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Tuesday, January 10, 2017 | 12 Tevet 5777
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*Please note, tonight's
Current Politics
class with David Zarefsky will begin a half hour earlier, at 7:00 p.m. ,in order for the community to watch
President Obama's farewell speech. We will live stream the speech at 8:00 p.m. following the class.
See details below in Adult Education section.
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Speaking with people who feel and see the world differently from me has been on my mind recently. This is not always easy. In fact, I am finding that I am seeking opportunities to try to understand the other. I am working on listening and learning from others, while I try to hold back my desire to influence and persuade.
This Shabbat, January 13, will bring us an opportunity to celebrate Shabbat with our friends who may practice their Judaism differently. One Jewish Evanston allows us to celebrate Shabbat with Jews who are Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist and Reform. We will pray, sing, enjoy a delicious meal and learn together. Details are below and I hope you will join us.
Even if it is easy for you to sit among differing opinions, I think you will be engaged by this lively community that holds
Klal Yisrael (unity of the Jewish people) as a value. Come early to schmooze and nosh at the Oneg Shabbat.
Wishing you a very healthy and active 2017,
Marci Dickman
Director of Lifelong Learning
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One Jewish Evanston and Shabbat Dinner
Friday, January 13 beginning at 5:45 p.m. with an Oneg Shabbat
Services begin at 6:30 p.m. (Two worship options: one Traditional and one Liberal)
Shabbat dinner to follow
Six Evanston communities will join together again under the banner of “One Jewish Evanston” to welcome Shabbat. After a pre-service oneg and worship, we'll all enjoy a delicious Shabbat dinner followed by a timely learning session with a panel of excellent teachers, titled "Dear Mr. President: Jewish Approaches to Social Justice and Other Policy Issues."
Feel free to join us for all or part of the program. (
View full schedule for the evening.) Advance registration is required, but you need to pay for the event if and only if you will be joining us for dinner after services. Dinner is $18 per person | $6 for child age 12 and younger.
Register online now or call Dan Cederbaum at 847-492-5200.
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Chaos or Community?
The Evanston Community Martin Luther King, Jr.
Worship Service
Sunday, January 15 at 3:00 p.m. (at the Alice Millar Chapel | 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston)
In interfaith service commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Register for Early Childhood 2017-2018 & Camp Kayitz Summer 2017
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Tot Shabbat
Shabbat morning, January 21 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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Performance and Interfaith Panel (Panel includes Rabbi London and Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors)
Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. (at Northlight Theatre in Skokie)
Faceless is a timely new play making its world premiere at Northlight Theatre.
Eighteen-year-old Susie Glenn is on trial for conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, and recent Harvard Law grad and practicing Muslim, Claire Fathi, has been brought on to prosecute. Though pitted against one another in the courtroom, these two young women are fighting a similar battle to defend their morals, motives and religious freedoms in this riveting and timely new drama.
Following
the performance, stay for a discussion with panelists including Rabbi Andrea London, Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors.
For tickets call 847-673-6300 or visit northlight.org. Special $10 ticket discount code: INTERFAITH
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Jewish Mindfulness Meditation with the Center for Jewish Mindfulness at Orot
Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Beth Emet
Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell or Rabbi Sam Feinsmith co-lead this weekly class that consists of Jewish mindfulness meditation infused with the wisdom of Torah. The first session of each month will be a “beginners’ sit,” with an emphasis on learning the fundamentals of meditation practice.
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Seeking Shabbat Ushers and Welcomers
One of the wonderful ways in which Beth Emet members engage with congregational life is to serve as welcomers for Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday) services. By coming during the Oneg (which begins at 5:45 p.m.) and standing in the Foyer to welcome and encourage name tags for all, this serves as a wonderful way in which to build and strengthen our community. This is particularly important for guests/newer members/prospective members who are both checking us out and/or not sure of the
minhag (traditions) at Beth Emet. If the door is “slow,” we often recommend circulating in the Crown Room for a bit to make sure that no one is by themselves.
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Trip to Israel with Second Baptist Church
Rabbi London is planning on leading a multi-faith trip to Israel with the Second Baptist Church in 2018. If you are interested, please email her. She’s beginning to plan the itinerary now and would love to see who’s interested.
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Mark Your Calendar!
Beth Emet's Capital Campaign Kick-Off
March 3 & 4
Friday evening Shabbat Service
Saturday evening Campaign Kick-off Celebration
Mark your calendar now and be a part of what we will build together. More details coming soon!
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Beth Emet History Question of the Month
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Why is Beth Emet called The Free Synagogue?
