Tuesday, February 18, 2020 | 23 Sh'vat 5780
|
|
Greetings!
Have you voted yet? No, it’s not too early. I’m not referring to the Illinois Primary Elections which take place on March 17. I’m speaking of the World Zionist Congress elections which began back in January of this year. The polls are still open until March 11; there’s still time to
Vote Reform.
Why is it important to vote is this election? Voting in the World Zionist Election is the only way that American Jews can weigh in democratically about issues in Israel. It’s our way to represent our Reform Jewish values in Israel. A vote for the Reform/ARZA slate (number two on the ballot), is a vote for equality, pluralism and democracy.
The last time we voted in 2015, we did very well, gaining 56 out of the 145 total seats in the Congress. This makes us the largest Zionist organization in the US. From the last elections more than 20 million dollars were distributed to Reform causes over the five years, new Reform synagogues were established in Israel and leaders were elected who were able to influence Israeli policy and procedure. Successful collaborations with Israeli political parties were forged to influence Israeli society in matters of conversion, marriage and divorce, religious pluralism, gender rights and combating racism.
This year, in 2020 we hope to have an even stronger representation and look forward to all Reform Jews in the United States standing up and be counted. If you’re 18 or over, and identify as Jewish, you can participate, and if not, find others who are, and encourage them to vote!
Rabbi Amy L. Memis-Foler
|
|
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 20
Friday, February 21
5:45 p.m. Shabbat Oneg
6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services honoring the leadership of Soup Kitchen
Saturday, February 22
9:30 a.m. Kahal Shabbat Morning Service
9:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Minyan
10:30 a.m. Aidan Ehrlich Bar Mitzvah
Sunday, February 23
8:45 a.m. Weekday Minyan
at Beth Emet
Thursday, February 27
Friday, February 28
5:45 p.m. Shabbat Oneg
6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services
Saturday, February 29
9:30 a.m. Kahal Shabbat Morning Service
9:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Minyan
12:00 p.m. Shabbat Potluck Lunch
Sunday, March 1
8:45 a.m. Weekday Minyan
at Beth Emet
12:30 p.m. JUF Teens of Color (Youth Program)
Tuesday, March 3
|
|
Beth Emet Book Club
Wednesday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m.
|
|
Honoring Soup Kitchen Leadership at Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Friday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. (Shabbat Oneg 5:45 p.m.)
The Soup Kitchen, under the leadership of Lizzie Graham, Leslie Shulruff,
Donna Wolf, and Jeff Forgash were honored at Interfaith Action of Evanston’s VisionKeepers dinner on Sunday, February 16. Come celebrate in their
accomplishments as we will be honoring them during Kabbalat Shabbat Services.
|
|
with Susan Nussbaum
Sunday, February 23 at 3:30 p.m.
In recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month, you won’t want to miss this unique eye-opening opportunity when the Beth Emet Inclusion Committee presents an afternoon with Susan Nussbaum.
Susan Nussbaum is the writer/producer of Code of the Freaks, a soon to be released documentary film, will discuss how Hollywood’s depictions of characters with disabilities impacts our attitudes. Nussbaum will share clips of the film and lead a discussion about shifting perceptions and attitudes about disability.
Learn more
|
|
Beth Emet Community Retreat
February 28 - March 1, 2020
It's been five years since BE has had a retreat.There will be time for relaxing, playing games, some learning, singing, and sledding if it's snowy. And be assured that the kids will be well programmed too! There's plenty of adult-only time and at night it's games and hanging out in the common area with the fireplace. Meals are provided and there are accommodations for either your kids staying with you or in the dorms with other kids and chaperones. The price for the retreat now increased by $75.
