston Jewish communities will again join together under the banner of “One Jewish Evanston” to celebrate the beginning of Shavuot. Feel free to join us for all or part of the program. There is no cost to participate, and advanced registration is required. Children's programming and simultaneous adult learning begin at 6:30 pm and ice cream for all at 7:30 pm. Adult learning, worship and a light meal continue from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Details and registration here.
This event is sponsored by Mordecai M. Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood, Fiedler Hillel at Northwestern University, Lomdim, Shirat HaAgam, Evanston’s Orthodox Community, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation and Beth Emet Synagogue.
Shavuot continues Festival Morning Services (including Yizkor) on Friday, May 26 at 10:00 am
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A special thank you to Nisan Chavkin who partnered with Rabbi London in the planning and working with facilitators of the book, and to the book circle facilitators: Max Antman, Dick Axelrod, Ellen Barish, Nisan Chavkin, Suzanne Coffey, Suki Fisher, Karen Isaacson, Seth Krantz, Lisa Lieberman, Michael Orenstein, Michelle Oxman, Dan Ray, and Helene Spak.
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One of the book circles “pre-games” prior to the program by having a picnic in the park!
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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Thank you to Klaus Georg, Choir Director for over 15 years!
This past Friday night, the Choir sang a piece composed by Klaus himself, and Rabbi London and Cantor Cotler had the opportunity to honor Klaus for his years of service to the community. Thank you to Rebecca Raus, David Graham, and Ellen Feldman for their help in making the evening that much more special. Watch Here.
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Kabbalat Shabbat Services with Kabbalat Torah and Gesher Tekes
Friday, May 19 | 6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual
The Kabbalat Torah and Gesher service is a special time to hear from our graduating high school seniors about what they have learned during their years at Beth Emet, how Beth Emet has shaped them, and what they are taking with them as they move to the next stage of their lives. You don’t want to miss this poignant evening filled with wisdom and love.
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BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
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Conversations to Nourish Our Souls with Marci Dickman
7:15 pm | Virtual
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.
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Spring Tzedakah Box Drop-Off and Exchange
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Join the Spring Tzedakah Box Exchange and make a difference in the lives of others by donating to the Beth Emet Grant Program, and supporting local and Israeli not-for-profits that embody social justice, compassion, and kindness. See below for more details!
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Board of Trustees Meeting
7:00 pm | Virtual
If you are interested in attending the meeting, please reach out to Geoff Prass for the password-protected Zoom link. This is done for security purposes.
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New 6-Week Session: Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski! Co-sponsored by JBaby
9:30 am | In-Person
Join us for joyful, collaborative music-making! 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! Every Tuesday through June 27. Register here.
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Dayenu Circle Monthly Meeting
7:30 pm | Virtual
Calling on all those concerned about climate change. At this month's meeting we'll be looking at prioritizing goals for the fall.
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Rabbi London reads to the students at the JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Beth Emet. | |
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Shari Reiches Features the Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet in Her Podcast, Maximize Your Return to Life.
In this episode Shari features the Rabbi Peter & Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet with special guests Soup Kitchen founders, Nancy Bashook, Jeff Forgash, Jessie Macdonald as well as the current co-chairs, Tracey Denlow, Leslie Shulruff and Beth Tucker. Shari and her guests discuss the soup kitchen’s origins and impact, how meals are prepared, volunteer responsibilities, and how they operated during the pandemic. They also discuss how you can help! Check out the podcast, and you can learn more about Shari and her work as well as find more podcasts episodes.
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Judy Caplan and Steve Fadem meet with U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for the RAC’s (Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism) Day of Action on the Environment. Read more. | |
Correction From Last EmetMail: Deborah Siegel-Acevedo is the inaugural executive director of Artists Book House which, in part, builds a community around the literary arts and crafts of bookmaking, not the library arts. We regret the typo. Read More. | |
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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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Spring Tzedakah Box Drop-Off and Exchange
Sunday, May 21 | 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tzedakah Committee members will be at Beth Emet accepting donations, handing out new boxes, and responding to questions regarding the grant program. Donations may also be made by credit card, e-check or billed to your account. Contributions are used to fund our grant program for the benefit of local and Israeli not-for-profits whose missions align with Beth Emet’s social justice core values. Click the link above for more details.
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BE an Usher and Make Shabbat Extra Special
Add to your celebration of Shabbat by being an usher for Kabbalat Shabbat Services. We are looking for volunteers to greet, wish everyone a Shabbat Shalom who comes for services, and offer a siddur (prayerbook) to those who are interested. It’s a great way to get to know people and a wonderful way in which to make your Shabbat a bit more joyful. Interested? Want to learn more? Contact Bekki Kaplan.
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Upcoming Congregational Opportunities | |
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Pride Shabbat Sing-Along , Crafts, Story and Yummy Snacks
Saturday, June 3 | 9:15 am | In-Person
Celebrate Pride at Beth Emet! Young Families are invited to Shabbat Sing-Along with Cantor Cotler, followed by playground fun. Perfect for families with kids 5 and under. No registration needed–just come!
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Kabbalat Shabbat Honoring Cantor Kyle Cotler
Friday, June 9 | 6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual
On this Shabbat, we will honor and thank Cantor Cotler as he sets forth on his new journey at Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, CA.
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21st Annual Community Mental Health Conference: Untying the Human Knot: Managing Stress and Anxiety in Today's World
Saturday, June 10 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
In-Person at Evanston Township High School
Explore the stress response and the impact it can have on our physical and mental health, as well as when everyday anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder, one of the most common mental health challenges in the US. You’ll also learn what you can do to manage stress, and about local community resources. Sponsored by the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education.
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Learn to Read Hebrew with the Union for Reform Judaism
Tuition: $225 (scholarships available)
Ten live online class sessions with our experienced Hebrew educators and a community of learners, coupled with independent practice between sessions, will enable students to master the alef-bet and recognize and understand common Hebrew words and phrases that are often heard in Reform congregational life. The URJ is the umbrella organization for North American Reform Judaism.
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Every Conceivable Way – Family Building LGBTQ+ Community
Wednesday, June 07| 7:30 pm | Virtual
A free webinar for Jewish couples and individuals seeking support to build their families. Presentation and Q&A featuring: Rabbi David Chapman, Congregation Beth Shalom, Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist at Fertility Centers of Illinois, and Dena Levy, Attorney, Levy Law Solutions.
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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. Everyone must still have the most recent booster shot they are eligible for. | | | | | | |
