What's New at BJBE - August 30, 2010
Dear Congregants,
Yet another reminder that we are now in full High Holy Day preparation at BJBE. If you have not yet returned your ticket request form, please do so immediately.
I also want to urge everyone, but especially our younger families, to consider participating in the ancient Jewish tradition of remembering our loved ones during this Festival Season. Even if you have never done so before, please think to remember your Loved Ones in our Book of Memory. The inclusion of these names is an important link with these beloved individuals, with the long chain of the Jewish community, and is an important lesson for our children.
LULAV AND ETROG ORDERS are due to the BJBE Office by Wednesday, September 1. The cost for a lulav and etrog is $50. Email Karen at kswidler@bjbe.org to place your order.
A final High Holy Day reminder. Congregants must bring their own prayer books to all evening and Traditional (11:30 AM) Morning Services. This is the red book “Gates of Repentance.” Books are available to purchase during office hours for $25 each.
HIGH HOLY DAY ACT OF KINDNESS. The BJBE Caring Committee (Kehilat Shalom) needs High Holiday Volunteer callers in the evening of Tuesday, August 31st. We have a wonderful tradition. Volunteer callers call each BJBE household to wish our members a happy and healthy New Year. We make calls from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Eugene Cohen Insurance Agency. You have the option of calling for part or all of the two hours. Food will be provided. Please contact Marti Greenberg at mlbgreenberg@aol.com to help. Thank you.
T’AI CHI CH’UAN at BJBE! We are now offering a weekly, Thursday morning T’ai Chi class from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM led by Dr. Andrew Serlin. The first month of classes is free! After that, walk ins will be $12 per class or $100 for a 10 class package. Enhance the energy of your mind, body and spirit and gain sensitivity, focus and balance for your life. We hope you join us.
MIZMOR L’SHABBAT EVENING SERVICES is back! This week, Friday, September 3, please join our clergy and our acclaimed Tefillah Band as we DEDICATE THE NEW ARK in our Sacred Hall! Services begin at 7:30 PM.
BJBE continues our new SHABBAT MORNING Service Schedule. We will now have our Kol Shabbat Service every week from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. This Service will be followed by our Torah Study from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The B’nai Mitzvah Service is transitioning from a 10:30 AM start to a 10:45 AM start to accommodate the new opportunities that morning. If you have not come lately to a Shabbat Morning Service, you are encouraged to discover this “hidden gem” in your congregation.
SELICHOT SERVICES will be this Saturday, September 4. Join us for a reception at 7:00 PM, and a Study Session at 7:30 PM titled “Personal Spiritual Journey: The Quest for Meaning and God in Judaism.” This panel discussion featuring Susan Diamond, Marcus Newman and Jordan Taitel will be moderated by Rabbi Stoller. The Selicot Service featuring our High Holy Day Choir will begin at 8:30 PM.
There has been some confusion expressed with regards to the $10 per child per service fee for HIGH HOLY DAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING. This programming is the High Holy Day-appropriate childcare (babysitting if you prefer) offered during our High Holy Day Services for youth who may be too young or inattentive to sit during Services. This is not the same as the L’dor V’dor Service beginning at 9:00 AM. That Service is intended as Multi-Generational Service appropriate for all ages from kindergarten up and is free to members.
The BJBE CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC will be at 11:30 AM, immediately following Religious School on Sunday, September 12th, The picnic takes place, rain or shine, in the fields adjacent to Caruso Middle School and is free to the entire congregation and community. BYOB: Bring your own Blanket. There will be a softball game beginning sometime during the picnic so bring your mitts too!
NOTE NEW DATE: The BJBE NETWORKING GROUP is now up and running. The meetings have been very successful, people are getting to know each other and business IS being generated. The next meeting is Thursday, September 16 at 7:30 AM at BJBE! We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, pelase contact Ira Singer at ira@mosaicconstruction.net.
SUCCOT! On Sunday, September 19, BJBE is offering assistance to those congregants who are building a succah in your own homes. We will then be hosting a “Succah Walk” on Sunday, September 26 to visit some of them! For more information, contact Steven Weinstock at steven@weinstock.org.
