Tuesday, April 17 | 2 Iyyar 5778

Greetings!

This year, on April 19, we will commemorate Israel’s 70 ^th anniversary. Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) is celebrated with parades and barbecues, very similar to how we celebrate Independence Day in the U.S. Additionally, Israelis enjoy hiking on Yom Ha’atzmaut. I have fond memories of my Yom Ha’atzmaut hikes during the three years I lived in Israel. In such a small land mass, there are opportunities to choose from so many different kinds of hikes. Each year I’d have to decide if I was in the mood for a hike to a waterfall, a desert landscape, or perhaps a hike that would include a historical ruin or spring wildflowers. Israel is a beautiful and geographically diverse place, and hiking on Yom Ha’atzmaut was a way relish Israel’s natural beauty.

Several years ago, an Israeli institution called BINA: The Jewish Movement for Social Change, added an additional component to the observance of Yom Ha’atzmaut. BINA thought that celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut should be an opportunity to reflect on Israel’s Declaration of Independence. Today across Israel, organizations host readings of the Declaration of Independence and reflect on how Israel is doing in achieving the vision that was set forth in that document. On Saturday afternoon, April 21 at 4:30 p.m., Beth Emet is going to have a ceremony in which we participate in this new Israeli tradition. We will read the Israeli Declaration of Independence, reflect on its meaning through prose and poetry, and sing Israeli songs. It will be a time for us to celebrate Israel’s achievements and contemplate its challenges. I believe that we have the dual responsibility of supporting Israel in being a safe haven for the Jewish people and a light unto the nations—a country that lives by the highest ethical values of the Jewish tradition.

As we see images from Syria of the ongoing brutality of the Assad regime against the Syrian people, we are reminded of the difficult neighborhood in which Israel resides. When we see the protests on the Gaza border, we are reminded that Israel has yet to resolve its conflict with the Palestinian people which endangers Israel and has led to the ongoing persecution and subjugation of the Palestinians. And although the Reform Movement has grown considerably in Israel and has some thriving congregations, it faces ongoing discrimination by the Orthodox rabbinate. At the same time, Israel is a first world country with a strong economy that has absorbed thousands of refugees and Holocaust survivors. Israel has a well-respected first-rate high-tech sector, it’s on the cutting edge of agricultural technology, and it has a thriving arts and culinary scene, to name just a few of its accomplishments in its short existence. Our celebration will embrace the complexities of Israeli society and help us think about how we can support its growth.

For those of you who would like to have an up-close experience of the many facets of Israeli society, I will be leading a trip to Israel with Pastor Michael Nabors of the Second Baptist Church. It will be a unique opportunity to see historical and religious sites of Jews, Christians, and Muslims through the lens of both of our congregations and a Jewish and Palestinian guide. We will also visit sites in the West Bank and hear from prominent politicians, journalists, and experts in Jewish and Palestinian society. I’ve been to Israel many times and lived there for several years, but I’m excited for what will be a special and Important way to see Israel. I hope you will join us! Here’s the info about registration for the trip.

In closing, I’d like to share a piece that T’ruah: the rabbinic call for human rights published in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut. I was honored to be one of the contributing writers of this document.

Looking forward to seeing you on April 21.

Hag Sameach,  

Rabbi Andrea London

Israel @ 70

A ceremony in honor of Israel's 70th anniversary

Saturday, April 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Reflection on the Declaration of Independence, sharing of our hopes for Israel's future, singing, dinner, storytelling, art projects for children, and more.

 

This all ages event will highlight the children in our schools, ages 4 -12, who are learning songs to lead the congregation that day. Wear Israel T-shirts. Bring a picture of yourself in Israel – or just Photoshop yourself into a picture to contribute to a mosaic.



Dinner: $5 per person or $15 per family. RSVP or 847-869-4230 ext. 301.

