This Week at BJBE
May 7,  2018
A Note from Sally Sachar, Executive Director

Dear Congregants,

With the leaves on the trees finally ready to unfurl, we can say that spring has officially sprung! And with the arrival finally of the warm sun, I want to report also the very good news of our net proceeds for the 2018 Totally 80s Gala of $55,000; this is $10,000 more than our goal. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event, and again enormous gratitude to the Gala Committee and its co-chairs, Michael DiCocco, Bonnie Litch, and Sid Siegel.

It's a bustling week at BJBE, culminating in the 125th Anniversary Celebration at Friday's Shabbat Service and Oneg. The BJ and BE Founders have many wonderful and exciting things in store for Friday evening and beyond, and they/we very much hope you will be a part of this important and momentous kick-off celebration of 125 years of BJBE and 10 years in our beloved space here in Deerfield - we call this 125/10. Friday's focus will be on the 125th anniversary - look to share in a review of many wonderful memories, stories, a historic timeline and a tribute to the leaders and families behind this incredible congregation. For a reminder of BJBE's history, please take a look at this link from our website where you will find a thumbnail sketch of our history.

Also this week, please join us at our Annual JUF Event, tomorrow, May 8th, at 7:00pm. We will hear from Alon Ben-Gurion who is David Ben-Gurion's grandson, and a fabulous speaker.  Everyone who has heard Alon speak has commented on what a captivating story-teller and inspirational communicator he is. Please RSVP here. Here is a short bit about Alon Ben-Gurion: He grew up in Tel Aviv and Haifa, where he attended high school and participated in the youth movement. At the age of 18, he joined the IDF and became a paratrooper. Alon was severely wounded in the Yom Kippur War and spent the next several months hospitalized, and then in rehabilitation. After a long recovery, Alon attended Tel Aviv University and received his bachelor's degree in social sciences, followed by a master's degree from Cornell University in hospitality management. For the last 40 years, Alon has worked in the hotel management field in countries that include Israel, England, Belgium, and the United States.
 
Finally, one operational matter: we will be sending an email describing our front office organizational set up so you know who to contact for what. But meanwhile, please note that if you have questions about PowerPoint presentations or need help with these, please contact Anne Robbin - s he's at the ready to help you.

Have a wonderful week!
Sally

We look forward to celebrating the B'nai Mitzvah of  Madeline Kluge & Joshua Zimring    at the morning service and the B'not Mitzvah of Molli Hertzberg & Juliette Schmidt  at the afternoon service this Saturday. Mazel tov to Madeline, Joshua, Molli, Juliette, and their families.

We are pleased to announce the marriage of Stephanie Wilson and Brandon Purcel. Stephanie is the daughter of our members and BJBE Co-President Lisa and Louis Wilson, and the niece of our members Lara and Brian Kunz. Brandon is the son of Diana and Mark Purcel. Mazel Tov to the Wilson and Purcel families.

Mazel tov to our 2018-2019 Senior Youth Group board!
President -  Lisa Silverstein
Programming VPs -  Emma Rosenberg-Rapping & Melanie Silver
Social Action VP -  Abby Tzinberg
Religious and Cultural VP -  Joshua Ostach
Membership VP -  Madison Kaiz
Finance VP -  Hailey Cooper
Communications VP -  Matthew Koss
NFTY-CAR Regional Board Treasurer - Jon Olbur

If you would like to make a donation in honor of one of these  simchas , please visit www.bjbe.org/giving  or call the BJBE office at 847.940.7575.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & ADULT EDUCATION

Counting the Omer Class with Rabbi Kedar
Tuesday, May  15, 12:00pm  (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE)
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.

Annual JUF Reception featuring Alon Ben-Gurion
Tuesday, May 8, 7:00pm
Congregation BJBE  cordially invites you to attend our  Annual JUF Reception on behalf of the  2018 Jewish United Fund Annual Campaign, featuring Alon Ben-Gurion. Alon Ben-Gurion is the grandson of the late Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, and he will be speaking on  The Legacy of David Ben-Gurion and The Creation of the State of Israel. No cost to attend.

Games Galore
Wednesday, May 9, 5:30pm
You don't want to miss this night!  Scrabble, Poker, Canasta and more, all for $36 per person which includes dinner. Prizes, surprises and more.
Learn more & register >> 

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.

After Hours Game Night
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED

BJBE Stars for Business: Every Click You Make
Monday, May 14, 7:30pm
Are you hacker proof? Join BJBE Stars for Business for "Every Click You Make" --a fun, informative session on keeping your online information safe, with cybersecurity expert Goran Donev.  Free to all BJBE members!  Please RSVP to Alan Pearlman.

Sisterhood Book Club
Tuesday, May 15, 12:00pm
Our May book is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.  A New York Times Bestseller,  the book traces the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. Pack a lunch and join us for a lively discussion. All are welcome! Contact Terri Ruby for further information.

PJ Shavuot Tikun for Families with Young Children
Saturday, May 19, 4:30-6:00pm
Join us in your PJs for an "undernighter" of fun and learning with stories, snack, & a special snack. Please RSVP to Susie.

4th Annual Community-Wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Saturday, May 19, 7:00pm
Everyone has a Story: An Evening of Story, Song, & Learning
with Musician & Songwriter Craig Taubman, Storyteller Rick Lupert, Guitarist Sean Harkness, and featuring local Cantors & Rabbis
BJBE is a participating congregation.
Learn more >>

Next Steps for Justice: Building Power at BJBE for Change in Illinois
Wednesday, May 23, 7:30-9:00pm
We are continuing from the success & excitement of the  launch of Reform IL.  Help determine the impact we want BJBE to have,  and the work we want to do NOW!  Please bring a non-perishable item for the food bank.  RSVP to Dani Questions? Contact Susan Drucker Sponsored by the BJBE Social Justice Team.

BJBE Annual Meeting
Monday, June 4, 6:30pm
We look forward to our Annual Meeting, where we have a full and compelling agenda focused on our annual BJBE budget, our slate of nominees to Board and committee positions, and updates from key elements of our community.  The evening will begin at 6:30pm. The business portion of our meeting will begin at 7:00pm.
Please  RSVP here.

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.
JLC & YOUTH PROGRAMS

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

Upcoming Youth Group Events

KYG Matzah Ball Shabbat and Undernighter 
Friday, May 18, 5:15-9:00pm


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


SERVICES  

Shabbat Service celebrating our 125th Anniversary, Friday, May 11, 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

May Tzedakah - HIAS Chicago

For over a century, HIAS C hicago has been one of the most respected providers of immigration services in the Chicago metropolitan area.  Founded to support Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the early 1900s, the program has expanded over time to address the needs of various refugee and immigrant groups from around the world, regardless of religion, race or national origin.

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.   

JUDAICA (GIFT) SHOP     

Mother's Day is fast approaching and what would be better than... JEWELRY!!  From May 1-18 you will get 15% off of all jewelry for that special someone! 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

More than 500 Students enrolled in Hebrew classes in eight north suburban high schools and one from the Milwaukee suburbs took a field trip to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, or Israel's Independence Day.  The teens gathered for a day of learning, speeches, entertainment and camaraderie April 19 at Congregation BJBE.  Read the article from the Deerfield Review here >>

Male Caregiver Needed
Lois Grossman needs an experienced, reliable male caregiver to help her husband from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sundays. Please call 847-498-1252 with ideas, and say you saw the notice at BJBE.

Contact Information

 Sally J. Sachar, Executive Director

(847) 940-7575