We wish you health, happiness and prosperity in 2020 Roaring 20’s Gala Honoring Michael & Rachael Gluck February 22, 2020
Sisterhood Shabbat January 18, 2020 Israel Committee Movie & Pizza The Tobacconist Jan 12 6:00pm
World Wide Wrap February 2, 2020
5304 RFD, Hilltop Rd. & Route 83, Long Grove, IL 60047 Phone: 847-634-0777 www.bethjudea.org
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FROM THE RABBI TO BUILD TOMORROW MEANS WE MUST BEGIN TODAY As we enter the year 2020, we gain a greater sense of community embrace change and, too often, set as the nation of Israel is born. We unrealistic expectations upon learn that the contributions of every ourselves and others regarding the individual have the potential to make commitment to change. To some, a positive impact on the greater this comes in the form of New Year’s community. resolutions. We’re familiar with the rash vows of “this year, I’ll lose 10 However, we also see how a pounds” or “I’ll go to the gym every reluctancy to accept change weighs day this year,” but then reality sets in RABBI MORRIS ZIMBALIST heavily on the Israelites throughout and we resort to “this will really be their journey in the desert. Moses my last ‘hurrah’ because I’ll start my lifestyle change tomorrow.” Could you regularly hears concerns about what the future imagine what it would be like if our Biblical may hold, and some even suggest that they ancestors said and did similar things with the should return to Egypt because their lives as expectation that there would always be a slaves will certainly be better than an unknown “tomorrow” when they could begin again? future. Moses is faced with the challenge of What if Abraham told God, “No worries, God. leading a very concerned people. Yet Moses I’ll climb the mountain and sacrifice Isaac, but understands this and rises to the helm of not today. I’ll be sure to do that tomorrow.” Or leadership for the Israelites by listening carefully what if Moses said to himself, “I can’t really be to their needs and staying firm and steadfast in hearing God’s voice calling to me from a building their future. God demands that Moses burning bush?! I must be dehydrated from leads the people today while many among the being out in the sun all day. Let’s see if I’m people would have preferred if they started their still hearing this Divine call tomorrow.” Most of journey tomorrow. So, for Moses to be an us expect tomorrow to come and be a viable effective leader, he needed to realize his option to begin significant changes in our limitations, understand that he would need help, lives. However, one day – hopefully when and realize the communal goals are best we’re approaching 120 years – tomorrow will achieved through purposeful and deliberate not arrive. Maybe today, then, would be the actions. Moses could never let a few boisterous best time for us to change our perspectives. concerns throw him off course, and neither could Maybe today is the time we need to look communal indifference nor any individual’s beyond ourselves and see how our ability to apathy cause him to lose focus. Moses was put embrace change impacts our families, in his position to affect change today so that congregation, and greater community. tomorrow would be better for the community, regardless of whether Moses was still the leader. This type of shift in perspective from a focus on the individual to a focus on others is Perhaps the Sage Hillel sums this up best in his highlighted in the transition from the Book of timeless teaching from Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of Bereshit – which is filled with the stories of our Fathers (1:14): “If I’m not for myself, who will our matriarchs and patriarchs – to the Book of be for me? And if I’m only for myself, what am I? Shemot – in which our main character is And if not now, when?” In other words, we all Moses and most everyone else falls under the face choices in life and have to make tough category of the Israelites. We lose a certain decisions. We cannot burden ourselves with sense of individuality in Shemot; however, we questioning the paths we choose, but rather
The Word – January 2020
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FROM THE RABBI once a decision is made, we need to stick with it and see it through. Beginning something new is never easy; however, for a new beginning to be effective, expectations must be reasonable and start immediately. Tomorrow is never a guarantee. And when it comes to inspiring a community, everyone – absolutely everyone – plays a critical role and carries an important voice with invaluable opinions. We might not be able to please everyone all of the time, but when we work
together for the greater good and focus on goals much greater than ourselves, we certainly will be able to please everyone some of the time and build a bright and sacred future for generations still to come. Wishing everyone boundless joy, good health and much happiness in 2020…
Rabbi Morris Zimbalist
NOTES FROM HAZZAN I recently visited the Butterfly Conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History. Never have I seen such a sight as the one I saw there: 500 butterflies flying freely around and landing on the people visiting. The butterflies were beautiful. So were the smiles and looks of pure joy on each and every person. One particular butterfly caught my attention. A butterfly with transparent wings which I could clearly see through.
It is widely known that I am a huge Star Wars fan. There is a well-known idea in Star Wars about the Dark Side. Pain, fear, and anger lead to hate. Hate is the path to the Dark Side. This path to the Dark Side is clouded and hard to see. One thing we learn from Star Wars is that even good intentions can lead to the Dark Side if people act out of pain, fear, or anger. We are seeing people in HAZZAN GIL EZRING our world today giving in to fear. Giving in to pain. Giving in to anger. These emotions cloud our vision. They keep us from seeing the truth. We are all the same. The As the new year of 2020 begins, I am reminded of a saying: “Hindsight is always 20/20.” The Torah teaches us “V’ahavta L’reiacha Kamocha new year offers us a chance to look back on the (Leviticus 19:18),” you shall love your neighbor previous year. What did I do wrong? What can I as yourself. We are then taught “V’ahavta Lager do better? It also gives us a chance to look at Kamocha (Leviticus 19:34),” you shall love the our world and see what we can change. In the stranger as yourself. We are not created to hate weeks leading into the new year, we have seen each other. We are created to love each other. so much hate. I have seen Jews verbally attacking other Jews because they observe our Now is the time for a new hope to rise within us. vast and diverse traditions differently. Jews It is time for us to break through the Dark Side have been physically attacked during multiple acts fueled by anti-Semitism and hatred. As our of humanity and show everyone our light. Like a vision of the current world we live in becomes caterpillar becoming a butterfly, we must clearer, let us flood it with love. This time next change into creatures of love and light. Now is year, let us look back on this year and, instead the time to spread our wings and show our of saying “I fought hatred,” let us all be able to unique and diverse colors and patterns to each say, “I taught love.” When something terrible other and the world. happens, we can get angry. We should get angry. We should NOT allow ourselves to hate. Happy New Year! Hate is an unnatural force which clings to our fears. The longer we allow it to grow and infect our minds and hearts, the harder it is to find the -Hazzan Ezring love that truly belongs there. We need to keep our vision of the future clear.
