Tuesday, January 21, 2020 | 24 Tevet 5780
Kathy_Kaberon
Greetings!

It's time for Beth Emet's Community Retreat (Feb. 28-March 1) and we'd like you to join the fun! We've designed the weekend around Purim - from serious study and discussion, to songs, food, skits, and more. Everyone is welcome: adults with kids, adults without kids - it's really for the whole community.

We've got a great weekend planned at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) the summer camp of the Reform movement, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. It's about two hours away, and we'll begin with a lovely Shabbat dinner together. There will be time for large and small groups to gather, opportunities for adults to join with children, and times for each generation to have their own space. Children’s programming and babysitting are included, as are meals, accommodations, and all the activities and programs. We’ll have plenty of down time, including full use of the sports center. 

Rabbi Memis-Foler and Cantor Cotler will lead worship, text study, discussions, and good old-fashioned sing-a-longs. School-aged kids will enjoy time with Marci Dickman and our young-adult staff. Of course, best are the strong friendships that come from uninterrupted time together, relaxing on Shabbat afternoon with no appointments, errands or commitments.

Our last retreat included over 100 members of the Beth Emet Community. Please sign up now, and invite your friends to join the fun. Please feel free to contact me for any questions.         

Our Retreat Weekend Includes:
• Lodging & Meals
• Text Study for adults
• Fun activities and learning for school-aged kids
• Games
• Singing
• Shabbat at Camp
• Babysitting for kids 5 and under
• And More...  

Kathy Kaberon
World Zionist Congress Elections Begin Today, January 21!
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! “Vote Reform” in the World Zionist Congress (WZC) Elections. When you go to the American Zionist Movement website , scroll down to watch an informative video about how to vote. You must be a Jewish U.S. resident at least 18 years old. The process of voting includes filling in an online registration form, paying a small registration processing fee and then casting your vote, “Vote Reform: ARZA Representing the Reform Movement and Reconstructing Judaism.“ Before you vote, you can click on Vote Reform to see the platform and slate of representatives that reflect our Reform Jewish Values. 

Currently the United States has 145 delegates in the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the largest single delegation outside of Israel. Thanks to a robust turnout in 2015, 56 of the 145 delegates now represent the Reform Movement and as a result, more than $4 million a year ($20 million over five years) has been directed to the Israeli Reform Movement.A strong election turnout among America’s Reform Jews will ensure that financial resources will continue to go to our Israeli movement. It will also allow us to fill leadership positions in some of Israel’s national institutions.

To do this, electing the Reform slate is essential. Voting is from January 21 to March 11, 2020. You can vote online at home or at the synagogue during events that bring us together. Voting is one way we can all participate and help shape Israeli policies in ways that we support. Visit the ARZA website for more details about the WZO and WZC elections.

Through an anonymous generous donation, we will credit your Beth Emet account for the $7.50 registration fee.  Email your receipt to Bekki Kaplan.

Sincerely,

Captains of Beth Emet’s WZC Elections Campaign
Coming Up at Beth Emet
Wednesday, January 22
7:00 p.m. IfNotNow: The US-Israel Relationship and the Occupation

Thursday, January 23
7:00 p.m. What's on the Shabbat Table? with Yvette Miller

Friday, January 24
9:45 a.m. The Book of Lamentations with Rabbi Allan Kensky
5:45 p.m. Shabbat Oneg
6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services

Saturday, January 25
9:30 a.m. Kahal Shabbat Morning Service
9:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Minyan
9:30 a.m. Learners Minyan
12:00 p.m. Shabbat Potluck Lunch

Sunday, January 26
8:45 a.m. Weekday Minyan at Beth Emet
9:30 a.m. Parent-Teacher Conferences - No Beit Sefer
12:00 p.m. Interfaith Youth Immigration Advocacy Day at Loyola Academy

Thursday, January 30
7:00 p.m. Challah Bake with Yvette Miller

Friday, January 31
9:45 a.m. The Book of Lamentations with Rabbi Allan Kensky
5:45 p.m. Shabbat Oneg
6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services

Saturday, February 1
9:00 a.m. Shmoozica
9:30 a.m. Kahal Shabbat Morning Service
9:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Minyan
6:30 p.m. Apples from the Desert with Bekki Kaplan and Shlomit Hoch

Sunday, February 2
8:45 a.m. Weekday Minyan at Beth Emet
Upcoming Events
Parents in the Kitchen: Winter Soups and Stews
with Mike Kuhn
Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. Spots still available!
Spend an evening in the kitchen learning new tips, tricks, and recipes to make your loved ones a warm winter soups and stews. There will be time to enjoy a cooking lesson--including easy appetizers--and to enjoy a meal together. Vegetarian options will be available. 

