Creating Beth Emet Community Together


Tuesday, November 22 |28 Cheshvan 5783

Highlights

For more information, click on the headline of a particular program or info-blurb. Or check out the Beth Emet website.

A Community Call for Faith and Unity: An Interfaith Gathering Against Antisemitism and Racism

This past Sunday was a powerful evening as we came together as a community in prayer and solidarity to stand up against bigotry and prejudice. With much appreciation to the interfaith clergy for their words of inspiration and empowerment.

Click for the recording and more reflections

One Book, One Congregation: D'var Torah on Chapter 2

Each month Rabbi London will be sharing a D'var Torah on Here All Along (by Sarah Hurwitz). This past Shabbat she focused on Chapter 2 (The Process of Judaism" Questiniong, Debating, and Interpreting), and explored how Judaism evolves to make it speak to our lives today. Check out the recording.


It's not too late to join a book circle and/or order a book (audiobooks available upon request).


The Here All Along program is sponsored by the Judith F. Krug; David and Florence Fingeret; Solomon and Lillian Krug Fund of the Beth Emet Foundation

Sunday Morning Moves with Nichola Goss

Sundays, December 4, 11, and 18 | 9:30 am | In-Person

Looking for motivation to move your body and soul as well as connection to community? This combo cardio/ stretch class is offered while kids are in Beit Sefer. You will work your inner strength while stretching your entire body. All bodies and mindsets are welcome.

BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
Full Calendar with Links
Program Registration 

Wednesday, November 23


Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service

7:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual by Livestream

The Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service is back in-person (as well on livestream) at First Presbyterian Church of Evanston (1427 Chicago Ave, Evanston). The service will feature keynote speaker: Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan, Leadership and Diversity Expert, and the Interfaith Community Choir led by Hannah Dixon McConnel.

Sponsored by Interfaith Action of Evanston

Thursday, November 24

Thanksgiving Day


The building will be closed. Should you need to contact someone at Beth Emet, please call the main number (847-869-4230), and press 4. The Clergy are available in case of an emergency.

Friday, November 25

The offices will be closed. Should you need to contact someone at Beth Emet, please call the main number (847-869-4230), and press 4. The Clergy are available in case of an emergency.

Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Guest D'var Torah by Bebe Zebe and Michal Avera Samuel from Be'chol Lashon

6:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual

We are grateful for our (pre-recorded) guest D’var Torah by Michal Avera Samuel and Beza Abebe who will speak about the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd, brought to us by Be'Chol Lashon.


The service will also include a pre-marital blessing for Mark Feldman (son of Matt and Ellen Feldman) and Madeline Bailey.

Saturday, November 26


Kahal Shabbat Morning Services with Potluck to Follow

9:30 am | In-Person and Virtual

For those attending Kahal in-person, there will be a potluck lunch following services.

Sunday, November 27

Sunday Morning Minyan

9:00 am | Virtual on Zoom Only

Tuesday, November 29


Dayenu Circle Meeting

7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom

Calling on all those concerned about climate change. Come to the next Dayenu Circle zoom meeting. We are fine tuning our sustainability priorities for the coming year. Among them we will be discussing measures we can take to become a net-zero waste congregation through reducing single-use plastic and increasing composting of our waste. 

Wednesday, November 30

Supporting Peace for Israel with Noah Finkelstein 

7:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom

Noah Finkelstein, J Street’s Associate Regional Director for the Midwest, will explain how J Street’s work, the results of the elections in the United States and Israel, and current events, impact the pursuit of a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. This program is sponsored by the Israel Committee.

In The BE Family

Pretrial Fairness Act Lobby Day

Judy Caplan and Bluma Stoller went to Springfield!


In early 2021, the Pretrial Fairness Act was passed by the Illinois legislature and signed into law. The measure, which ends the use of money bond and transforms the state's pretrial legal systems, goes into effect on January 1, 2023.


On November 17, Judy Caplan and Bluma Stoller, representing RAC IL and Beth Emet, went to Springfield for the Pretrial Fairness Act Lobby Day. They joined more than 400 people from throughout Illinois who came to to protect the Fairness Act against an attempt to rollback the historic measures and increase pretrial jailing in Illinois. 