The Word – January 2020
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In This Issue Page Rabbi’s Reflections 2 Notes From Hazzan 3 Calendar 5 President’s Message 6 Mission Statement 6 CBJ ISRAEL 2020 TRIP 7 Ain’t No Party Like A CBJ Party 8 Man/Youth of the Year Award 9 Special Shabbat Services 11 World Wide Wrap 12 Israel Committee Events 12 Hesed Committee 13 Ways & Means 14 Youth 16 Religious Education 19 B’Nei Mitzvah Bios 21 Adult Education 22 The Word - January 2020
Sisterhood Sisterhood Gift Shop Men’s Club Boomers + or – Social Action Interfaith Council BJE Early Childhood SHALVA MT Nesters Alternative Minyan The Goodman’s Blog The Helping Hand Plan Hesed Business Directory Birthdays & Anniversaries Yahrzeits Tributes
Page 24 30 31 33 34 35 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 41 43 47
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CALENDAR Programming Jan. 10 Jan. 1 8 Feb. 22
Chili Shabbat Dinner Karokee Night Ain’t No Party Like A Beth Judea Party
Sisterhood Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Feb. 8
Men’s Club
Community Feb. 2 Jan. 17
Community Shabbat Service at Temple Chai honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sisterhood Book Club Sisterhood Educational Event Nosh –A-Night
World Wide Wrap Men’s Club Man/Youth of the Year
Religious School Israel Jan 12
See website for details
Movie & Pizza Night
Youth CBJ Israel 2020 Trip JANUARY 6 – INFORMATIONAL MEETING CLICK HERE FOR ITINERARY
Adult Education Our regular weekday and Shabbat classes continue to meet – see adult ed section for details See website for all Adult Ed details
Please contact Lisa Neiman at lneiman@bethjudea.org or 847-634-0777 if you need any special accommodations, including transportation, to participate in our program.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUTH View our calendar online at http://tinyurl.com/BJUSYCalendar
Meetings Please check website
Be Sure To Check Out “Beth Judea Community News”
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Shabbat Prayers January 3, 2020 – 7:30 pm Those who celebrate birthdays and anniversaries during the month of January will be recognized at our service on Januaryr 3rd. Our worship will begin at 7:30 pm.
Visit CBJs FB Page The Word - January 2020
Children of every age are welcome!
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President’s Message I can’t believe that it is 2020!! It seems community are today. The wonderful like yesterday that everyone was thing about CBJ is that our synagogue is worried about Y2K and if the evolving with the times. We are living computers would be able to handle the our mission statement of being a warm change from 99 to 00 (1999 to 2000). and welcoming synagogue that is open Now, here we are, 20 years later. to all. As you continue to hear, “Great There is an entire generation in things are happening at CBJ.” existence that wasn’t around for that DANA GOLDSTEIN CBJ PRESIDENT big change or that doesn’t remember Great things are happening at CBJ with that time. At the company where I a new program where a group of work, we always hear that today has the congregants attended Jewish Community slowest pace of change that we will see as Night at the Chicago Blackhawks Game, and a change will continue to go more quickly. different group of congregants attended the Change at a quicker pace – how can that be? beloved Hanukkah deli dinner with corned beef, latkes, and dreidel cookies for dessert!! I speak with my children about typewriters as We are forming new relationships and having opposed to computers and phones with a programs with St. Mark Lutheran Church and rotary dial. They speak back to me about the Niagara Foundation while maintaining our their first phones which weren’t Smart relationships with Temple Chai for the Martin Phones – imagine that!! While technology is Luther King Shabbat Service. The location an amazing tool and has forced the rate of and time of the Tashlich service changed while change, I sometimes yearn for a simpler time the ritual of casting away sins was the same. when things moved slower. Remember when We will continue to modernize some an instant photograph was a Polaroid that programming and services while ensuring that you watched develop as opposed to a selfie custom is sustained for the next 50 years!! that is seen instantly? Remember when you received a handwritten note as opposed to an On behalf of the Board of Directors, clergy and email? Remember when stores were closed staff, I wish you and your families a Happy and on Thanksgiving and there was no such thing Healthy New Year. as cyber Monday? I find myself thinking about Tevya from Fiddler on the Roof. Tradition!! That family was rooted deep in tradition but was facing a huge change at the end of the story. Also, Tevya’s family was transforming, just as many Jewish families and the Buffalo Grove
L’shalom, Dana Goldstein President
Congregation Beth Judea Mission Statement Congregation Beth Judea is a welcoming egalitarian synagogue whose mission is to create a warm and inviting home that serves the lifelong spiritual, educational and fellowship needs of our members. Consistent with the principals of the Conservative movement, we embrace Torah and our responsibility to serve and support the greater Jewish community, the community at large, the United States of America and the State of Israel. The Word – January 2020
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CBJ ISRAEL 2020 TRIP!!! Chevre (Hebrew for folks): After great anticipation the moment has arrived. We are proud to present:
CBJ ISRAEL 2020 - THE ITINERARY The trip is scheduled from October 18-28 with an extension from October 28-November 1. You may notice there is no pricing available yet. We expect it in the next day or two and will pass it along as soon as we receive it. Additionally, please be aware that the trip does not include airfare. This option will be yours to decide. You may choose to arrange flights on your own or, if a significant number of members are interested in a group flight we will arrange one for you. In order to clarify, answer questions or expound on anything trip related there will be a General Meeting on:
JANUARY 6, 2020 at 6:30 at the Shul. I will happily stick around until 8:30ish to answer questions for those who are unable to make the earlier time. If you are unable to join us on the 6th, please contact me as soon as possible, so I can keep you in the loop as planning progresses. To avoid confusion or misinformationPLEASE DO NOT CALL THE RABBI, LISA, or the OFFICE Instead, I will happily answer your questions. You can reach me at: Home. 847.383.5807 Cell. 847.778.3660 Email. gveretg@aol.com but never before 9am but as late as 10. I promise to get back to you as promptly as possible. Enjoy viewing the itinerary, await the pricing and see you on the 6th! Click Here to View the Itinerary Happy New Year, Lee Goldberg
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2020 BETH JUDEA’S MEN’S CLUB MAN & YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2020 MAN/YOUTH OF THE YEAR
Man of the Year/ Youth of the Year 2020 Dinner Join us as we recognize Rabbi Morris Zimbalist as the Congregation Beth Judea Men’s Club, 2020 Man of the Year and Abbey Finn as Congregation Beth Judea Men’s Club 2020 Youth of the Year At the annual FJMC Award Dinner
Sunday, March 15, 2020 @ 4:30 pm Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette, IL 60091 Congregation Beth Judea Men’s Club Honoring
Rabbi Morris Zimbalist and Abbey Finn
Sunday, March 15, 2020 Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah 3220 Big Tree Lane Wilmette, IL 60091 4:30 pm – Silent Auction & Appetizers 5:30 pm – Dinner Awards Program: Immediately following dinner
Don’t delay and register now for the 2020 FJMC Annual Men’s Club Man and Youth of the Year Award Dinner honoring this year’s recipients, Rabbi Morris Zimbalist and Abbey Finn. Help show your support by placing an ad in the Tribute Book.
