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November 2017
Heshvan 5778
Monthly E-Newsletter
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Erev Shabbat Service:
Fridays at 7:00pm
Torah Study:
Saturdays at 9:00am
Shabbat Service and B'nai Mitzvah:
Saturdays at 10:00am
Shabbat Minyan Service and Oneg:
Saturdays at 10:00am
Ma'ariv Evening Service:
Tuesdays from 7:00-7:30pm
Religious School Tefillah:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15-4:30pm
Choir Rehearsal:
Thursdays at 7:45pm
Tot Shabbat:
Fridays from 9:45am-10:00am
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Wednesday November 1
Feminist Torah Study 12:30pm
This monthly daytime Torah study group taught by Rabbi Rachel Weiss looks at the weekly parshah through a feminist lens. Bring your lunch or snacks, your thoughts about Torah, and yourself!
Communications Committee Meeting 6:00pm
Israeli Film Night:
Follow Me
7:00pm
Ritual Practices Committee Meeting 7:00pm
Thursday November 2
Tikkun Olam Task Force Chairs Meeting 7:30pm
Saturday November 4
Celia Osborn Bat Mitzvah 10:00am
The entire JRC community is invited to celebrate with Celia Osborn and her family as she is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. A special aliyah will be given to members of the JRC community.
Buy-In: The Art of the Dinner Party (Not at JRC) 6:00pm
Sunday November 5
B'nai Mitzvah Orientation Workshop for 6th Grade Families 9:30am
Join Rabbi Rachel and Cantor Howard for a workshop to learn about how JRC will help you prepare for your upcoming simcha, what services to attend, practice writing a d'var Torah, and learn what’s expected. All current 6th graders must attend this orientation with at least one adult from their family.
RSVP
Adult Ed: The Bible, History, and Politics 11:30am
Buy-In: Wine and Cheese Party (Not at JRC) 6:00pm
Wednesday November 8
Play Bridge! 7:00pm
Board of Directors Meeting 7:30pm
Saturday November 11
Talia Berger-White Bat Mitzvah 10:00am
The entire JRC community is invited to celebrate with Talia Berger-White and her family as she is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. A special aliyah will be given to members of the JRC community.
Sunday November 12
Book Group:
A Horse Walks Into a Bar
by David Grossman
10:00am
Buy-In: Brunch and Mah Jongg Tournament (Not at JRC) 10:30am
Buy-In: Sunday Funday Zumba Party! (Not at JRC) 11:00am
Adult Ed: The Bible, History, and Politics 11:30am
Wednesday November 15
Deadline to submit a story to the JRC Press's new book:
Lost and Found: Embracing the Whole of Life
JRC at the Theatre: Yasmina's Necklace (Not at JRC) 7:30pm
Thursday November 16
Religious School Committee Meeting 7:30pm
Friday November 17
High School Hangout at Kafein 3:30pm
All JRC teens in 9th-12th grades are invited to join Rabbi Rachel at Kafein in downtown Evanston for schmoozing and refreshments (Rabbi’s treat), one Friday afternoon each month.
See all dates here
Shabbat Potluck 6:00pm
Everyone in the community is invited to join together for our monthly shabbat potluck.
RSVP
Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm
This Shabbat service will have a special section led by the 5th Grade Religious School Class to honor and celebrate their Jewish learning.
It is also the Shabbat before the Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20). During the service, we will honor the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Saturday November 18
Ali Cutter Bat Mitzvah 10:00am
The entire JRC community is invited to celebrate with Ali Cutter and her family as she is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. A special aliyah will be given to members of the JRC community.
Gassel Concert: Salaam-Shalom Music Project 7:30pm
Sunday November 19
Parent Teacher Conferences: No Regular Religious School Classes
Before or after your meeting with your child's teacher, stop by the Religious School offices for a parent's only reception and schmooze!
Rosh Chodesh Service with One Jewish Evanston 10:00am
Everyone is welcome to celebrate Rosh Chodesh
Kislev, the beginning of the Jewish month, together with One Jewish Evanston.
