Photograph by:  Ravi Ganapathy 
 

"At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love" 
--Che Guevara

This is one of my favorite quotes. In fact I've used it once before in a letter to the congregation. And I'm resurrecting it now because it represents not only the commitment of all the members who pitched in whenever we needed help over the past two years but it aptly describes the palpable feeling that has encompassed our JRC community with the arrival of Rabbi Weiss.

On Friday December 16th at 7:00 pm, JRC will enter into a covenant with Rabbi Weiss as she is formally installed as our rabbi. The worship service is open to all in our community and will be followed by an Oneg Shabbat reception with  cookies and champagne. I am very excited to celebrate this milestone and commemorate this joyous occasion in our congregation's history with the installation service on Friday night. 

On Saturday December 17th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm we're having a dance party! Mazel Tov to us all! This is a celebration honoring Rabbi Weiss and JRC members. We'll have music and dancing, festive appetizers, desserts and drinks. Let's celebrate all we've accomplished and our bright future. Please join me on the dance floor - get your sparkle on, put on your dancing shoes and celebrate our JRC community. I'll be the one singing at the top of her lungs "We are Family..." I've already put my request in to the DJ for Sister Sledge!
 
Sincerely,
Robin Trilling
President  
Weekly Community Events
Erev Shabbat Service: Fridays at 7:00pm 
Torah Study: Saturdays at 9:00am 
Shabbat Minyan and Oneg: Saturdays at 10:00am
Ma'ariv evening service: Tuesdays from 7:00-7:30pm 
Religious School Tefillah: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15-4:30pm 
Choir Rehearsal: Thursdays at 7:45pm
Junior Choir Rehearsal: Sundays from 10:45-11:15am
December Events
Friday December 2  
Interfaith Immigration Vigil 7:15am
Join JRC members and people of other faiths to advocate for immigrants facing deportation and separation from their families the first Friday of every month at the Detention Center, 1930 Beach St., Broadview, IL. For more information and to arrange a carpool that leaves JRC at 5:45am, please email Tina and Gonzalo Escobar at  [email protected]

Early Bird Shabbat Service 5:30pm
Community Potluck 6:00pm 
Please bring a dairy/vegetarian and nut-free dish to share. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm 

Jewish Lens 8th Grade Photography Exhibition 6:00pm
During the first part of the year, students in the 8th grade Jewish Lens program have been learning about photography, Judaism, Reconstructionism and JRC. They have curated an exhibition that depicts some of their favorite parts of our community. Join us for an unveiling of their new work at the Erev Shabbat community potluck. 

Saturday December 3
Babysitting 9:00am-12:00pm
Drop your child off for on-site babysitting during our morning Torah Study and/or Minyan service.  

Sunday December 4
D'var Torah Workshop and B'nai Mitzvah Orientation 
Two sessions: 9:00am-11:00am or 11:15am-1:15pm 
What is the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ritual and what does it mean? How will your child and your family prepare for this life cycle event? The Rabbi and Cantor lead this session in which 6th and 7th grade parents and students will learn what to expect and how to write a D'var Torah.  

Forward News Schmooze 9:30am 
This monthly discussion of news on Jewish topics will cover a proposed Knesset bill to make worship at the Western Wall orthodox-only; the raft of sexual predation claims against Jewish men; and what it's like to be Jewish in the all-American environment of pre-Christmas Disneyland.  Click here for article links

Monday December 5
Phonathon 
JRC members hit the phones to request your support in our annual phonathon drive. If you would like to donate online before calls begin, click here for more information!

Tuesday December 6 
Phonathon 

Reconstructionism 101: What does the R in JRC Really Mean? 7:30pm
The second in a four part series.  (Participants are welcome  even if they have not attended previous sessions.) What's the history, theology and theory of Reconstructionist Judaism, how has it evolved over time, and how do we apply it to our lives today? Join Rabbi Rachel Weiss for a look at Reconstructionism, whether you're new to JRC or you've been here for years. Register Here 

Wednesday December 7
Phonathon 

Moving Forward 7:30pm 
Join with other JRC'ers as we decide together how to move forward individually, in community and especially in coalition with others how to address the political reality we now face. All are invited. Sponsored by the JRC Peace Dialogue.
 
