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Tuesday, February 21, 2017 | 25 Sh'vat 5777
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The Beth Emet Celebration Will Not be
the Same Without You!
Please mark your calendars for March 3 and 4, when we will be coming together as a community to celebrate Beth Emet and launch our Capital Campaign.
It has been almost 17 years since our last campaign and major upgrade to our facilities. During that time, we’ve experienced wear and tear in our building that now requires us to do some refurbishing, renovating, and upgrading to meet the changing needs of our community and support the vibrant programs and services that make Beth Emet so special.
The proposed plans for the building changes all emanate from the congregation wide planning process that began several years ago. Additional information and renderings of possible renovated spaces – they say a picture tells a thousand words - will be available at our celebratory party on Saturday night, March 4. You will see then that the focus of all our planning is grounded in advancing Beth Emet’s mission, through renovations that expand our community space, deepen our spiritual experiences, and create an environment that better supports the educational needs of all learners, young and old.
In addition to addressing building and infrastructure needs, the Capital Campaign also looks to the future by committing 35% of all monies raised to increasing the size of our endowment and improving our current financial arrangements. This is important. We recognize that, as stewards of Beth Emet’s finances, we need to have a prudent financial plan in place to deal with current operating needs and inevitable unexpected developments.
In short, the goals of the Capital Campaign are to enhance the lives of everyone Beth Emet touches, and to put us on the most solid financial footing. That way, our children and grandchildren, and the generations that follow, will always have a shul they can proudly call home, that embraces and advances Jewish values, that makes a positive difference in our communities and people’s lives, and is the vanguard for reform congregations around the world.
The goal of the Capital Campaign is to raise at least $6.13 million. That is an amount we are confident is “doable.” It is an amount that can have a meaningful impact. We can make it happen - but only if we work together as a community to achieve our goal.
If you have already responded to the invitation to the party on Saturday night – thank you! If you are still undecided or need to be convinced, come! The purpose of Saturday night is to celebrate, get to know one another a little better, learn more about the Capital Campaign, experience the possibilities, and have fun! There will be no solicitations – no solicitations whatsoever - on Saturday night.
The weekend begins on Friday evening, Shabbat
T'rumah, with a special Oneg at 6:00 p.m. followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services at 7:00 p.m. (Please note special start time) Saturday night’s celebration begins at 6:30 p.m., with food from local favorites and featuring the music of Suite Mollie Seven.
You can sign up online today.
Please join us as together we celebrate Beth Emet’s past, present and future...and celebrate you!
Ross Bricker
Beth Emet Board President
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CELEBRATE BETH EMET! We are very busy planning a terrific Capital Campaign Kick-Off Weekend on Friday and Saturday March 3rd and 4th.
We will begin with Kabbalat Shabbat that will feature two Oneg Shabbats—both before and after services. At 6:00 p.m. we will provide “substantial appetizer” fare and immediately following services there will be more food including fruit and dessert. Beth Emet Board President, Ross Bricker, will be delivering the D'var Torah
On Saturday night we are throwing an awesome party. After community Havdalah, several local eateries will be on hand to dish out eats and drinks, while music for dancing will be provided by rock, funk, and soul band Suite Mollie Seven. Perhaps most important, plans for Beth Emet's renovation will be revealed! Don’t even think about missing out on the fun! There will be n
o solicitation of funds at this event.
Saturday, March 4
6:30 P.M. Capital Campaign Kick-Off Celebration at Beth Emet
7:00 P.M. Havdalah
7:15 P.M. Food! Drink! Music! Dancing! Convivial Uproarious Fun! Featuring the music of Suite Mollie Seven
$36 Per person | $18 Per person under age 30 | $360 Sponsor a virtual table (10 people) | $180 Sponsor a virtual highboy (5 people)
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The Social Hall Network
Saturday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Megillah Reading and Purim Spiel
This year’s intergenerational and adult-themed Purim Spiel, The Social Hall Network, transports King Achashverosh, Esther, Haman, and the whole cast of characters to the present day as the story will unfold through the lens of social media. As is our Beth Emet tradition, the song parodies and script are written by our super talented congregants! (This year’s spiel is best for ages b’nei mitzvah and up.)
Sunday, March 12
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
11:00 a.m. – Purim Carnival Open to Families with Young Children
12:00 p.m. – Purim Carnival Open to All
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 Youth Group)
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Teen & Adult Purim Volunteers Needed!
The BESSY Purim teen leaders are working diligently to ensure this year's Purim Carnival (Sunday, March 12) will be a lot of fun, and they need support!
High School students volunteer opportunities:
Saturday, March 11 (4:00 - 6:00 p.m.) and
After set-up, join the community for the Purim Spiel and join BESSY for a lock in/sleepover at Beth Emet!
Sunday, March 12 (9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.),
7th & 8th Graders, volunteer for Purim Carnival!
Sunday, March 12 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.),
Teens: email
BESSY with your availability!
