As we enter the final Shabbat of the year 5781, we anticipate welcoming in the new year on Monday night and Tuesday. Again this year, we’ll celebrate the High Holy Days not quite as we had hoped. Some of us will be in person, and some of us will usher in Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur remotely. Even if you won’t be in the sanctuary at Beth Emet for worship services, I hope you’ll participate in-person outdoors for shofar blowing and tashlich.
We are blessed to live in a time in which technology can keep us connected, but I know that many of us will miss the hubbub of our annual family reunion at Beth Emet (although maybe not the parking lot!).
Wherever we will be physically, we will be together in spirit. May our prayers soar together, touch our hearts, uplift our spirits, and bring some needed healing to the world.
Wishing you good health, well-being, and much joy in the new year.
L’shanah Tovah U’metukah (a happy and sweet new year),
Kabbalat Shabbat and Kahal Shabbat Morning Services are meeting in-person weekly.
We are now providing both in-person and at home worship options for Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday, as well as Kahal Shabbat Morning services. To register to attend in-person, please click here.
High Holy Day Service Participation
Have your plans changed for the High Holy Days and you wish to worship virtually? Please let us know by completing this form. If you know of others who wish to participate virtually and/or you wish to attend services in-person, please let us know by completing this form. For more information, check the High Holy Day page of our website. For questions, please contact the office.
Worship Schedule
Today, September 3
6:30 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Services with September Birthday Blessings and "Labor on the Bimah": Martin Ritter
As we prepare for the High Holy Days and to familiarize the congregation with our live streaming service, this Friday will only be streamed via LiveControl. If you have questions please direct them to Geoff Prass, Director of Operations after Shabbat.
Kabbalat Shabbat services will take place both online and in person for those who are fully vaccinated and have a confirmed reservation. Please fill out this form and submit no later than 2:00 pm on the Friday of services.
This year's D'var Torah "Labor on the Bimah: Essential Dignity" will be given by Martin Ritter. Originally from Park Forest IL and an alumni of UIC with a BA in History and Political Science and a M. Ed. in Instructional Leadership. For the last 10 years Martin Ritter has been Political and Legislative Organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, AFT Local #1. He has been a part of a vibrant team who have succeeded at multiple complex labor and political campaigns in Chicago and Illinois. Prior to this position he was a high school social studies teacher and football coach for almost 10 years in CPS at Marshall HS and earlier Hyde Park HS. He also serves as a board member of the Jewish Labor Committee's Chicago chapter. He and his wife Reena Benson have one son - Lev Irving, two-and-a-half year old and live in the West Loop neighborhood.
We are very excited that Kahal is meeting in-person again. To attend in-person,please do register in advance. Shabbat Morning services will be livestreamed as well as in person for those who are fully vaccinated and have a confimed reservation. Please fill out this form and submit no later than 2:00 pm on the Friday before services.
With a change in our database systems, we would like to take this opportunity to find out if you wish to receive notifications by email. Please contact Shlomitand let us know. Notices are sent two weeks prior to the yahrzeit. And if you wish to be notified on the Hebrew date, please let us know that as well.
Worship Support
To access worship services virtually, please check the latest info/links on the online calendar. Please note that worship services are also posted on Facebook Live. Kabbalat Shabbat Livestream will include virtual t’filah to follow the service. If you don’t have a copy of Mishkan T’filah (siddur / prayerbook) at home for Kahal Shabbat morning services or Kabbalat Mitzvah services, you can get a free online flip book, a discounted Kindle eBook version of Mishkan T’filah, or a full Mishkan T’filah. It’s also just fine to listen in!