Learn more.
|
|
Understanding the Threat of Rising Antisemitism
with Sara Yael Hirshhorn, David Shyovitz, and Lara Trubowitz
Tuesday, March 3 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Antisemitism in the United States has been rising in dangerous and alarming ways. It comes both from elements of the political Right, including domestic terrorism, and from elements of the political Left, against Jews who show any support for Israel—including the exclusion of Jews from progressive activities and personal attacks on Jewish college students.Our expert panel will examine the historical perspective, dynamics and threats of the current levels of antisemitism, as well as the responses of Jewish organizations and communities. No fee. Please register by
email or call 847-869-4230 ext. 308.
|
|
Parents in the Kitchen: Breakfast for Dinner
with Mike Kuhn
Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Spend an evening in the kitchen with others learning new tips, tricks, and recipes to make your loved ones breakfast items for dinner. Max. of 12 students per class. $12.50 per person, plus please bring a bottle of wine to share.
RSVP or call 847-869-4230 ext. 308.
|
|
Beth Emet Annual Meeting
Monday, March 16
7:30 p.m. Annual Meeting
8:30 p.m. Dedication and Reception
Beth Emet's annual meeting offers the opportunity to bring members together to share knowledge, make decisions, and to celebrate the past year's accomplishments. This year, following the meeting, we joyously dedicate two spaces named for the congregations that have joined Beth Emet in recent years: the TJM Courtyard and the Menorah Lobby. Then, enjoy appetizers and drinks while you tour (and marvel at) all of Beth Emet's updated spaces.
|
|
Sponsored by Chicago Israeli Dancing
Thursdays, through March 12 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Learn basic steps/dances and enjoy the music of Israel in a class geared to you. Gain skills that will make it easy for you to participate in Israeli dancing sessions anywhere. $5 Beth Emet members, $10 general public. Pre-registration (required) to ensure your spot (but you can pay as you go) Contact
Penny or 815-403-6210 (text or phone).
|
|
Purim Spiel and Megillah Reading
Monday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.
This year’s Purim Spiel,
Shmotown
, brings a touch of Motown to Shushan for a soulful retelling of the
Book of Esther. Come in costume to join in the fun.
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 15
10:00 a.m
. – Purim Carnival Open to Families with Members with Special Needs - games and accommodations for children with special needs.
10:30 a.m
. – Purim Celebrations for Families with Young Children, with Purim spiel, singing, and costume parade.
11:00 a.m.
– Purim Carnival Open to Families with Young Children.
12:00 p.m
. – Purim Carnival Open to All.
The Purim carnival features a moon bounce, games, prizes, and more! Last year, Beth Emet teens worked hard to make the Purim Carnival more inclusive for people with special needs. We built games, made accommodations, and will have a quiet/low sensory stimulation room (Perlman Room). If you need further accommodations,
let us know
, we're here to help!
Adult & Teen Volunteers Needed!
The BESSY Purim teen leaders are working diligently to ensure this year's Purim Carnival, on March 15 will be a lot of fun, and they need adult support! Teen and adult volunteers are needed to help with games, food prep and serving, set up and clean up, and more.
Sign up today!
|
|
Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.
(Minimum gift to the Mitzvah Appeal Campaign: $360 per household)
On Saturday, March 14 Cantor Kyle Cotler leads a spirit-ual evening and his passion for whiskey, rye, and kombucha by teaching tasting techniques and how best to describe their complex elements. There will be fun to be had and it’s a great way to get to know our new cantor and our community. This event will be held at the home of Beth Emet President, Karen and Mike Isaacson. Light snacks and desserts will be served.
RSVP today!
|
|
Contributions
We thank all those who have recently made generous gifts in honor of, or in memory of, someone special. It's a great way to send a card while supporting Beth Emet. To make a donation,
check out the online form or you can send a check to the office letting us know who we should notify and for what occasion
|
|
In the News
The Daily Northwestern, February 9
The Daily Northwestern, February 11
|
|
Through March 11
Voting in upcoming World Zionist Congress (WZC) Elections is one way we can all participate and help shape Israeli policies in ways that we support. A strong election turnout among America’s Reform Jews will ensure that financial resources will continue to go to our Israeli movement and allow us to fill leadership positions in some of Israel’s national institutions.
