Tuesday, March 6 | 19 Adar 5778
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Greetings!
Jerry and Paula Kaye have been our very close friends as long as they have been working at OSRUI. When Harvey and I first met them I thought, "OK, that is what you will do in the summer, how about the rest of the year?" After all, it was only a few years ago, I was a camper at this small, not very well known camp in a place called Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
It didn’t take long to realize that their vision for the future of this camp was huge. Our children - as well as we - went there winters, summers, weekends, and for more lengthy stays. Over time they added more cabins, meeting halls, athletic facilities (the swimming pool is my favorite addition!), adult facilities, and with Paula’s help, a state of the arts health center. It didn’t stop there - trees had grown in what were desolate fields when I was a camper.
There is a saying that,
insanity is hereditary, we get it from our children
. Because of the work that Jerry and Paula have committed their lives to, there are hundreds of moms and dads - including many from Beth Emet - whose lives of Jewish observation, traditions, and
ruach
have been enriched by our children after they come home from camp. They demonstrate to us the joys and Jewish values that are with them after a few weeks.
It is fitting that Cantor Jeff Klepper is here this weekend to participate in this joyous occasion. When Cantor Klepper came to Beth Emet, he enthusiastically joined in continuing the joy that our kids brought back from camp. In fact Jeff and Jerry, along with Debbie Friedman, were the masterminds of
Hava NaShira
, the annual music workshop that takes place at camp.
This Kabbalat Shabbat will be a very special way in which to honor Jerry and Paula, worship with our former Cantor, Jeff Klepper, and enjoy a festive congregational Shabbat dinner. See more details below.
Come join us for this wonderful celebration.
Karin and Harvey Kelber
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Honoring Jerry & Paula Kaye with Artist-in-Residence, Cantor Jeff Klepper
Friday, March 9 during Kabbalat Shabbat services begining at 6:30 p.m., 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.
Beth Emet's Adult Choir and the Beth Emet Band will also be participating in this service, we will sing some of Cantor Klepper’s popular arrangements used during his tenure at Beth Emet, along with some new gems.
Shabbat Dinner is $16 per adult and $10 per child (age 5-12) by
Wednesday, March 7
; $20 and $14 thereafter. RSVP by email to
info@bethemet.org
or call 847-869-4230 ext. 301.
Co-sponsored in part by
Kol Emet: The Jewish Music Project
.
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Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
Cantor Klepper will lead
shira
(singing) with parents and students in Beit Sefer.
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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
.
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Purim Spiel 2018 T-Shirts
You asked for them, and we listened! For a short time only, purchase your official Beth Emet Shpietles T-shirt! T-shirts are $12 and available in children's and adult sizes. Purchase by March 25!
Order now!
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Beyond Matzah
with Rabbi Andrea London
Sunday, March 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Rabbi London will share tidbits, texts and thoughts for your soul and your Seder that help us take the meaning of Passover beyond Matzah. Open to all Beit Sefer parents and congregants.
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One Jewish Evanston Shabbat
ha-chodesh
Afternoon
Saturday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m.
Multiple Evanston communities will again join together under the banner of “One Jewish Evanston” to honor the memory of Margery Steiner Wolf z”l, who was an active member in the Jewish community of Evanston from 1960 until well into the 21st century, on the occasion of her second
yahrzeit. It is generously sponsored by her sons Benjamin (and his wife Donna) and Jonathan.
The program will feature great learning led by the Wolf brothers, a sumptuous kosher
Seudah Shlishit (light dinner), and
Mincha (afternoon) and
Ma'ariv (evening) services, plus Havdallah.
More information. No charge, but
advance registration required.
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Tot Shabbat
Saturday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m.
This lively 30-minute service is geared toward children under five years old and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers. Together we sing with Cantor Friedman, dance with the Torahs, and enjoy a story from Rabbi London. Afterwards, everyone gathers for lox and bagel brunch where the children can play and the parents can schmooze.
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with Sue Nadel, Jane Weintraub and Clark Ellithorpe
Sundays, March 18 (2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. includes potluck dinner); March 25, April 8,15 29, & May 6 (2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.); and May 20 (2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
If you’re age 60 and over and interested in exploring the unique aspects of this stage of your life and wish to deepen your understanding of yourself then Wise Aging might be right for you!
Wise Aging—Living with Joy, Resilience, & Spirit
was developed by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) and is designed to help participants explore the years beyond mid-life from a psycho-spiritual perspective. Within a small peer group, Wise Aging participants will engage in discussion, text study, reflection, and contemplation in order to explore a range of topics. The class will meet for seven Sundays beginning March 18. Contact
Sue Nadel
if you’d like to participate.
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Israel's Jewish Character at 70: What has been achieved? What are the challenges?
Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Naamah Kelman and Dr. Elan Ezrachi will reflect on these questions from their perspectives as leaders of liberal Judaism in Israel and community activists in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Naamah Kelman is the Dean of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and the first woman ordained in Israel. Her husband, Dr. Elan Ezrachi, is a Jewish Peoplehood specialist and the recent author of a book on Jerusalem's 50 years of complex unification.
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Beth Emet Annual Meeting
Tuesday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. (Reception at 7:00 p.m.)
