Tuesday, May 19, 2020 | 25 Iyyar 5780
Greetings!

May is Mental Health Awareness month: a time in which to raise awareness of mental health issues, how to get support, and to decrease the stigma of mental illness. On Friday, May 22, during Kabbalat Shabba t services , my friend and yoga teacher, Michael Fine, will speak about his journey coping with his mental illness. He has an incredible story and a great deal of wisdom to impart.

During the stressful times in which we are living, our mental health can suffer. People are experiencing a range of feelings and thoughts, including fear and anxiety. The Samaritan Counseling center offers the following advice for how to cope and when to seek assistance.
  • Stay informed. Get information about the Coronavirus from reputable sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC).
  • Increase self-care. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and practice mindfulness.
  • Keep perspective. Limit the amount of time spent watching media coverage of the Coronavirus to no more than 30 minutes per day.
  • Face your anxiety. Allow yourself to experience your anxious thoughts and feelings, finding ways to describe them to yourself or others.
  • Keep connected. Maintain connections with family and friends during this health issue.
  • Seek professional help. If your anxiety symptoms affect your daily functioning, including your work or close relationships, consider reaching out to a therapist. SamaraCare Counseling is also offering telehealth services. The Family Institute at Northwestern is also offering tele-therapy on a sliding fee scale. https://www.family-institute.org/therapists-locations/teletherapy.

Other resources that may be helpful:

Please be in touch with Rabbi Memis-Foler or me if you need additional support or assistance.

With blessings for good physical and mental health,

Rabbi London
A Virtual Bar Mitzvah, "Exceeding Expectations and Hopes"

In 2018, my husband Charles and I learned that our son Eli’s bar mitzvah was scheduled for May 2, 2020. We had planned a celebration consisting of a kiddush luncheon at temple and a community service project, as well as an evening gathering at a local restaurant for family and out of town friends. Once coronavirus restrictions were implemented, though, even those modest plans quickly unraveled. Although we had the option of postponing, Eli, Charles, and I all agreed that it was important to honor this milestone now, even if it would look drastically different than what we had envisioned.

Instead of taking place on the bimah at our synagogue, Eli’s service would proceed in our dining room, with a picture of Eli’s Torah portion in lieu of a Torah scroll. Our home would not be overflowing with cousins and out of town family, and there would be no community service project or kiddush lunch, at least not yet. Everyone in attendance – including the clergy – would join our family of four via Zoom. 

Initially, it seemed that we would have to forego many cherished traditions that, although not essential, would not work outside of the synagogue, much less virtually. We would not have a typical l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) ritual – one of my favorite parts of every b’nei mitzvah service during which the grandparents and parents stand proudly in front of their congregation as they pass the Torah down to the child. My nephews and nieces would not be able to scramble up the steps to the ark and wrestle over who would open the curtain to reveal the Torah scrolls. My family would not march through the synagogue with our son proudly holding the Torah for the first time and embrace our friends as we moved through the aisles. 

Faced with the absence of these rituals, we were forced to contemplate their meaning and significance. With the guidance of our clergy and by harnessing the power of technology, we managed to honor these traditions in ways that made sense, at least to us. We did a virtual Torah passing, in which my parents and in-laws “passed” a book of Torah across their screens to each other, then to me, Charles, and Eli. To house Eli's letter-sized Torah portion, our younger son Ari, who is 9, built and painted a cardboard ark for which he devised an elaborate opening mechanism involving lanyard string and duct tape; for the eternal light, he outfitted it with a working lightbulb courtesy of a snap circuits kit he found in our basement. Although we did not march with the Torah and exchange hugs with friends and extended family, my husband and I sat side by side with our sons in front of our computer screen and saw the beaming faces of our loved ones as they tuned in from their living rooms on both coasts and in between. 

Significantly, aside from the use of the printer and iPhone camera that captured the Torah portion, the essential parts of the service required no modification. In preparation, Eli learned to read Hebrew and how to decipher Torah tropes, grappled with the text of his parshah , wrote his d’var Torah , and practiced chanting. On the day of the service, just as his ancestors did, Eli put on his tallit , chanted his Torah portion, and led his community in prayer. He spoke of delayed gratification and described what it means to be holy, which were two themes of his Torah portion. And, my husband and I kvelled as we delivered our blessing to him. 

Although our minyan was virtual, we could feel everyone’s presence. From start to finish, the service was brimming with the love of our family, friends, and community. Everyone in attendance had a front row seat, which meant that we could see their faces as well as they could see ours. My husband and I were able to sit next to Eli for the duration of the service and could squeeze his hand or offer encouraging words to him just off screen. Throughout, Mazel Tovs and enthusiastic messages kept popping up in the Zoom chat window, like virtual hugs.