Do you want your children to do more hands-on mitzvah projects? Are you interested in performing tikkun olam and learning about Social Justice with your family? Be involved in a BJBE group for families with young children (approx. PreK – grade 6). Come to our first planning meeting of the year on Sunday, September 19 at 9:30 AM at temple. No RSVP necessary. If you have ideas that you want to pass on, contact Alison Bloom at ajsbloom@comcast.net
TUESDAY MORNING GUIDED RELAXATION will begin on September 21 and continue each week from 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM. Set your intention, kavannah, for your Talmud Torah study by clearing your mind, relaxing and renewing your body and mind. Margot Andersen, yoga instructor, will gently guide you through a relaxation session. You can sit in a chair or lie on a yoga mat----close your eyes and breathe! Admission is free.
Have you been considering the ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASS but been unable to make up your mind? Come try it out! Master Teacher Phyllis Steiner will be offering a “Taste of the Adult B’nai Mitzvah” on Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00 PM. For more information, please contact Phyllis Steiner, our wonderful instructor at 847-729-7366 or at phyllissteiner@comcast.net.
Join Cantor Frost for a special, one night only movie presentation. “100 VOICES: A JOURNEY HOME” will be shown at the AMC Lincolnshire on Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com/ 100 voices and view the trailer at www.100voicesmovie.com.
SUNDAY YOGA RETURNS! Sunday morning Yoga with Rachel Dewan begins again on Sunday September 26. Your first class is FREE. Investment: $12/drop in class, $100/10-class card (cards from last year still good!) All levels welcome! Contact Rachel with any questions racheldewan@comcast.net or call 914.980.5879.
Join the Men's Club for the Bears vs Packers during Monday Night Football, September 27. Kickoff is at 6:30 PM at the RAM Restaurant in Wheeling. See our flyer at http://bjbe.org/sites/default/files/docs/MNFflyer.pdf
Men’s Club has been challenged by the Senior and Junior Youth Groups to a softball game at the upcoming Congregational Picnic. Please let me know if you can play. Fred Beslow FredBeslow@GMail.Com
Sisterhood is planning on sending college boxes again this year. This is Sisterhood’s way of keeping in touch with our college students by sending greetings and/or small gifts. The deadline for your student to receive a New Year’s greeting as well as a Chanukah greeting and Purim package is Sept. 6. The deadline for your student to receive a Chanukah greeting and Purim package is Nov. 6. We welcome any questions. Look for the form to sign up your students in the Mid –Month Mailer or contact Sandra Leon at howiesandra@hotmail.com or Ethel Kikoler at maiznblu@comcast.net.
The 2010-2011 year for BJBE Sisterhood is just beginning! Save the date and please join us for the Sisterhood Membership Dinner on Wednesday, October 6 at 6:30 at BJBE. We will be entertained by the talented improv team of SHEILA’S SISTER. Admission: Annual Membership Dues-$41. For more information contact Gloria Marron at glor1225@hotmail.com or (847) 272-6082. RSVP’S ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE DINNER. Please RSVP by Sept. 26 to Terry Sachsel at (847) 296-8840 or tandpirate@aol.com NOTE: As part of Sisterhood’s Social Action Project please bring toiletry items for a troop in Afghanistan. You may also make a donation of $12.50, the shipping cost for one box.
We are forming a BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP for those who have lost a loved one within the past 3 years. Please join us the first Thursday of each month, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM as we come together to create a spark of light during this difficult time. The first meeting will be on Thursday, Oct 7th. Admission is free. Please call Margot Andersen, MSW for more information: 847-272-4090.
Sisterhood is selling ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS. See one on display in the Gift Shop to learn about all the new discounts for this year! Cost is $25. For more information contact Sue Beslow 847-272-7359 or Sharon Allen 847-299-6122.
You have recently received a letter from BJBE alerting you to some exciting new features of our website including the ability to make ONLINE DONATIONS, to check an ONLINE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY and updating your MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION. Please check out the website at www.bjbe.org!