(please note this date was changed from Monday, March 26)
Learn more about the state of the congregation from Rabbi London, President Ross Bricker, and Treasurer Rob Levin. The meeting will also include a vote on the slate for the 2018-19 Board of Trustees. Watch EmetMail for more information.
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Early Childhood and Camp Kayitz Registration Now Open
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.
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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.
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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 are now searching for contributions through 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
.
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Capital Campaign Conversations: Drawings, Video and More
Monday, February 26 drew more than 100 members to hear all about the progress of the T’RUMAH Capital Campaign and learn about the renovations scheduled to start this summer. The Campaign began with a big kickoff celebration in March 2017. Since then, we have received
215
gifts and pledges of more than $4.7 million, nearly 80% of our stated goal to raise at least $6.13 million. Funds from the Campaign will be used to renovate and improve our facilities; secure and grow our endowment; and improve our financial liquidity.
The other stated goal of this campaign is 100% participation – we hope every member of the congregation will participate in some way. Please give a gift that is meaningful to you. Pledges to the Campaign can be paid over three years. We are all in this together and it is only through the support of our members can we achieve success.
To learn more about the Campaign, check out these helpful resources: read about the Campaign
here
; look at all the latest renderings of the upcoming renovation
here
; watch the newest Campaign video
here
; or sign up to help
here
. If you have any questions, need additional information, or would like to meet with someone from the Capital Campaign Committee to learn more, please contact
Wendi Kromash
, Director of Development.
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Solidarity with Immigrants, Refugees, & Dreamers—Prayer & a Call to Action
Sunday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m.
at St. Nick’s Church (806 Ridge, Evanston)
People of all faiths through out Evanston, will stand in solidarity with immigrants, refugees and dreamers. Beth Emet is a co-sponsor.
Please bring food items that will be donated to the Marjorie Kolver Center for the Treatment of Survivors of Torture. The Center has a pantry from which survivors can get some basic foodstuffs.
See list of needed food items
.
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Join the Environmental Sustainability Committee
Environmental sustainability has become an important way for organizations to become more efficient, use less energy and protect the environment by having the right practices, materials and equipment. Beth Emet's building renovation program creates a wonderful opportunity to improve Beth Emet's environmental sustainability. The Social Action Committee has formed a Sustainability Sub-Committee which is looking for additional interested congregants to become part of the sub-committee. If you are interested, please contact
Elory Rozner,
Seth Krantz,or
Mark Schoenfield.
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Beth Emet's Connection to the New Martin Luther King Exhibit at Chicago History Museum
Remembering Dr. King 1929-1968 at the Chicago History Museum invites visitors to walk through a winding gallery that features over 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago. Included in the exhibit is the program from when Dr. King spoke at Beth Emet in 1958.
Read more.
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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!
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Upcoming Adult Education Courses
Thinking about learning something new? Seeking a bit more in your life? Take an enriching course!
Saturdays, March 10 at 12 noon, and 17 at 2:30 p.m. (at various start times, see website)
with Hyma Levin
Tuesdays, March 6 and 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Key Moments of the Passover Seder: Its Origin, Evolution, and Current Practices
with Rabbi Herbert Bronstein
Friday, March 9 and 16 at 10:45 a.m.
with Rabbi Andrea London
Shabbat, March 10 at 3:30 p.m.
with Rabbi Peter Knobel
Wednesday, March 14 at 12 noon via Zoom (online course)
Need to add to website
with Dina Elenbogen
Monday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
with Linda Schneider
Wednesday, March 21
with Rabbi Burton Cohen
Friday, March 23 at 10:45 a.m.
with Bekki Harris Kaplan
Saturday, April 7 at 6:00 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.
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2018 Annual Women's Seder
Saturday, March 17 at 5:00 p.m. at Emanuel Congregation (5959 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago)
Enjoy a song-filled service and dinner with Jewish women around Chicago-land. The Seder uses a Haggadah created by Emanuel women on the theme of "Preparing Our Hearts for Pesach," and you will find it has a heart-felt and unique approach to the traditional Seder.
Cost $18 if you bring a dish to share or $30 if you don't bring a dish. YOU MUST RSVP by Tuesday, March 13.
Learn more and RSVP.
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Thank you for your generosity!
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Director of Youth Programs, Abigail Backer, recently spent the weekend with 14 Beth Emet teens and 350+ Jewish youth at the L'taken Social Justice Seminar with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. The weekend culminated with teens speaking truth to power on Capitol Hill - they lobbied for gun violence prevention, immigration reform, reproductive rights and criminal justice reform. Watch your email for an in-depth recap coming soon.
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Beth Emet's annual Purim Spiel and Megillah reading. This year's intergenerational spiel
,
Shpietles - Shushan Sings the Beatles
, took the audience on magical trip to Shushan as “The Fab Four” supply the soundtrack.
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Beth Emet's Early Childhood program paraded around the building singing Purim songs and dressed as kings and queens.
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Rabbi London participated in Purim Carnival fun as players "Sponge the Clergy."
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B'nai Mitzvah
daughter of Aviva and Steve Bollinger
March 10
son of Elizabeth Feiertag and Seth Kaplan
March 17
Deaths
Fritzie Demsetz
mother of Tina (David) Herpe and Freda Demsetz, and grandmother of Lauren and Stacy
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Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
1224 Dempster Street
Evanston, IL 60202
847-869-4230
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