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Tuesday, February 6 | 21 She'vat 5778
Greetings!

I began my career in Jewish Special Education. Seeking a graduate program that would allow me to combine Jewish education with special education, I landed at the Hebrew Union college Rhea Hirsch School of Education and USC in Los Angeles. This was a time when special education, even for children with learning disabilities, was offered in separate classes and schools. I met my husband working in a Jewish camp program for teens with special needs, which is where my heart and mind learned that including people with disabilities is not only “right,” it not only helps people with disabilities, but it has a huge positive impact on the community that is inclusive.

February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. Our Beth Emet Inclusion Committee has been working for over a year to help us make our synagogue and its programs more accessible. There is still work to be done. The more we learn, the more we become aware of barriers we place before, albeit not only physical ones, before others. This past Sunday, 18 teenagers and six adults came together to design and make Purim carnival games that are more accessible to people with disabilities. We continue to learn about ways to make our programs, the language we use, and our expectations more accessible to all so that everyone who chooses to do so can participate in more of our programming and worship services.

In this week’s Torah portion Mishpatim, we read “Do not taunt or oppress a Ger, a stranger, for you were Gerim (strangers) in Egypt.” (Exodus 22:20) Sometimes strangers are understood as those from different countries. Jason Lieberman, who has cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, reminds me that “when God created us in God’s image, God could have chosen to make us all the same, with the same strengths and weaknesses, the same looks and the same ideas…By choosing to make each of us unique, God signified the importance and the power of our uniqueness. Our difference, that which makes us strange to others, is precisely what allows us to see the world form alternative perspectives, to find solutions to challenging situations and to grow in the process.”

I am pleased that Beth Emet is opening more doors so that we may all be enriched by the gifts that all of us have to share. May we all grow from and find blessings in the “strangeness” of others.
We are delighted that Karen Tamley, commissioner of the Mayor of Chicago's Office for People with Disabilities, will speak at our Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday February 23. I hope you will join us that evening. 

Marci Dickman
Director of Lifelong Learning
 
Highlights
The Wall and the Gate: Israel, Palestine, and the Legal Battle for Human Rights
Book reading and discussion with Michael Sfard
TONIGHT! Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m.
The Wall the Gate examines the ethics and challenges of legal work for human rights. With emotional force and penetrating analysis, he offers both a moral reckoning with the occupation and a blueprint for a hopeful future. Co-sponsored by the New Israel Fund and Metropolitan Books. Books will be available for purchase at the event. RSVP
with Cantor Alberto Mizrahi and Cantor Susan Lewis Friedman
Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi, with Cantor Susan Lewis Friedman, presents Ladino music sung in Sephardic cultures to celebrate life cycles and other sacred events. Co-sponsored by Kol Emet: The Jewish Music Project. RSVP or call 847-869-4230 ext. 308
POSTPONED!: Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with
Rabbi Marc Margolius
We regret to inform you that Rabbi Marc Margolius' father died January 31 and Rabbi Margolius will not be joining us at Beth Emet this weekend (February 9-11) for our Scholar-in-Residence Weekend. Our hearts and condolences are with Rabbi Margolius and his family at this time.

We will find another date for him to come to Beth Emet in the future.
Around the Congregation
Upcoming Worship
February 16 at 6:30 p.m. (5:45 p.m. Shabbat Oneg)
David Baskin, a member of Beth Emet, has found a creative way to help Israelis of all religious and racial backgrounds climb out of poverty with his Tel Aviv-based nonprofit organization, Ani Shlishi.

Saturday, February 17 at 9:00 a.m.
This lively 30-minute service geared toward children under five years old, enjoy songs, stories, and a bagel brunch following services.

Friday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. (5:45 p.m. Shabbat Oneg)
February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. Beth Emet is proud to join with other Jewish organizations and communities around the wold in this unified effort to raise awareness and champion the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Hear past Divrei Torah, including recent sermons by Rabbi Andrea London, on our Soundcloud Channel .
Capital Campaign Conversation
Monday, February 26 | 7:00 p.m. Nosh
7:30 p.m. Program followed by Q&A
Beth Emet’s renovation impacts our entire community! Come see the latest drawings and hear about the Board-approved construction plans scheduled to begin in May, right after Shavuot. Learn about planned work renovating the Sanctuary, Foyer, and Crown Room; replacing the main chiller; and upgrading important security features. And of course new seats in the Sanctuary!

Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the reasoning behind key decisions, and to hear about the remaining work we hope can take place in the summer of 2019. Reservations appreciated but not required. RSVP or to 847-869-4230 ext. 301.
Purim Spiel, Shpietles - Shushan Sings the Beatles , and Megillah Reading
Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Travel to Shushan ("Fields Forever"), and hear why it’s been a “Hard Day’s Night” for Mordechai, Esther, and the whole gang as “The Fab Four” supply the soundtrack to this year’s intergenerational Purim Spiel!

Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 4
10:30 a.m. – Purim Celebrations for Families with Young Children, with Purim spiel, singing, and costume parade.
10:30 a.m. – Purim Carnival Open to Families with Members with Special Needs - New games and accommodations for children with special needs!
11:00 a.m. – Purim Carnival Open to Families with Young Children.
12:00 p.m. – Purim Carnival Open to All.
 
The Purim carnival features a moon bounce, cotton candy machine, games, prizes and more! Ticket prices: 3 for $1, 15 for $5, or 36 for $10. All games are between 1-4 tickets.
Lunch will be available for sale: $7 per person or $30 for five people – choice of hot dog or veggie burger, includes pasta, chips, cookie, and drink.
 
The Purim Carnival is brought to you by BESSY (Beth Emet Senior Synagogue Youth)

Adult Volunteers Needed!
The BESSY Purim teen leaders are working diligently to ensure this year's Purim Carnival will be a lot of fun, and they need adult support!  We are looking for 25-30 adults to lend a hand for a variety of shifts listed  here . Teen volunteers are need as well--see Noar News or contact   Abby Backer   for more information. 
Mark Your Calendar!
Honoring Jerry & Paula Kaye with Cantor Jeff Klepper
Friday, March 9 during Kabbalat Shabbat services, festive Shabbat dinner to follow
This past summer the much beloved OSRUI Camp Director (and Beth Emet member), Jerry Kaye, spent his last summer at camp after 48 years of service. Beth Emet will be honoring Jerry and Paula during Kabbalat Shabbat services, March 9 with Artist-in-Residence, Cantor Jeff Klepper, who served Beth Emet as its cantor for more than 18 years. A perfect way to celebrate their relationship and leadership. More details to follow. Co-sponsored in part by Kol Emet: The Jewish Music Project.
Enjoy the smash hit musical Hamilton and support Kol Emet: Beth Emet’s Jewish Music Project!
Thursday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m
Purchase tickets to Hamilton: An American Musical through Beth Emet for the May 10 performance, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Kol Emet: The Jewish Music Project, Beth Emet’s music committee dedicated to providing the congregation and greater Chicago Jewish community with rich Jewish musical experiences. These great tickets are $250 each. To purchase your ticket, contact the office or at
847-869-4230 ext. 301.

Mark Your Calendar!
with Sayed Kashua
Sunday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Renowned author, journalist, and writer for television Sayed Kashua reflects about the use of humor in his works across genres. Kashua will speak about his weekly column in Israel’s newspaper   Haaretz   and his hit TV show  Arab Labor .
Early Childhood and Camp Kayitz Registration Now Open
We are delighted to invite you to learn more about our Early Childhood Program for the 2018-19 school year. Enrollment for 2018-19, and Camp Kayitz 2018, is now open to the general community. Registration forms are online now.