Max. of 12 students. $12.50 per person, plus please bring a bottle of wine to share. RSVP now or call 847-869-4230 ext. 308.
PJ Party!
Saturday, February 8 at 4:30 p.m.
Wear your PJ's for dinner, crafts, Havdalah, songs, and stories from PJ Library.
Perfect for families with children ages 8 and under. 
$5 per person or $20 per family by February 6, $10/$30 thereafter
Sunday, February 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Hilton Orrington Grand Ballroom (1710 Orrington, Evanston)
The Soup Kitchen, under the leadership of Lizzie Graham, Leslie Shulruff, Donna Wolf, and Jeff Forgash, has been a “bridge of understanding” between the Beth Emet Jewish community and the many guests who dine with us each week. The Soup Kitchen truly brings to life the Jewish value of tikkun olam – repair of the world, hosting all those who come to the soup kitchen as if they were guests in our own homes.

Proceeds from the Vision Keepers Dinner support Interfaith Action’s programs at the Hospitality Center for the Homeless, local soup kitchens, Producemobile, winter overnight shelter, and winter warming centers. 

$75 per person. Please RSVP or call 847-869-4230 ext. 301.
Beth Emet Book Club
Wednesday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m.
Join in the discussion at our monthly book club! The next book is Book of the Unknown Americans by Christina Henriquez. Books are available for pick up at Beth Emet. No need to RSVP.
Hollywood Imagery of Disabled Characters
with Susan Nussbaum
Sunday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m.
Susan Nussbaum, 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. February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month.
Beth Emet Community Retreat
February 28 - March 1, 2020
After a five-year hiatus, Beth Emet’s Community Retreat is back and better than ever! Spend a relaxing weekend with friends and family in beautiful Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, celebrating Shabbat, enjoying nature, getting better acquainted with Rabbi Memis-Foler, Cantor Cotler, and other congregants. We’ll have time to play games, study text and participate in intriguing discussions. This multi-generational weekend includes lodging, meals, babysitting, activities for children and adults, separately and together. SPACE IS LIMITED so register soon! 
Did you miss a recent Kabbalat Shabbat Service?
Tune into our SoundCloud channel to hear past Shabbat Divrei Torah from the Rabbis and special guests.
Mitzvah Appeal
Two More Exciting Mitzvah Appeal Events to Come!
Sunday, February 9 at 9:45 a.m.
(Minimum gift: $18 per person)
Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.
(Minimum gift: $360 per household)

We are well on our way to our $200,000 goal, but look to those who have yet to give to make this campaign a success. Every gift makes a difference, no matter the amount.  There are two exciting Mitzvah Appeal events to come, each as a way to support the campaign and to say thank you for your generosity.  

On Sunday, February 9 join U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, Medill Professor Jon Marshall, and journalist and Beth Emet member, Mark Caro, who will share their perspectives on current events and answer questions A lively discussion is promised! Minimum gift to the 2019-20 Mitzvah Appeal campaign is $18 per person. Brunch will be served beginning at 9:45 a.m. RSVP today!

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. Minimum gift $360 per household. Light snacks and desserts will be served. RSVP today!

Beth Emet Community
Catch Up with Rabbi London while she's on Sabbatical!
Rabbi London has been chronicling her journey, learning, and discoveries while living in Jaffa during her time away. Read her new blog.
A Letter of Support from Evanston Mayor, Stephen Hagerty

Dear Beth Emet Community,

I just wanted to share how much I and so many others in Evanston love our Jewish friends and neighbors. The attacks in NY and NJ recently and the overall increase in anti-Semitism across this country is frightening, disturbing, abhorrent, and unacceptable. Please know that our residents stand with you and as a City will do all we can to support you and protect you. 

I am out of town on holiday but available to talk on the phone or via email if there’s anything your synagogues or congregants need.