David Broza & Friends JUF Israel at 70

Wednesday, April 18 at Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph St., Chicago)

This Yom Ha'atzmaut/Israel@70 program features a concert with David Broza with a special appearance by the Chicago Children's Choir and Titi Aynaq, former Miss Israel, Ethiopian community leader and Israel advocate. Tickets are $36/$70. Tickets Beth Emet is a co-sponsor of this event.

Construction Starts May 21! Shabbat Services and Soup Kitchen moving to Unitarian Church of Evanston

After many, many months we have finally reached the important milestone of breaking ground on Monday, May 21. The scope of renovation (phase one) will include the Sanctuary, Hansfield Chapel, Herman Crown Room, and the Foyer/Library. If you have not yet seen the plans, you can find them online. We are on track to have the project done by August 31, which is the start of the High Holidays with S’lichot on Saturday evening, September 1. 

On the Shabbat of Memorial Day weekend, May 25-26, we will have services in the Weiner Room. Soup Kitchen will begin serving at Unitarian Church on Wednesday, May 23.  From June 1-August 31 , Shabbat services, b’nei mitzvah and the weekly soup kitchen will be held at the Unitarian Church ( 1330 Ridge; Evanston), just one block north of Beth Emet. Parking is available at the church as well as at Beth Emet. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to be in touch with Bekki Kaplan or call her at 847-869-4230 ext. 304.

If you want to learn more about the Capital Campaign and support this critical effort that will enhance our community for generations to come, please contact Wendi Kromash or call her at ext. 325. 

Make sure to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony and Kabbalat Shabbat taking place on Friday, May 18 starting at 5:00 p.m.

To learn more about the upcoming building renovations and the Capital Campaign, please check out the FAQ ’s on Beth Emet’s website. Indeed the T’RUMAH campaign truly honors, strengthens and elevates our community!  

Tot Shabbat and Kiddush

Saturday, April 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, dance with the Torahs, and enjoy a stories. Afterwards, everyone gathers for lox and bagel brunch where the children can play and the parents can schmooze.

Kahal Shabbat with Family Programming

Shabbat, April 28 at 9:30 a.m.

Children ages three to eleven are encouraged to attend to Beth Emet’s Shabbat morning Kahal service with their adult family members to participate in a musical prayer service. During the Torah service and D’var Torah, the children will participate in games, activities, music, and crafts.All families are welcome. If your family would like to participate in our service to lead a prayer, recite the blessing before Torah reading, or participate in some other way, please contact Debbie Render.  



The service will be followed by a Kiddush and a vegetarian potluck lunch. Please feel free to bring a veggie or dairy, no meat and nut-free dish to share.  

Kol Emet Shabbat and Honoring Cantor Susan Lewis Friedman

 Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Oneg Shabbat to begin at 6:45 p.m. (note change of times)

During Kol Emet Shabbat, we will be honoring our musical leader, Cantor Susan Lewis Friedman to and wish her well as she sets forth on her new journey as Cantor for Temple Jeremiah.  The evening will also feature o ur Adult Choir, Jr. Choir, and A Capella Choir who will present an assortment of music from all of the Kol Emet-sponsored events this year. A brand new musical commission by singer-songwriter Noah Aronson will debut expressing our congregation’s Sanctuary theme. A festive reception will follow services. We are seeking bakers for the dessert reception; if you’d like to contribute please email Rebecca Raus.

Hear past Divrei Torah and Services!

Listen to recent services on our Soundcloud Channel .

Mark Your Calendar

BESSY Kabbalat Shabbat Service & Honoring Abby Backer

Friday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. (5:45 p.m. Oneg)

Beth Emet’s peer-led school youth group hosts a special service filled with music and reflections. The community will also honor Director of Youth Programs, Abby Backer, who for the last four years has brought so much strength, creativity, and wisdom to Beth Emet. Abby will begin her studies this fall in the social work master’s program at the University of Chicago.

 

Groundbreaking Ceremony followed by Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Friday, May 18 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with Hors d'oeuvres | 6:00 p.m. Groundbreaking Ceremony | 6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services

Celebrate the last Kabbalat Shabbat in the 'old' Sanctuary and share in the joy of a ceremonial groundbreaking! Write your name on one ofthe designated walls for posterity and take a last peek before we do significant remodeling. There will be new seating, an improved sound system, and so much more come September. 