CHAVURAH HAPPENINGS: A Chavurah is a small group of temple members who gather to socialize, study and celebrate Jewish life together. Joining a Chavurah helps to create a more intimate sense of community within the larger BJBE congregation. Want to join? We are always looking to place BJBE members in a Chavurah group or are happy to help you form your own BJBE Chavurah group. For more information contact Elizabeth Tenner: etenner24@yahoo.com.
MONDAY MORNING MEDITATION continues each Monday morning at 9 AM. Join Stephanie Metz for a half hour silent and guided meditation to begin your week in a calm and focused state of mind. Experience the transformative effect it can have. For more information, contact Stephanie at stephyogagirl@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY MORNING MINYON: Our weekday morning Minyan meets every Wednesday in the BJBE Chapel from 6:45-7:15 AM. For an audio CD to help you learn the weekday melodies, please email Rabbi Stoller at bstoller@bjbe.org.
Make certain to visit your new Judaica Shop to do all of your gift shopping. See the large selection of Israeli made items sure to please everyone. Shopping at our Gift Shop is now easier than ever! Shop 24/7 on the BJBE website featuring a large variety of Israeli made items and the advantage of a gift registry. Please visit http://bjbe.judaicabeautiful.com for your Judaica needs. For info please call Julie at 847-299-3528 or Audrey at 847-788-9084.
AUGUST TZEDAKAH: Jewish Funds for Justice helps people in the United States achieve social and economic security and opportunity by investing in healthy neighborhoods, vibrant Jewish communities, and skillful leaders. Their holistic approach to social change includes grant making and loans, service learning, leadership development, organizing, education, and advocacy. www.jewishjustice.org Please give generously.
HELP NEEDED! If you are still reading this email, then you are truly among the dedicated BJBE members. We are swamped in the office right now and could really use some help this week with our mailing and printing. If you are available to help with the Bulletin and/or Midmonth, please contact Karen Swidler in the office and let us know. Thank you!
If you have any questions about these or any other Temple programs, please feel free to contact the Temple office at (847) 940-7575.
L’Shana Tova!
Marc
What's New at BJBE - July 26, 2010
Dear Congregants,
SPOILER ALERT: The High Holy Days are now only 6 weeks away! It’s time to start checking your mail for the important HIGH HOLY DAY TICKET PACKET that is being mailed tomorrow. Be sure to read the packet carefully this year as there have been some important changes in both the format of some Services and in the ticket request form. Please return your forms as soon as possible so that we can get you your tickets and your first Service choices.
RESALE, RESALE, RESALE! Sisterhood’s annual Resale will be held from Friday, July 30 through Monday, August 2 here at BJBE. Hours are Friday 9-3, Sunday 9-4, and Monday noon to 7. DROP OFF of items from 10 AM to 4 PM on July 19 through July 29 at the South Entrance to BJBE (beside the tollway). Please remember that all donations should be in good, clean condition and all clothes on hangers. Please help us make this our biggest sale ever. For more info please call Marcia Patt at 847- 650-2134 or Diane Sachs at 847-559-8950.
SHABBAT EVENING SERVICES this week, Friday, July 30 will begin at 6:30 PM at BJBE.
SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY. Join us from 9-10 AM for study and discussion of this week’s Torah portion led by one of our talented lay teachers. Our teachers have worked very hard to prepare interesting and insightful sessions, so please come out and support our fellow congregants as they lead us in the mitzvah of Torah study. Our Torah study teacher for July 31 is Marcus Newman. He will be teaching on the topic of “Love will Keep Us Together.” Our Torah study teacher for August 7 is Doris Schyman. She will be teaching on the topic of “This is Only a Test: God’s Role in our Lives and History.” Our Torah study teacher for August 14 is Shawna Sabranasky. She will be teaching on the topic of “Pursuing Justice Justly.”
Immediately following Torah Study, please join our clergy for an a cappella SHABBAT MORNING MINYON beginning at 10:15 AM and followed by a Kiddish luncheon at 11:15 AM.
