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Creating Beth Emet Community Together
Tuesday, May 9 | 18 Iyar 5783
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It's Finally Here! A Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz, Author of Here All Along
Next, Monday, May 15 | 7:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual
You’ve read the book as part of “One Book, One Congregation, or maybe 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. | |
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Music and Stories of the Violins of Hope
Last week, Violins of Hope, 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, performed at Sunday's Beit Sefer and Friday Kabbalat Shabbat service. Scroll down to learn about their upcoming performance with Evanston Symphony Orchestra upcoming performance. A special thank you to Ellen Feldman for bringing the Violins of Hope to Beth Emet.
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Highlights from this Past Sunday!
Beit Sefer students celebrated the Lag B’Omer holiday! See below for photos of first graders and Gan Yom Rishon (our parent/caregiver class for 3-5 year olds) celebrating with Cantor Cotler and Kathy Kaberon along with the third grade celebrating their Siyyum, the completion of their first formal year of Hebrew.
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BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
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Tuesday, May 9
Lag B'Omer
Lag B'Omer is a minor, festive holiday that falls on the 33rd day of the period of time between Passover and Shavuot known as the Omer.
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A Discussion of Ken Burns' Film, “The US and the Holocaust” Led by Dr. Elliot Lefkovitz
7:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual
The 2022 documentary by Ken Burns raises significant concerns relevant to our time. We will 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. Even if you have not watched the film yet, you will find the discussion and Dr. Lefkovitz’s insights eye-opening. The film can be found here. (PBS Membership required)
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Deborah Siegel-Acevedo was named the inaugural executive director of Artists Book House. Founded by Audrey Niffenneger, author of The Time Traveler's Wife, Artists Book House seeks to promote, teach and build a community around the library arts and the crafts of bookmaking. Read More. | | |
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JCC Early Childhood students and teachers tend to the Beth Emet garden. Produce will be donated to the Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet. | | |
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Douglas Macdonald tends to the Morton Civic Center Habitat Garden at Ridge Avenue. Read the article by Leslie Shad featured in Evanston Roundtable | |
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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 accepting your donations, handing out new boxes, and responding 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. 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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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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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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Board of Trustees Meeting
Monday, May 22 | 7:00 pm
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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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.
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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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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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. | | | | | | |
