This Week at BJBE 
December 3,  2018
A Note from Cantor Jennifer Frost

Are you ready to be inspired?   Don't miss this Shabbat with the incomparable Elana Arian, our Artist-In-Residence.  I have known Elana personally for almost 20 years and have been honored to watch her grow as a musician and composer.  Elana has a way of interpreting text and making it come to life through her music - it stirs the soul and uplifts the spirit.  Please help me welcome Elana Arian to our BJBE community this Shabbat as we join our voices together and bring more light into the world.

Chag Urim  Sameach  -   wishing you a holiday filled with light and blessing, 
Cantor Jennifer Frost

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Celebrate Shabbat & Chanukah with Elana Arian!
Friday, December 7
6:45pm- Community Candelighting and Latke Pre-Oneg.  Bring your own menorah and candles!
7:30pm- Shabbat Service with Elana Arian followed by a festive oneg featuring sufganiyot (donuts)

Saturday, December 8
9:30am- Kol Shabbat with Elana Arian
11:00am- Torah Study led by Elana Arian and Cantor Jennifer Frost
12:00pm- Rabbi's Table Lunch (RSVP)

A Note from Rabbi Karyn Kedar

The word Chanukah means dedication. It celebrates the historical moment that the Jews rededicated the Temple after it had been destroyed by the Greeks. Today, each time we light a light, we can turn our hearts in dedication to the values that we hold dear. Here are eight of my favorites, feel free to make up your own:

First night. On this night, I dedicate myself to my family. May we all be blessed with good health and with joy. May we continue to find ways in which to delight in the goodness of each of us, while being forgiving and patient.

Second night. I dedicate myself to becoming a kinder, gentler person. May I practice kindness to myself, delighting in all my strengths. May I practice kindness to my neighbor and may I practice kindness to a stranger. Each time I extend my hand it is filled with possibility.

Third night. Tonight I dedicate myself to making this world safer and more tolerant. May I be more sensitive to those who are disenfranchised, more caring to those in need, and more accepting others, despite our differences.

Fourth night. I dedicate myself to the children, may I find the wisdom to make the world a place worthy of their young lives so that they can grow and stretch in safety and in love.

Fifth night. I dedicate myself to Jewish traditions. On this night of Chanukah, I take upon myself to learn about the Jewish people, the ideas, customs and beliefs.

Sixth night. This night I dedicate myself to the mystery of the universe. When my faith is strong and at the times when I struggle, I steady my path with a growing faith. 

Seventh night. On this night I promise to make life easier for one other person for just one day.

Eighth night. As I look upon the fullness and beauty of the Chanukah lights, I dedicate myself to banishing the darkness in the world, by fighting for justice, by being inspired by the light of Torah, by performing acts of loving kindness. 

Wishing you all a happy Chanukah,
Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar

A Note of Thank You

We want to thank the BJBE community for so heartily participating in Giving Tuesday last week. Your generosity resulted in BJBE raising $15,000 from scores of families.  We know you give of yourself in so many ways and as such, we are especially grateful that so many of you participated in Giving Tuesday to help support BJBE.  


We look forward to celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Jayden Daube at the morning service this Saturday.  

Mazel Tov to Jayden and his family! 

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.

125th Anniversary Quiz

Test your knowledge about our congregation with our fun quiz series questions . Answer at the end of this email. 

Where was B'nai Jehoshua located before the merger? 

A. Hyde Park Blvd. and Lake Shore Drive

B. Ashland and 20th

C. Michigan and 10th

D. Peterson and Western

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & ADULT EDUCATION

Symposium: Religion in the 21st Century
Over the course of this year, we will welcome clergy and leaders from other faith traditions and other Jewish denominations. We will learn about their history, their inspirational texts, the major tenets of their theology, and what teachings their tradition can bring to bear on the most important questions and challenges of religious life in 21st Century America.  For a full listing of topics and instructors (and our archive of past sessions), click  here .
Unitarianism
December 4, 10:00-11:30am
Instructor: Rev. Lucas Hergert, North Shore Unitarian Church

Catholicism
December 11, 10:00-11:30am
Instructor: Rev. Vincent Costello, Holy Cross Catholic Church

Torah on Tap @ Warehouse
Wednesday, December 12, 7:00pm
A little bit of learning, a lot of laughs & l'chaims! Join us at Warehouse Eatery in Deerfield for some schmooze time with friends and clergy. Appetizers on us, cash bar. 

BJBE Movie Club: Reversing Roe
Wednesday, December 12, 7:00pm
Please bring your friends for what will surely be a lively and passionate discussion from a Jewish point of view. Our guest speaker for the evening is Rabbi Karyn Kedar. Please watch the movie ahead of time on Netflix or YouTube. This event is hosted by BJBE Sisterhood and BJBE Social Action Committee.

