B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim

Dear Congregants,

BJBE was proud to host the “Singing for S’mores” Concert to benefit Reform Jewish camping yesterday. We are even prouder to announce that we raised more than $17,000 for our camps! Congratulations to Cantor Frost, Melissa Prober, Bonnie Litch, Cathy Horwitz and the dozens of other volunteers and professionals who made the Chicago concert, the most successful concert in the country! Thank you to everyone who came and who supported our camping system.

WEDNESDAY MORNING MINYON: Our weekday morning Minyan continues on Wednesday’s from 6:45-7:15 AM at BJBE. Cantor Frost has recorded an audio CD to help us learn the weekday morning prayer melodies. If you would like a copy of the CD, please email Rabbi Stoller at bstoller@bjbe.org. What a wonderful way to start your day and also a great way to support your fellow congregants who may need to say Kaddish for a loved one.

COPING WITH LIFE TRANSITIONS. Wed., March 10 at 7:30 PM. Clinical psychologist Dr. Ivan A. Wolfson will speak on making the best of trying times as we go through difficult periods in our lives. Learn coping techniques which can improve how we respond to the various situations, from the joyous to the most challenging of times. This program is sponsored by Sisterhood and the Kehilat Shalom Committee and is open to anyone. For more information contact Marla Craven 847 480-0344 marlacraven@comcast.net or Shelly Wax 847 209-0115 waxclan@aol.com

SHABBAT SERVICES this week will begin at 7:30 PM.

“KOL SHABBAT” MUSICAL SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES meets this week and on the second and fourth Shabbat Morning of each month from 9:00-10:15 AM. Join our clergy and our talented musicians to celebrate Shabbat in a relaxed and informal environment with beautiful music and joyous singing. It’s the perfect way to put the work week behind you and let your spirit soar! The “Kol Shabbat” service is followed by Torah Study with one of our clergy at 10:15 AM.

SHABBAT AFTERNOON ADULT STUDY WITH RABBI SHAPIRO. Rabbi Shaprio’s new study series “Reform Responsa: Questions Moses Never Answered” continues this Saturday, March 13, 12:30—2:00 PM. at BJBE. The Rabbis of the Talmud could never have imagined the kinds of issues that have arisen in the modern world, yet our tradition has found ways to answer them. Find out how. The class will conclude on March 20.

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT STUDY. Judaism teaches us to show concern for the workers who labor to grow and process the food we eat. This Sunday March 14, from 9:45-10:45 am at BJBE, we will discuss how we can ensure that our eating practices express our Jewish values of justice and ethical employment practices.

In less than one hour you can save 3 lives. Donate at BJBE’S BLOOD DRIVE on Sunday, March 14 from 8:30AM - 1:00PM. Registration available online at www.lifesource.org . Go “Locate a Blood Drive” link on the left side, then log-in, then type in Temple BJBE and follow directions. Contact Alison Bloom at 847-831-0593 or ajsbloom@comcast.net with questions, to sign-up or to volunteer to help.

PLEASE NOTE: If you signed up for the Blood Drive during the Purim carnival, please contact Alison to confirm as the sign-up sheet got lost. 

DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES at BJBE’s Multi-generational Family Event sponsored by our amazing Sisterhood! Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and don't forget your dancing shoes on Sunday, March 14th from 4:00-6:00 PM at BJBE. The afternoon will include a DJ, food from Roti Mediterranean Grill, activities from Mummies and Masterpieces, and raffles. The cost is $30 for a family of 5 or fewer ($35 at the door). Make checks payable to “BJBE Sisterhood” and send to Laurie Hopkins at 501 Willow, Deerfield 60015. Questions? contact Michelle Kriegel at michellekriegel@mac.com -847-948-9830 or Luisa Ellenbogen at rmgshgmom@yahoo.com-847-444-0677.

The Men’s Club presents STUDY, SUPPER & STOLLER on Tuesday, Mar 16, at 7:30 PM. Come and learn with our own Rabbi Brian Stoller. This will be the first of two sessions on “Jews and Politics” A Discussion of Why Are Jews Liberals? by Norman Podhoretzear. If you never studied with Rabbi Stoller before, this is a great time to get to know him, and to learn about our culture. Contact Drew Serlin (drewserlin@hotmail.com) or see the flier.

TOT SHABBAT Saturday, March 20th at 9:30 AM. Join us the third Saturday of every month for this wonderful Shabbat Morning Experience. Upcoming dates: April 17th & May 15th.

OUR FINAL "ISRAEL FILM SERIES" EVENT will take place here at BJBE on Saturday, March 20 with "Eitz Limon", Lemon Tree. Please note these schedule changes: BJBE doors will open at 5:00 PM with Reid Schultz's presentation starting at 5:30 PM. Buffet dinner will be served at 6:45 PM, the film will begin at 7:45 PM and Reid will conduct Q and A at 9:45 PM. Individual adult tickets for the full event are $9, movie only is $5. Congregation Beth Shalom will handle all registration. Deadline for dinner reservations is March 15. For details please contact Robbie Schreiber at robbie1008@aol.com. (This series is funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Jewish Education.) 

A BJBE tradition continues as the Sisterhood sponsors our annual CRADLE ROLL PARTY on Sunday, March 21. Our Cradle Roll is for children ages 0-5 years old and their favorite chaperones. This year’s theme will be “shapes” and will begin at 9:45 AM at BJBE. 

