This is my face when Emet Mail lands in your Spam Folder. Last Thursday, that happened. So, we are resending. It's a juicy edition, so please read on ICYMI (In Case You Missed It).

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you later today at Cantor Young's much-needed Be the Light concert at 4pm in the Sanctuary (Oneg at 3:30 pm, with homemade treats from BE Bakers!). The lineup is incredible, and the house will be packed. We're excited to welcome you, along with many from outside our Beth Emet community. Walk-in's welcome. You may purchase tickets at the door.

Warmly,

Debbie

Deborah Siegel-Acevedo

Director of Community Engagement

BE THE LIGHT!

A Celebration of Community, Hope, and Healing Through Original Music by Cantor Natalie Young

Learn more here

Member Registration | Guest Registration

Contribute to the Emergency Gift Card Drive

Rabbi London and other area clergy are collecting $75 grocery store or Visa/Mastercard gift cards to reduce the hunger crisis for District 65 and District 202 families. If you'd like to participate, please bring a gift card to Beth Emet's front office.

Click here for grocery store ideas, including Valli, Food 4 Less, Aldi, Jewel, and others.

SHABBAT SHALOM!

Celebrating the Kabbalat Mitzvah of Nora Cohen-Broaddus, Child of Daniel Broaddus and Danielle Cohen

Saturday, November 15 | 10:30 am | Sanctuary and LiveControl

My name is Nora Cohen-Broaddus. I’m a seventh grader at Haven Middle School. I’ve always been a creative person; I love art, music, cooking, and writing, but I’m also quite academic. I love learning, no matter what subject, and I enjoy doing my schoolwork almost more than any hobby.

The process of preparing for my Kabbalat Mitzvah began quite chaotically. I found learning the prayers and Torah portion tedious. But somehow, I’ve grown to love them deeply and now enjoy reciting them immensely.

The second half of this process has been—although stressful—so much fun! I’m so excited to complete this journey into Jewish adulthood.

I love English, math, social studies, and science (at times). Because of this, it’s extremely important to me that everyone is given the opportunity for a long-lasting and fulfilling education. Often, that involves college. It’s so important, especially now, that everyone knows how to process information and think critically, and college can be one of the best places to develop those skills.

Through my Gemilut Chasadim project, I hope to help make the college experience easier for those who are the first in their family to go to college. Obviously, I can’t work with the students directly due to my age, but my goal is to spread awareness about the value of a college education and help recruit mentors for a local program called Evanston Scholars. Mentors help high school students apply to colleges and continue mentoring them throughout their college years. You can find out more about this organization here: https://www.evanstonscholars.org/. Please help me spread the word about this incredible organization and consider becoming an Evanston Scholar mentor!

UPCOMING BETH EMET PROGRAMS

Come One, Come All: Overnight Shelter, Coat Drive, and Next Social Justice Committee Meet-Up

Interfaith Action’s Overnight Shelter began at Beth Emet on November 9 and continues through November 30. Volunteers are needed for both set up (8:30 -10:00 pm) each evening and clean up (6:00 - 7:00 am) each morning. The volunteer sign up is now open! Click here for more info and details about the shifts.

In addition, with winter right around the corner, volunteers are needed for our Soup Kitchen Coat Drive, which is being held on Wednesday, December 10:

Volunteers needed for Coat Drive sorting, December 8, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Volunteers needed for Coat Drive set up, December 10, 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Volunteers needed to help the guests during the Coat Drive, December 10, 5:20 - 7:00 pm

To sign up, please contact Leslie Shulruff at zamaed@comcast.net

Social Justice Committee Meet-Up

Wednesday,, December 10 | 7:30 pm In-Person and Zoom

Mark your calendar for our next Social Justice Meet-Up. All are welcome to join!

Contact any member of the Social Justice Leadership Team (Lisa Levine, Ted Goldsmith, Judy Caplan, Sharon Smaller, or Bekki Kaplan) if you're interested in volunteering or would like more information on Social Justice Committee programming. We're here to serve.

Adult Education Is in Full Foliage

Tikkun Middot through the Senses

Sundays November 16, December 14, January 11, February 8, March 22 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Explore the power of creativity as a tool for our own personal renewal and spiritual connection. If you’ve thought about embracing your inner muse with a stance of curiosity, then this va’ad (group) is for you. Questions? Please contact Sue Nadel (suenadel@comcast.net ) or Jane Weintraub (jsweintraub@comcast.net).