Without question, the pandemic has upended many rituals and left many people feeling unmoored in multiple ways. By moving forward with Eli’s bar mitzvah in the midst of this uncertainty, and by focusing on the essence of the milestone, we gained a powerful reminder of the steadfastness of this coming-of-age ritual and Judaism’s ability to anchor us. On the surface, our son’s virtual bar mitzvah looked very different from an in-person one. Yet, in every way that mattered to our family, the day exceeded our hopes and expectations.  

Hillary Coustan
Coming Up
Israel Committee Meeting
Tonight! Tuesday, May 19, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Zoom Link or call 312-626-6799 | Meeting ID: 832 7036 0295
Shavuot Smorgasbord
Traditionally Shavuot celebrates the receiving of the Torah at Mt Sinai and is celebrated with dairy products such as cheese cake. It is a time for our Beth Emet community to come together for fun, learning and socializing. The program is varied and there are activities for families, teens and adults. Some of the programs require a bit of prep in your homes so please do take a look . On May 28, just choose from the buffet table below and click on the Zoom links for the programs you would like to attend.
All you can eat or ala carte....:

  • bake cheese cake with Elaine Knobel
  • learn with Alden Solovy from Jerusalem
  • build Mt. Sinai with Emily Nidenberg
  • learn with Rabbi Memis-Foler
  • worship and sing with Cantor Cotler
  • play Shavuot trivia
  • practice yoga on the mountain with Rabbi London
  • cut hair with Elsa Gould
  • enjoy Shavuot Dinner with Beth Emet friends
  • more to come

Watch your emails and check out the website for more details!
Shavuot Mt. Sinai Shuffle
8 more days of Fun, Trivia, and Challenges for All
Whether you have participated already or not- Give it a try! Feel free to participate in 1 day, 5 days, or all the days!

Don't forget the Grand Prize- a homemade cheesecake baked by Rabbi London!

Keep up with the rest of the questions and challenges on our Facebook Page and the Website!
Hint: Scroll down on Facebook or the Website for previous answers.


Fridays with Cantor Cotler
Friday, May 22 at 3:00 p.m.
This is geared for families with kids under 6. Join via Zoom.  
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Upcoming D'var Torah - Armed: One man’s journey through a life in chronic pain
Kabbalat Shabbat May 22, 6:30 p.m. - Michael Fine for Mental Health Awareness Month
Zoom Link or call 312-626-6799 | Meeting ID: 853 5684 6772
The life of Michael A. Fine, an attorney and owner of a mortgage company, was tragically altered in 2010 when he was struck head on by a truck traveling at approximately 50 mph, resulting in the traumatic amputation of his left arm. Michael will share his incredible story of survival and his personal journey in dealing with chronic pain.
Community
Zoom:  Update Your Software to Stay Connected
Zoom has allowed us to continue to connect together, pray together, learn together. With the increased demand around the world for Zoom and the need for them to enhance the security protocols, we have learned that an upgrade by May 30 of the app/software is required to stay connected.  To do so,  click here , select the blue “download” button, and then follow the steps. Please note that the Zoom software on your computer may have already prompted you to upgrade. 
 
It’s very important to us that this not be an obstacle in any way, and if you need assistance please contact  the office  who can send you the instructions or find someone to walk you through the steps.
 
We look forward to seeing you virtually!
Beit Sefer registration is open now for 2020-2021 school year. Registration launch page link.

Click the link to see the Assembly celebrating the close of the year and honoring Marci Dickman for 10 years of service.
Rabbi London is on Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty's Emergency Management Task Force. 

Let Us Build a World of Love 

When we first began to shelter in place in March, we yearned for the day when we'd return to normal. Over the last few months, however, we've had to experience more acutely the suffering in the world--whether our own or others--due to this pandemic which has taken the lives, health, livelihoods, and well-being of many of us. During this time, we have been inspired by the selfless healthcare professionals and first responders who have been on the frontlines of this crisis offering their expertise, support and love to those who are suffering. We've also been uplifted by the small acts of kindness that have been extended to us. We hope and pray that the shelter in place orders will be lifted soon, but let's not be so quick to go back to normal. This pandemic has reminded us just how intertwined we are as human beings for worse and for better. May our experiences during this time lead us to be more compassionate and more concerned about the health and well-being of everyone. Let's not go back to what was, but build what could and should be. 

-Rabbi Andrea London


Get Your Beth Emet Lawn Sign Today
During this time of uncertainty it’s more important than ever to remind ourselves of the words from Psalm 89, Olam Chesed Yibaneh - “Let Us Build a World of Love,” which has been turned into a popular song that  we sing at Beth Emet.