Portillo's for Good Fundraiser for the Early Childhood Program

Wednesday, April 25 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Portillo's (9400 Skokie Blvd. Skokie)

Bring in this flyer or show it on your smartphone and 20% of the proceeds of your order will benefit Beth Emet's Early Childhood Program!

Explorations of our Changing Selves: a Tea and Discussion for Women 60 and Over

Monday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m.

Audrey Thompson, Ombudsman for the City of Evanston, will continue the conversation on the nuts and bolts of aging.

RSVP or call 847-869-4230 ext. 301

Beth Emet's Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. (reception at 7:00 p.m.)

The Nominating Committee for 2018 / 5778 presents their proposed slate for the 2018-19 Board of Trustees which you can find online . The slate will be voted upon as part of the Annual Meeting. More details on what you can learn at the annual meeting to follow.

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.

Changing the World from the Inside Out - A Jewish Approach to Personal and Social Change

with Rabbi David Jaffe

Sunday, April 22 | 10:45 a.m. - 12 noon at Community Rec Center of Wilmette

(3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette in the auditorium)

David, a writer, teacher and social change maker sees Judaism as a path of transformation. As a social worker and rabbi, he's organized homeless men in San Francisco, built refugee camps in Eastern Congo and reconnected Boston's suburban Jewish community to its urban roots through social justice partnerships.His new book, Changing the World from the World from the Inside Out , weaves together Jewish teachings with stories about contemporary and historic change makers who integrate inner spiritual qualities with their work in the world.

Public Launch of Reform IL a project of the Religious Action Center

Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Chicago Sinai Congregation (15 W. Delaware Place, Chicago) featuring Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of RAC

Reform IL, a project of the RAC, is working to collectively organize the Jewish Reform movement and other interested Jews in the Chicagoland area and state-wide to build a more just and compassionate Land of Lincoln for all. We believe a robust, powerful Jewish community made of strong, networked congregations can effectively partner with other diverse communities across lines of faith, race and economic background to help bring about this world we envision. Transportation from Beth Emet may be available if there is sufficient interest. RSVP to Abby Backer or 847-869-4230 ext. 314.

Soup Kitchen Musicians Wanted

Volunteer musicians are needed to play background music during the dinner hour at Soup Kitchen on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Currently, the roster of musicians includes volunteers who play the sax, piano, guitar, and violin. If you would like to play your instrument at Soup Kitchen or simply learn more, please contact Lizzie Graham.

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

Protect DREAMers from Deportation

Support the Johnson Amendment

Urge Congress to take immediate action to stop gun violence

Upcoming Adult Education Courses

Thinking about learning something new? Seeking a bit more in your life? Take an enriching course!

Drumming for Self-Renewal

with Linda Schneider

Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Jewish India

with Alan Teller & Jerri Zbiral

Sunday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m.

God, Judaism, and Jews in a Post-Holocaust World

with Claire Sufrin

Friday, April 27, May 4 & 11 at 10:45 a.m.

The Chosen People - a film screening & discussion

with discussion led by Marci Dickman

Monday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m.

See more upcoming courses

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.

B'nei Mitzvah

Owen Levens

son of Nathan and Lisa Levens

April 14

Carly Seef

daughter of Mark and Sheryl Seef

April 21

Paul Quinn Hletko

son of Paul and Elizabeth Hletko

April 28

Max Jacob Maman

son of Isaac and Kerry Maman

April 28

Deaths

Leonard Shraiberg

husband of the late Miriam, and father of Kenneth (Cheryl) Shraiberg and Nancy Kwo

Judith Baskin

mother of Michael (Felicia) Baskin, and grandmother of David Baskin

Joseph Clonick

long-time Beth Emet congregant

Louis Citterman

cousin of Beth Strum

Dupage Chorale performs James Whitbourn's, Annelies, the first major musical work based on The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Sunday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.