Israeli Film Night 7:30pm
Go For Zucker
Down on his luck, conniving pool shark Jaeckie Zucker must make up with his estranged Orthodox Jewish brother Samuel in order to meet the terms of his mother's inheritance - the only thing that could save him from jail, ruin and divorce. But as Samuel and his entire clan move into Jaeckie's chaotic household, a clash of civilizations is inevitable, and Jaeckie's going to need every trick he can think of to make things go smoothly.

Thursday December 8
Parlor Meeting with Rabbi Weiss 7:00pm  
Rabbi Weiss wants to meet you! In this series of small meetings you will get the chance to share your personal JRC history with our new Rabbi and get to know her in an relaxed and informal setting. Register here: only 7 spots left!

Saturday December 10
6th grade Havdalah and Ice Cream Social 5:00pm 
It may be dark and wintry, but we can still eat ice cream! 6th grade families are invited to light the Havdalah candle and savor the sweetness of Shabbat with some ice cream. 

Religious School High School Program 7:00pm
This week, high schoolers will engage in a conversation about socioeconomic inequity during this season of consumerism and excess. 
 
Sunday December 11
Tablecloth Tanach 9:00am
Religious school parents are invited to join together in this tradition of making Latkes! These Hanukkah treats will be delivered to kids classrooms the following Sunday. 

Book Group 10:00am 
This month's book selection is Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner. 

Modern Hebrew Literature: Nation to Narration 3:00pm
This series surveys modern Hebrew fiction of the last 100 years. Click here for this month's reading selections.

Youth Group Northwestern Basketball Jewish Heritage Game 6:00pm
To purchase tickets, please follow these steps: 
1) Visit nusports.com
2) Hover over the TICKETS icon
3) Click on ENTER MY PROMO CODE
4) Enter the code NUJRC and select seats in the section provided.  

Parlor Meeting with Rabbi Weiss 7:00pm
Register here: only 3 spots left! 

Tuesday December 13
Reconstructionism 101: What does the R in JRC Really Mean? 7:30pm

Thursday December 15
Refuat HaNefesh Support Group 7:30pm
A monthly support group for individuals with depression and bipolar disorder, as well as family and friends.
 
Friday December 16
Rabbi Weiss Installation Ceremony 7:00pm
A ritual to affirm the covenant between the rabbi and the congregation. RSVP to   [email protected]

Saturday December 17
Ari Ellis Bar Mitzvah 10:00am
The entire JRC community is invited to celebrate with Ari Ellis and his family as he is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. A special aliyah will be given to members of the JRC community. 

Installation Celebration 6:00pm
An installation celebration honoring Rabbi Rachel Weiss and the JRC community with music and dancing, festive appetizers, desserts and drinks. RSVP to [email protected]

Sunday December 18
Camp JRF Presentation 9:00am
Rabbi Isaac Saposnik, executive director of Camp JRF, will come to JRC to do a fun presentation and series of activities about Camp JRF, the Reconstructionist sleep away camp in the Pocono Mountains. 

Religious School High School Program 1:30pm 
Alex Rubin leads Leadership 101. Alex is a participant in both the Cornerstone Project for Jewish Camps and the Nachshon Project in Israel, two highly regarded leadership programs for Jewish young adults.

Tuesday December 20
Reconstructionism 101: What does the R in JRC Really Mean? 7:30pm
The last class in a four part series.  What's the history, theology and theory of Reconstructionist Judaism, how has it evolved over time, and how do we apply it to our lives today? Join Rabbi Rachel Weiss for a look at Reconstructionism, whether you're new to JRC or you've been here for years.  
Register Here

Friday December 23
Hanukkah Family Service 6:00
Get ready for the beginning of Hanukkah with this lively Shabbat service with treats and dancing with Heavy Shtetl, JRC's own klezmer band. 