As a way to spread the message and show support for our community, you can purchase your very own lawn sign (or more) for an $18 donation!  Order yours today online . There will be 3 locations in which to pick up or we have volunteers who will deliver (and even install).  And may this world truly be built with love.
Chicago Jewish Community Flagpole
A gathering of solidarity and song!
It’s happening LIVE every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. for four weeks and will feature a variety of Chicago Jewish community leaders, clergy, teens and families. This event is hosted by Rick Recht and Laurie Akers. Tune in tonight on the JUF Facebook page :  
Say it in Hebrew
Learn something new or kick your Hebrew up a notch! 
JCC Chicago’s popular class, Say it in Hebrew, has moved online with course options for every level, beginner through advanced. Learn conversational Hebrew while celebrating Israeli culture and community connection. Classes begin in June with multiple time options available.
For more information and to register visit  www.jccchicago.org/sayitinhebrew
For a list of next weeks events and recordings from previous programs, check out the website !

Watch the Hummus Movie to prepare for Havdallah and Hummus on Saturday, May 23 at 8:15 p.m.
Zoom Link Phone: 312-626-6799 |  Meeting ID: 418 758 424

Watch His Girl Friday to prepare for Movies with Mark Caro on Monday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. (The movie is available for free on a variety of platforms including  here .)
Zoom Link Phone: 3126266799 | Meeting ID: 963 006 6598
Virtual Learning
How to Access Adult Education Courses
At the start of class you can click on the Zoom link below, on the calendar on our homepage, or on the programs description page on the web (and hyperlinked below).
If you're having issues, please see   Zoom directions. While you may not have signed up for these Adult Education classes, now that they are online, feel free to join the learning. 
If you anticipate you might need some technology help connecting electronically  prior to the class , please email   Rabbi Memis-Foler  or call Beth Emet at 847-869-4230 ext. 321 and leave a message with your phone number


with David Zarefsky
Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Zoom Link or call 312-626-6799 | Meeting ID: 865 7382 0568

with Rabbi Andrea London 
Friday, May 22 at 9:30 a.m.   Zoom Link   or 312-626-6799 / Meeting ID: 657 819 679
New participants always welcome!

with David Shyovitz
Friday, May 22 at 10:45 a.m . Zoom Link or call 312-626-6799 | Meeting ID: 869 6821 9446

View more details, costs, and upcoming courses,  register, or email  Miriam with any questions.
Social Action

A long, long time ago, before we ever heard the words Coronavirus or COVID-19, A Jewish Action Day for Immigrant Justice was planned for this month. The main event was going to be a lobby day in Springfield asking our state legislators to support Immigrant Justice legislation.  

Adapting to facts on the ground, the Lobby Day has been replaced by Jewish Action Days -- three events instead of one.  

JCUA, HAIS, RAC-IL and T'Ruah have joined together to present a set of events you can participate in to put your Jewish values into ACTION.

The first of these is Thursday, May 21 between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m .  
  • Jews from across Illinois will be digitally gathering. The event begins with a grounding in Jewish values and text by Jane Charney, Suzanne Griffel, and Jessica Schaffer.  
  • Then, through the magic of the Internet, we will jointly watch the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights'(ICIRR), town hall focused on how we can collectively act to ensure that the needs of the immigrant and refugee community are addressed during this COVID-19 health crisis. 
  • Finally, we will debrief the Town Hall and discuss how we might act in solidarity in this moment of crisis.
Keep Evanston Soup Kitchens Open Through Interfaith Action of Evanston
All the Evanston soup kitchens have remained open throughout the pandemic by giving carry out meals. Though The Beth Emet Soup Kitchen is independent of Interfaith Action, we are partners in our mission to feed those in need in our community. Aside from giving financial support to the soup kitchens, this year Interfaith Action has stepped up to help supply meals to the temporary shelters in our community. Please consider making a donation to their online fundraiser!
Activity Care Packages for Adults only
Items can be new or gently used if they can easily be reused (especially books and magazines). Please remove any address labels or names on donated items. Suggestions on what to include are below, but we welcome ideas you have found useful in your own homes:

  • Things to occupy the mind: books, graphic novels, mainstream magazines (e.g. pop culture, news, parenting, sports) crosswords/Sudoku books
  • Things to occupy the hands: (e.g. crafts or art supplies, adult coloring books, small sewing projects, decks of cards, puzzles

These items can be dropped off to the bin on the porch (see attached pic) of 1574 Dewey Ave, Evanston, IL 60201 or sent via Amazon to Lisa Levine at the address listed. Items are picked up weekly and brought to Connections.
Lifecycle
Birth
Ezra Jonathan Fogel , son of Anna & Benjamin Fogel, and big brother Sam, was born April 23. Grandparents are Terry & Andy Ratoff and Brenda Behm & Danny Fogel of Grand Rapids, MI

Death
Bill Raffeld , cousin of Arthur Altman

Richard Rhodes , husband of Judith, father of Harry (Helene) Rhodes

To be added to the email list to receive detailed Lifecycle notices, please email Wendy.
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