Buy-In: Challah "Sculpting" (Not at JRC) 2:00pm
Wednesday November 22
19th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service 6:00pm
JRC will host representatives of a broad cross section of communities of faith and spirits for the annual Interfaith Action of Evanston Thanksgiving service. Each faith will be able to present reflections, invocations, and blessings from their individual traditions. They will share the commonality of thanksgiving and community that ties each of us together.
Thursday November 23
Thanksgiving: JRC Office Closed; No Religious School
Friday November 24
Thanksgiving Break: JRC Office Closed
Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm
Sunday November 26
Thanksgiving Break: No Religious School
Tuesday November 28
Introduction to the Shabbat Morning Service Through a Reconstructionist Lens 7:30pm
Register
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7th Annual Gassel Concert: The Salaam-Shalom Music Project
Saturday, November 18
7:30pm
Free
For the 7th annual Gassel Concert, JRC is honored to invite the
Salaam-Shalom Music Project to perform and evening of music and dance. Their musical performance will be followed by dancing taught by three dance leaders from Jewish and Arabic backgrounds.
About the Salaam-Shalom Music Project
Drawing upon the traditional melodies of the Middle East and South Asia combined with those of Jewish music, Salaam-Shalom (the words for “peace” in both Arabic and Hebrew) affirms the possibilities for mutual learning, enrichment and goodwill among Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Salaam-Shalom members reach out to each other to teach and celebrate their heritage through music.
About the David Gassel Music Fund
JRC member David Gassel had a lifelong passion for music, and he was greatly respected as a talented pianist. When he passed away in 2009, David made a generous bequest to JRC that has supported music programing in our congregation. We hope that we honor David's memory on behalf of his family and friends with this concert.
Learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy for JRC.
Photo by David Sutton Studios
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Rosh Chodesh with One Jewish Evanston
Sunday, November 19
9:00am
Everyone is welcome to celebrate Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the beginning of the Jewish month, together with One Jewish Evanston, a consortium of six Evanston communities that span the spectrum of Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox, and unaffiliated Jews.
The program will feature a service led by JRC's Rosh Chodesh group, as well as traditional Rosh Chodesh morning minyan, some great learning, and a delicious catered kosher brunch. Our special guest will be renowned poet and liturgist Dr. Marcia Falk, author of
The Book of Blessings.
Free program with advance registration.
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Israeli Film Night:
Follow Me
Wednesday, November 1
7:00pm
Follow me is a documentary about Yoni Netanyahu, older brother of Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu. Yoni was the commander of an elite Israeli army commando unit. He was killed during Operation Entebbe, a hostage-rescue mission carried out at Entebbe Airport in Uganda on July 4, 1976, after an Air France plane with 248 passengers aboard was hijacked.
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The Bible, History, and Politics
Sundays, November 5 and 12
11:30am-1:00pm
Presenter:
Rachel Havrelock
What does it mean to ask whether or not the Bible is true? How should biblical texts be interpreted? How have they been interpreted? Although nothing like a Supreme Court refers to the Bible in determining laws, the interpretation of biblical texts in many ways resembles the interpretation of the Constitution. And, like the Constitution, biblical interpretation is often driven by politics. As we think about the historical value of the Hebrew Bible, we will also survey the major schools of biblical interpretation and the political positions that have motivated them.
JRC members $12; non-members $24
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JRC at the Theatre:
Yasmina's Necklace
Wednesday, November 15
7:30pm
The Goodman Theatre, Chicago
The refugee experience is illuminated by this "sweet and hopeful story" (
Chicago Tribune) about love and renewal in the face of past devastation.
Challenged by his Iraqi roots, Abdul Samee has hidden his Muslim background. But his attitudes change when he meets Yasmina, a refugee, leading to a new relationship and hope for the future. The play was nominated for a 2016 Jeff Award for Best New Work.
The play will be followed by a discussion with cast members.