View voting directions.
|
|
Saturday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Jeremiah (937 Happ Road, Northfield)
Enjoy popular music by Jewish artists such as Marron 5, Lenny Kravitz, Elle King, Pink and more performed by Chicagoland area cantors, song leaders (including Beth Reinstein), and musicians. Free and open to the public. Family friendly - babysitting also available free of change.
|
|
Did you miss a recent Kabbalat Shabbat Service?
|
|
RAC-IL 2020 Campaign Kickoff
Wednesday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Jeremiah
Join Reform clergy, lay, youth leaders, and journalist Alex Kotlowitz, to launch this year's RAC-IL Legislative Agenda:
- Reducing mass incarceration disproportionately affecting communities of color through critically needed criminal justice reform
- Fighting for immigrant rights by strengthening the Trust Act
For more information or questions contact
Julie Webb.
|
|
with Mary S. Allen
March 25 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Learn about waste prevention, recycling, and current sustainability initiatives in Cook County and Beth Emet.
|
|
Do you know an organization worthy of a Tzedakah Fund Grant? Grant Applications due March 31
The Tzedakah Committee supports causes and organizations that promote justice, equality, and social well being.
Since 1987, thanks to the congregation’s generosity, the Tzedakah Committee has awarded 304 grants, totaling $131,764, to 96 organizations. If you know or are involved with an Evanston-area organization that alights with Beth Emet's social justice values, please feel free to pass along the
Grant Application and Guidelines
.
|
|
Green business support needed for Eco Fair
Beth Emet’s Environment and Climate Action Committee is holding an Eco Fair on Sunday, April 26. If you have a business that addresses climate change, sustainability or green living, you are invited to host a table at our Eco Fair. Please contact Michelle Oxman at 847-558-9797 or Sharon Smaller at 847-651-0955.
|
|
Lizzie Graham (not pictured), Leslie Shulruff, Donna Wolf, and Jeff Forgash, were honored at Interfaith Action of Evanston's Vision Keepers Dinner on February 16. This annual event supports programs at the Hospitality Center for the Homeless, local soup kitchens, winter overnight shelter, and more.
|
|
The annual Mitzvah Appeal Campaign event,
Lox, Bagels, and Leaders, welcomed Beth Emet members U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky and author Mark Caro, and Jon Marshall, assistant professor at Medill. The panel discussion included the State of the Union address, the impeachment hearings, the Iowa Caucus, and the current state of media coverage.
|
|
with David Gottlieb
Friday, February 21 | 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Despite Sigmund Freud and Theodor Herzl having lived on the same block in Vienna in the early 1900s, these men had dramatically different views and experiences of Judaism. We will explore key writings of Herzl and Freud in an attempt to understand how they expressed their own conceptions of Jewish identity in the face of rising nationalism.
with Alan Teller
Sunday, February 23, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
This class will explore the role of iconic stars such as Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice, and the Marx Brothers in the development of comedy, and will feature period recordings and reenactments of routines by Weber and Fields, and Gallagher and Shean.
with Rabbi Andrea London
Fridays through June 12 | 9:30 - 10:35 a.m. (No class March 6, April 10, and May 15)
There are many ways to interpret Torah and the nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. We will continue our learning from last semester, reading and interpreting the text line by line as we explore Numbers. New students are always welcome. Texts will be provided.
|
|
B'nei Mitzvah
Mary and Michael Ehrlich
February 22
Deaths
Gail Isaacson
friend of Jackie Berman and Lyn Weil
Jean Stickler
aunt of Elaine Knobel
|
|
AlAnon Support Group Thursdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Beth Emet
|
|
|
|
If you do not wish to receive this email, please
contact us
. If you use the unsubscribe button, you will no longer receive any emails from Beth Emet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
