This Week at BJBE - March 30, 2020

This Week at BJBE

March 30, 2020

Featured News

Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Zoom: BJBE's Community Second Seder

Thursday, April 9, 5:30pm

Please join us for a Virtual Second Seder via Zoom. This event is free of charge, but an RSVP is required so that we can be sure we have the correct technology in place to support the program. Stay tuned for more information later this week about our Virtual Seder, as well as resources to host your own Seder at home.

World Zionist Congress Update | Message from Rabbi Josh Weinberg (Vice President of URJ for Israel and Reform Zionism & Executive Direcotr, ARZA)

We want to express our deep gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly in this campaign. We displayed an unbelievable effort in getting out the vote, in our visibility within our congregations and organizations. We could not be more pleased with how our Movement responded and was engaged and everyone had a part in our victory. Read more >>>

A Local Hero: BJBE Member Helene Davitz Making Face Shields for Health Care Providers and Caregivers

BJBE Member Helene Davitz and her husband, Scott Glieberman, have been busy using their 3D printer and various supplies to create the FaceShields that were designed by Budman Industries ( https://budmen.com/ ). They are offering them to any friends who are in need because they are a health care provider or someone who is caring for a loved one who has Corona Virus and would like extra protection. Please feel free to contact Helene to let her know what your needs are and she will figure out how to get these to you.

Annual JUF Reception at BJBE - Tuesday, May 5 | Cancelled

With the uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus at this time, JUF has made the difficult decision to cancel all public events from now until the end of May. Unfortunately, this includes the BJBE JUF Event on May 5. Click here to read letter from BJBE Members and Event Chairs Carol Burton and Laura & Tyler Passmore.

Virtual Programming

Introducting Virtual Villages |

Message from Ethan Berghoff and Sonya Morgan

Knowing that we are all experiencing the stress and isolation of social and physical distancing, BJBE would like to offer an opportunity to create "Virtual Villages" to help maintain community, connection, and care. These Virtual Villages are a way that BJBE members can connect with other congregants on issues of interest and shared hobbies. These Virtual Villages will meet weekly at a specific time each week via Zoom.

We will email out the Zoom link to each group's participants. Please be sure you sign up so that you are able to connect. Contact Anne Robbin with any questions. We look forward to maintaining our connections and building new relationships - from a safe and social distance!

Virtual Villages Sign Up

* Please note: Villages are listed in order of day of the week/time of day.

Dis and Dat Chat with Sandee Holleb

Mondays, 10:00am, begins April 6

A chance to get together and talk about a potpourri of topics of no depth!

Family Song Session with Alek Kopulsky

Mondays, 4:30pm, begins April 6

Join Alek Kopulsky, BJBE's Coordinator of Youth Learning and Engagement for a Family Song Session.

MENSches Making Meaning with Rabbi Jason Fenster

Mondays, 8:00pm, begins March 30

Join Rabbi Fenster for conversation about how we are coping with changing roles and changing realities.

NEW>>> Tall Tree Pilates with Tabitha Green

Tuesdays, 10:00am, begins April 7

Tabitha Green teaches functional Pilates for a healthy lifestyle. This is an intro to Pilates, designed for a home setting, with a focus on mobility training.

Podcast Club with Aaron Robbin

Tuesdays at 12:00pm, begins March 31

Similar to a book club, listen to a podcast each week in advance of our meeting and we will discuss it as a group. We will rotate podcasts with a unique episode each week. This week’s topic: Dr. Edith Eva Eger: The Choice from Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Quarantini Virtual Happy Hour for Parents with Missy Bell & Anne Robbin

Tuesdays, 7:00pm, begins April 2

Join Missy, Anne, and parents of JLC/Chava Center children for a virtual Happy Hour - we all could use a little break for some adult time!

Rise Up Singing with Cantor Rayna Green

Tuesdays at 8:00pm, begins March 31

Gather around the virtual campfire with Cantor Green. Learn, sing, and share your favorite folk songs with the community. BYOS (Bring your own s’mores)!

Containing the Kiddo Crazies with Susie Wexler

Wednesdays, 8:00 pm, begins April 1 ; no meeting April 8 due to Passover

Bedtime routines out the window? What’s too much screen time? Put your kids to bed, grab a drink and join Susie Wexler, BJBE Early Childhood Director, as we discuss strategies for keeping our sanity as parents with young children.

NEW >>> Wine & Whine with Cantor Jennifer Frost

Wednesdays, 8:30pm, begins April 1; no meeting April 8 due to Passover

Thought you were an empty nester? Parents of older high school & college aged kids, join Cantor Frost to talk about what it's like to have a full house once again during these challenging times.

Politics & Policy Posse with Sally Sachar , Thursdays, 12:00pm, begins April 2 , no meeting April 9 due to Passover

Join Sally for a discussion about policy/government/history issues.

Surviving E-Learning, with Lisa Berghoff

Thursdays, 4:00pm, begins April 2

Learn effective strategies for e-learning at home with Lisa Berghoff, Director of Instructional Technology at Highland Park High School.

Politics & Policy Posse with Sally Sachar

Thursdays, 7:30pm, begins April 2; no meeting April 9 due to Passover

Join Sally for a discussion about policy/government/history issues.

Supporting Your Kids Without Their Normal School Supports with Diana Slatopolsky

Thursdays 9:00pm, begins April 2; no meeting April 9 due to Passover.

Looking for ways to help your child while they are without their usual school supports? Diana Slatopolsky, BJBE’s Inclusion Specialist, will help parents navigate this stressful situation.

Mindfulness with Margot Andersen

Fridays, 9:00am, begins April 3

Whether this is your first time trying mindfulness and meditation techniques or you are a veteran, please join Margot Andersen as she teaches and guides you through a mindfulness practice. We will start with poetry, reading, or a bit of Torah to ground us before we enter into stillness to find calm within the chaos of our times.