Ticket prices: Balcony $10, Mezzanine $25, Main Floor $30
Tickets are available online or call 312-443-3800 between 12:00pm-5:00pm
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Introduction to the Shabbat Morning Service Through a Reconstructionist Lens
Tuesdays November 28, December 5, 12, and 19
7:30pm-9:00pm
The Shabbat Morning service is the container for many of our life cycle celebrations, especially reading from the Torah and b'nai mitzvah. Learn the structure and content of the shabbat morning service, what the different sections of the service focus on, and deepen your experience of weekly prayer. This is perfect for parents whose children will become b'nai mitzvah in the coming years, adults who are considering b'nai mitzvah, those who are regular davenners and those who feel like they need to learn more before they pray.
Photo by Ravi Ganapathy
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The Art of the Dinner Party: Before & After
Saturday, November 4
6:00pm
Remember those elegant dinners of the 1960s and 70s? Indulge in two courses only - hors d'oeuvres and drinks; and desserts, all focusing on finger foods. Enjoy the Harris-Ridker's family recipes along with the Frolichstein-Appel's drink mixing prowess.
Hosted at the home of Emily Harris and Jim Ridker, with co-hosts Tamar and Elliot Frolichstein Appel.
Please note: this will be a non-kosher event to take full advantage of the recipe collection, although there will be plenty of vegetarian options. And despite the retro theme, no smoking!
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Sunday Funday Zumba Party!
Sunday, November 12
11:00am
Come dance!!! Enjoy the fun and fitness of a Zumba® class led by JRC member Rhonda Stein. Then enjoy a light post-workout snack with juice, coffee and bagels.
Class will take place at 915 Foster, Evanston.
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Wine and Cheese Party
Sunday, November 5
5:00-7:00pm
Cap off your weekend as you enjoy wine and cheese with JRC friends at the Evanston home of Carolyn Shapiro and Josh Karsh.
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Brunch and Mah Jongg Tournament
Sunday, November 12
10:30am
Brunch followed by a Mah Jongg tournament for players of all levels with fun prizes. Hosted by Mindy Ferber Marks and Candace Tesler, at Mindy's Evanston home.
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Challah "Sculpting"
Sunday, November 19
2:00-4:00pm
Let’s take challah baking to the next level with bread sculpting ideas from Bonnie Silverman and Stan Cohn, at the Skokie home of Stan and Sara Cohn. Watch Stan and Bonnie demonstrate sculpting with already-prepared challah dough into beautiful designs, such as a Tu B'Shvat tree, Hanukkah menorah or Thanksgiving turkey. Then do your own sculpting and enjoy some conversation over fresh baked challah and other snacks. Take home some bread and patterns for future sculpting.
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Tikkun Olam Opportunities
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Donations for Holiday Store Needed
Donate gently used items to a free one-day holiday store for children in residence at the Rice Child and Family Center in Evanston. contact
Marne Glaser, 773-338-0248.
Cooks Needed
In order to reopen the IAE Thursday soup kitchen (which has been closed for 9 months), volunteer cooks are needed.
Phone Callers Needed
To contact volunteers for the Emergency Overnight Shelter.
Texter Needed
To contact the people handling the laundry for the Emergency Overnight Shelter.
Groceries Needed
Purchase and deliver one week's worth of groceries to the Hospitality Center.
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Food Donations Needed
Specific non-perishable food donations are needed for JRC's soup kitchens. You may already know that JRC volunteers provide the staff-power to help operate 3 different soup kitchens serving some of Evanston's most needy residents. But did you know that these JRC members also provide the food that is served? You can support these efforts by signing up and providing any of the non-perishable food items listed here. Items can be dropped off at the JRC office by the deadline listed. Thank you in advance for helping to feed our fellow community members!
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JRC 7th grader Talia Berger-White is collecting for Cradles To Crayons for her bat mitzvah tzedakah project. Cradles to Crayons helps kids in low income and homeless families by providing essential items. You can donate new or gently used (no rips or stains) toys, books, clothes, and shoes for kids from ages 0-12 in a range of sizes. You can also get a
tax receipt
for your donations.