Israeli Society, the Oslo Accords, and the Aftermath

Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Dr. Maayan Hilel, Assistant Professor in Jewish & Israel Studies and Assistant Director of The Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies at Northwestern University, will trace key political and social developments in Israel from the Oslo Accords to the present day. Together, we will explore questions such as, what does the current ceasefire proposal mean for both Israelis and Palestinians?

WEEK IN REVIEW

Last Friday's Shir Shabbat brought the joy--and oh how we needed it. Rabbi London and Cantor Young led a packed house in prayer and song as we gathered under the Beth Emet Community Tallit, wiggled, listened to a story, and held each other with love and care.

One Congregation, Many Voices Kick Off a Rousing Success

On Sunday, our first congregation-wide event to kick off this year's One Congregation, Many Voices program focused on Getting to Know You, Getting to Know Us: Cultivating Community in Times of Change.

Photos below courtesy of Beth Emet's resident photographer, Sam Zakarin.

We started with lunch from Taboun Grill in the Crown Room. Doug Hoffman rang the cowbell to tell us it was time to go to the stations situated around the building, where some of the newest members of our Klei Kodesh led activities that allowed them to share their essence--and their favorite dessert.

Executive Director Allan Bogan busted a dance move--and got us all levitating. For reals.

Director of Community Engagement Debbie Siegel-Acevedo taught "6-Word Jewish Memories" with fellow writer/congregant Ellen Blum Barish.

Director of Lifelong Learning Lauren Reeves led a Thresholds-themed art project.

Director of Operations and Technology Pierce Boydbagby led an activity that helped us appreciate our building as holy ground. And Mark Antman helped us commemorate 75 years of being Beth Emet with the History Project.

During the Grand Finale, Rabbi London shared a midrash on change, we reviewed the answers to the Beth Emet Scavenger Hunt, and we sang and danced some more!

What's a Salon Group and How Can I Join One?

This is a time of transition for Beth Emet and for the broader Jewish community. We’ll continue to explore the Thresholds theme throughout the year in small lay-led “salon groups” that meet in facilitators' homes or on Zoom. Learn more about the salon program here. If you’d like to join a group, please contact ManyVoices@bethemet.org.

Kol Heart-KaVod, Beth Emet!

We're thrilled to report on the successful outcome of former Board President Lee Weintraub's recent heart healthy campaign. Thanks to collective fundraising efforts--and YOUR DANCING--we were able to replace two obsolete AED machines and install a new AED training machine. Without the generosity of those who worked with Lee to satisfy both the dancing match challenge and the fundraising efforts, this wouldn’t have happened. Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart, Lee!

MORE UPCOMING BETH EMET PROGRAMS

Beth Emet has embarked on a popular new initiative called A Gift of Challah, initiated by Cantor Young. Each Shabbat, someone signs up to bake challah (or two) in their home. The Klei Kodesh identify member(s) in need of a little extra love--perhaps someone who is celebrating an accomplishment, is ill, or had an especially challenging week. During Kabbalat Shabbat services, the Rabbi and Cantor ask for a volunteer in the Sanctuary to deliver the challah to that congregant. Please find additional information, including a link to the SignUp Genius sheet, here. Please contact the office with any questions.

Soul Stitchers Knitting Circle Wraps Us in Warmth

Thursday, November 20 | 7:00 pm | Beit Midrash

Soul Stitchers is a group of knitters and crocheters who make items for charity. We have made wraps for people to wear in the sanctuary, baby blankets, and hats for immigrants. We are still working on hats, and some of us are also making scarves, wraps or shawls for survivors of sexual violence through Threads of Compassion. Soul stitchers spread love. Join us at 7 pm in the Beit Midrash for stitching and snacks.

For more information, contact Michelle Oxman at moxman616@gmail.com.

If You Didn't Register in Time for the Community Retreat, Here's What to Know!

Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7 | at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, WI

After acquiring more rooms, we once again filled them. It seems we are working toward fulfilling the dream of one of our Board members (hello, Adam Stock!) of filling the entire camp with Beth Emet congregants. Response this year has been momentous, and next year we will work with OSRUI to ensure that there is room for all who wish to attend. Learn more about what's in store. If you'd like to get on the waiting list, please contact Miriam at office@bethemet.org.

Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski

Tuesdays 9:30-10:15

Join us for joyful, collaborative music-making with Nicole Jaworski and Jamberry Music! In this jBaby class, 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 to join! The next session is October 21 to December 16. Sign up for the late fall session.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for our Interfaith Action Soup Kitchen Guests

Food and Volunteers Needed!