Judy and Bluma met with State Legislators, asking for their support and commitment to fight against rollback, including State Representative Robyn Gabel (Evanston) and State Senator Mike Simmons (7th District, including Rogers Park/Edgewater/Uptown).

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

BE Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

Soup Kitchen Coat Drive

The phones at Beth Emet are ringing off the hook with guests asking if the Beth Emet Soup Kitchen will be holding its Winter Coat and Accessory Drive this year. Of course we are, but we need your help!

Seeking Musical Entertainment for the Soup Kitchen

Do you or your child play an instrument? We are seeking adult or teen musicians to entertain our guests during dinner on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 -7:00 pm. This could be monthly or an occasional gig.

Congregational Announcements

Free Tickets (For Beth Emet Members) to JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival

We are proud to announce the 10th anniversary of The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival (both virtual and in-person)! Interested in accessing your free ticket? Beth Emet members can email the office for access information. 

Check Out Upcoming Adult Programs and Classes; Register Today

Members can register through the MyBethEmet portal. (Click "RSVP for Upcoming Events,") You can choose to register for individual programs or choose to enroll in multiple programs. For more information and/or to register, check out the website. Please contact Aviva with any questions with registration. 

Missed a Program? 

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.

Additional Congregational Opportunities

What Story is the Tanakh Telling? with Rabbi Michael Balinsky

Fridays, December 2 and 9 | 11:00 am | In-Person and Virtual

It goes without saying that the Bible is filled with stories. Are there also overarching themes and messages emerging from the text that Tanakh is trying to teach us? We will explore two approaches and suggest some unexpected themes.

Third Grade Family Potluck Shabbat Service and Dinner

Friday, December 2 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm |In-Person

This is a formal part of our curriculum so that our families can celebrate Shabbat as a community in Beth Emet. We will have a short service and then share a festive potluck meal. More details in this flyer.

Cost is $15 per family. RSVP by Wednesday November 30. 

Assembling the Pieces of Your Family History Puzzle with Debbie Kroopkin

Sunday, December 4 |10:00 am | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom

What can you learn while researching your own genealogy? Professional genealogist Debbie Kroopkin will share many examples of documents, resources, and methods you can use to explore your family history. 

Second Texts and Second Opinions: Jewish Bioethics with

Dr. Laurie Zoloth

Tuesday, December 6 | 7:00 pm | In-Person Only

This class will explore how Jewish thought considers cases in clinical ethics, drawn from Dr. Zoloth’s latest book, Second Texts and Second Opinions: Essays Towards a Jewish Bioethics. We will learn about the source, methods, and texts that make Jewish clinical ethics distinctive, and consider how and whether arguments that are drawn from particular religions should play a role in public discourse.

Soul Stitchers

Tuesday, December 6 | 7:00 pm | Virtual on Zoom

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.

Cooking Magic with Artist and Chef Robin Langer

Thursday, December 8 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |In-person and Virtual

Cooking Magic is all about fast, easy, healthy, and delicious meals. Come for recipes, cooking, and comradery. This program is for everyone from kitchen novices to experienced cooks.

Tot Shabbat and Family Baking for Soup Kitchen

Saturday, December 10 | 9:15 am | In-Person

We'll provide the supplies, you bring the kids---and together we'll whip up some delicious treats for our Soup Kitchen guests. What a fun way to make the world a better place. Perfect for families (including grandparents!) with kids under age 6. No registration- just come!

Conversations to Nourish Our Souls with Marci Dickman

Thursday, December 15 | 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. Maybe you know what you do not believe but are still hungry or wanting something more spiritual.

Annual Chanukah Concert for Young Families

Sunday, December 18 | 4:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual

Our favorite Chanukah concert is back! Once again, featuring Cantor Cotler and Aimee Leigh. This is perfect for families with children in Kindergarten and younger. Grandparents are encouraged to attend! Advanced registration requested.

Chanukah Shabbat Dinner: The Great Latke / Tater Tot Debate

Friday, December 23 | 7:30 pm | In-Person

You’ve heard about the great Latke / Hamentaschen debate, but have you ever considered tater tots! Why not? Each has its own reason why it’s so logical to have on Chanukah. Prize for the best and most creative latke topping! RSVP through MyBethEmet. $8 per person, plus a side dish.

Current COVID Protocols: Masks are now 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. 


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