DINNER RESERVATIONS & AD BOOK Please click here for details or go to https://midwestregionfjmc.myshopify.com/
Questions/Concerns: Contact Ron Friedman at ronfriedman73@gmail.com
Earlybird deadlines for reservations is March 4, 2020 and for ads is February 17, 2020. (After March 4, registration fee is $45).
Click Here to make your reservations or place your tribute ad. or go to https://midwestregionfjmc.myshopify.com/
No communications over Shabbat, please! Please contact Lisa Neiman at lneiman@bethjudea.org if you need any special accommodations, including transportation, to participate in our program.
2020 BETH JUDEA’S MEN’S CLUB MAN & YOUTH OF THE YEAR RABBI MORRIS ZIMBALIST 2020 Beth Judea Men’s Club Man of the Year
ABBEY FINN 2020 Beth Judea Men’s Club Youth of the Year
RABBI MORRIS ZIMBALIST is the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove, Illinois. Through his leadership and vision, Rabbi Zimbalist has partnered with lay-leaders to advance Congregation Beth Judea’s commitment to embrace every synagogue religious and spiritual journeys with warmth, compassion, and kindness. Rabbi Zimbalist has advanced Congregation Beth Judea’s involvement in Israel education and advocacy; interfaith and tolerance dialogues with the local Christian and Muslim communities; inclusion initiatives for all people seeking to engage with the congregation irrespective of cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges; and strategic planning to ensure a vibrant future for the congregation and for the member on their Jewish community in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
ABBEY FINN is a senior at Buffalo Grove High School and has been very involved in USY the past four years. She was the Communications Vice President her sophomore year and worked to keep the chapter updated and connected through engagement on BJUSY Presia variety of medias. Last year, she served as dent and was honored to provide leadership to the chapter alongside the rest of the board. She is currently assisting in a mentorship role as the Immediate Past President. She has also had positions on CHUSY’s regional general board.
Rabbi Zimbalist was one of the founding rabbis and educators of jCo-Op, the newest collaborative Hebrew High School program in the northwest suburbs, meeting the needs of students from both Congregation Beth Judea and Congregation Beth Am. He also serves as the treasurer of the Community Mikveh for the Conservative Movement in Wilmette. In addition, Rabbi Zimbalist is one of 22 Conservative rabbis in the world certified by the Joint Bet Din of the Conservative Movement as a Messader Gittin – one who can help facilitate Jewish divorce, including writing the writ of divorce itself. Prior to moving to Chicago, Rabbi Morris Zimbalist served for five years as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Synagogue Initiative Director for AIPAC. As part of the regional team, Rabbi Zimbalist engaged rabbis and synagogues of all denominations from southern New Jersey through northern Virginia in pro-Israel political activism. At that time, he also assumed the pulpit of Bet Chaverim Congregation as its first rabbi and launched the first religious school for the congregation. Rabbi Zimbalist was also privileged to serve in the pulpit of two congregations in New York, totaling 14 years. Rabbi Zimbalist earned his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University in psychology with a minor in political science, and he has published articles on genetic links to mental illness and adoption within the Jewish community. He earned his Master’s degree and rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in 2002. He resides in Buffalo Grove with his wife and two children.
In addition to her work with USY, Abbey has also been a student council representative for four years at BGHS. She is a member of National Honor Society and started a club called Bison Buddies, where students meet to form friendships and foster inclusivity. She is on the board of directors of the Children of Abraham Coalition, an interfaith group that works to educate and promote peace. Abbey also volunteers for Keshet, which is an organization that provides programming for individuals with disabilities. She hopes to take the skills she’s learned and pursue a degree in Special Education.
Abbey would like to thank everyone at Beth Judea for being so supportive of her for nearly her whole life. She loves the community of clergy, educators, and staff that have provided her with so much. She’d also like to thank her mom and dad, Michelle and Ira, and sisters, Allison and Charley, for allowing her to engage in her passions and encouraging her every step of the way. Abbey is very appreciative of this honor and feels so blessed to be a part of an amazing Jewish community. She can’t wait to continue her involvement in Jewish life when she goes to college next year.
SPECIAL SHABBAT SERVICES
Hebrew Literacy Graduation Friday, January 31, 2020
מזל טוב
CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA, CONGREGATION BETH AM & TEMPLE CHAI SHARED SHABBAT SERVICE Honoring the Life and Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, January 17th, 2020 Kabbalat Panim – 6:15 p.m. Service will be hosted at Temple Chai In Long Grove, IL _______________________
Rejoice at our annual Shabbat Celebrating Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Congratulations to our 2019-2020 Hebrew Literacy Graduates!
Lift your voice, learn, and be inspired as our community’s Rabbis, a special speaker and a soul stirring cocongregational band and cantors lead our Annual Shabbat sharing a vision of Social justice in our community! Click Here for Flyer
The Word – January 2019
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World Wide Wrap
World Wide Wrap World Wide Wrap XIV Sunday, February 2, 2020 “We're in it for the Tie!” Get Ready to Wrap and Roll!! Celebrate the Mitzvah of Tefillin with us. There’ll be extra sets and personal trainers to help you through the process. Then, afterwards, join us for a fabulous Bagel Breakfast (and more) to discuss “Wrapping Yourself Up with God” led by Orin Rotman & Norm Kurtz.. Contact: Orin Rotman, World Wide Wrap Chairman orotman@steinrotman.com
Israel Committee
Congregation Beth Judea and The Israel Committee Present
The Tobacconist January 12, 2020 – 6:00 p.m. Directed by Nikolaus Leytner Germany, 2018 – Drama - German (with English subtitles) - 108 minutes Starring Bruno Ganz (Downfall, Wings of Desire) as Sigmund Freud Based on the international bestseller by Robert Seethaler
A tender, heart-breaking story about one young man and his friendship with Sigmund Freud during the Nazi occupation of Vienna.
