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Dear :
 Since 2001 I have not missed a single summer of Jewish overnight camp; like a salmon going upstream I am pretty sure that it is ingrained in my DNA. What a treat it was for me to spend the last two weeks serving as segel (faculty) at Camp OSRUI, leading services and Jewish identity programming. Many of of my most memorable moments from the past two weeks, however, come from the informal moments: stretching with a group of six boys after a hard hike on the Ice Age Trail, hearing their pride in carrying packs half their size for many miles; watching teens support each other as they climb sheer rock walls at Devils Lake; the silence of one hundred campers and staff during a meditative Sh'ma on Shabbat morning; even discussing Jewish identity with a madricha (counselor) during her free period. It is these immersive environments that build not just strong Jewish identity, but the skills and values for coping with an at times, confusing world.
As I settle back into my routine, I am reminded of the many challenges we face as a Jewish community as we hear of troubling news each day. I hope you will join me in today's collective Jewish-Muslim fast which will culminate in an event at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Evanston's Fountain Square to ask how we will break the cycle of violence and to create a vision of hope in Israel/Palestine. Today the Muslim and Jewish calendars align as our two communities commemorate the middle of Ramadan and the 17th of Tammuz respectively (the 17th of Tammuz marks the day that the walls of Jerusalem were breached, leading to the destruction of the Temple). For both traditions, this is a day dedicated to taking an accounting of the soul, to taking responsibility, for correcting and purifying, to turning in repentance.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to once again welcome Abby Backer, Beth Emet's next Director of Youth Programs. Over the next two weeks she and I will be working closing together as I prepare to depart Beth Emet on July 31. Teens, be sure to stop by on Wednesday, July 23 any time between 5:00-6:30 p.m. to meet Abby and help paint a new mural in the Perlman Room Annex.
L'Shalom,
Yoni
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We hope you will attend the Congregational Meeting on Wednesday, July 16 at
7:30 p.m. The Meeting will be addressing proposed amendments to the Beth Emet Constitution, providing an in-depth update regarding the Synagogue's budgets and finances, and discussing the nature of and timelines for our upcoming capital campaign. More information.
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JEWISH-MUSLIM FAST & PRAYERS FOR PEACE
TONIGHT - Tuesday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Fountain Square in Evanston (corner of Davis and Sherman)
Friends - In response to the current violence in Israel/Palestine, Jews and Muslims in Chicago will join in a collective fast on Tuesday, July 15, when our two calendars converge:
The Fast of the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz (for the Jews this is a fast commemorating the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the Temple was destroyed) and the middle of the Fast of the Muslim Month of Ramadan.
Chicagoland Jews and Muslims will meet in Evanston, at Fountain Square (corner of Sherman and Davis, just steps from Davis CTA and Metra stations), at 6:00pm. . Prominent Jewish and Muslim leaders will offer statements and prayers for peace and healing; to express sorrow over the loss of life and to create a vision of hope. We will show empathy for each other's pain and share in a collective prayer for peace, and a better future which our peoples deserve.
For both traditions, this is a day dedicated to taking an accounting of the soul, to taking responsibility, for correcting and purifying, to turning in repentance. The plan is to direct two peoples on this day to a kind of summit, during which everyone is invited to take part, to fast in identification with the suffering, the violence, the pain of one's self and the other, to ask how we will break the cycle of violence and to create a vision of hope.
As one author (who lost his son in war) recently said: the situation is too desperate for us to drown ourselves in despair.
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BETH EMET COMMUNITY
Donate to Battalion 202 - A Message from Congregant Itay Solomon
Dear Beth Emet Community,  My name is Itay Solomon. Until I graduated from high school two years ago, I was an active member of the Beth Emet community. Growing up at Beth Emet, I was engaged in Beth Emet's educational and youth programming, a Leo-Beck Scholar on the EIE High School in Israel and a camper/madrich at OSRUI for many years.
I made Aliyah after graduating from ETHS and I am currently serving in the IDF, as a commander in the 202 battalion of the Paratrooper brigade. The platoon in which I am serving as a sergeant is comprised of young soldiers who just this week finished their year-long training. They are now beginning their service within the brigade, in which they will be engaging in guard duty on the northern border of Israel, challenging war-preparation exercises and various operations for the security of Israel and the Jewish people.
This past month the 202 battalion played a major role in the "Brother's Keeper" operation, in which my platoon was tasked with searching for the three kidnapped teenagers who went missing near Hebron. The "Brother's Keeper" operation is far from over, as the whole nation mourns the death of the kidnapped youths whose bodies were discovered earlier today. The Palestinian terrorists responsible for their deaths are still out there, and the IDF must remain vigilant to confront the threats which face the State and people of Israel today.