Meet members of the BJBE Post Carpool Club on Tuesday, August 3 at the Botanic Garden for the free 6 PM concert “Classic Songs of the Sixties.” Bring your own picnic dinner or purchase food at the Botanic Garden. We will provide dessert. Some folding chairs are available, but you may prefer to bring your own lawn chair. If you are not a member of the Botanic Garden, and would like to carpool with someone who has a car sticker, please let Carol know. Please contact Carol Berger, PCP Coordinator, indicating you will attend. ponderer4552@sbcglobal.net 847 205-9793.
The ISRAEL SCOUTS-TZOFIM SCOUTS CARAVAN will arrive at BJBE on Monday, August 9 at 7 PM. Bring your kids and entire family to this lively presentation in song and dance where 10 highly talented Israeli teenage boys and girls share their personal stories and dreams with the assembled. There is no fee and reservations are not necessary. An ice cream reception will follow.
It is “Membership Season” and we have two PROSPECTIVE MEMBER COFFEES scheduled for August. Please invite your friends to join our clergy, Sandy Robbins, and our leadership and discover the special community we share here at BJBE. Membership information spreads most effectively and commonly through word of mouth and we are grateful to all of you who speak so positively about BJBE with your friends. They DO call and they DO mention all the wonderful things you say. The first coffee will be on August 3 at the home of Rachel and Scott Tzinberg and the second will be on August 16 at the home of Laura and Tyler Passmore. If you have any questions, please contact or Membership Chair, Rachel Fersten, at rfersten1@yahoo.com
Our next OUTDOOR SHABBAT SERVICE will be on Friday, August 13 at Wood Oaks Park in Northbrook. We have also changed the format of the meal for the evening. We are asking you to bring your own dinner and BJBE will provide the drinks and dessert. The picnic begins at 6 PM and Services begin sometime around 6:30.
The Men’s Club 1st Annual GOLF outing was cancelled again, this time to the course being under water. But, it has been rescheduled to August 15, 12:45 (Noon warm-ups), at the Sunset Valley Golf Club in Highland Park . Fee of $65 includes greens fees, cart, your choice of hot dog or burger, and non-alcoholic beverage. Prize for lowest score. Contact Bob Hillman, 847-962-1586, careervideos@hotmail.com.
Men's Club is sponsoring a father/child outing to a SCHAUMBERG FLYERS baseball game on Sunday, August 29th. We have great seats next to the Flyers dugout, rows 1-3. Tickets are only $11 each. Responses are due by 8/16. Please see our flyer on the Men's Club page or contact Jack Goldberg (jhg63@sbcblobal.net). Along with the email response, please send the stub with your check to Jack.
Nuture your Jewish soul while walking in the beauty of nature. Walking, meditation and journaling of your inspired wisdom will be the focus of this two hour class. Come prepared to relax in nature and to understand how the "wilderness" has always been a part of Judaism and Jewish spiritual practice. The class will be held on Sunday, August 29th from 9-11 am at Ryerson Woods, Brushwood entrance. For more information contact Cyndee Kawalek at 847-298-8738 or c_kawalek@yahoo.com.
HIGH HOLY DAY USHERING slots are available. If you are interested in being an usher for the inaugural Services at BJBE, please contact our Usher Captain, Bob Levine at rlevine@adv-eyecare.com.
A new ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASS is now forming for Fall 2010-2011. This BJBE program is a year-long, weekly course to prepare adults for an adult bar/bat mitzvah. You will learn to read Hebrew and chant the basic Shabbat prayers, learn about the Jewish calendar and holidays, read and discuss Tanach together. This course culminates with a group Adult B'nei Mitzvah ceremony. If you are interested, we must hear from you! Please contact Phyllis Steiner, our wonderful course instructor at 847-729-7366 or phyllissteiner@comcast.net.