Orin Rotman Tefillin Wrap Rap Video 8:30 am – 10:00 am 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Wrap and Daven Brunch
Seventeen-year-old Franz journeys to Vienna to apprentice at a tobacco shop. There he meets Sigmund Freud (Bruno Ganz), a regular customer, and over time the two very different men form a singular friendship. When Franz falls desperately in love with the music-hall dancer Anezka, he seeks advice from the renowned psychoanalyst, who admits that the female sex is as big a mystery to him as it is to Franz. As political and social conditions in Austria dramatically worsen with the Nazis' arrival in Vienna, Franz, Freud, and Anezka are swept into the maelstrom of events. Each has a big decision to make: to stay or to flee?
Cost: for Pizza - $10 RSVP to lneiman@bethjudea.org by Jan. 8 For further information on this program see our website
Please contact Lisa Neiman at lneiman@bethjudea.org or 847-634-0777 if you need any special accommodations, including transportation, to participate in our program
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HESED COMMITTEE Congregation Beth Judea is more than just a building. It is a caring community, and we are here to help each other in times of need. The Hesed committee consists of dedicated volunteers who want to support our congregants when they need it most. As such, we offer a variety of services that we hope will be helpful to our CBJ congregants. The committee has five (5) sub-committees, outlined below, that would welcome the opportunity to be of assistance. Please let us know if you need assistance by calling the synagogue office or emailing the Hesed chairs Marilyn Green-Rebnord or Evan Rumack at hesed.cbj@gmail.com. Confidentiality is one of our major concerns, so please do not be embarrassed to ask for our help. Only our chairs and the volunteer will know.
If you are ill — and give permission to our clergy or office staff — we will try to have a committee member call to see how you are doing and if you need anything. This may include a hospital, rehab facility, home, or skilled nursing care visit during your illness. If you need help getting to a doctor’s appointment, religious services, synagogue programs, or such errands as prescription pickup, our committee is set up to help you. While we may not always be able to make such arrangements, we will do our best. Should you have a loss, we will try to arrange for a committee member to stay at the shiva house during the funeral service so the house will not be unattended, and no family member or friend need miss the service. We will be there to accept deliveries, but not to set up the kitchen. Rabbi will ask you if you would like this help when he is contacted. For security reasons, you will be told in advance who is coming to your home. Should you need, the committee will try to arrange to attend the evening minyan at the shiva home to ensure that a minyan is present to enable mourners to say kaddish. Minyan leaders are also willing to help. At the end of shloshim, we will contact you to check in during your bereavement. It is our intention that this period will be marked during the evening minyan by acknowledging your loved one’s name and by dedicating the reading of a psalm to them and inviting you to the service.
We would like to thank our current committee members: Bruce Darin Joanne Dicker Steve Dicker Cathy Feiger (congregant calls coordinator) Helene Fox Marilyn Green-Rebnord (Hesed co-chair) Ellene Lammers (shloshim coordinator) Brenda Levin
Marcie Marcus Louis Rabin (shiva minyan coordinator) Orin Rotman Evan Rumack (Hesed co-chair) Merle Rumack Heidi Sakol Bonnie Sender (shiva house sitting coordinator) Barb Stark Larry Wollheim (driving/Helping Hands coordinator)
If you have any questions or wish to join us, please contact Marilyn Green-Rebnord (847-821-7740) or Evan Rumack (847-253-4130).
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Ways and Means = FUNrai$ing The theme of raising dollars for CBJ is to have fun doing it — from buying gift cards to Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, or your spa supplies from Bath and Body Works, to your groceries from Jewel and Sunset when having a nice Shabbat dinner or hosting family and friends. Any one for a dinner at Big Bowl or Lettuce Entertain You? Please support CBJ by getting gift cards directly from us. All of the above, and many more choices of gift cards including travel, can be purchased through CBJ. See you can have FUN while rai$ing dollars for CBJ. Please learn about the easiest way to raise $ for CBJ….. Gift Cards. Gift Card Challenge Thank you to all who have supported the gift card program; we raised over $2,000 last year. $6,130 Challenge On By January 31 – Free Shabbat Dinner at CBJ To All Who Participate ($613 of gift cards purchased minimum) if CBJ Collectively earns $6,130 from sale of gift cards. How Does CBJ Earn? Dunkin Donuts • 3% Starbucks • 7% Jewel • 4%
Sunset • 4% Walgreens • 5% CVS • 6%
Lettuce Entertain You • 12% LL Bean • 16% Carnival Cruise • 8% Bath and Body Works • 12% Royal Caribbean • 13%
Math Problems 16 Weeks If ____ # of families buy $25 of Starbucks per week for 16 weeks, CBJ earns 7%, CBJ Makes $_____ Example – 25 Families buy $25 Starbucks for 16 weeks = $700 to CBJ If ____ # of families buy $75 of Jewel per week for 16 weeks, CBJ earns 4%, CBJ Makes $_____ Example – 25 Families buy $75 Jewel for 16 weeks = $2,100 to CBJ Ok. One More If ____ # of families buy $50 of Lettuce Entertain You 4 times in 112 days, CBJ earns 12%, CBJ Makes $_____ Example – 25 Families buy $50 Lettuce Entertain You 4 times in 16 weeks = $600 to CBJ Let’s work Together to Rai$e Funds for CBJ while we are drinking, eating, shopping, and buying gifts. Call the office for more info!
Who Knows About
Did you know that Congregation Beth Judea is part of the Amazon Smile Program? We are and last year, thank you to all of our congregants who shopped on Amazon Smile Program and designated Congregation Beth Judea as the recipient. We raised over $500. Any questions about Amazon Smile, please call the Beth Judea Office. The Word – January 2020
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Shiva Baskets
WAYS & MEANS
Sunshine Fund
CBJ Business Directory Advertising Opportunity
The primary purpose of the shiva tradition, or "sitting shiva," is to create an environment of comfort and community for mourners; it helps guide friends and family members through the loss of a loved one. Throughout the weeklong shiva period, mourners come together in one family’s home to offer their condolences and support. From a practical standpoint, the shiva process and practices associated with Jewish mourning add comfort to the life of a mourner following a death. In the period after suffering a loss, a mourner may be comforted by the structure and routines prescribed by traditional Jewish mourning laws.