Please drop your donations at the box in the Atrium at JRC.
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Sowing Seeds of Care: Hands-on Habitat Restoration with the Evanston Interreligious Sustainability Circle
Sunday, November 5
1:00-4:00pm
Harms Woods Forest Preserve
In order to restore ecosystems, volunteers are needed to work in the woods! We will remove invasive Buckthorn and gather native plant seeds to sow in the spring. Habitat restoration is FUN! It is an activity appropriate for people of all ages (generally 10 and up).
A short interfaith religious ceremony will begin at 1:15pm. Meet at the Forest Preserve parking lot on the west side of Harms Road, just south of Glenview Road. Come dressed for the woods.
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JRC members are joining together to write the congregation's 5th member-produced book.
Lost & Found: Embracing the Whole of Life will be a collection of personal essays, poems, and stories examining the losses and gains - both positive and negative - that are an inherent part of life.
The JRC Press Task Force consists of a number of seasoned editors and published writers who will work with each author to help refine and edit each submission.
Deadline: November 15, 2017
Limit: 800 words
After you submit your writing, the JRC Press Task Force will be in touch with questions, edits, and a timetable for moving your piece toward publication. Books will be printed and available for sale (all proceeds to JRC) just in time for Hanukkah 2018, and an opening party with author readings will celebrate this accomplishment.
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Halle Bernard
October 7, 2017
What are your hobbies? I love music and like to play the piano and ukelele. I also love sports, especially tennis and soccer. I go to overnight camp in northern Minnesota each summer and I love it.
What is your tzedakah project? I raised money for
Camp for All Kids. Camp for All Kids helps kids who can't afford overnight camp get a chance to go to camp and experience how great it is. Some kids from Camp for All Kids go to my camp, Camp Kamaji. Later this year, I will be collecting supplies to make it easier for Camp for All Kids families send their kids to camp.
What's the most interesting thing you have ever learned about Judaism? I love that we learn about forgiveness and we learn about kindness and how to help others.
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Theo Lewis
October 14, 2017
What are your interests and hobbies? I am an avid reader, and have read many books of sci-fi and physics that influenced my D'var Torah. My interests include gaming, comic books, and paper airplane construction.
What is your tzedakah project? My tzedakah project was getting socks and underwear for the
Night Ministry, a charitable organization that helps homeless youth in Chicago.
What's the most interesting thing you have ever learned about Judaism? When I first learned about the Talmud in 5th grade it blew my mind. I had never considered that there would be so much commentary on the Torah that it would dwarf the Torah in size.
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Elliot Weisfeld
October 21, 2017
Tell us about yourself: I am 12 years old. My favorite things to do are to play basketball and football, music and video games. I play the trumpet, guitar, and an electronic music instrument called a launchpad and I love playing all of them. I've been playing basketball since I was young and play whenever I can.
What is your tzedakah project? I am raising money and volunteering for a program called
Intonation Music Workshop that gives kids music instruction in underserved Chicago communities and schools. I'm doing this because today trumpet is such a big part of my life. I wouldn't have that if it weren't for the music program at my school and I want other kids to have that opportunity too.
What's the most interesting thing you have ever learned about Judaism? I think it is amazing how thousand year old stories continue to be discussed and debated.
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Talia Scott
October 28, 2017
Tell us about yourself: I love to read, crochet, cook/bake and figure skate. I skate twice a week and am trying to do an axel. I have two dogs, one who is a four-year-old mutt and the other who is a 14-year-old pug whose tongue sticks out. I've got two younger brothers. I also do piano and my two favorite animals are dogs and monkeys.
What is your tzedakah project? I am raising money for an organization that will give the money to kids in Ghana for them to go to school if they can't afford it. The organization's name is
FACE: The Foundation for African Children's Education. I've sold fleece tie blankets and cookies and I've made over 1,000 dollars, enough for 7 children to go to school for a year.