CHAVURAH HAPPENINGS: A Chavurah is a small group of temple members who gather to socialize, study and celebrate Jewish life together. Joining a Chavurah helps to create a more intimate sense of community within the larger BJBE congregation. Want to join? We are always looking to place BJBE members in a Chavurah group or are happy to help you form your own BJBE Chavurah group. For more information contact Elizabeth Tenner at etenner24@yahoo.com.
BJBE has a unique opportunity this summer to BUY SHARES OF ORGANIC PRODUCE right here on the North Shore , and support Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Primrose Valley Farm, owned and operated by North Shore residents David and Jamie Baker, is in Southwest Wisconsin . The Bakers farm with Jewish values and donate a portion of their crop each week to the ARK and have also committed to supporting Project NOURISH here at BJBE. Primrose Valley Farm will deliver shares for North Shore families on Wednesday afternoons at Solomon Schechter school on Dundee Ave in Northbrook from August through October 2010. If you are interested in signing up to receive shares of the tasty, organic produce, please visit http://primrosevalleyfarm.com/2010season.htm#. For more information, please contact Ruth Miller or Donna Fishman.
WEDNESDAY MORNING MINYON: Our weekday morning Minyan continues through the summer on Wednesday’s from 6:45-7:15 AM at BJBE. For an audio CD to help you learn the weekday melodies, please email Rabbi Stoller at bstoller@bjbe.org.
Make certain to visit your Judaica Shop to do all of your gift shopping. See the large selection of Israeli made items sure to please everyone. Shopping at our Gift Shop is now easier than ever! Shop 24/7 on the BJBE website featuring a large variety of Israeli made items and the advantage of a gift registry. Please visit http://bjbe.judaicabeautiful.com for your Judaica needs. For info please call Julie at 847-299-3528 or Audrey at 847-788-9084.
JULY TZEDAKAH: Save A Torah and Gulf Coast Recovery Fund. Save A Torah’s mission is to locate, acquire, restore, and resettle Torahs to enrich the prayer and educational experiences of a community and serve as a continuing reminder of the community of origin. www.saveatorah.org The URJ’s Gulf Coast Recovery Fund is designed to help the people most affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Fund will be used to support grass roots organizations in the region that are assisting those who are out of work, retraining people for new jobs and working on recovering the coastline. Contribute at http://urj.org/give/gulfcoast.org Please give generously.
If you have any questions about these or any other Temple programs, please feel free to contact the Temple office at (847) 940-7575.
L’Shalom,Marc
BJBE Sukkot Program
1. LEARN
How to Build a Sukkah
Sunday, August 22, 10 a.m. at BJBE
A live demonstration will prove just how easy, quick, and affordable it is to do! Sukkah kits will be available to pre-order at a discount. Available sizes include 8’x8’, 8’x12’, 12’x12’, and larger, so be sure to measure your patio or deck in advance. For more information, contact Steven Weinstock at steven@weinstock.org.
2. BUILD
Your Own Sukkah at Home
Sunday, September 19, after religious school
Experienced Sukkah builders will be available to come to your home and help you build your Sukkah! It's easy to do and won't take more than an hour!
3. CELEBRATE
In Our 1st BJBE Sukkah Crawl
Sunday, September 26, after religious school
Host BJBE congregants and clergy in your Sukkah, or visit a Sukkah in your area. To participate in the Sukkah Crawl, contact Laura Singer at laurasinger18@mac.com.
BJBE Receives Gift from CJHS
High School Welcomes Synagogue Neighbors with a Gift for New Beginnings
February 10, 2010
On Monday, February 8, Chicagoland Jewish High School (CJHS) welcomed its new neighbors, Congregation B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim (BJBE), with a special housewarming gift to foster their new relationship and to celebrate new beginnings. The school presented the synagogue with a handmade batik table cloth made by CJHS students and siblings Kailee and Eden Shraiberg, with the help of Marla Snyder, CJHS Photography and Studio Art Teacher. Titled “Breisheit” (Hebrew for “In the beginning”), the gift was accompanied with a personalized poem written by CJHS students Aliza Small and Jordan Shapiro.
See the entire press release attached.