Advertise your business in our new Business Directory section of The Word! $120 for a year (one-year term) Submit a high resolution graphic of your business card to Lisa Neiman at lneiman@bethjudea.org. Subscription payment must be received to activate term.
Historically, the Board of Directors of Congregation Beth Judea has sent shiva baskets to the immediate family of Board members; parents, spouses, siblings and G-d forbid, children. We would like to extend this gesture to the entire congregation. Donations may be sent the shul attention Lisa Neiman. Thanking you in advance for you generous donations. Respectfully, Lisa Neiman
Gift Cards SUPPORT BETH JUDEA BY PURCHASING GIFT CARDS Purchasing gift cards is one of the easiest ways to support Beth Judea.
SUPPORT BETH JUDEA WHILE YOU SHOP ON AMAZON!!
The Congregation earns a rebate from the vendors when you utilize the gift cards, so there is no cost to you. Gift cards can be utilized the same as cash, there are no restrictions.
Did you know that when you shop on Amazon you can support Congregation Beth Judea at the same time? It's very simple, Amazon smile will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible amazon purchases to Congregation Beth Judea. Here is the link: Click here to Shop The Word - January 2020
If you are shopping for groceries or clothes, going to a movie or traveling, you can help support our Congregation. Order forms for Gift Cards are available in the office or in the Lobby on Sunday morning. They can be purchased with cash, check, or credit cards (a 2.5% convenience fee will be added when paying with a credit card). Click Here to Download Form
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Youth WHAT’S UP IN THE WORLD OF OUR YOUTH??? III, IC, Israel, In a new year This past month consisted of a ton of fun as we wound down 2019. The culmination of which occurred with seven of our teens attending the 69th annual USY International Convention in Southern California. The convention itself included the usual wow factor with teens coming together from across North America to gather in prayer, study, socializing, singing, dancing, and all around celebrating their Judaism and their love for each other.
I particularly want to recognize two of our teens who really went above and beyond at the convention. The first is Congregation Beth Judea’s first ever USYer to go on to become an International Board Member. Samantha Brody just completed her term as the USY International Israel Affairs Vice-President, and we cannot be prouder of her. She embodied everything it means to be a leader and helped lead USY through learning about multiple Israeli elections all while keeping everybody up to date and excited about Israel. She spoke eloquently at the International Convention and completed her term with the same grace that she has always shown. The second teen to highlight is our very own BJUSY President, Amelia Tehrani. Amelia was chosen out of all of USY to be one of two USYers to address the entire convention body in something called a USY Talk. Amelia’s USY talk focused on her experience and her battles with her own mental health. She told her story to hundreds of teens and staff and did so in the bravest way. She shared about her struggles and her ups and downs. She shared how she has managed to come through on the other end and how USY helped her. She completed her speech by letting other teens know that mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. We should all always remember that it is ok to not be ok.
Remember, you can always stay up to date with all things BJUSY throughout the entire year by visiting our new and improved website www.bethjudeausy.weebly.com as well as our calendar http://tinyurl.com/BJUSYcalendar. You can sign up for membership by going to http://tinyurl.com/CBJYouth. B’Shalom, Marc Sender, Youth Director Congregation Beth Judea - 5304 RFD Long Grove, IL 60047 Office: (847)-634-0777 ext. 114 Cell: (847)-334-8639 Email: YouthDirector@bethjudea.org www.bethjudeausy.weebly.com Sign up for membership at http://tinyurl.com/bethjudeayouth Check us out on Facebook and Twitter! Please consider making a donation to the Youth Fund or Rachel Hirshman Fund to help USYers go to regional programs and Israel.
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Youth WHAT’S UP IN THE WORLD OF OUR YOUTH??? Article from Samantha Brody about Nativ: This year, along with two other Beth Judea members (Elana Redfern and Noah Spiro), I decided to spend my year on Nativ. Rather than heading directly to college, where I would be under constant pressure both socially and academically, I traveled to Israel with 52 other Jewish high school graduates from North America and embarked on the journey of a lifetime. During our first semester in Israel, every Nativer lives at Beit Nativ, which is part of the hostel on the campus of the Fuchsberg Center for Conservative Judaism right in the middle of Jerusalem. Right away, we started our first classes in either Ulpan, the Conservative Yeshiva, or Hebrew University. My friends and I at Hebrew U studied for a few weeks in a “mini-mester,” where I took classes about Jewish texts and Media in Israeli Society. Nativers on every track also took a course called “Jerusalem Through the Ages,” during which we explored Jerusalem’s sites and learned about the history of our new home. Once the semester began, I started Hebrew Ulpan classes as well as courses about Israeli society and Judaism. Our classes are filled with Nativers as well as students studying abroad from Germany, Finland, Spain, and all over the world! We also have plenty of time to explore Israel. This past Shabbat, all of Nativ spent Shabbat in Yerucham, a small town in the Negev. I’ve also spent open Shabbatot in Tel Aviv and Herzliya, taking in the different cultures and Shabbat experiences in each city. Much of my time outside of class is spent going for dinner on Ben Yehuda Street, picking up some dried pineapple or sour gummies at the shuk, talking to voters at the polls on election day (which is apparently a regular occurrence now), visiting museums, touring the Knesset, and walking to the Old City. However, living in Jerusalem has taken away the “tourist lens” of these places. For example, Ben Yehuda Street is no longer just a Judaica hotspot; it’s also a nightlife hotspot (and home to my favorite French fry restaurant). The Old City isn’t just the place where the Kotel is; it’s also home to the Arab shuk, one of the most colorful and interesting places in Jerusalem. We look out our windows at least twice a week to see the political protests right outside the Prime Minister’s residence. We eat vegetables for breakfast and surround ourselves in Jerusalem stone. We take the buses, go grocery shopping, walk the streets, and make our own way in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Living in Israel has taught me so much about the country’s history, culture, politics, and society, but it’s also taught me that Israel is so much more than that. Israel is where people go to school, work, and shop. Israel is where people go to the grocery, order a pizza, and get stuck in the worst traffic I’ve ever seen. Living in Israel has taught me that, more than anything, Israel can be just a normal place. Though we are all moving up north in February (Elana and I to Teveria and Noah to a youth village called Yemin Orde), if you are coming to Israel, feel free to reach out! We would love to see you! Lots of love from across the Atlantic, Samantha Brody
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Youth WHAT’S UP IN THE WORLD OF OUR YOUTH??? Shout Outs: BJUSY sends a shoutout to Abbey Finn for her incredible help at Kadima Konvention BJUSY sends a shoutout to Brooke Robbins for co-chairing a great Kadima Konvention BJUSY sends a shoutout to Samantha Brody for completing a very successful term as the USY International Israel Affairs Vice-President
BJUSY sends a shoutout to Amelia Tehrani for her brave and passionate speech she gave at USY International Convention Want to send a shoutout to someone??? Send Marc an email at YouthDirector@bethjudea.org
Congratulations to Beth Judea Men’s Club Man of the Year/Youth of the Year Rabbi Morris Zimbalist, Man of the Year Abbey Finn, Youth of the Year Help us recognize and support those who are actively involved in doing for others. Our Man of the Year, Rabbi Morris Zimbalist, and Youth of the Year, Abbey Finn are being honored at the annual FJMC Midwest Region Man/Youth of the Year dinner. Watch your emails for more information on the date and how to show your support for them by placing an ad in the Ad Book. Congratulations, Rabbi and Abbey!!!