Is there a group you’d like to see offered? Is there a group you’d like to lead? Please email your idea to Anne Robbin . New groups will be added as facilitators become available.

Virtual Villages Sign Up

JLC B'Bayit (JLC at Home) | Missy Bell, RJE, Director of Education

Virtual JLC begins this week! JLC AfterSchool Families received emails by class last Thursday with instructions on how to participate. Virtual JLC Sunday and Chai School begin April 5; an email will be sent out early this week with each grade’s time and Zoom link.

Here are some JLC activities you can do at home throughout the week! Beginning next week, you’ll receive ideas from your child’s teacher that are specific to their curriculum.

Watch this week’s Bimbam video of the Torah portion, Tzav. Tzav goes over many of the rules of the sacrifices and meal offerings the priests would make to God. We learn about the importance of having rituals for the way we do things. Discuss:
What rituals can we keep the same while we are at home?
What rituals do we need to change while we are at home? Do you have any ideas of new rituals?
Try making matzah! Here’s the recipe I made during Pop Up JLC yesterday.
Check out one of my favorite podcasts, the URJ’s Stories We Tell. Each podcast features a different Jewish folktale. You can subscribe on your phone, or access them online.

Questions? Contact Missy Bell .

BJBE's Early Childhood Program at the Chava Center | Susie Wexler, Early Childhood Director

As we seek ways to keep kiddos engaged, I have some wonderful opportunities to share:

Coach Ilyce is bringing Stretch and Grow to your home. Follow https://www.facebook.com/stretchngrowns/ for great music and movement experiences.
LEV Children’s Museum in South Florida has interactive experiences for children. It is a great resource, follow at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Service/LEV-Childrens-Museum-348959922549217/
Many of us are struggling to explain Coronavirus to young children. This morning’s The Daily did an excellent job of providing scientific, age appropriate information. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736

Questions? Contact Susie Wexler .

Adult Education

Learn the Liturgy with Rabbi Fenster

Wednesdays, 2:00pm

Each week will we explore a different prayer together. Join Rabbi Fenster on Zoom to be part of a conversation about how our tradition offers us opportunities to make meaning out of all of life’s moments. No previous knowledge or experience of prayer or Hebrew required. Learners of all ages are welcome. You don’t even need a prayerbook (we’ll be sharing handouts virtually)! Use this link each week to be a part of the conversation: https://zoom.us/j/8711115843 .

Gathering Together While Apart with Priya Parker

Friday, April 3, 12:00pm

Gathering Together While Apart will discuss our sudden shift away from in-person gatherings, exploring how we can create intimate, meaningful opportunities for connection during this unpredictable time. During this hour-long conversation, Priya will share creative, real-life examples of people convening while #TogetherApart. She will invite participants to think through how to be intentional, effective gatherers who create magic between people during a time of social distance. Whether planning online worship services, a virtual family Seder, or an upcoming staff retreat, learning the Art of Gathering Together While Apart is one of many ways we can work together to prevent a loneliness boom during the coming months.

Learn more | RSVP

Virtual for Teens | Alek Kopulsky, Coordinator of Youth and Family Engagement

BJBE QuaranTeens Facebook Group!

This is a new place for funny *Jewish* content, suggestions for self-care while at home, and invitations to

virtual activities hosted by BJBE, Senior Youth Group, NFTY, and OSRUI! Contact Alek Kopulsky

to be added to this group. If you don’t have a Facebook, you can still receive notifications via email. Send Alek the email address you would like to receive updates about virtual opportunities for BJBE teens!

Senior Youth Group’s Instagram

Follow Senior Youth Group’s Instagram for fun Jewish content and to stay in the loop about virtual activities. Give us a follow here.

Upcoming Services

*Please note: all services will be held "virtually." Please tune in via Facebook Live or Live stream at the times listed below and watch your email for zoom links later this week.

Shabbat Service

Friday, April 3, 6:00pm | Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/279928757

Kol Shabbat Service

Saturdays, 9:30am | Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/986614536

Having difficulty connecting? Contact Anne Robbin.

Morning Minyan | CANCELLED

Community Passover Second Seder: Let All Who Are Hungry, Come and ZOOM

Thursday, April 9, 5:30pm | RSVP

Social Action/Social Justice Network

March Tzedakah Recipient - The ARK Chicago

The ARK helps Chicagoland Jews who are facing adversity navigate toward self-reliance. ARK professionals, volunteers, and donors provide free, comprehensive services within a framework of Jewish values and laws.

Save the Date

Sensational Simchas

New Date:

Sunday, October 25, 2020

BJBE Gala 2020

New Date:

Sa turday, November 21, 2020

Stay Connected:

Use the buttons below to stay connected to your BJBE family and learn about updates and upcoming virtual programming and services. Please make sure your contact information is correct in ShulCloud so you continue to receive notifications from BJBE. Not sure how to use Zoom? Scroll down on this email to view instructions towards the bottom.

BJBE Website

BJBE Facebook Page

Chava Center Facebook Page

BJBE Community Facebook Group

Reminders

Zoom Primer:

You can use Zoom on your phone, tablet, or computer. In BJBE communications, you will see hyperlinks to let you join these virtual events.

When you click on the meet link, it will open Zoom in your browser.
You will be asked to download the application in order for it to function. Please agree to this.
After it has downloaded you will see a pop-up window asking if you would like to join zoom.us. Please say yes again.
The next window that opens is where you can view the service or join a group or meeting.

You can also go to this 53 second YouTube video for a tutorial.

Help BJBE while you shop! AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support BJBE every time you shop, at no cost to you! Once you've selected Congregation B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim , every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.