Our prayers are with the Muslim community in New Zealand who were so tragically affected by senseless acts of violence, hate, and terrorism. We grieve with Christchurch and our Muslim brothers and sisters and resolve to create a compassionate and just world together. This past Saturday, hundreds of supporters, including many from Beth Emet, gathered at the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove to show solidarity and take a stand against hate and white supremacy. Rabbi London participated in this vigil, and shared, "We need to eradicate hatred. We need to eradicate senseless violence. We need to eradicate racism, xenophobia and white supremacy. We need to eradicate the culture of aggression around the world. We need to eradicate the worship of weapons in our society."
 
Following the attacks, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, head of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) issued this statement. 
Wednesday, March 20 | 13 Adar II 5779
Greetings!

"My partner is so uncomfortable at our Passover  seder . How can I help?” 
 
“My child wants a photo with Santa. Do I say yes or no?”
 
“How do we answer our kid’s questions about God?”
 
We are all part of a Jewish community in a vibrant interfaith world. Virtually every Jewish family has non-Jewish relatives. Children, particularly, notice similarities and differences, and parents have the challenging responsibility of navigating and answering their questions in an inclusive compassionate way. 
 
This Saturday, March 23 at 4:30 p.m. we’re offering an all-family evening, with fun activities for kids, while parents share a casual conversation around the challenges we face. The conversation will be facilitated by Rabbi Reni Dickman from InterfaithFamily with Kathy Kaberon and me. We’ll conclude all together with Havdallah. Please see details below.
 
Beth Emet Synagogue is a safe place in which we can ask questions, share ideas and speak with others about Judaism and more. We hope you’ll join the conversation.
 
L'shalom,

Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler
Coming Up at Beth Emet
Wednesday, March 20

Thursday, March 21
No Beit Sefer (Purim)
Building to close at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, March 22

Saturday, March 23

Sunday, March 24

Saturday, March 30
12:00 p.m. Shabbat Potluck Lunch

Monday, April 1

Tuesday, April 2
Mamele Mia! Dinner with Abba and Ima
Tonight! March 20 at 7:00 p.m.
 An ABBA (the Swedish 70’s pop group) - inspired Purim Spiel that will have you grooving in you seat! (Please note: no actual dinner will be served.)

Come in costume! Best for older children and adults.
Saturday, March 23 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
No matter what our background may be, we are all navigating discussion around our multi-cultural, multi-faith world. Parents will have appetizers and adult conversation moderated by Rabbi Reni Dickman from Interfaith Family, Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler, and Kathy Kaberon. 

Kids will enjoy a pizza dinner, crafts, games, and fun! We'll all come together for Havdalah. $5 per family. Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 20 or call 847-869-4230 ext. 308.
Sunday, March 24 at 4:00 p.m. at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) - 303 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
Most of us have heard of The Zohar, the foundational medieval work in the literature of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah. Many of us have seen quotations from The Zohar yet know little about it. Few of us have had the opportunity to study it as a Jewish text, the way we do with the Torah or the Talmud. Advanced registration required. RSVP here.
Movie and Discussion led by Bekki Kaplan and Shlomit Hoch
Saturday, March 30, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
This quirky and wry dramedy follows three Jewish Israeli siblings — Dorona and brothers Netanel and Shai — who, in the wake of their mother’s death, learn the man who raised them is not their biological dad. Hebrew with English subtitles. Popcorn and snacks will be served. No fee. Please RSVP.
93Queen Chicago/Skokie Premiere and Community Screening
Monday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel (3601 Dempster, Skokie)
Sunday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. at Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob ( 8825 E Prairie Rd, Skokie)
93QUEEN is a documentary about Judge Ruchie Freier, the first, female, Hasidic Judge, and formation of Ezras Nashim, the first all-female, volunteer, emergency corp in New York. The film is screening at film festivals, synagogues, and schools around the world. Beth Emet is a co-sponsor. The screening is complimentary and open to the community.
Beth Emet Community News
Beth Emet News
Beth Emet in the News
Rabbi Andrea London and Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler are both quoted in a Chicago Tribune article from Sunday, March 17 about the community vigil at Muslim Community Center. Read the article.
Schedule Changes
  • Family Issues Aging Task Force's (FIAT) Explorations of Our Changing Selves: A Tea and Discussion for Women Over 60 has concluded it's season and will not meet on the first Monday of the month. Please keep a look out in the fall for FIAT programming announcements.
  • Tot Shabbat will not meet on Saturday, April 20.
October 24 - November 3, 2019
Take an interfaith, dual narrative (Palestinian and Jewish guide) to Israel and the West Bank. Travel with Rabbi London and Pastors Nabors and Ruen, see ancient and modern sites and gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing the region and its people. You don't want to miss this unique and special trip! Full itinerary and registration info.
Beth Emet Early Childhood Program Registration Now Open for 2019-2020 School Year
Registration is open. Please contact Kathy Kaberon. to arrange a visit to our nuturing Early Childhood classes. Also, get ready for summer and register for Camp Kayitz! If you know anyone who may be interested in Beth Emet's camp or school, please feel free to have them contact Kathy Kaberon.
Adult Education
with Rabbi Doctor Joseph S. Ozarowski
Fridays, March 22 and 29, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
In one of the most dramatic narratives from the Torah, Aaron’s two sons lose their lives when they “come too close” during the joyous dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in the desert.This story is the primary biblical halachic source for our entire bereavement tradition.
with Alan Teller
Sunday, March 24, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Distinct from Yiddish theater, Jewish vaudeville had its own flavor. Alan Teller grew up with a larger-than-life grandfather in the business — a guy who pulled quarters out of Alan’s ears and made things disappear before his eyes. This class will explore life on the boards, other examples of Jewish vaudeville, and his grandfather’s other life as a cutter in the garment district of New York.
with Stacey Lyn Brown
Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Pairing the psychological views of C.G Jung with biblical stories, this class will reveal how the archetypal figures of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Moshe are amplifications of our own personal strengths and shortcomings. Learn to interpret biblical stories through a psychological lens and discover which archetype might best represent your authentic self. 
To learn more about each class, including full details, fee, and registration information, click on the class title link. View more upcoming Adult Education classes!
Social Justice
The Tzedakah Committee is proud to announce that the 2019 Spring Grant Cycle is now open with a deadline of March 31. 