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Religious Education Together At The Table: Building Our School Community One Shabbat Dinner At A Time Anna Besser Education Director
Shabbat is a unique time of the week during which we learn to take time: time to slow down, time to consider our role in the world, time to rest. Shabbat is also a time to join together for a meal, unwind and relax.
Celebrating Shabbat with other families is one of the most joyful and meaningful ways to build friendships and pass on Jewish traditions to children. To this end we invite our school families to gather across school households on Friday, January 31st. This inaugural Shabbat is an opportunity for school families to share in the joy of Shabbat and to build community – one Shabbat dinner at a time. It enables parents and children across grade levels to get to know one another and also learn a variety of traditions and customs. The goal is simple: By making Shabbat more accessible in a relaxed environment, we can focus on building friendships and strengthening our community. So, join us! School families – sign up to be a host or guest for Friday, January 31st. We will provide the tools to make Shabbat dinner a regular practice by lowering barriers to both hosting and “guesting,” making ritual and community feel more authentic, sustainable, and valuable. Click here for Shabbat Together Sign-Up.
And when we join together, here are some Shabbat Topics that can be discussed around the dinner table. Gratitude At a Shabbat dinner, take a moment to talk about what you are grateful for this week. Regardless of how you celebrate Shabbat, make this your weekly Friday night ritual. Not only will this give you a chance to connect with your family, it will help your children learn the importance of being thankful for what they have.
Religious Education Customs There is a beautiful custom of blessing our children every Friday night. We place a hand on their head and pray that our sons will grow up to exhibit the qualities of Ephraim and Menashe, biblical brothers who were not tempted by their immoral surroundings and were united in their efforts to maintain their Jewish values. And we pray for our daughters to emulate the righteous qualities of our matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah with insight, a giving nature, sensitivity and leadership. What values do you wish to impart on your children? Take a moment to bless your children tonight – either with the traditional blessing or one you have created – and enjoy a special moment of connection. Heroes Most heroes worthy of recognition are not found in the headlines. Judaism discovers heroism in everyday people–parents who endure fatigue to eke out a livelihood for their families; noble hearts who give of themselves to help those less fortunate; and individuals who stand their ground in matters of religious and ethical conviction. You are a hero to those around you! Ask your kids what they can do to be heroes every day. TGIF TGIF! G-d, in G-d’s infinite wisdom, knew what we all know deep down. Sometimes you need to take a break from the chaos, to take a step back, in order to gain perspective and appreciate what you really have. This week, turn off the TV during dinner and make the effort to stop, look around, take a breath and reconnect. With great food, warm family ambiance, and meaningful reflection and conversation, Shabbat has the power to unite us, to relax us and to recharge our batteries. Tikun Olam If G-d created the world for us to use, does that mean that we can use it however we please? We cannot live on this earth without having a negative impact on the world and Tikun olam, the perfecting or the repairing of the world, has become a major theme in Judaism. There is no one else to repair it but us. This week, try making extra efforts to turn off the light when you leave the room; turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth; unplug appliances when they’re not in use. What else can you do? Tzedakah From a very early age, we teach our children that “sharing is caring” and deeply rooted in this notion is the Jewish principle of Tzedakah. Shabbat presents a great opportunity to reinforce this value by making it a weekly habit to give to others. Mark the end of the week by talking about how you can share what you’ve earned with those less fortunate. Nature / Exploring the Quiet Set aside one Shabbat each month as “nature Shabbat” and take time to be outdoors together — hike in a local park, go to the beach, or relax in the yard together for a period of time to appreciate creation. If being outdoors is not of interest to your family, look for other opportunities to experience quiet and serenity together like meditation, massage, reading aloud or individually in the same room, doing a jigsaw puzzle together or attending services. Forgiveness The concept of forgiveness is the major underlying theme of the High Holidays. While it’s not always easy to acknowledge and take responsibility for one’s transgressions, harder still for most is being able to forgive someone for theirs. Why is it important to forgive? Because holding a grudge is like letting someone live rentfree in your head. When we forgive we are no longer prisoners of our past. It takes courage, not weakness to forgive and, furthermore, if I can’t learn to forgive you, then how could I possibly ask another for forgiveness? Prayer What is prayer and why do we pray? Prayer serves to help recognize that everything we are, everything we have and everything we use ultimately comes from G-d (Babylonian Talmud, Brakhot 35a). Prayer is an integral part of everyday Jewish life; it expresses our belief in G-d and unites us as a people. At your Shabbat dinner, work together to come up with a family prayer. Whether it be for thanksgiving, petition or forgiveness it will unite you around a common goal.
