 |
 June is Pride Month!
Celebrate LGBTQ pride at JRC with the Gender Inclusion Task Force and the LGBTQ Havurah
Sunday June 11
Chicago Equality Rally 11:00am
Rabbi Rachel Weiss will be a featured speaker at the Chicago Equality Rally at Andersonville Midsommarfest in solidarity with the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington, DC. Members of the LGBTQ community and allies are invited to this gathering of celebration, solidarity and mobilization to affirm and protect all members of the LGBTQ community's rights, safety, and full humanity.
Friday, June 23
Wine and Cheese 6:00pm
Pride Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm
The LGBTQ Havurah will host a wine and cheese social open to all celebrating Pride and Pride month. Please join together with our group in celebrating the diversity we have within our JRC community.
After the reception, Rabbi Weiss will lead a service celebrating LGBTQ Pride.
Sunday June 25
Chicago Pride Parade 12:00pm
JRC members will march together in the 48th annual Chicago Pride Parade on Halsted Street. Juliet Berger-White will coordinate marchers on behalf of the Gender Inclusion Task Force. All JRC members and friends are encouraged to come to the parade. More information, a sign-up, and t-shirt sales coming soon.
|
|
Summer: Weekly Community Events
Erev Shabbat Service:
Fridays at 7:00pm
Torah Study:
Saturdays at 9:00am
Shabbat Minyan and Oneg:
Saturdays at 10:00am
Choir Rehearsal:
Thursdays at 7:45pm
|
|
|
Thursday June 1
Cantor Howard Friedland's Sabbatical Begins
Friday June 2
Summer Kickoff BBQ and Erev
Shabbat Singalong 6:30pm
RSVP
Celebrate Shabbat and the start of summer! JRC's The Membership Committee is supplying everything for dinner (including kosher hot dogs and veggie burgers). Please bring your favorite beverages to share. Note: Please do not bring anything with dairy in it (this will be a meat meal).
After dinner, Rabbi Rachel Weiss will lead a joyful shabbat singalong. Please bring instruments to play along. There will be an opportunity to say Kaddish for loved ones as part of this informal service.
Ruthie Kaplan Bat Mitzvah
The entire JRC community is invited to celebrate with Ruthie Kaplan 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: Dinner and Chef Schmooze at Honey Butter Fried Chicken (Not at JRC) 6:00pm
Sunday June 4
Wednesday June 7
Green Team Meeting 4:00pm
Israeli Film Night: The Kind Words 7:00pm
This quirky and wry dramedy follows three Jewish Israeli siblings who, in the wake of their mother's death, learn the man who raised them is not their biological dad. The revelation sends them on a road trip from Israel across France to discover the truth about their real father.
Thursday June 8
Buy In: GROOVE Dance Party! (Not at JRC) 5:30pm
Saturday June 10
Jonathan and Mira Kaplan B'nai Mitzvah 10:00am
The entire JRC community is invited to celebrate with Jonathan & Mira and their family as they are called to the Torah as a B'nai Mitzvah. A special aliyah will be given to members of the JRC community.
Sunday June 11
Chicago Equality Rally (Not at JRC) 11:00am
Click here for more information
Buy In: Flower Arranging (Not at JRC) 2:00pm
Click here for more information
Music Institute of Chicago Chorale Concert (Not at JRC) 3:00pm
This concert features the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Choir directed by Danny Wallenberg and Music Institute faculty members in the orchestra. Choral and Orchestra Concert with works by Vaughan Williams (Dona Nobis Pacem) and the Israeli composer Yehezkel Braun (To the Chief Musician).
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.
Purchase Tickets Here: $15 adults, $10 seniors and $7 students.
Early Childhood Summer Camp Begins
Click here for more information
Wednesday June 14
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 favorite Torah commentary, and yourself!
Play Bridge! 7:00pm
Board of Directors Meeting 7:30pm
Thursday June 15
No Choir Rehearsal
Friday June 16
Summer Sendoff Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm
This special service will honor recent grads of both high school and higher education and serve as a sendoff for JRC youngsters headed to Camp JRF and other Jewish summer camps.
Sunday June 18
JRC Garden Days 9:00am
Help care for JRC's sustainable landscape by working on the garden together. Bring your garden gloves and wear a sun hat.
Wednesday June 21
Strategic Planning Committee Meeting 7:00pm
Thursday June 22
Religious School Committee Meeting (Not at JRC) 7:30pm
No Choir Rehearsal
Friday June 23
Wine and Cheese 6:00pm
Pride Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm
Click here for more information
Saturday June 24
Buy In: Hummuspalooza! 7:00pm
Click here for more information
Sunday June 25
First Day of Camp JRF (Session Aleph)
Chicago Pride Parade (Not at JRC) 12:00pm
Click here for more information
Wednesday June 28
Play Bridge! 7:00pm
Thursday June 29
No Choir Rehearsal
Friday June 30
Erev Shabbat Picnic and Beach Service 6:00pm
|
|
|
A message from Cantor Howard Friedland on his Sabbatical
|
|
|
 |
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, seven years ago I took a two-summer sabbatical. I don't know where the time went, but I'm headed out again this June, July, and August.