The fund supports causes, organizations and project that promote justice, equality and social well-being. Many of the grantees apply via referral from Beth Emet members. Any organization that meets the guidelines is eligible; including small or large organizations that focus on addressing problems of basic human needs through social service and social action.  Learn more and apply
Passover Food Drive
Sunday, April 7 - Friday, May 3
Pre-Passover Food Collection - Drop off unused, not for kosher for Passover, pantry items to be donated to A Just Havest and Beth Emet Soup Kitchen.

Post-Passover Collection - if you purchased too much matzvah or kosher for Passover items, The ARK will be happy to take your leftovers.

Items for both collections can be placed in the wooden donation box in the school entrance hallway.
food_drive_girl.jpg
June 2-4 in Washington D.C.
Every year, more than 2,500 Jewish advocates from across the U.S. and participants from over 70 countries gather for a high-level program that includes addresses by world leaders, exclusive briefings from policy experts, and face-to-face advocacy opportunities with decision-makers. First time attendees qualify to 50% discount on registration. Contact Melanie Goldberg at AJC Chicago to learn more.
Photos of the Week
Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler leads the Installation for new Executive Officers and members of the Board of Trustees, at Beth Emet's Annual Meeting, on Monday, March 18.
Thank you to BESSY (Beth Emet Synagogue Senior Youth), Youth Director, Maia Volk, and a slew of volunteers who made this year's Purim Carnival, on Sunday, March 17, fun for all!
On Sunday, March 10, parents and their children put Jewish values into action by baking delicious hamentashen for Soup Kitchen guests and writing notes to businesses and elected officials on expanding background checks, keeping warming centers open in Evanston, banning the use of plastic straws and prohibiting a gun shop in Niles. If you have an interest in any of these issues contact Judy Caplan to become active in Social Justice advocacy. 
Mazel Tov to Stephanie Linn and all the other honorees of the Milestone Event that Beth Emet hosted on March 14 for Connections for the Homeless. Over 100 people gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of several participants, a volunteer, and a staff member who according to Connections, "are living examples or our core values in action." The next milestone event is June 4 at Lake Street Church.
Life Cycle
Birth
Charles Vincent
 son of Jeffrey Gantwerker and Anne Rimkus

B'nai Mitzvah
Son of Brad Gerstein and Dana Engel Gerstein
March 28 in Israel

Daughter of Mathew Rappaport and Shana Stein
March 30

Deaths
Larry Rosenbaum
son of Dorothy and father of Marty, Molly, and Abigail

Serena Boulanger
aunt of Sarah(Nisan) Chavkin, and great aunt of Kadya and Eliana

Brenda Kozil
daughter of Mort Kozil, step-daughter of Barbara Stock, and step-sister of Adam (Melinda) Prawer-Stock
General Community
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