This Week at BJBE
April 9  2018
A Note from Sally Sachar, Executive Director

Greetings Congregants --

We hope you had a wonderful Pesach, and though there is snow on the ground as I write, I can feel that spring is in the air (metaphorically speaking).

I wanted to call several things to your attention in this note.

First, please take a look at www.bjbe.org/gala to learn about buying tickets for BJBE's annual fundraising/fun-having event - our Totally 80's Gala -- as well as to learn about our brand new program of individual tribute and organizational sponsorship opportunities.  This is our first year offering these sponsorships as a way to celebrate your friends, loved ones, others at BJBE; promote your business or other enterprises in our community; and support BJBE. Please note that for congregant businesses, we are offering a special to "bump up" your ad to the next ad size. The deadline for both sponsorships and tribute ads is next Monday, April 16.

Second, please plan to come to Czech Please this Sunday at 4:30 pm - you can easily order tickets online.  The performance will not only be exquisite, featuring our own Cantor Frost plus three other nationally renowned Cantors and a Rabbi, but will also support the Teen Mission to Kolin & Israel. The concert will include a range of beautiful and fun music, from faith based to Broadway show tunes to 1940s cotton club, and much much more. What a lovely way to cap off your weekend and support our teens all at the same time.

Third, we are looking for a short-term, part-time staff person in the BJBE front office from May through September, to help with the High Holidays and other administrative/office needs.  The ideal candidate will be customer-focused, have strong attention to detail, be a good communicator on the phone and on email, and be committed to the work of our Temple. Please send interested candidates to me at [email protected]. Our best referrals will come from our community.

Have a wonderful week!

-Sally

Mazel Tov to Bob Morgan , who won the Democratic primary for State Representative (IL-58th) and Karen Feldman, who won the Republican primary for State Representative (IL-59th). They will represent their districts in the general election on November 6. Mazel Tov Bob & Karen!

We look forward to the naming of  Jolene Mattea Baker at the Shabbat service this Friday. She is the daughter of Emily and Daniel Baker and the granddaughter of our members Lenore and Harold Baker.  Mazel Tov to the Baker family!

We look forward to the naming of   Hadley Mae Rosen at the Shabbat service this Friday She is the daughter of our members Lauren and Alex Rosen, little sister of Brayden Levi, and granddaughter of our members Sheryl and Rick  Weinberg . Mazel Tov to the Rosen and  Weinberg families!

We look forward to celebrating the B'not Mitzvah of J adyn Feldman and Alexis Strelzin at the morning service and the Bar Mitzvah of Nathan Dubinsky at the afternoon service this Saturday. Mazel tov to Jadyn, Alexis, Nathan, and their families.
Czech, Please!
A Concert for Kolin & Israel

THIS SUNDAY!
April 15, 2018, 4:30 p.m.

Join Cantor Jennifer Frost, 
along with Cantors Rosalie Boxt,  Ellen Dreskin, Tracey Scher, and  Rabbi Leora Kaye  for a late afternoon of story & song.


BJBE Gala

April 28, 2018, 7:00 pm 

Don't miss BJBE's biggest night! Fundraising, Food, Drinks, Dancing, Games, & More!



Learn more about Individual Tributes >>

Learn more about Corporate Sponsorships >> 
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & ADULT EDUCATION

Congregation BJBE is the beneficiary of a number of works of art.  These limited edition lithographs, serigraphs and etchings are now available for sale. All of the proceeds will support BJBE generally.  The artists in the collection have had numerous shows in galleries and museums throughout the world and have received international acclaim.

Tuesday Symposium: History of the Jewish People
Tuesday, April 10, 10:00-11:30am 
The Forgotten Pioneer: Jean Carroll and the Origin of Jewish Female Standup Comedy,  led by Grace Overbeke, PhD candidate in Theater and Drama at Northwestern University

Maintaining Memory: Stories of the Holocaust
April 15, 9:45-11:00am - Holocaust Survivor  George Brent
April 22, 10:00am-12:00pmScreening of "A Holocaust Trilogy"
April 29, 9:45-11:00am - Holocaust Survivor Ernst "Ernie" Heimann

18 Under 18 Community Celebration
April 16, 7:00pm at Chicago Botanic Gardens
We are so excited that BJBE's own Max Marino has been selected as one of this year's 18 Under 18 Honorees! Tickets to the Celebration can be purchased  hereMazel Tov to the Marino family!