We are now scheduling individual tours for prospective parents during the school day. Please email Kathy or call 847-869-4230 ext. 305 to schedule your visit and learn more about our program offerings and Camp Kayitz for summer 2018.
Write for Beth Emet's Sanctuary Project!
By now we are hoping that you are aware of the Sanctuary Project at Beth Emet. If you haven’t had a chance to read them yet, here is a link to the pieces we have published thus far. We only have commitments through mid February. We are now searching for contributions from mid February to May. If you had any inclination to contribute, or know someone who might, please let us know! If you'd like to contribute, please email Ellen and/or David .
Social Justice
Sculpture as Sanctuary
Sunday, February 25 at 10:30 a.m.  at the National Museum of Mexican Art (1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago)
Beth Emet members will gather at National Museum of Mexican Art at 10:30 a.m. to hear a speaker and tour of the exhibition,  Luis Tapia: Sculpture as Sanctuary . This exhibition engages and critiques contemporary global themes of Sanctuary and highlights the hand-carved masterworks by Luis Tapia (b.1950), a Chicano artist from Nuevo México. Admission to Museum is free. Donations accepted. Please RSVP or to 847-869-4230 ext. 301. If you would like to be a part of a carpool, please contact  Leslie Shulruff
Register to vote at Beth Emet and Make a Difference!
Two critical elections are fast approaching – the 2018 March 20 primary and the November 6 general election. To take part, you must be registered to vote. Beth Emet has a one-page application on the bulletin board in the school entrance hallway, and in one of the pockets next to the bulletin board across from the administrative office. Fill out the form, and use the self-mailer feature to get it to the Cook County clerk. Thank you for exercising your precious right to vote!
Adult Education
Upcoming Adult Education Courses
Thinking about learning something new? Seeking a bit more in your life? Take an enriching course!

with Joseph Ringel
Fridays, February 9 and 16 at 10:45 a.m.

with Linda Schneider
Wednesday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m.

You can register by clicking here and you will be directed to a form. Please fill in your birth date (including the slashes between the numbers i.e. 01/01/2017) and your zip code. This will open up a pre-filled form specifically for you to register on. If we do not have your birth date and zip code on file, please contact Eric or 847-869-4230 ext. 308.
Beth Emet Community
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Teen Committee presents Never Stop Asking Why
Sunday, February 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
Beth Emet teens are invited to the Museum’s 25 th Anniversary Initiative Never Stop Asking Why, inspiring people of all ages to reflect on Holocaust history through a global conversation. Hear from Holocaust Survivor and museum volunteer, Estelle Laughlin, who survived the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on Holocaust history via your social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. 

For more information on the Museum’s Never Stop Asking Why initiative go here. To RSVP to attend email Nicole Bela.
Photos of the Week
Congregants enjoyed A Tasty Taste of Syria in the Beth Emet kitchen on Tuesday, January 23, when Huda Hidar and her children, refugees now living in Evanston, shared recipes and cooking tips for some of their family’s favorite dishes. These include tabbouleh, kibbeh (meatballs in bulgur wheat crust), chicken shawarma, and basbousa (semolina cake). ( See Huda's kibbeh recipe!)
 
Huda welcomes the opportunity to make her homemade Syrian treats for your next event. Contact  sefisher@ameritech.net for more information on Huda’s catering and cooking services.
On Saturday night, January 27, Beth Emet held a PJ Party for families with young children. Children decorated pillowcases with the Sh'ma prayer imprinted on them, ate dinner, participated in a Havdallah service and singing with Cantor Friedman, and listened to a PJ Library book read by Kathy Kaberon.
Yesterday morning, Rabbi Andrea London and congregant Jessie Macdonald attended the Protected by Faith Rally at Federal Plaza. A young Dreamer told her story to her crowd (photo right).
Life Cycle
B'nai Mitzvah
son of Danielle Crown and Jeremy Pfeifer
February 10

Emily Cook
daughter of Cynthia Fisch
February 17

Deaths
son of Aaron and Ada Gunning

mother of Pamela (Donald) Fogel

mother of Marti Netler (Eric Spiller)
Giving
Donor Receipt Information
New this year!
If you receive your monthly account statements via email, you should have received your donor receipt on January 29 if you gave a gift to Beth Emet in 2017. If you receive your monthly account statement in the post mail, you should have received a paper copy of your donor receipt in the mail (these were mailed on January 26).

Go Green/Paperless! If you would like your monthly account statement to be emailed, please contact Finance Manager, Debbie Gilbert , or at 847-869-4230 ext. 302.
Contributions
Thank you for your generosity!
General Community
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
1224 Dempster Street
 Evanston, IL 60202
                          847-869-4230                         
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