On Sunday morning March 21. Debbie Friedman will be giving a concert at Am Shalom in Glencoe. BJBE’s Adult Choir has been asked to participate as part of a larger North Shore Choir Ensemble. The concert will begin at 10:30 AM.

Help our furry friends on Sunday, March 21 from 12:15 – 1:30 pm in the Sacred Hall. Parents or grandparents, come to temple after Religious School with your school–age children for mitzvah projects benefitting Orphans of the Storm animal shelter. We’ll make dog toys and treats and learn about taking care of and rescuing pets (allergy alert – a dog will be present). Collection of newspapers, gently used towels and blankets. $6 per family to cover supplies. RSVP to Alison Bloom at 847-831-0593 or ajsbloom@comcast.net. 

POST CARPOOL CLUB EVENT: Sunday, March 21st at 4:00 PM an Afternoon at the Northbrook Symphony at Glenbrook North (free pre-concert lecture at 2:30). Enjoy the music of Four Fabulous Composers. Balcony seats (no elevator!) are $20.00 each, main floor is available at $25.00. Enjoy a post-Concert dinner together at Max and Benny’s. Dinner is not included in the ticket price. Northbrook Symphony Series Ticket holders are welcome to join the group for dinner, just let Carol know. Please send your check made payable to Congregation BJBE to Carol Berger at 4552 Lindenwood Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062 by March 10th. PCP events are planned for the enjoyment of BJBE members who have no children or children who are post confirmation age. Questions? Contact Carol Berger at 847-205-9793, ponderer4552@sbcglobal.net. 

MAOT CHITIM feeds over 24,000 needy people in the metropolitan area during the High Holy Days and Passover. You can donate funds or your time on March 14 to pack and March 21 to deliver food. Learn more at www.maotchitim.org. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions please contact Brian Aronson – briana@aronsonassociates.com. Thank you for your help. 

Come join us on Monday, March 29, for lox and bagels as we break the Fast of the First Born. This pre-Passover fast commemorates the salvation of the Israelite firstborns during the plague of the Firstborn. Join us for a special morning minyan at 6:45 AM. At the conclusion of the minyan at 7:15 AM, we will enjoy a lox and bagel breakfast. See you then!

PASSOVER will begin on Monday evening, March 29. On the second night, Tuesday, March 30, at 5:30 PM BJBE will be hosting our annual CONGREGATIONAL SEDER led by Rabbi Stoller. The Seder will cost $32 for adults ($40 nonmembers) and $18 for children age 3-9 ($20 nonmembers) and will be catered by Pear Tree. Because we want to make this catered meal so special, please appreciate that we have an early deadline for reservations of March 19. Contact Lynne Kleiman for more information at lynne.kleiman@sbcglobal.net.

The inaugural BUSINESS NETWORKING MEETING for BJBE members who are business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals will take place on Thursday, April 8 from 7:30 to 9:00 AM at BJBE. Create networking opportunities, help grow your business, discuss business topics, and enhance your relationship within our community. Questions or RSVP to Ira Singer at ira@mosaicconstruction.net.

BJBE SISTERHOOD presents the Second Annual "Games Galore Plus More" on April 14th from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. at BJBE where you can play your favorite game of Maj, Canasta, Bridge, Board Games, etc. Bring your friends and neighbors for Dinner, Gourmet Desserts, Snacks, Raffles and lots of FUN! The cost is $36 in advance ($40 at the door). Questions? Call Midge Colman 847-509-9917, Elaine Kupfer 847-564-1656 or Lois Stiglitz 847-498-3337.

BJBE is proud to be hosting the NFTY KOLBO this spring, April 16-18 (it’s the regional kallah for our Senior Youth Group). One of our responsibilities as host is to house the teens who will be attending. If you are interested in housing at least 3 teens that weekend, please contact Lenny or Lisa Ostach at 847-383-5198 or lostach@comcast.net. 

BJBE’s Artist-in-Residence DAN NICHOLS will be inspiring us during the weekend of April 23 through 25. Please be sure to mark the weekend in your calendar and stay “tuned” for further details.

G’milut Chasadim Opportunity: Participate in the INSPIRATION CAFE. Join other BJBE congregants as we cook, set up and serve dinner to guests at the Inspiration Cafe. Various Saturdays, from approximately 4:00-7:00 pm at 4554 N. Broadway in Chicago. Upcoming dates are May 29, June 20, August 15, August 30 and October 30. Contact Gil Bathgate at (847) 291-9809, GilB@specialtyprintcomm.com, for more information.

Stop by your JUDAICA SHOP to see the new 'make your own yad' kit suitable for any age future Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Now open on Sundays of Religious School during the Beit Cafe. For more information call Sharon 564-2998, Julie 299-3528, or Gail 564-2339.

Information about programs from the Jewish Employment Network is available at www.bjbe.org/pages/kehilat-shalom.html. Jewish Child and Family Services have a series of terrific programs as well listed at www.jcfs.org.

MARCH TZEDAKAH is the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR). JCDR brings together the experience, expertise and resources of Jewish organizations that assist victims of natural or man-made disasters on a non-sectarian basis. Its work maximizes the use of resources, coordinates the activities of its member agencies, informs the Jewish and general public about the disaster and the Jewish response, and demonstrates the long tradition of Jewish humanitarianism during times of crisis. 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