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue has a rich and meaningful history. Our story began on a cold night in January 1950 when our founding Rabbi, David S. Polish, z"l, was told that he could not lead services at his Reform congregation in Rogers Park. A fervent Zionist, Rabbi Polish's support of the State of Israel did not please some of those congregants and the board of trustees rescinded his contract. Rabbi Polish, his wife Aviva, and two children, joined with forty other families to establish the first Reform congregation in Evanston. Our full name, Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, refers to the importance of freedom of speech from the pulpit, a right Rabbi Polish was denied by his former synagogue.
In a new monthly EmetMail column, we will examine a different piece of Beth Emet’s history, culture, artifacts, et cetera, to tell our story. All congregants are encouraged to submit questions on anything you’re curious about—a piece of art or photograph you pass by each time you are in the building; the origin of community programs or initiatives; or why are there two large rocks on the bima? If you have a question, we will do our best to answer it!
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Current Politics
with David Zarefsky
Tonight! Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. * (please note time change)
Due to popular demand, we have decided to start David Zarefsky's Current Politics class a half hour earlier at 7:00 p.m. Following David’s class, in which will we explore and discuss the Presidential election results, we will live stream President Obama’s farewell speech. This will enable you to hear what David has to say, and watch President Obama’s speech with your Beth Emet family.
Thursdays, January 12, 19, and 26 at 7:30 p.m.
In this interactive three-session class, you will engage with Torah trope (cantillation) and begin learning how to chant from the Torah.
Shabbat, January 14 at 3:30 p.m. (This class meets at Rabbi London's home)
Explore Jewish spiritual practices that combine prayer, meditation, study and discussion, particularly emphasizing the teachings of early Hasidism and the practice of meditation.
A seminar for women over sixty with Martha Holstein
Tuesdays, January 17, 24 and 31, February 7 and 14, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Our stories are never entirely our own. This course will explore how cultural norms can crowd out our own voices and then begin working toward the construction of self-portraits and selfnarratives that contribute to our flourishing.
with Aryeh Bernstein
Fridays, January 20 and 27, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
In this series, we will study two provocative passages from the Talmud that explore the dire threats of religious and political violence, and the high stakes of creating a living society in Jerusalem.
Israeli Literature - The Seven Good Years: A Memoir
with Sophie Black
Sunday, January 22, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Contemporary Israeli novelist Etgar Keret’s recent memoir is described as a brilliant, life affirming, and hilarious memoir from a “genius” (
The New York Times) and master storyteller. It recounts the seven years between the birth of Keret’s son and the death of his father.
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RebbeSoul
Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.*
Kol Emet the Jewish Music Project presents American-Israeli singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer RebbeSoul (Bruce Berger) for a one-night only concert!
Rooted in the ancient songs of Judaism, the music of RebbeSoul incorporates a modern vibe by uniquely blending Eastern European, African, and Middle Eastern melodies into rock, pop, and jazz to create a one-of-a-kind sound.
Tickets are $25 adults | $18 seniors | $10 for students and children
To purchase tickets send an email or call
847-869-4230 ext. 301
*New date! (Rescheduled from Saturday, March 13)
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Mitzvah Appeal – We’re Nearly at Goal, but Need Your Help!
To date we’ve reached $235,000, and have another $35,000 to reach our goal. We are tremendously appreciative of all those who have given generously, and if you have not yet had an opportunity to donate and support this year’s campaign, you can do so
online.
In so many ways Beth Emet plays an important role in the lives of all our members and the community at large. However, as with all congregations, it is common knowledge that the annual membership commitments and school fees do not cover all our expenses. We are reliant on the success of the annual Mitzvah Appeal that provides 12% of our annual operating budget.
We are often asked what budget items are included in that 12%. The answer is, take your pick—its all critical. The operating budget is as pared down as it can go without cutting critical services. That is why we cannot succeed without the generosity of all our members. Thank you!
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Evanston Community Raises $12,366 for Displaced Fire Victims
Through a gofundme.com campaign, the Evanston community, including many Beth Emet members, reached their goal to help six families displaced by a fire in early December. Dan Coyne, who began the gofundme campaign wrote on behalf of
The Evanston Fire Victims Response Committee: "Community is not a place. Community is not defined by political borders. Community is not limited by religious faith. Community is not one particular culture. Community IS all of us working together to compassionately serve our world. Thank you for your heartfelt relationship with six Evanston families."
Learn more and view video thank you's from the families.
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Head to the Women's March on Chicago with Energized Evanston Sisters
Saturday, January 21 8:00 a.m. at the Evanston Davis Street El Station
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JUF’s Young Leadership Division is hosting Burbs Bowling on Thursday, January 26
at Pinstripes Northbrook (1150 Willow Rd) at 6:00 p.m. Come meet other young adults living in the suburbs as we enjoy a night full of socializing and activities with bowling and bocce ball. For more information, please contact
Sammi Cutler.
Register Online.
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Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
1224 Dempster Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847-869-4230
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