Religious Education Calendar Updates
December Event
Time
No Religious School
Sunday. Dec. 22 – Sunday, Jan. 5
(Winter Break)
January Event 7
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Religious School Classes Resume Sunday Classes Resume
Time 4:15 – 6:15 pm (Aleph – Dalet)
6:15 – 8:00pm (Heh) 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dalet Shabbat 9:30 am
25 Dalet leading Main Sanctuary service
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K-1st Grade Family Program
Parents join in at 10:30 am
Heh Holocaust Field Trip
9 am – 12:45 pm
Shabbat Together Dinner Be a guest/host
February Event World Wide Wrap 2
7
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(Dalet & Heh to participate)
Time 8:30 am
Dalet B’nai Mitzvah Family Program
Following WWW
Aleph & Bet Clergy Dinner @ CBJ
6:30 pm
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Reese Siegellak will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, January 11, 2020. Reese is a seventh grader at Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights. One of her favorite classes is Drama. When Reese is not at school, she enjoys developing her art skills and making YouTube and TikTok videos. Reese enjoys performing, whether it involves singing, dancing, or acting. For her Mitzvah project, Reese is participating in “Lifting the Human Spirit by Visiting the Sick.” Once each month, Reese teams with teens and former professional athletes to visit residents at The Symphony of Buffalo Grove. She visits with individual residents and helps them on their road to recovery through meaningful conversations and quality time spent together. Reese’s grandparents, Steve Siegellak and Haim and Sheryl Alleya, are proud of the effort and dedication she has shown in preparing for this simcha. Reese, her brother Spencer, and her parents Neal and Miya are grateful to Rabbi Zimbalist and Hazzan Ezring for their guidance and spiritual leadership. They are especially grateful to Reese’s Bat Mitzvah tutor, Kim Abern, for her time, effort, encouragement, and attention to detail in helping Reese to prepare for this special day.
No Religious School (President’s Day weekend)
Gimel Shabbat 22
B’nei Mitzvah Bios
Gimel leading Robbins Sanctuary service
9:30 am
Aleph – Bet Family Program
Parents join in at 10:30 am
A Hearty Mazel Tov to all our January B’nei Mitzvah
from the Beth Judea Family.
ADULT EDUCATION Welcome to our Adult Education Series. To register for classes or to find out more information, please contact Anna Besser at abesser@bethjudea.org.
Adult Education Series Ongoing Classes WEEKLY CLASSES:
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These classes are ongoing. Please join at any time. Hebrew is not required for any of these classes, unless specifically noted.
Talmud Study: Tractate Sukkah Sunday mornings at 8 a.m.
SHABBAT SATURDAY CLASSES:
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These Saturday morning classes are ongoing. Please join at any time.
Weekly Parsha Study Facilitated by Orin Rotman
Shabbat morning at 9:00 a.m. every Shabbat morning
Taught by Rabbi Zimbalist This year, we will delve into Tractate Sukkah. We will study the scope of the obligation to live in a Sukkah, the difference between a temporary and fixed structure, the commandments surrounding the lulav and etrog, and so much more! Join us for a lively discussion with Rabbi Zimbalist on Sunday mornings.
Abraham Joshua Heschel: Heavenly Torah: As Refracted through the Generations Taught by Orin Rotman
Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. Beginning in September Excerpts to be discussed will be made available, or the wonderful book can be obtained from local libraries or purchased on Amazon or other outlets.
Weekly study to discuss the parsha of the week. We will discuss questions raised by the participants. Shabbat morning at 9:00 a.m. every Shabbat morning
Alternative Shabbat Service Facilitated by Norm Kurtz
Shabbat morning at 10:30 a.m. every Shabbat morning Norm Kurtz facilitates this Shabbat morning service that focuses on building community by enjoying a passionate, meaningful, and dynamic Shabbat morning experience. Join this innovative, creative, and different minyan each Shabbat morning at 10:30 am in Room 1. Shabbat morning at 10:30 a.m. every Shabbat morning
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Sisterhood Membership Dinner 2019
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Sisterhood We hope that everyone had a wonderful Hanukkah. There are so many things going on with Sisterhood. I decided to divide them up – mostly for my benefit
Past Thank you to everyone who helped and attended our Hanukkah Bazaar. As we always say – “It takes a Synagogue.” Ann Lerman and her crew did a phenomenal job! We all know that it is a labor of love, but there is so much labor involved. Thank you to all who assisted with the preparations, came on Saturday evening to help set up, helped the day of, and helped with the clean up after. It would take over my article to list you all. Thank you so much for you help with such a successful event for Sisterhood and CBJ.
Our Hanukkah Casino night was a blast. Thank you to Sandy Englander for your awesome event! We had dreidel, bingo, poker, roulette, and blackjack. We all enjoyed the “gambling,” the buffet, the Las Vegas style decorations (that included a light up Elvis), and the time to spend a few hours with friends. We are up to our 3rd Annual Vodka and Latkes. It gets better every year! A huge Todah Rabah to Brandt Rosen, Natalie Pesin, and Sarah Goldenberg for running this event. That signature drink sure did make Family Feud more fun. What was that signature drink, you ask? Get the full report from your fellow attendees.
Present It is never too early to start thinking about this year’s Rummage sale. There are so many great ways to help. It amazes me how much money we were able to make on the things that our congregants were giving away. Our Rummage sale is what allowed us to cover the cost of the restoration of our CBJ Torahs. I am not asking for a lot of time, but I am asking for some. If you are interested in helping, please let me know. You do not need to be a Sisterhood member to help. Thank you in advance! Debs825@datamanagersinc.com You may not be aware, but Sisterhood volunteers at a PADS shelter once a month. Sari London and Sandy Levitt pretty much have it down to a science. We recently found out that the church we go to doesn’t get funding from PADS. There are things that they are always looking for like new socks. If you are interested in donating items or funds, please reach out to Sari or Sandy to find out what is needed.
Future Our Sisterhood Educational Event is January 15th. This event is open to everyone. The topic is Kosher or Not Kosher: Secrets of the Kitchen. Come and learn about Kashrut laws and explore the kitchen to learn where everything is located. Please RSVP to Michele Sussman at cbjsisterhoodmail@gmail.com by January 12th.