I'll be on faculty at Camp JRF at the end of June. I usually fly, but this year I have the luxury to drive. I'll go from Camp to Bar Harbor, Maine to hike in Acadia National Park. It was a dream of mine to get there during the last sabbatical, but family illness prevented it. I'm really looking forward to what will be my first visit to a national park (I know, I'm a late bloomer.) In addition to the physical beauty, I am told by others that a visit to the parks is spiritual, as well.
Of course, I will spend Shabbat visiting other shuls, near and far, and probably "borrowing" a tune here and there. I will also continue going to houses of worship of other faiths, to get ideas and tunes from their services.
I have the great fortune of being a part of several weddings of former b'nai mitzvah students, one of which will be the first wedding Rabbi Weiss and I officiate together.
Both of my children will be home for parts of this summer. They haven't been home in the summer for years, so this is a special treat! Never enough hang-out time with the kids.
Finally, I'm going to use this summer to clear my head and refresh. Thank you all for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I treasure this congregation and the continued meaning it gives my life to serve as your cantor.
Much love and friendship,
|
Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education
Community Conference "Raising Resilient Children: Prioritizing Their Mental Health"
Sunday June 4, 2017
9:30am - 3:30pm
Beth Emet the Free Synagogue
Register here
JRC is a participating organization in the 16th annual Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute Conference. The conference is designed to inform, teach and learn more about the most vulnerable in our society and how each of us can help. Topics will cover a broad range relating to youth psychology including: depression and anxiety, how schools can help with children's behavioral and educational needs, the positive role of community connections, coping with thoughts and emotions, children who learn and see the world differently, allowing your child to take risks, digital kids, spirituality, and straight talk on drug use and sexuality. For a schedule and full list of speakers and presenters please visit
www.naomicoheninstitute.org.
|
Religious School Registration
2017-2018 Registration closing soon!
Register Here
Religious school offers a nurturing and fun environment for children from Pre-K to High school to learn, explore and develop
their Jewish identity.
Registration is open to JRC member families and is offered in two sessions: Early/Tuesdays and Late/Thursdays. Preference for early or late session classes will be on a first-come-first-served basis. A $100 deposit per child must be submitted with your application to hold your spots.
|
Early Childhood Summer Camp
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
June 12 - July 29
9:15-12:00pm
Register Here
At JRC's Early Childhood Summer camp, your child will discover and learn through playful activities using movement, stories, music, dramatic play, science experiments and more. Mornings are spent in themed activities in our classrooms as well as short walking trips to local parks.
Early drop-off (8:30-9:15am) and lunch (12-1pm) are available for an additional fee.
|
Summer Camp Care packages from the Rabbi!
If your child is going to a Jewish summer camp this year, Rabbi Weiss wants to send them a care package full of fun stuff! Please contact her assistant, Kara Hendrickson, at
[email protected] with the following information:
- Which kids are going to camp
- The full address of where they are staying
- The dates that they will be at camp
|
Beach Services Dates
6:00 pm: BYO Picnic
7:00 pm: Erev Shabbat service
Join your JRC family at
Elliot Park (Dempster Street Beach) for a fun and summery Erev Shabbat service led by Rabbi Weiss on the beautiful Evanston lakefront. Pack a dairy/vegetarian and nut-free picnic dinner and come early (6:00 pm) to eat and spend time with friends.
In case of rain: In case of rain, the whole operation - 6:00pm picnic, 7:00pm service - moves to JRC.
- Friday June 30 at Elliot Park - near Dempster Street Beach (map)
- Friday July 21 at Noah's Playground - at Lawson Park near Lighthouse Landing (map)
- Friday August 4 at Elliot Park - near Dempster Street Beach (map).
- Friday August 25 at Elliot Park - near Dempster Street Beach (map).
|
|
June 3: Dinner and Chef Schmooze at Honey Butter Fried Chicken
June 4: Babes, Bikes and Brunch 9:00am
Join a bunch of gal pals
as we ride from JRC to the lakefront path to Wilmette and brunch at a local spot.
Biking, eating, kibbitzing and noshing with a great group of women. Please join us!
Meet at JRC.
June 8: GROOVE Dance Party! 5:30pm
It's a dance party! It's a workout! GROOVE is a simple, fun for EVERYONE dance class facilitated by JRC member, Diane Turner. The playlist crosses all genres and you are guaranteed to be successful. No dance experience necessary and all fitness levels welcome, for ages 16+.
Light appetizers and sparkling non-alcoholic beverages will be enjoyed after the class.
Class will start at 5:30 pm at the Glenview Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, Room 201.