What's the most interesting thing you have ever learned about Judaism? I don't think that there is one singular thing that was the most interesting. I've just enjoyed going to Hebrew school on Sundays and Thursdays and learning about the religion that I'm part of.
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Celia Osborn
November 14, 2017
What are your hobbies? My hobbies are playing the flute, swimming, hanging out with friends, taking my dog to the park, listening to music, and reading.
What is your tzedakah project? My tzedakah project is to help less fortunate people by dedicating a Sunday a month to go to the
Uptown Cafe which is a free restaurant where Jews and non-Jews alike can eat.
What's the most interesting thing you have learned about Judaism? The most interesting thing in Judaism is that the Abrahamic religions all believe in at least a little bit of the Torah.
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Talia Berger-White
November 11, 2017
What are your hobbies? I really like to read and I played volleyball last year!
What is your tzedakah project? My project is helping
Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit organization, that helps provide kids ages 0-12 in homeless or low-income families with the necessities that they need for their childhood.
What's the most interesting thing you have ever learned about Judaism? The most interesting thing that I have ever learned about Judaism is all of its rich traditions, customs and holidays.
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Ali Cutter
November 18, 2017
What do you like to do? I love to draw, write and hang out with my friends. I am starting ballet after not dancing after several years and am in my first Mudlark play -
Don Quixote. I attend Nichols Middle School and am looking forward to what this new step will bring!
What is your tzedakah project? I spent my summer volunteering at
Park School (a school in Evanston that serves students ages 3-22 with cognitive and physical disabilities). There, I helped out in classrooms, doing fun projects and activities with the students. Aside from volunteering, I am also raising money to help with the renovation of the Park School playground to make it more accessible to the students.
What's the most interesting thing you have ever learned about Judaism? That people of all shapes, sizes, colors can be Jewish.
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Thank you and Yasher Koach!
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At the end of JRC board meetings, the board recognizes members who have volunteered their time and talents. We call it the Yasher Koach Corner. Below are full lists acknowledging those members who donated their time to make JRC such a wonderful place and for whose work we are truly grateful.
Yasher Koach To:
- Cantor Howard Friedland for his well-deserved Sabbatical time off this summer and his return to JRC.
- Sharon Diaz for dealing with multiple recent unusual building issues.
- Barbara Israelite for calling people about renewing their memberships.
- The CHIdush team for organizing the Family Ed Day on the first Sunday of Religious School: Mollie Bass, Terri Bernsohn, Carrie Elsberg, Pam Ferdinand, Danny Greene, Diana McNelis, Debbie Porter, Marty Rosenheck, Lauren Sklar, Becca Waller.
- Linda Hewitt and Reese Gratch for organizing the new member Shabbat wine and cheese reception on Friday, September 8.
- Jeremy Elsberg for serving as co-head schlepper (with Jason Osborn) for the High Holidays.
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To
kvell
(or
shep naches
) means to express pride. This column is devoted to letting our community know about the wonderful things happening in the lives of JRC members. If you or your loved ones have something to celebrate, send an email to Nina Litoff at
nlitoff@jrc-evanston.org.
Mazel Tov To:
Laura Friedlander for being inducted into the Niles West High School Hall of Fame for her achievements on the cross country team when she was in high school.
Billy Kaplan for representing JRC by performing at the World Community Sunday Interfaith Service at Lake Street Church on October 1.
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Thank you for your generosity
Tzedakah is a central mitzvah of Judaism, humanizing both the donor and the recipient. JRC has established a series of tzedakah funds in response to members' interests, aiming to serve three functions:
- To support the congregation. All are welcome to membership, to worship, to our school-even those unable to pay full dues. Your contributions make this possible.
- To support important extra-budgetary activities.
- Most importantly, to provide a convenient and meaningful way for JRC members and others to fulfill the traditional obligation of tzedakah as we honor, commemorate, and express gratitude.
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Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
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