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Creating Beth Emet Community Together
Tuesday, May 2 | 11 Iyar 5783
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Hear the Music and Stories of the Violins of Hope
This Friday, May 5 | 6:30 pm
In-Person and Virtual
Violins of Hope, is a project of concerts based on a private collection of violins, violas, and cellos, all collected and restored since the end of World War II.
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Many of the instruments belonged to Jews before and during the war, and many were either donated or brought from survivors or family members, or were simply found with a Star of David as a decoration. Each comes with an extraordinary story. This past Sunday, the Beit Sefer (religious school) students were treated to an extraordinary concert and story of the Bielski violin, named after the brothers who hid Jews (and their violins) in the Belarusian forest for more than 3 years. This Friday, during Kabbalat Shabbat services, hear the music and stories of another Violin of Hope. You can learn more here. A special thank you to Ellen Feldman for bringing the project to Beth Emet. | |
A special thank you to the planning committee: Bob Cutler, Sheri Fox, Lisa Lieberman, Seymour Lipton, Mark Schoenfield, and Arlene and Rich Steele as well as the many volunteers who helped set-up, serve and clean up! It takes a community to celebrate in style! | |
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A Discussion of Ken Burns' Film, “The US and the Holocaust” Led by Dr. Elliot Lefkovitz
Wednesday, May 10 |7:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual
The 2022 documentary by Ken Burns raises significant concerns relevant to our time. We will first review the film itself, including the myths about the Holocaust and America’s response to it, which the film seeks to dispel. The discussion will then turn to American Jewry’s response to the Shoah, FDR’s reaction to this genocidal catastrophe, and whether or not the U.S. should have bombed Auschwitz. Participants are kindly requested to view the film prior to the session, as your input will be more welcome. The film can be found here. (PBS Membership required)
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Beth Emet Participates in Annual “Unite Against Racism”
More than 100 Evanston residents lined the Ridge Avenue this past Thursday as part of the YWCA’s annual, “Unite Against Racism” campaign. With appreciation to Bluma Stoller for leading Beth Emet’s participation, attendees waved signs with anti-racism and racial justice messages and chanted slogans such as “end racism” to passing drivers, many of whom honked in support. This campaign is part of a national initiative, started in 2007.
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One Book, One Congregation | |
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Here All Along Discussion with Rabbi London on Chapter 8: Jewish Holidays and the Power of a Well-Placed Banana
Sunday, May 7 | 11:00 am | In-Person
Rabbi London will conclude her Sunday conversations with Chapter 8: Jewish Holidays and the Power of a Well-Placed Banana, from Sarah Hurwitz's book, Here All Along. A great opportunity to contemplate questions about Judaism and explore Jewish identity. The book is accessible and thought-provoking.
Books and bookmarks are available in the front office for anyone who would like one. Babysitting will be provided, advanced registration by Thursday is required.
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Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz, author of Here All Along
Monday, May 15 | 7:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual
This past year, our congregation has been reading, Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life — in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There). You’ve read the book, listened to the Divrei Torah, engaged in a book circle, or even participated in Sunday morning conversations with Rabbi London. Or perhaps you have been reflecting on your own relationship to Judaism, observing Shabbat, developing a spiritual practice, and being a great person. Now's the time to meet the author, hear her insights, and be inspired to continue the journey. Even if you have not yet read the book, Sarah's visit is sure to spark your interest.
| 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. | |
BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
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Soul Stitchers-Knitting Circle
7:00 pm | In-Person
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!
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A Close Look at Torah with Rabbi Andrea London
9:30 am | In-Person and Virtual
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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Shabbat Sing-Along with Cantor Cotler
9:15 am | In-Person
Sing, Shake and Slide and Snacks
Young Families are invited to Shabbat Sing-Along, with Cantor Cotler, followed by playground fun at Beth Emet. Perfect for families with kids 5 and under. We’ll have shakers, music- makers and bubbles for everyone!
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Kahal Potluck Lunch
12:00 pm | In-Person
If you are able to attend on Saturday morning, please consider bringing a vegetarian, nut-free dish or lunch item for all to enjoy. Consider making a donation to offset the cost of the bagels and lox provided by Beth Emet by donating here.
Please also take a moment to jot down a list of ingredients that can be displayed with your dish for the benefit of those with food allergies.
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Tuesday, May 9
Lag B'Omer
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Mazal Tov to Ben Gorvine
Congratulations to Professor Gorvine for receiving an award for outstanding teaching. Professor Gorvine is now the Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction, the largest teaching award given at Northwestern University.
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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
The Tzedakah Committee members will be at Beth Emet to accept your donations, hand out new boxes, and respond to any questions you may have regarding the tzedakah grant program. Donations may also be made by credit card, e-check or billed to your account. As always, contributions received are used exclusively 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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Upcoming Congregational Opportunities | |
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Kabbalat Shabbat Service Honoring Klaus Georg, Beth Emet Choir Director with Festive Sweet Oneg Following Services
Friday, May 12 | 6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual
Beth Emet has been lucky to have Klaus Georg as the Choir Director for over 15 years. The Beth Emet Choir will sing a song composed by Klaus himself, and Rabbi London and Cantor Cotler will have the opportunity to honor Klaus for his years of service to the Beth Emet community. Stick around after services to sing the praises for Klaus and the Beth Emet choir and enjoy a dessert potluck courtesy of the multi-talented choir members!
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Conversations to Nourish Our Souls with Marci Dickman
Thursday, May 18 | 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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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.
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
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American Shtetl; The Intriguing Story of Kiryas Joel, a Blooming Hasidic Town in Suburban New York
Tuesday, May 16 | 7:00 pm | In-Person at Northwesten University
The Crown Family Center for Jewish And Israel Studies At Northwestern University & The Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Chicago proudly present the Philip M. & Ethel Klutznick Lecture in Jewish Civilization. Speakers: David N. Myers, Distinguished Professor of History and Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History at UCLA Nomi M. Stolzenberg, Nathan and Lilly Shapell Chair at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.
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Learn to Read Hebrew with the Union for Reform Judaism for Adults June-August
10 one-hour sessions
Tuition: $225 (scholarships available)
Familiarity with Hebrew can be a key to feeling at home in the Jewish community. 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.
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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. | | | | | | |