June 11: Flower Arranging 2:00pm
Learn the art of flower arranging from JRC member Jen Dreller, a professional floral designer for large scale events. Surrounded by buckets of blooms in her Evanston backyard, Jen will share professional tips and techniques for creating colorful, elegant and charming displays.
Enjoy a day of creating (and snacks), and take home your own beautiful flower arrangement to show off your newfound skills.
June 24: Hummuspalooza! 5:00pm
REGISTER HERE
A middle eastern evening featuring Todd Hasak-Lowy's famous homemade hummus, all the fixings, festive spirits, fun music and great conversation provided by JRC's Adult Education Committee!
At the Frolichstein-Appel's Evanston Residence.
Click here to see all upcoming Buy In Parties for 2017-2018!
|
|
We hope everyone had a wonderful time at Family Kallah!
|
|
|
Name: Ruthie Kaplan
School: Nichols Middle School
Bat Mitzvah Date: June 3, 2017
What are your hobbies/interests?
One of the instruments I play is cello. I play in two of Nichols' orchestras and take private lessons on the side. I also enjoy drawing and doodling, as well as reading books.
What's the most interesting thing you have learned about Judaism?
One of the most interesting things I have learned about Judaism is that it is the oldest of the three Abrahamic religions. Without Judaism, where would the world be today?
|
|
|
Thank you and Yasher Koach
|
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:
- Rebecca Hamlin for facilitating the writing and illustrating of graphic novels by Trudy Isbitz Brodsky's 4th grade religious school class. She has created a fascinating book: We Are Heroes, or Anachnu Giborim, from the 4th graders' graphic stories, and it is available for viewing in the Library.
- Sharon Diaz, Elliot Frolichstein-Appel, Joel Gratch, Jonathan Markowitz, Terri Bernsohn, Robin Trilling and Sandy Spatz for their work on the FY 2018 budget
- JRC in Bloom Committee members for their work on the April 29th gala: Diane Pezanoski and Jeany Soshnik (co-chairs), Sara Cohn, Jen Dreller, Christine Duffy-Levy, Joan Dumser, Tamar Frolichstein-Appel, Joel Gratch, Reese Gratch, Darlene Grossman, Rebecca Hamlin, Carol Hirsh Blechman, Beth Lange, Linda Mathias Kaskel, Jill Persin, Barbara Pinzur, Ellie Routenberg, Hannah Shearn, Julie Shufro, Edwin Smolevitz, Rhonda Stein and Ruth Wenger.
- Rabbi Rachel Weiss for leading the Spiritual Autobiography class.
- Emily Harris for leading the Immigrant Justice Task Force meeting in May
- Hannah Tauber-Weiss for coming to JRC on "Take your Child to Work Day" and helping with many tasks.
|
|
To kvell (or shep naches) means to be proud of. 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 [email protected].
Mazel Tov To:
Danny Zeckhauser and Natalie Blaser on their wedding, Saturday, May 20, 2017. Congratulations also to Danny's parents, Becky Mitchell and Jim Zeckhauser.
Adrienne Lieberman's son, Zach, who won a Webby award for a project called "
Land Lines" done with the Google Data Arts team.
Julie Dorfman and Jerry Herst on the birth of their grandson, Jacob Milton Herst-Lesser.
Tina and Gonzalo Escobar, and Maya Escobar and Loren Wells, on the birth of their granddaughter and niece, Aviv Caroline Escobar.
Religious School Director Terri Ginsberg Bernsohn, for receiving her Master's Degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Joe Eppstein on the engagement of his daughter, Sarah Eppstein, to David Friedkin of San Francisco.
Josh Byster, son of Robin Byster, for being named Prom King at Niles North High School.
Ray Grossman, for being named a "Super Senior" by the North Shore Senior Center honoring his volunteer work for JRC.
Irv Miller, f
or being named a "Super Senior" by the North Shore Senior Center honoring his volunteer work for Executive Service Corps of Chicago.
Alex Rubin, for graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Learning and Organized Change. Next fall he will be a Machar Fellow at deToledo High School in Los Angeles.
Ilana Baker, daughter of Gregg Baker and Carla Willis, for winning the Sandy McDermott Scholarship in Math and the Science Department Team Awards at Evanston Township High School. She will be attending Tulane University in the fall, majoring in biochemistry on a pre-med track with a minor in public health.
Hannah Mira Friedland, daughter of Terry Parisoli and Cantor Howard Friedland, who graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN.
Becca Gratch, daughter of Reese and Joel Gratch, granddaughter of Sallie and Alan Gratch, for graduating from Butler University.
Emma Hultgren, daughter of Sandy Spatz and Tracy Hultgren, for graduating from Tulane University.
Other Recent Grads: Please send your school information and what your plans are for next year so we can kvell about you!
|
|
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.
We would like to express our gratitude for these donations made between May 1, 2017 and May 22, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