Sisterhood White Elephant Event
Monday, April 16, 6:30-9:00pm
Now's the time to re-gift, that certain item you won't miss. Bring something you've been hoarding, someone else will find it most rewarding. Gently used or brand new, wrap it pretty and say adieu!

Counting the Omer Classes with Rabbi Kedar
Tuesdays, April 17, 11:30am; May 1, 11:00am & May 15, 11:00am
We will explore the Jewish principles involved in preparing to receive Torah.  Omer, A Counting by Rabbi Kedar will be used as one of the texts for discussion.  Join us as we make these 49 days count!
To register, contact Leslie Block.

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Celebrate Israel@70 

Yom Ha'atzmaut/Israel Independence Day celebration
Wednesday, April 18, 6:30pm doors open; 7:30pm concert begins at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Chicago
Join the JUF for a Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration featuring David Broza and Titi Aynaw, with a special appearance by the Chicago Children's Choir. Tickets are  $36/$70 (depending on section).  BJBE is a supporting organization of this event.

Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Aviv Ezra to speak at Israel Independence Day event for local high school students
Thursday April 19, 10:15am
Consul General Aviv Ezra will speak to the students about Israel's achievements and accomplishments over the past 70 years of its existence.  Other activities include a performance by a Kapaim, an Israeli band that performs a diverse blend of music. Please note: This event is for high school students and is not open to the public.

Yom Ha'atzmaut Community Celebration
Thursday April 19, 6:00-9:00pm at North Shore Congregation Israel
Celebrate 70 years of Israel's Independence with Israeli food and live music from Israeli cover band Capaim!  Hear from special guest speakers, enjoy a reading of the Declaration of Independence Megillah, and meet Consul General Aviv Ezra. Participate in the traditional torch lighting ceremony symbolizing your deep connection to the land and people of Israel. BJBE is a partner of this event.
Register here >>

Matzah Ball Shabbat & Yom Ha'atzmaut Service
Friday, April 20, Matzah Ball Soup served beginning at 5:15pm; Family Service at 6:00pm
The modern state of Israel is a miracle. Our festive celebration in honor of Israel's independence will continue after Shabbat services.
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BJBE Spring Blood Drive
Sunday, April 22, 8:30am-1:00pm
Every two seconds, someone needs blood. Help save a life. Coordinated by the BJBE Social Action Network.
BJBE Sisterhood Presents...A Kids' Club Event: Messploration
Sunday, April 22, 9:45-10:45am
Calling all children from 0-5 years old - grab an adult and join us to have fun and get messy! Suggested donation $5 per family; includes art supplies.
RSVP to Sandy Hill >>

Reform IL Launch
Wednesday, April 25, 7:00-8:30pm @ Chicago Sinai Congregation
Help commit to a more just and compassionate Land of Lincoln for all; hear Rabbi  Jonah Pesner , Director of the RAC; help make a difference; and, support our very own  Julie Webb , the lead organizer!

Celebrate BJBE's 125th Anniversary!
Friday, May 11, 7:30pm
Please join us at Shabbat services, followed by a festive Oneg. Join us as we share memories of years gone by. We are looking for bakers for this joyous occasion. If you are able to bake, please contact Terry Sachsel.
 
Shabbat Torah Study: Deuteronomy
Saturdays, 11:00am-12:00pm

Talmud Study
Wednesdays, 7:45-9:00am 

Canasta & Mahjong, hosted by Sisterhood
Mondays, 12:00pm
All are welcome to join in the fun! To participate, RSVP to  Sharon Krivitzky.

Mishkan Shalom
Thursdays, 10:00-11:00am. 
Join us each week for Mindfulness and Torah study based on weekly text, poetry and other contemplative readings. We become one another's teachers as we build our own inner "mishkan" or sanctuary. We will learn to practice meditation so we can access how Torah affects our lives. Contact  Margot Andersen with any questions.

Congregation BJBE Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities Needs Assessment Survey
The BJBE Inclusion Committee is asking our members to fill out a survey in our effort to become a more inclusive community for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Please  click here to take this survey. Thank you in advance!

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Support the Teen Mission to Kolin & Israel
For more information on the trip and ways to donate, visit www.bjbe.org/Kolin

California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser
Tuesday, April 10, 11am-9pm
Please join us as we eat at CPK and they will donate 20% back to BJBE to help send our kids to Kolin and Israel. 