With great respect and gratitude for the richness and sense of community the Jewish faith offers our Jewish friends and all of us in Evanston,

Stephen H. Hagerty
Mayor, City of Evanston, IL
Volunteer Opportunities at Beth Emet
Shabbat Connections in Need of Volunteer Cooks. Learn more.
Sign up to be an usher. Learn more.
Priority registration for the 2020-21 school year now open! T he JCC is offering current Beth Emet Early Childhood families special pricing both on full-day Preschool and Daycare as well as a 20% savings on camp when they register for an Apachi Day Camp/Preschool combo, starting in June 2020. Here is a View dates and pricing . Additional program details are available online
Virtual “Taste” of Becoming a Soulful Parent 
Tuesday, January 28 | 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Do you want to be a more present parent? New six-week Becoming a Soulful Parent groups will be starting in February, at both Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston and Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. Join us virtually for a little “taste” of what this group has to offer! This group geared for parents who have at least one child between the ages of 2-5. From the comfort of your own home, enjoy an “appetizer portion” of this innovative program that uses Jewish spirituality and various texts to spark reflective, authentic conversations between parents just like you. We hope you’ll leave hungry for more!   Register through the JCC.
Social Justice
Annual Interfaith Immigration Advocacy Day
Sunday, January 26, 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Loyola Academy (1100 Laramie Ave, Wilmette, IL)
Each year, teens from Beth Emet come together in interfaith partnership with youth from the Children of Abraham Coalition, Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius College Prep, and more. All high school and college students are invited to our third annual Interfaith Immigration Advocacy Day to join in prayer, learning, and action to help repair our country’s broken immigration system.  RSVP.
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.
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 .
Photos of the Week
On the weekend of January 10-12, 2020 Beth Emet congregants and friends gathered to celebrate the 70 years of being ourselves and being together - from the founding of our synagogue by the esteemed Rabbi David Polish z"l to today. We also honored the legacy of Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Peter Knobel z'l. The celebration included events for all members of our Beth Emet family – from learning opportunities to a Saturday night dance party.

Beth Emet commemorated Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and Day of Service with three community programs.
At Lunch, Learn, Love a social action event for kids, participants packed 120 non-perishable lunches for Connections for the Homeless.This was the third annual MLK service event at Beth Emet and togehter we continued to demonstrate our commitment to tikkum olam, making the world a better place through service, by participating in acts of service as a family in way that this Jewish value is passed down to our kids and becomes a part of our Jewish and spiritual practice. 
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Worship Service at Alice Millar Chapel. This year's theme was uniting to fight against the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States.
A few of Beth Emet's Walk for Warmth participants stop to take a photo.  This Interfaith Action of Evanston event raised funds and awareness for our community’s homeless and the overnight shelters program at hosted at faith institutions in Evanston including Beth Emet in February..
Adult Education
with Yvette Miller
Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m.
This multi-sensory workshop explores Jewish history and thought using the Shabbat table as our guide. Participants will eat, drink, sing and learn at this fun, social event featuring a model Shabbat table and special treats.

with Rabbi Allan Kensky
Fridays, January 24 and 31 | 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.
This course will study this small book of the Bible with an eye towards understanding the process of grieving, self-reflection, and religious questioning that followed the destruction of the Temple, and will draw comparisons to other calamities that have befallen the Jewish people since.

Movie and discussion, led by Bekki Kaplan and Shlomit Hoch
Saturday, February 1 | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Rebecca Abarnabel, a single daughter born into an Orthodox Jewish family, is tired of the lifestyle that her father, Reuven, has forced upon her. She and her mother, Victoria, go on a life-changing journey between worlds. Popcorn and snacks will be served.

with Rabbi Andrea London
Fridays, February 14-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.

with David Gottlieb
Fridays, February 14 and 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.

View more Adult Education coursesregister, or email  Miriam with any questions.
Lifecycle
Births
Samuel Steven
son of Diana and Brandon Goldberg and grandson of Georgene Wilson

Deaths
Pat Sonin
mother of Amy Robke and grandmother of Ben Robke

David Unger
uncle of Jim Cahan (Linda Schneider)

Preston Rawson
cousin of Alice and Edie Segal
General Community
IfNotNow: The US-Israel Relationship and the Occupation
Wednesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Beth Emet
Join IfNotNow, a movement of young Jews working to end American and Jewish support for the Occupation in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, for learning and discussion about the relationship between the American Jewish community and political support for Israel. We’ll discuss recent political history and how it impacts American Jews, Israelis, and Palestinians. Grounding ourselves in the issue will help us in our continued fight for freedom and dignity for all.  RSVP here.





AlAnon Support Group Thursdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Beth Emet
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