One of the significant ways Interfaith Action of Evanston serves our community is through our soup kitchen dinners. Again, this year, First United Methodist Church (FUMC) will host the Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen that features home-cooked food provided by our Evanston faith community.

It's easy to donate food – You may donate ham, turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls or a pie. Go to tinyurl.com/FUMCFood25 to sign up to bring one of the food items. Bring it to the FUMC church kitchen on Thanksgiving Day between noon and 12:30.

Volunteers are needed to help at various times for short shifts on Thanksgiving Day between noon and 4:30 p.m. Review our needs and sign up at tinyurl.com/FUMCvolunteers25.

Thanks to all for adding to the success of this year’s Interfaith Action Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen dinner!

Questions? Contact Ann Weatherhead at amweatherhead@gmail.com or 847-962-1508.

A Call to Organize Federal Employees in Our Midst

I am Mark Zaltman. I am a member of Beth Emet for several years. I am also an angry furloughed Federal employee. Many of you may know me as a regular participant in Kahal. I’m writing our Beth Emet community because I would like to meet with Federal employees and Federal retirees to discuss ways to deal with the multiple attacks on us. It is not just the Shutdown. It is the constant attack on our compensation and benefits, which both parties have participated in. We could work with unions, management groups, and retirement organizations, but also take actions on our own. Just one example would be group visits to local Congressional offices. Please contact me at markzaltman96@gmail.com. I welcome the ideas and leadership of other participants.

Come Be a Beacon of Light!

Every Thursday, between 4:00 and 4:30 pm | Corner of Dempster & Ridge

Started by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, the Beacon brings together people of all faiths and secular backgrounds who feel called to stand with those facing injustice. The Beacon mobilizes its diverse community members to take action. Where there is cruelty, we create visible acts of solidarity and compassion. Where there is fear, we build community and mutual understanding. This powerful movement, which is spreading throughout the country, is held in Evanston weekly, on Thursday evenings, at 4:00 pm. The Beth Emet community, along with members of other local faith communities, stand together, with signs in hand, to stand against the hate, fear, and despair that is so prevalent these days. See you on the corner of Dempster & Ridge.

REMINDERS

Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Soul Spark Shabbat Service

Whether you’re celebrating an important milestone, remembering the memory of a loved one, honoring a fellow congregant for a job well done, acknowledging a Beit Sefer teacher's big teaching anniversary, or fete-ing a Beth Emet staff member (!), sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat or a Soul Spark Shabbat service is a wonderful way to share the event with the community. An Oneg Shabbat before services is an opportunity to welcome Shabbat with catered or homemade (or store-bought) treats. The Oneg offers time for everyone to come together to chat, meet new friends, and reconnect with those you already know. Once a month, we have a music-filled, contemplative Soul Spark Shabbat service, another opportunity to sponsor and add to the splendor of services. To learn more or choose a date, please reach out to Debbie Siegel-Acevedo—we’d love to celebrate with you.

Shabbat Connections Cooks Wanted

Every week for the past 25 years, a Beth Emet volunteer cooks a complete Shabbat dinner for a member of the Beth Emet community. Whether due to illness, a recent death in the family, a new baby, or a recent move, a delicious home-cooked meal is always welcome. This mitzvah is only possible with your help.

We're looking for new volunteers. Whether you’re available once a month, or as your schedule permits, we’re happy to welcome you to our list of generous cooks. (To KM students or parents: This is one way to help fulfill your services hours to Beth Emet.)

Questions? Ready to volunteer? Please contact Arlene Berke at ajberke@sbcglobal.net.

Share Your Photos – Help Bring Our 75th Anniversary Mural to Life!

Since the kickoff of our 75th Anniversary Mural Project on June 7, the Archive Team has been busy diving into the Beth Emet archives—rediscovering photos, documents, and stories that reflect the heart of our community. At the anniversary celebration, many of you shared meaningful memories about how Beth Emet has touched your lives. Now, we’d love your help once again—this time, to show those stories through photos! Read more from the Mural Committee and Archive Team about what and how to share.

Stay Informed - Download the Beth Emet App

Did you know there is a BE app? There is! You may download it here.

Sermons Available Online

To watch our past sermons, please click here.

To receive announcements for all births, weddings, and deaths, add your name to the mailing list through MyBethEmet (our member portal) on your individual page or contact the office.

Consider a Donation to Beth Emet

It's a great way to honor or remember someone special or to celebrate a wonderful moment in the congregation's life. This is an important way to support our community. If you have questions, email the office.

Donate!