Throughout the course of the "Brother's Keeper" operation, it was evident that our young platoon lacked the necessary gear to conduct missions to the best of our abilities. As you may know, the IDF does not pay soldiers real salaries, and very often the burden of outfitting a soldier falls on the family. The IDF is a melting pot with soldiers from all walks of socio-economic life represented in our platoon. I am reaching out to the Beth Emet community to help us purchase comfortable clothing to keep us warm and safe and materials to improve our equipment.
We would like to thank you in advance for your generosity and support. Your donations will improve the service conditions of these 40 young Paratroopers and our capability to carry out our responsibility to defend the State of Israel.
תודה רבה!!
Itay Solomon
If you are able to help out Itay and the 120 members of his company we would like to suggest the following contributions:
$50 will provide a rain coat
$30 a warm undershirt
$10 a pair of socks
$5 a roll of duct tape (used for gear maintenance)
Or for $95 you can outfit one soldier
Your contributions will help these young men stay warm and comfortable while they provide security to the people of Israel.
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Beginning on Friday, August 1 following Kabbalat Shabbat, enjoy Shabbat dinner at a nearby restaurant with fellow Beth Emet congregants! Once a month (on the first Friday), Dinner After offers a wonderful opportunity to dine with old friends, or to make new friends in the Beth Emet community!
Our first Dinner will be at Trattoria DOC (706 Main Street in Evanston). After services, Congregants will meet in the Foyer near the elevator before leaving for the restaurant. Dinner payment will be on separate checks at the restaurant. Please contact Arlene Berke with any questions.
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Bake Dessert for the Soup Kitchen!
B aking desserts is a great way to involve your family in a social justice activity over the summer. Get a group of individuals, parents, and children together, or work as a family. The Soup Kitchen is also looking for volunteers to prepare and serve food on Wednesday evenings as well as for individuals to serve on the clean-up committee.
Sign up by emailing our volunteer coordinator, Paul Isaacson or by calling 847-869-4230 ext. 333.
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KEDOSHIM TIHIYU (EMBRACING HOLINESS)
Weekday Minyan
Sunday, July 27 at 9:00 a.m.*
Our Weekday Minyan will meet every other Sunday this summer to daven the weekday Shacharit (morning) service. The Weekday Minyan service explores our ritual, liturgical, and musical traditions in a welcoming setting for people new to weekday prayer, while providing a deeper level of sophisticated for people with more experience. Participants are encouraged to wear a Talit and/or Tefilin if they so choose, and community members are available fifteen minutes before the service begins to assist newcomers to these rituals.
*please note date and time change from what was published
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Erev Tisha b'Av Worship Services
Monday, August 4 at 8:00 p.m.
Tisha b'Av is an annual fast day named for the ninth day (Tisha) of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar. It commemorates our mourning for the destruction of the Temples and the exile of the Jewish people from the land of Israel. Sometimes it takes days of memory or longing to help us understand and recognize the
blessings we have now.
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Miss a D'var Torah? Catch up by listening or reading text from past services including June's Fourth Friday speaker Joel Shapira.
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
 | | Approximately 75 congregants braved the rain to pray together on Saturday, July 12 and enjoyed a festive vegetarian potluck lunch. Thanks to all who came out! |
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FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Tot Shabbat -always the 3rd Saturday each month at 9:00 a.m.
- Tot Shabbat will be held at Noah's Playground (2611 Sheridan Road in Evanston) on July 19 and August 16.
Interested in Child Care for 2014-2015?
Early Childhood Extended Day offering for 2014-15 school year! Sign up by August 1 and save 10%. Learn more.
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BEIT SEFER
Beit Sefer Registration remains open for Early Childhood through 12 th grade. Further information and registration material here. If you know anyone who might be interested, please feel free to refer them to Marci Dickman, Director of Lifelong Learning.
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YOUTH
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ISRAEL
To stay up-to-date about Israel visit Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) and read their latest e-newsletter.
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GENERAL COMMUNITY
JCUA presents Iftar in the Synagogue: Rekindle Our Faith, Renew Our Community Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. this event will be held at Chicago Sinai Congregation, 15 W. Delaware Place. "Iftar" is the breaking of the daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This inspiring annual event has grown tremendously in recent years and become an important gathering for both Jewish and Muslim communities. The evening includes Jewish and Muslim prayers, engaging speakers, conversation and a kosher/halal dinner. $10 suggested donation.
Shema-Chakra Meditation with Robin Rothenberg, Monday, July 21 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Beth Emet. The Shema-Chakra Meditation was first 'heard' by Robin while on spiritual retreat in Israel. As she meditated on the Shema, the central prayer of Judaism which calls us to listen and hear the "Oneness of all that is," Robin felt the words vibrating at her chakra centers. The symbolism of each energy center merged with the essence of the six hebrew words of the Shema to create a powerful resonance. This is the meditation she will share with you at this workshop. Using evocative imagery and transcendent musical accompaniment, this is a practice that will stay with you and that you'll be 'called' to return to again and again...
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