Adults! We are looking for 20-25 adults to lend a hand for a variety of shifts listed here.
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Jewish Lens Project
Sunday, February 26 | 11:00 a.m. -
12:00 noon
The Jewish Lens Project culminates a sixth grade unit in which students capture images of Jewish values using photography. Stop by the Crown Room to browse!
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Rock for a Reason
Sunday, February 26 | 3:30-5:00 p.m.
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Soup Kitchen Seeking Musicians
Are you a musician? The Soup Kitchen is in need of a few musicians to be called on an "as needed" basis. We currently have a rotation of regular musicians that play for one hour on Wednesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. while the guests are eating dinner in the Crown Room. If you are interested, please contact
Lizzie Graham.
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Support Beth Emet Teens: Fronteras Immigration Trip
Just five weeks from now, 16 high school students and four chaperones will travel to the border of Texas and Mexico to learn about today’s immigration issues and deepen their understanding of Jewish migration, diaspora, and assimilation, connecting our history to immigration stories of today. Students will fly to El Paso, Texas on March 27 and will spend six days at Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, an organization that runs Border Immersion Experiences. The trip will focus on bridge-building, transformative learning, and action. Along with educators and clergy, teens will examine life in the borderlands, reflect on themes of race, culture, and migration as well as hear testimony from individuals in the migrant community.
In total, the trip will cost $25,000. We are almost halfway to meeting our goal and we need your support! We understand that Beth Emet’s Capital Campaign has begun, and that you’re being asked to support it as well. To that end, we’re asking each member of Beth Emet to consider donating just $18 each (more if you’re able) toward our trip.
Click here to donate online (Fronteras Trip 2017 - Donations is at the top of the list), or write a check made out to Beth Emet Synagogue. With your help, we’ll be able to create an important and empowering experience for our Beth Emet teens.
Read full letter from Fronteras Trip Fundraising Committee.
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Sunday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m. at Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago)
After decades of unchecked misconduct in the Chicago Police Department, tensions between communities, police, and politicians have reached a boiling point. As a new presidential administration radically shakes up government agencies like the Department of Justice, our city risks descending further into instability and danger. The time has come to act, and so we must act together. Learn more.
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Ready to take action and not sure where to start?
During these challenging times (and really always) there is a need to become more engaged in the issues of the day. Our website now houses a
Social Justice Resources webpage which includes the many ways to get involved, make our voices heard, and connect with other like minded Beth Emet members who have expressed interest as well. You will find information which we hope you will bookmark and reference often. Also you will find a
quick survey to help us build the list of available resources and together, we can make the world a better place. For questions, please contact
Bekki Harris Kaplan, Executive Director.
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For more than 50 years, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (or "the RAC") has been the hub of Jewish social justice and legislative activity in Washington, D.C.
The need for
tikkun olam, world repair, at this moment in history is palpable and enormous. Learn more about key social justice issues and how to contact Congress below:
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Safety First at Beth Emet
First and foremost we want to assure you that safety at Beth Emet is a top priority. With the recent waves of bomb threats at JCC’s nationwide, we remain vigilant.
During these times of enhanced concern, we again reach out to you as our partner to help us maximize our security protocols. Kindly take a moment and familiarize yourself.
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Catch up on past Divrei Torah
This past Shabbat Yitro, Rabbi Andrea London shares the Ten Commandments of Inclusion in honor of Disability Awareness Month.
Listen now or catch up on other past sermons on
Beth Emet's Soundcloud channel.
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Adult Education Spring Course Guide Arriving in Mailboxes Soon!
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This new class will be taught at a slower pace than our traditional Hebrew language class. The focus will be on learning the letters and vowels of the Hebrew alphabet, printed Hebrew, and basic prayer book terms and phrases. Open to students of all ages and backgrounds.
with Sarah Wolf
Fridays, March 3 and 10, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
What did the rabbis of the Talmud think about the significance of a person's intentions in Jewish law? We will explore rabbinic attitudes towards the relationship between thought and action.
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The Jewish Record Collection
Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
with Eric Berman
Stroll down musical memory lane with commentary and selections from comedy records by Allan Sherman to pop vocal confections by Barbra Streisand to Broadway favorites like Fiddler on the Roof, played on a vintage record player.
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On Sunday, February 19, Professor, attorney, and activist Azam Nizamuddin, and Northwestern Chaplain Tahera Ahmad discussed the state of the Muslim community both here and abroad at Beth Emet's
Islam Today program.
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On Sunday, February 19, Rabbi London helped to honor Beth Emet's Vision Keeper Nina Kavin for her work in the Evanston Community. Vision Keepers from 40 other faith communities at this year's dinner that raises funds for Interfaith Action of Evanston.
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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! Learn more.
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B'nai Mitzvah
daughter of Julie Fisher and Jason Rosenthal
Saturday, March 4
Deaths
Ceil Singer, mother of Julie (Joshua) Chernoff, and grandmother of Leah and Adam
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Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
1224 Dempster Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847-869-4230
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