Thursday, May 2, 2024 | 24 Nisan 5784

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Message from Rabbi London

" ...All of the students emphasized how important it is to recognize the diversity of views within the Jewish student body and to understand that what's happening on campus is more nuanced and often less volatile tan what is being portrayed in the media..."


Click here to read Rabbi London's full address to the community regarding recent events on College campuses

Short List: BE's Upcoming Programs at a Glance:

Full Calendar

Congregational Notes

Connections for the Homeless Shoe Collection

Beth Emet continues our partnership with Connections for the Homeless by participating in an adult shoe collection. We are accepting gently used adult shoes, both ladies and men’s. No high heels please. The shoes collected will be distributed at Connection’s Hilda’s Place clothing room in Evanston. The shoes will be collected in the wooden bin located in the hallway across from the admin offices. We will collect the shoes until May 3 (Tomorrow)

Spring Tzedakah Box Drop-Off and Exchange

Sunday, May 19 | 11:00 am | In-person

It’s that time of year again for our spring Tzedakah Box drive, a time to accept donations, hand out new boxes, and respond to any questions regarding the Tzedakah grant program. Donations may be made by credit card, e-check, or billed to your account. As always, contributions received are used exclusively to fund our grant program to benefit local and Israeli not-for-profits whose missions align with Beth Emet’s social justice core values. Click here for more information.

Upcoming Programs

Connections for the Homeless and Beth Emet!

Friday, June 14 | 6:30 pm | In-person & Live control

Mark your calendar now for this amazing Shabbat service and Oneg - Friday, June 14 at 6:30 pm at Beth Emet. For more information about connections for the homeless evanston please Click here.

Soul Stitchers

Tuesday, May 7 | 7:00 pm | Zoom only

Knitting for those who could use a hug. Honoring the memory of Nikki Zarefsky, who founded the Soul Stitchers, the Soul Stitchers was created to make shawls to be given to those who are sick or may need an extra hug from Beth Emet. For more information Contact: Bluma Stoler

Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday's, May 8 | 7:00 pm | In-person only

Cantor Young leads the Beth Emet choir. Practices meet each Wednesday in May leading up to a culminating Shabbat on June 7.

Three Minutes: A Lengthening

Thursday, May 9 | 7:00 pm | In-person only

Join us for a screening of the 2021 documentary Three Minutes: A Lengthening, directed by Bianca Stigler. After the screening, Jesse Rosenberg will lead a discussion of this remarkable film. 

Institutions of Spanish and Jewish History

Friday, May 10 | 11:00 am | In-person & Zoom

In this class, we will learn about one of the most notorious institutions of Spanish and Jewish history, and read closely a testimony left by a female conversa.

Israel

Kabbalat Shabbat Services Commemorating Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day)

Friday, May 10 | 5:45 pm Oneg; 6:30 Shabbat Services | In-person and LiveControl

This year we will observe Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) on Friday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 14. Given how difficult this year has been with the war between Israel and Gaza and attacks on Israel from Hezbollah and Iran, Cantor Young and Rabbi London invited some of our Israeli colleagues to send us a video about how they are marking Yom Ha’Atzmaut this year. We will air that video during Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, May 10. Cantor Young and Rabbi London will also share their thoughts and some prayers via video as they will be out of town on May 10. We will welcome Shabbat at 5:45 pm with a delicious Oneg before services, featuring the flavors of Israel that give a taste of unexpected and familiar favorites. On the actual day of Yom Ha’atzmaut, May 14, Beth Emet is cosponsoring a musical event at (give details). Noa is not only a fine Israeli musician, but her performances are soulful and heartfelt and will help us reflect on this moment.

Hope & Resilience: Celebrate Israel at 76 with Achinoam Nini

Tuesday, May 14 | 7:00 pm | Am Shalom (840 Vernon; Glencoe) Beth Emet is a Joint Sponsor

In celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) Israeli musician and internationally acclaimed singer, Achinoam Nini — known simply as Noa — will join the Chicago Jewish community for a celebration of song. Her unique fusion of 1960s folk sounds with her Yemenite roots and the jazz beats of her musical partner, Gil Dor, reflects the essence of multicultural Israel.

BE Involved

Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat

An Oneg Shabbat is such a wonderful way to welcome Shabbat together as a community. Consider sponsoring an Oneg to honor a special occasion or remember a loved one... or just because you'd like to sponsor one! You may either make/bake your own or have it catered.


