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Dear :
As we move through the months of Av and August, I find myself lingering in the sunny days and a bit anxious about the upcoming school year. The details, the newness, the challenges both beckon me and push me a bit. In addition, the situation in Israel creates a constant sadness and tension that I struggle to balance with my daily life. And I am usually a bit weary about whether I will be ready for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur when those days arrive.
This year the month of Elul which begins on August 27th, coincides with the beginning of the school year which means that we have almost a full month after the summer vacation to prepare for the high holidays. Seeing synagogue friends again or getting more comfortable in our community, studying or reflecting on ways to improving ourselves, searching for new recipes - all help to make the high holidays more meaningful and engaging.
I hope you will take advantage of our variety of Elul offerings this year; we strive to create programs for all ages and interests. Perhaps you would like to dine and learn with our clergy, improve your Hebrew skills, or study text about the beginning of our Torah. A family trip to a Jewish farm may inspire positive changes for the New Year or perhaps the thought of God assessing our deeds feels daunting or odd and that is where you would like to focus.
Please see the Elul Learning Opportunities box below to read more about these programs or visit us online.
Wishing you and your family a very healthy and inspiring year,
Marci Dickman
Director of Lifelong Learning
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Elul, the Hebrew month preceding the High Holidays, is traditionally set aside for reflection and repentance in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. During the month of Elul (corresponding to August 27-September 24), Beth Emet is offering a series of classes and activities that encourage reflection, rejuvenation, and renewal.
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Psalm 27 and Having a Conversation with God
with Stacey Robinson
Wednesday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. ___________________________________________________________________
Re-New Your Hebrew with Bluma Stoller
Sundays, September 14 & 21 at 10:45 a.m. ___________________________________________________________________
To RSVP for the Elul 5774 learning opportunities, please contact Debbie Gilbert or call 847-869-4230 ext. 308.
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KEDOSHIM TIHIYU (EMBRACING HOLINESS)
Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat Services are always special, but here are a few you may not want miss:
Kabblat Shabbat with Rabbi Peter Knobel
Friday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Catch up with Rabbi Knobel at the 5:45 p.m. reception and hear him deliver the D'var Torah during services. Wage Theft and Our Religious Call Fourth Friday Speaker
Friday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.
What are we doing here?
What are we doing when we pray?
A joint D'var Torah by Jonathan Hartman-Seeskin and Roger Price.
Friday, September 5 at 6:30 p.m.
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BETH EMET COMMUNITY
B.E. a Neighbor
How well do you know the Beth Emet members that live in your vicinity? Neighborhood gatherings are coming your way!
While Beth Emet is located in Evanston, our neighborhood roots extend beyond our borders. Create new congregational connections and strengthen existing ties through this new initiative that brings together Beth Emet neighbors in member homes. We hope to have our first series of social events following the High Holidays. We are looking for volunteers to be Neighborhood Captains to host an initial event and to serve as a neighborhood liaison. If you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact Elaine Lev, Suzanne Coffey, or Rebecca Raus at [email protected].
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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 next dinner will be Friday, September 5 at Bravo! Cucina Italiana (1701 Maple Ave., 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
with any questions.
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Dear Congregation,
Many of you have been worried about Itay Solomon, our very own Paratrooper who has been serving in Gaza these past weeks fighting Hamas. We have heard from him, he is safely out of Gaza for the time being. We have been able to collect quite a bit of money from your generous contributions, and we are getting ready to send the money for his company next week. We hope that this money will help them prepare for the cold of winter, and to repair and replace gear damaged in the weeks of rough fighting in Gaza. There is still time to make a donation.
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
Thank you for your generosity.
Zach Selch
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Beth Emet offers a variety of worship options for the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays). From Traditional Reform and Morning Chavurah Services, to special worship and learning opportunities for adults, youth, and families with young children, the entire community can find a service to suit their holiday needs. Learn more by reviewing the High Holiday Information Packet or purchase your name badges (tickets) today by filling out the Online Confirmation Form.
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5775 Memorial Book: Deadline for Entries is Monday, August 25
On Yom Kippur it is a tradition to remember those members of our families and community who have died in years past. During theYizkor (Memorial) Service we reflect on our connection to those who have come before us and we focus on our own mortality as we prepare for the coming year.
When we memorialize the name of a departed beloved it is a tradition to give Tzedakah in that person's memory. On Yom Kippur, Beth Emet distributes a Memorial Book that includes names of those members who wish to remember the memories of their loved ones in this way.
To update or include any names of those you would like remembered at this special time, or if you have any questions please contact us in the office at 847-869-4230 or via e-mail at [email protected].
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FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
New! Half Day and Full Day Options For 2014-2015 We're excited to offer more options for the convenience of busy families. For information about our classes, visit us online. We'd also love to show you around our wonderful school! Call Kathy to schedule a tour and talk with parents in our program.
Always the 3 rd Saturday each month at 9:00 a.m.
- Tot Shabbat will be held at Noah's Playground (2611 Sheridan Road in Evanston) on August 16.
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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
Chavayah and Talmidim BBQ
Sunday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m.* at the home of Rabbi Andrea London (1424 Washington in Evanston)
Learn about the exciting opportunities for students in grades 9, 10, and 11! Families are welcome to dinner even if you have not yet registered for the fall programs, come and join the fun! RSVP to Abby Backer at [email protected].
*please note the date on the June, July, and August postcard was listed incorrectly as as Tuesday, August 19.
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GENERAL COMMUNITY
Mitzvah opportunity! North Shore Senior Center is looking for drivers to help transport seniors to and from medical appointments. More
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Progressive Chevre Kadisha ("holy society" organization of men and women who help prepare bodies for burial) training August 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Chicago Jewish Funerals.
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Headed to College? Jump start your college experience with Hillel at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a special Jewish Freshman Orientation Retreat (psst...you can also surprise your favorite student with bagels!)
If you know of students who will be attending Indiana University in the Fall and would like to know about Jewish life on campus visit www.iuhillel.org and click on sign up today. You can also join our Facebook group.
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