Saturday December 24 
First Night of Hanukkah 

Sunday December 25 
Christmas Day 

No Religious School: Winter Break

Tuesday December 27
No Religious School: Winter Break

Thursday December 29
No Religious School: Winter Break

Saturday December 31
New Year's Eve 

Sunday January 1 
New Year's Day

No Religious School: Winter Break
Installation Digital Tribute Board 
You may have seen in your installation invitation (and Phonathon mailing) a card for making donations to honor Rabbi Weiss in a digital tribute board. Below are some examples of what the different kinds of tributes could look like! The tributes will be on display at the Installation Celebration and on the JRC website.

If you have already sponsored a tribute, we will be in contact with you to receive your messages and pictures. If you have not already sponsored a tribute, you can do so here or by returning your installation tribute card in the mail. 

Tikkun Olam Opportunities 
Interfaith Action Overnight Shelter Volunteers Needed

Inspired by diverse faiths and shared values, Interfaith Action of Evanston brings people together to serve hungry and homeless people, pursue interfaith dialogue, and engage in advocacy that promotes social justice. 

Volunteers are needed to be overnight shelter supervisors. The overnight shelter supervisor will manage the overnight emergency shelter. The shelter will be open from November 15th through March 15th, will only operate when the temperature is 15 degrees or below, and will operate from various churches and synagogues in Evanston (location will change on a weekly basis). The supervisor is expected to arrive at the facility at 7:45pm and remain until 7:00am. The overnight shelter supervisor must be prepared to work a non-traditional and, at times, unpredictable schedule.

Interested participants must attend one of the following training sessions: 
Tuesday, December 6

More information is available here.
Teddy Bear Drive
November 21- December 20

JRC is participating in the Alliance Advocacy Annual Winter Teddy Bear Drive. Teddy bears being donated are to benefit children who are in foster care or shelters. Stuffed animals must be new and retain their tags so they can be checked for safety (As per IL state law). Donations should not be gift wrapped or boxed. 
 
Holiday themed items are not preferred so that they can continue to be donated outside of the winter season. 
 
These stuffed animals are for children of all ages. Preferred sized teddy bears are between 6-13 inches and should be comfy and soft.  
 
Please drop off donations at JRC. A box will be located in the atrium. 
Toiletry Donations 

JRC student Ellie Teweles needs your help with her bat mitzvah project! She is collecting toiletries to give to the Night Ministry: a Chicago organization that gives aid to homeless and at risk LGBTQ youth.  

Boxes will be available  in the JRC and religious school offices to collect donations, and Ellie will also be visiting classrooms to collect from students during religious school. Please bring travel sized toiletries , feminine hygiene products and clean socks for those in need. 
Host Families Needed for Hands of Peace July 2017 Summer Program

Hands of Peace (HOP) is a unique interfaith program developing peace-building and leadership skills in American, Palestinian and Israeli teens through the power of dialogue and personal relationships. This Glenview-based non-for-profit was created in 2002 and now serves 46 teens (age 15-17) every summer. 

We carefully select a group of Israeli and Palestinian teens, as well as a group of local American teens of many different faith backgrounds, to take park in this transformative experience. 

We are looking for families who can host one or two teens during the 2017 summer program (July 12 to July 31). It is a very rewarding experience whether you have teens at home or are empty-nesters. The HOP program creates a cohesive and dedicated group of youth committed to each other and peace in the Middle East. 

Please visit the HOP website www.handsofpeace.org  for more information and contact host family's coordinator Vera Ginburg at 847-257-0231 or [email protected]
Photograph by:  Ravi Ganapathy 
B'nai Mitzvah Profiles





Name: Cassidy Goldman 

School: Rogers Park Montessori 

Bat Mitzvah Date: October 22, 2016

What are your hobbies/interests?
I have been ice skating since I was 7 years old, including three years on a synchronized skating team. I also have studied theatre and even had a role in a small professional production. Starting in high school, I am hoping to transition from skating to dance. I also enjoy film and photography.