Upcoming Ongei Shabbat (plural for Oneg):

  • Friday, May 3 at 5:45 pm Sponsored by David and Bonnie Turner in Memory of His Brother, Howard Turner.
  • Friday May 10 at 5:45 pm Sponsored by Generous Donors of the Israel Committee.
  • Friday, May 24 at 5:45 pm Sponsored by The Schachter Family in Honor of Maya Becoming a Kabbalat Mitzvah
  • Friday, May 31 at 5:45 pm sponsored by Andy Huckman, on His Mother, Beverly Huckman's, 5th Anniversary of Her Yahrzeit

Are you interested in sponsoring an upcoming Oneg please email Bekki

LifeCycle Notices

Kabbalat Mitzvah of Danica Bohbot; Child of Marit and Jacques Bohbot

Saturday, May 4

"Hi, my name is Danica Bohbot. I go to Lincoln Hall, middle school, my favorite subject is math. My favorite things to do outside of school are playing with my three guinea pigs, playing the alto saxophone, and traveling. I’m looking forward to carrying on the tradition of having a Kabbalat Mitzvah that so many people have carried before me."

Birth

Mazel tov to the parents Yael Schwartz, daughter of Marci Dickman & Ralph Schwartz, and Avi Fagan, & nephew of Aviva, Hillel, & Ari on the birth of Jackson Alexander. Born March 22 2024. (Read more)

Death notice

We regret to inform you of Herbert Krug, husband of the late Judith Krug and father of Steven Krug and Michelle Litchman, died on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (Read more)

Sign Up to Receive Lifecycle Notices

To receive announcements for all births, weddings, and deaths, add your name to the mailing list through MyBethEmet (our member portal) on your individual page or contact Miriam.

Reminders

Looking for a Lost Item at Beth Emet

Our Lost and Found Box is overflowing! We will be donating all items left in office on May 19 please email Miriam if you think yours might be one that's missing.

Membership Year Drawing to a Close June 30

As we near the end of the membership year, we ask you to please check your account to confirm that all balances are paid or plan to be paid by the end of the year. Payments may be made easily online through the My Beth Emet portal of the Beth Emet website. Please note, all auto pay plans must be renewed each year and for each specific charge (e.g. Membership Commitment, Beit Sefer and Kabbalat Mitzvah Fees) Questions? Email Debbie.

Consider a Donation to Beth Emet!

It's a great way to honor or remember someone special or celebrate a wonderful moment in the life of the congregation. This is one important way to support our community. For questions, contact Miriam.

Donate!

Community Happenings

Lunch and Learn: Toddlers & Technology

Tuesday, May 7 | 12:15 pm | Zoom

Please join JCC Chicago & Sarah Pila, Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (and JCC Chicago at Beth Emet Parent), as she shares information about the effects of media and technology on child development (the positives AND negatives). Sarah will also discuss real-world best practices guided by research in this area. Sarah earned her doctorate in Media, Technology, and Society at Northwestern University, working in the Center on Media and Human Development. Her research interests focus on the benefits of prosocial and educational media for young children.

No Shame on You Presents Resilience and Mental Illness

May 19 | 6:15 pm | Levy Center

Embark on a captivating journey as we delve into the remarkable experiences of a true leader, Major General Gregg Martin. A towering figure in the Army, Major General Martin's story is one of resilience, intellect, and unwavering dedication. Discover the essence of leadership as we uncover Major General Martin's remarkable journey - from his athletic prowess to his quick wit, devout spirit, and insatiable thirst for knowledge. As a master of engineering and leadership, Major General Martin was handpicked to lead thousands of combat engineers in paving the path for over 100,000 Army troops during the historic battle for Baghdad in 2003.

Services at Beth Emet (5/3-5/5)

Join us for an immersive experience! Find all the links for LiveControl (streaming from the Sanctuary), Zoom, and registration exclusively on our website. To follow along please click below.

Friday, May 3

Oneg, Sponsored by David & Bonnie Turner in Memory of His Brother, Howard Turner

5:45 pm In-person

Kabbalat Shabbat Services

6:30 pm In-person & Livecontrol

Saturday, May 4

Kahal Shabbat Morning Service

9:30 am | In-person and Zoom

Weekly Torah Portion: Acharei Mot

Torah: Leviticus 17:1-9 (follow along)

Haftarah: Ezekiel 22:1-19 (follow along)

Kahal Potluck

Following services | In-person only

Kabbalat Mitzvah of Danica Bohbot; Child of Marit & Jacques Bohbot

10:30 am | In-person and Zoom

Sunday, May 5

Sunday Morning Minyan

9:00 am | In-person and Zoom

For questions or to be added to the listserv, contact Jonathan Hartman-Seeskin.

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