Creating Beth Emet Community Together
Tuesday, November 8 | 12 Cheshvan 5783
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This 32-poster exhibit was developed to foster curiosity, discussion, and reflection about the complexity of Jewish identity in today's world. This exhibit, developed by our congregant and Beit Sefer parent, Judy Schachter, along with two of her faculty colleagues at New Trier High School, focuses on Jewish identity, anti-semitism and comic books geared towards high school students and adults.
The exhibit will be available through the in-person discussion with the exhibit creators on Sunday, November 13 at 10:00 am. Pre-registration encouraged.
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Highlights From This Past Weekend! | | |
Soup Kitchen Celebrates 20 Years! | Twenty years ago, on the first Wednesday of November 2002, the Beth Emet Soup Kitchen opened its doors to provide dinners for people in need. The process, from its initial ... | | | |
Thank you Rabbi Dr. Wendy Zierler for being our scholar-in-residence this past Shabbat. Listen to Rabbi Zierler's Friday night D'var Torah " The Connection Between Faith and Truth" |
Missed Friday Night's Blessing in Honor of 20 Years of the Soup Kitchen?
Rewatch it here! (Includes the blessing, video from the 15th anniversary, and a slideshow!)
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Young Family Havdalah was a Success! | |
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BE Connected
Weekly Calendar
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Tuesday, November 8
Election Day
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Wednesday, November 9
Current Politics with Dr. David Zarefsky
7:30 pm | In-Person and Virtual
A continuing lecture-discussion class on contemporary public issues of interest to Jews as citizens. Special attention will be given to the policy and political issues facing the Biden administration.
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Thursday, November 10
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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Central Illinois Jewish Communities and Archives with Dr. Liat Alon
7:00 pm | In-Person and Virtual on Zoom
In 2021 the University of Illinois, with the support of Mrs. Sybil Mervis of Danville, opened a new archive dedicated to the documentation of Jewish life in smaller towns. In this lecture and open discussion, we will explore the documents, life stories, interviews, and findings collected so far and plans for the near future.
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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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Myth, Reality, Mythology: The Complexity of Jewish Identity
Sunday, November 13 | 10:00 am | In-Person Only
with Brett Rubin, Marissa Rubin and Judy (Weiss) Schachter,
colleagues at New Trier High School
Our time together will include the opportunity to meet the creators, learn the origin story of the exhibit, and engage in guided discussion with fellow congregants.
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Blessing of the Animals
12:15 pm| In-Person Only
Furred, winged and swimming creatures are all welcome- from dogs to turtles to goldfish! Bring your pets outside to the parking lot by the north lawn for a blessing with Rabbi London. This annual tradition began at TJM and our community (made up of humans and pets) is excited to continue this tradition.
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Monday, November 14
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. New committee members welcome!
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Tuesday, November 15
Inclusion Committee Meeting
5:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom
Join the Beth Emet Inclusion Committee as we examine our current practices and explore ways to create a culture of belonging and inclusivity for Beth Emet members of all abilities. We know that all individuals can contribute to our community.
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Wednesday, November 16
Women's Struggle for Equality in Israel with Professor Yifat Bitton
7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom *Please Note Update
Please join us for a conversation with Professor Yifat Bitton, one of the leading socio-legal feminists in Israel today. Professor Bitton will discuss the civil laws and Israeli Supreme Court cases that have aspired to reduce gender discrimination in Israeli society and offer some reflections on the challenges that lay ahead, in the wake of the election of a far-right-wing government.
This program is sponsored by the Israel Committee.
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Highlighting: Ellen Blum Barish’s One Book; One Congregation Book Circle | |
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Books are still available in the office. Haven't signed up for a book circle? Do so today!
Want to highlight your own book circle? Email a photo to Bekki Kaplan
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
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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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Fall Tzedakah Box Exchange
Sunday, November 20 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Beth Emet Tzedakah Committee is pleased to announce our fall tzedakah box exchange. Tzedakah Committee members will be there to accept your donations, hand out new boxes, and respond to any questions you may have about the tzedakah grant program.
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A Just Harvest is Calling for Volunteers
Wednesday, November 23 | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
To serve (and possibly cook) food on the fourth Wednesday of the month.TJM worked with this organization, serving dinners on the fourth Wednesday for about 35 years, and it would be a mitzvah for us to continue to help. Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering to ensure we have sufficient volunteers.
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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.
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Looking for Shabbat Connections Cooks/Drivers
Every Friday, one volunteer for Shabbat Connections cooks, and another delivers a home-cooked meal to someone in our Beth Emet family who may need support in times of need or transition. One time or ongoing participation welcome.
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Congregational Announcements | |
Free Tickets (For 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.
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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.
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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.
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Additional Congregational Opportunities | |
Conversations to Nourish Our Souls with Marci Dickman
Thursday, November 17 | 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.
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Apachi JCC Camp at Beth Emet: Music, Mocha and More
Sunday, November 20 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Come see your friends! Interested in learning more about camp? Join us to talk about Apachi Evanston. There will be music, mocha (hot cocoa), crafts, movement (games, and goodie bags!
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wednesday, November 23 | 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
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Supporting Peace for Israel with Noah Finkelstein
Wednesday, November 30 | 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.
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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.
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Adoptive Parent Virtual Drop-in Group: Join the Conversation!
Thursday, November 10 | 7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom
Please join us to discuss what’s on your mind as this new year is underway! This group is an open, supportive space, welcoming parents with children of all ages. Come meet other adoptive parents to talk about how things are going, share concerns, challenges, and successes. Email Marsha Raynes for the link
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JUF Path To Parenthood – Webinar & Grant Information
Tuesday, November 15, 7:30 pm | Virtual on Zoom
Path to Parenthood is hosting a free webinar addressing the medical, legal, and psychosocial aspects of infertility. Please register here.
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The Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Lab Research Team is Recruiting Participants!
Our research goal is to inform the causes of autism, and to understand how the genes involved in autism may play a role in language and other important skills. We are looking for individuals with autism and their parents, individuals who carry the FMR1 premutation with and without fragile X syndrome, and individuals who do NOT have a family history of autism or fragile X syndrome.
You can email us or call us at 877-275.7187.
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Schechter Discovery Fair
Sunday, November 20 | 9:30 am | In-Person
Children (3-5 years old) and their adults are invited for a fun morning to explore, discover, create, and innovate.
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