Upcoming Youth Group Events

SYG Comedy Sportz
Saturday, April 14, 6:00-10:00pm

KYG Mystery Event!
Sunday, April 15, 2:00-4:00pm

JYG Shul In and Matzah Ball Shabbat 
April 20-21, 6:00pm Friday - 9:00am Saturday

SYG/JYG Cooking for PADS
Sunday, April 22, 2:00-5:00pm

For questions or information about youth programs, please contact SYG Advisor Alyssha Glass or JYG/KYG Advisor Marissa Steinhofer.


SERVICES  

Shabbat Service , Friday, April 13, 7:30pm.

Shabbat mornings feature our  Kol Shabbat Service at 9:30am  followed by  Torah Study at 11:00am  

Wednesday Morning Minyan: Begin your day in a beautiful and powerful way from 6:45 - 7:30am in the intimate space of the Chapel. Experience a prayer service grounded in communal song, thought-provoking liturgy, and deep silence, followed by bagels and coffee.  The weekday prayer melodies are  available here , although all are welcome to attend regardless of musical or prayerbook knowledge. 

Services in both the Sacred Hall and Sanctuary are streamed. To view our live or recorded streams, please click here 
Questions? Email  Anne Robbin.
SOCIAL ACTION NETWORK

April Tzedakah - Maot Chitim 
The mission of Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago, Inc. is to assist needy members of the Greater Chicagoland Jewish community with Passover and High Holiday and other food related needs, so that they may observe the holidays and daily life in a traditional and dignified manner. The mission is also to provide a Tzedakah (charity) vehicle to unite all members of the Jewish Community.
CARING COMMUNITY 

Do you love to cook? Or are you fabulous at ordering in? The Caring Community is looking for volunteers willing to be called upon when someone in our BJBE community is in need of a meal during a challenging time. If you are interested in being on our volunteer list, please contact Dale Busch.

BJBE's Caring Community is a team of volunteers who can act as your extended family when your family needs additional support.  Caring Community provides the following services: home delivered meals in times of need, transportation to/from temple or a medical appointment, phone support for people who are ill or lonely, senior education and caregiver support, and a virtual food pantry.   Learn more >>

BJBE is certified as a Safer Synagogue by Jewish Community Abuse Resources, Education & Solutions (JCARES). Our leadership has been trained in understanding the impact of abuse across the lifespan and improving access to support for congregants experiencing abusive situations. For more information, please contact the clergy at 847.940.7575.  
ANNOUNCEMENTS  

Never had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Join the new, user-friendly Adult B'nai Mitzvah class that is beginning to form. The class meets weekly for approximately a year, culminating with a group B'nai Mitzvah experience. For more information, call the BJBE office at 847.940.7575 or Phyllis Steiner at 847.729.7366.

Help BJBE while you shop!  AmazonSmile  is a simple and automatic way for you to support BJBE every time you shop, at no cost to you!  Once you've selected Congregation B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

Book BJBE for your upcoming celebration!!  Your spiritual home is also a premier venue with beautiful reception space in the Village Center, Sacred Hall,Courtyard, and Jewish Learning Center. For information and reservations, contact Erica Stone  or by phone at 847-940-7575.   

Sally Sachar, our Executive Director, seeks a part-time project associate from May through September to, among other responsibilities, help with the High Holidays. Please have interested candidates contact Sally at [email protected].
JUDAICA (GIFT) SHOP     

Looking for a meaningful wedding present?  Want to enhance your own wedding? The Judaica Shop has a selection of colored smash glasses whose shards can be put into a mezuzah, picture frame, menorah, or sculpture. Many in stock or we can order for you. 
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

PJ Our Way - When I Grow Up
Sunday, April 22, 3:00-4:30pm, hosted by BJBE
Exploring dreams and how growing up Jewish can be an inspiration, with the  New York-based improv duo, The Bible Players. Participate in an interactive improv workshop, experience the joy and possibility that improv and acting exercises can bring. Learn about the Bible Players, their lives and how Judaism has driven their careers! $10 per person, for children ages 7-11 and an adult guest.

The Hungarian film " 1945 " is now playing at the Music Box Cinema in Chicago and the Renaissance Place in Highland Park. Based on the acclaimed short story "Homecoming" by Gábor T. Szántó, the film takes place "on a summer day in 1945, [when] an Orthodox man and his grown son return to a village in Hungary while the villagers prepare for the wedding of the town clerk's son. The townspeople - suspicious, remorseful, fearful, and cunning expect the worst and behave accordingly. The town clerk fears the men may be heirs of the village's deported Jews and expects them to demand their illegally acquired property back.
 

Contact Information

 Sally J. Sachar, Executive Director

(847) 940-7575