Celebrating 75 years of Israel’s statehood is a big deal. Generations of Zionists worked through countless challenges to achieve the milestone of statehood on May 14, 1948. Israel was born as a place of refuge for Jews seeking safety from persecution and as a place for them to build a vibrant Jewish and democratic society in our historic homeland. There is much joy in celebrating what’s been accomplished, and we also recognize the many challenges Israel faces. The ongoing protests against the judicial overhaul are highlighting the inequalities and injustices in Israel. As we celebrate this year, we must acknowledge what is hard alongside the joy.

We have two very meaningful ways in which to mark this year’s Yom Ha'atzmaut. Tonight (Thursday) we will hear from Gershom Gorenberg, a highly acclaimed Israeli journalist and author of several important books about Israel, who will help us reflect on what’s happening in Israeli society and what it must do going forward to be an equitable and vibrant democracy. Gorenberg is a speaker not to be missed. He is one of the most astute observers of Israel and always has insights that will help us better understand Israeli society, how it got to where it is, and its potential for the future. This event is co-sponsored with several other congregations and will be both in-person and virtual. You can find more information here.  

Next Friday evening, April 28, we will be celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut with a festive Oneg Shabbat starting at 6:00 pm followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services featuring Israeli music and a special video greeting from Rabbis Gabby Dagan and Naama Dafni Kellen of Or Hadash in Haifa, one of the oldest and most prominent Reform congregation in Israel. Following services, we will have an evening featuring a delicious catered Israeli-style dinner, and uplifting music (and even dancing!) featuring Shakshuka, a well-known Chicago-based band. Let us know you will be at the dinner by registering today!

We hope that you will make Beth Emet your home in which to mark this important milestone.

Shabbat Shalom!

Bekki Kaplan

Director of Congregation Engagement

9:45 am

Here All Along Discussion with Rabbi London on Chapter 7: Giving Shabbat a Chance

In-Person

This year the Beth Emet community is reading the book, Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz. Rabbi London will lead a conversation about a section of the book. This is a wonderful 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 is required.

Mark Your Calendar!

• Discussion with Rabbi London on Chapter 8 on Sunday, May 7 at 11:00 am
• Sarah Hurwitz Visits Beth Emet on Monday, May 15 at 7:00 pm

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. 

10:00 -11:30 am

International Museum of Surgical Science- A Discussion and Tour Led by Dr. Ed Linn

In-Person *Note the shortened timeframe*



Located at 1524 N. Lakeshore Drive in Chicago, this museum was founded by a Jewish surgeon; its art, paintings, and artifacts imaginatively capture the history of surgical medicine. Participants can carpool and choose to have lunch together following the program. Register Today.

11:00 am

Shiva Minyan Leader Training with Rabbi London

In-Person



Performing the mitzvah of comforting the bereaved is one of the highest honors a person can do for another in our community. One way to serve is by being a part of a volunteer corp of Shiva Minyan leaders. If you read Hebrew and are interested in leading a short minyan, contact Bekki Kaplan. Whether you can do it once every so often or more frequently, consider being a part of this invaluable service to the community. Training will be provided, and the support of other wonderful Shiva Minyan leaders is invaluable. Please RSVP to Bekki Kaplan.

11:00 am

Celebrate Earth Day with a Film Screening and Discussion of "Waste"

In-Person

In honor of Earth Day, the Dayenu Circle is hosting a film presentation and discussion of "Waste," one episode of the eco-documentary series "Down to Earth."

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" What exactly do those words mean and how do they affect you, your family and home, and your community? Along with Beit Sefer students in grades 5 and 6, begin answering this question for yourself and your family. In a fun and educational half-hour film, actor Zac Efron and sidekick wellness expert Darin Olien look at these facts and explore environmentally healthy and sustainable ways to live.