Mishkan Shalom
Fridays, 9:00-10:00am
Please join us each week for Torah study through a mindfulness and contemporary lens with Margot Andersen, JMMT. Jewish Spirituality helps us access our inner wisdom so we can transform to our highest, wisest self. What does Torah teach us about our life today? This year we will use our session to help us prepare to welcome in Shabbat weekly, learn to rest, relax and de-stress.

Shabbat Torah Study
Saturdays, 11:00am-12:00pm

Talmud Study
Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00am 

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

CHAVA CENTER, JEWISH LEARNING CENTER, & YOUTH 

SYG Chanukah Lounge Night
Sunday, December 9, 1:30-3:30pm
Join us in the Creative Studio for Chanukah Crafting and more!

NFTY The Ultimate Chanukah Party- Skating and Sufganiyot
Sunday, December 9, 4:30-6:30pm
Open to all 6th-8th graders, join us for roller skating, food, candle lighting, caricature drawings, a photo booth, and more! The cost is $20. Register here

KYG Donut Wars
Sunday, December 16, 2:00-4:00pm
Come to BJBE and get into the Hanukkah spirit with donuts and some friendly competition. $5 per child.

My Israel Journey: BJBE Family Trip To Israel
December 21,2019- January 1, 2020
Join us on an amazing trip to Israel with Rabbi Kedar, Cantor Frost, and Missy Bell. For more information or to register, click here

Looking for Adult Volunteer Tutors for JLC AfterSchool!
We are looking for adult volunteers to help out our JLC AfterSchool students in need of extra individual attention on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons, 4:30-6:30pm. Knowledge of prayers used in BJBE services is needed. If you're interested in helping out, please contact  Missy Bell.

SERVICES  

Shabbat Service with Elana Arian
Friday, December 7, 7:30pm

Kol Shabbat Service with Elana Arian
Saturday, December 8, 9:30am

Torah Study led by Elana Arian and Cantor Frost
Saturdays, 11:00am

Talmud Study
Wednesdays, 8:00am

Morning Minyan
Wednesdays, 7:00am

SOCIAL ACTION NETWORK

December Tzedakah - American Friends of Magen David Adom

Magen David Adom is Israel's national ambulance, blood-services, and disaster-relief organization, serving as emergency medical first-responders for the state's 8.8 million people. MDA is the only organization mandated by the Israeli government to serve in this role, but it's not a government agency, so it relies on people like you for funding.
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We are still collecting gift cards for those affected by the California Fires and tzedakah for JUF's collection for Pittsburgh. For more information, contact the BJBE office at 847.940.7575
CARING COMMUNITY 

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 BJBE 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.  
THIS AND THAT ANNOUNCEMENTS

BJBE Lost & Found
Missing your favorite left glove? Where is your pink fuzzy vest? That cardigan your aunt bought you? It might be in the BJBE Lost & Found. Stop by the office and claim your left behind items!  All items still remaining in the Lost & Found after January 8 will be donated to a local shelter.

Support BJBE through AmazonSmile
Click here and follow the instructions. It will ask you to login and designate Congregation B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim as your charity. This is "free money" for BJBE, so we hope you will participate. If you have any questions, contact Larisa

Midmonth is going GREEN!
Starting with the January 2019 edition, Midmonth will be sent digitally to all congregants. If you would like to continue to receive a paper copy as well, email Caryn

JUDAICA (GIFT) SHOP     

Stop by the gift shop! Don't forget, we carry wedding gifts, mezuzot, Kiddush cups, candle holders, candles from Israel, yahrzeit lights and much more! If you need a Tallit for you or your B'nai Mitzvah child, we have a large selection from Israel. We also stock yads and kipot (for one or many). On Friday, December 7, all Chanukah items will be 25% off.

The shop is open by appointment, please contact Sue or 
Marilyn.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Share the Gift of Learning
Many adults need help with basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills. Call Oakton Community College to learn how to become a VITA tutor. VITA (Volunteers in Teaching Adults) serves more than 1000 students annually in their quest to improve their skills. For more information, click  here.

Join Nefesh B'Nefesh for the NBN Aliyah Talks and Fair in Chicago on Tuesday, December 18 from 6:30-10:00pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago North Shore - Skokie, 9599 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie. This is your chance to have all your Aliyah questions answered under one roof! For more information and to register please visit WWW.NBN.ORG.IL/Chicago


Find the  This Week at BJBE  submission form and more guidelines here .

125th Anniversary Quiz Answers

Answer: B- Ashland and 20th

If you have stories not featured here, contact  Shelley Waitsman Riskin  so we can place them in our archives.

Contact Information

 Sally J. Sachar, Executive Director

(847) 940-7575