What is your favorite thing about being Jewish?
What I love about being Jewish is community and specifically being part of both the JRC and Camp JRF communities.



Name: Isaac Bernstein 

School: Chute Middle School

Bar Mitzvah Date: October 29, 2016

Tell us about yourself: I was born at the Evanston Hospital in 2003. I am 13 years old. I like to read and ride my bike. I love sleep. I read all kinds of books and love to try new things.

What is your Tzedakah project? 
I will be volunteering at Dawes Elementary School in the child care program. I will be working with children, helping them with homework and other things. I will also be assisting the teacher as well.

What's the most interesting thing you learned about Judaism? 
I think that the history of the holocaust was interesting.

Thank You and Yasher Koach! 
At the end of JRC board meetings, the board recognizes members who have volunteered their time and talents. We call it the Yasher Koach Corner. Below are full lists acknowledging those members who donated their time to make JRC such a wonderful place and for whose work we are truly grateful. 

Click Here for September Yasher Koach List 

Click Here for October Yasher Koach List 

November Yasher Koach To: 
  • Barbara Israelite for being a Friday night Shabbat greeter on October 21.
  • Adult Kallah organizers: Suzanne Saposnik (chair), Mindy Ferber Marks, Linda Hewitt, Joyce Litoff, Linda Mathias Kaskel.
  • Jonah Karsh for playing clarinet at the B'nai Mitzvah services of Arielle Feller and Cassidy Goldman. 

     

     
Kvell Korner 
T o kvell (or shep naches) means to be proud of. This column is devoted to letting our community know about the wonderful things happening in the lives of JRC members. If y ou or your loved ones have something to celebrate, send a n email to Nina Litoff at  [email protected] . 

Mazel Tov To: 

The Chicago Cubs for winning the World Series for the first time in 108 years! 

Arnie Kanter for being quoted in the Wall Street Journal article about the Cubs. 

Arielle Feller, Lucia Goldberg, and Adam Weiss on becoming B'nai Mitzvah in November. 
Donations
phonathonDonate to Phonathon Today! 

As our dues contribute just over 50% of our operational expenses, we reach out this time each year to secure the necessary funds to offer the wide array of worship, education and tikkun olam opportunities that drew each of us to JRC. Phonathon contributions also sustain our longstanding commitment to welcoming all who wish to participate in the JRC community regardless of income.  Donate online today!
Hey! What's that thing with the ping-pong balls? 
 
You may have noticed a new edition to the case on the first floor of JRC. It is a replica of our building filled with colorful ping-pong balls. This is a visual representation of the Campaign for JRC's Future, a drive to raise $4.4 million so that we can responsibly retire the mortgage on our building by 2022. The colorful balls already in the model represent the $1.6 million in pledges we've already collected towards our goal. As more funds are committed to the Campaign, we will periodically gather to honor the families that pledge support and infuse the model with even more color-just as our members fill our community life with the richness of their diverse backgrounds.  

If you would like more information, the Campaign Committee has developed an overview of the Campaign and a set of FAQs. To learn how you can support the Campaign for JRC's future, please feel free to contact the Campaign Co-Chairs Joel Gratch or David Tabak. 
Thank you for your generosity 

Tzedakah is a central mitzvah of Judaism, humanizing both the donor and the recipient. JRC has established a series of tzedakah funds in response to members' interests, aiming to serve three functions: 
  • To support the congregation. All are welcome to membership, to worship, to our school-even those unable to pay full dues. Your contributions make this possible.
  • To support important extra-budgetary activities.
  • Most importantly, to provide a convenient and meaningful way for JRC members and others to fulfill the traditional obligation of tzedakah as we honor, commemorate, and express gratitude.
We would like to express our gratitude for these donations made between October 27, 2016 and November 30, 2016. 

To donate online,  please click here. 



Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation |  www.jrc-evanston.org