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Sisterhood Future (continued) Sisterhood Shabbat is January 18th. Phyllis Udany is looking for Sisters to help lead the service. It is our chance to remind the synagogue we can do it all! It can be Hebrew, English, or opening the Ark. If you want to participate, Phyllis will find a comfortable spot for you. Please contact her at phyllisdiane45@yahoo.com or 708.601.7145. Please plan to come and support your fellow Sisters even if you don't actively participate in the service. Our Sisterhood Judaica Arts program will be Wednesday, February 5 at 7:45 p.m. We will be decorating wooden hamsas with many kinds of art media. We will also learn about what the hamsa symbolizes. The cost will be $15.00 per person. Stay tuned for the flyer! Nosh A Night returns on February 8th! It sounds complicated, but it is easy. A group (men and women) meet at someone’s house for a hot appetizer. You then go to someone else’s house with a slightly different group of men and women for a cold appetizer. The final course will be dessert at the Bikshorns with everyone (men and women). Each person who does not host will make a hot or cold appetizer (dairy or pareve) to be served at your host’s house. The cost is $5/person. If it wasn’t obvious this evening is open to all CBJ members not just Sisterhood. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Zoller at lzk0410@gmail.com (847.883.8801) or Darlene Bikshorn at dbikshorn@gmail.com (847.767.8510). Hope to see you there… Please save the date of April 19th for this year’s Torah Fund event. It is important to note the Torah fund is not about our synagogue torahs. Torah Fund is an educational charity that raises money for 5 different Jewish seminaries in the US and abroad. These schools educate our Rabbis, Cantors, Educators, and lay leaders. Andrea Heiger is our Torah Fund representative. She has Torah Fund pins and greeting cards. (see the flyer in the CBJ foyer) The theme for this year’s endeavor is Chesed or Kindness. Something that we can never have enough of! Torah fund is happy to receive any donation, but the Torah Fund pin (seen below) is given with a $180 donation. It is a beautiful reminder of our Torah’s teachings. Please consider using a tzedakah box you have at home to collect for Torah Fund this year. We will be collecting all tzedakah donations at the spring at the Torah Fund event. Please contact Andrea (andreadheiger@gmail.com) for any Torah Fund needs. Thank you for your consideration to help the future of Judaism. If you are still with me, thank you! There are so many great things going on at CBJ and with Sisterhood, I hope you to see you around. Debbie Limer and Sarah Goldenberg Sisterhood Co-Presidents Contact Information: Debbie Limer (debs825@datamanagersinc.com) Sarah Goldenberg (sarahgoldenberg@gmail.com)
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Sisterhood
SISTERHOOD BOOK CLUB Come Join Us As We Discuss THE GUEST BOOK By Sarah Blake Wednesday, January 8, 2020 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (at the Vernon Township Public Library) Please RSVP to brendaclevin@gmail.com
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Sisterhood
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Sisterhood Gift Shop The Sisterhood of Beth Judea proudly shares about our renowned Judaica Shop! Our Judaica Shop carries a wide variety of items and gifts with continually updated inventory. Stop by and take a look at many of the following types of items: *Tallitot *Kippot *Women’s Head Coverings *Seder Plates *Hanukkah Menorahs *Shabbat Candlesticks *Kiddush Cups *Tzedakah Boxes *Wedding Gifts * Shofars *Bar & Bat Mitzvah Gifts *Mezuzah Cases and Kosher Scrolls *Yahrzeit Candles *Jewish Children’s Books *Wall Home Blessings *Hostess Gifts *Wedding Glasses *Decorative items……..and so much more! Come and browse our amazing collections of beautiful Judaic Jewelry – for both Men and Women! We have countless Hamsas, Chais, Stars and Hoshens. You will love our special designer pieces. Also our non-Judaic jewelry can make a special gift as well.! You will find many price points to meet all budgets. Our extensive collection of tallitot, for both men and women, is a specialty we are known for in the Chicagoland area! We always have approximately 100 of the tallitot in stock…most of them made in Israel! If the choices are overwhelming – or you wish to simply allow a family member or friend choose on their own – a Gift Certificate may be the wise choice for you – any denomination – anytime. We make it easy for you too – as we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover! So stop by and visit us to see for yourself why all of the talk! Our hours when Hebrew School is in session are: Tuesdays – 4 pm to 8 pm
Sundays – 9 am to 12:30 pm
We also will gladly make appointments to meet with you at your convenience – simply contact: Karen Nagel; 847-722-6621; geniuspkn2@aol.com Ann Lerman; 847-373-8640;annlerman325@gmail.com Have the Judaica Shop be a go-to spot for all your Judaic needs – please come visit us soon!
Congregation Beth Judea Gift Shop (Where shopping is a mitzvah)
20% OFF ONE SINGLE ITEM OF $25 OR MORE Coupon must be present at time of purchase Exclusions include sale merchandise, special orders, scrolls. One coupon per family. No other discounts or promotions apply -Expires December 31, 2020 COUPON
Men’s Club A very Happy New Year to one and all. The entire Men’s Club board joins me in hoping that your coming year is filled with many happy occasions to celebrate, and we pray that you be blessed with boundless good health and peace. Since my December WORD article went to press before the evening with Mike Berman took place, I want to now extend my heartfelt thanks to Orin Rotman for taking the lead in planning, organizing, and then executing a truly exciting and successful program. Many thanks also to the volunteers who gave selflessly of their time to help ensure the evening was enjoyed by all. A very robust yasher koach to Mike Berman for generously giving of his time and leading a truly exciting evening. Lastly, a special “Thank You” to Rabbi Lifshitz, from whose Legacy Fund a generous contribution was made to the Special Olympics as requested by Mike Berman. On January 18, the Men’s Club once again has the privilege of helping the residents at the Lieberman Center attend Shabbat services. I can’t emphasize enough how meaningful a mitzvah this is, and I strongly encourage you to join us. Please contact Sandy Ramras at si1ramras1@mac.com if you either have further questions or are interested in helping While January historically is always a slow month for Men’s Club activities, a very notable event is taking place as part of Shabbat services on Friday, January 31. That is when the latest Hebrew Literacy I class will be celebrating the successful conclusion of their studies. That evening, the graduates will be taking part in the service and demonstrating their new mastery of Hebrew. In doing so, they will be following a great many other Beth Judea congregants who used this course to either refresh their Hebrew literacy or gain a new skill in reading they had not previously possessed. These new graduates will now be able to easily follow along in the prayer book which will undoubtedly make the services more meaningful. If you’re now regretting not having signed up for the class this year, don’t fret, since it will be offered again just after the 2020 High Holy Days are concluded.
The Word – January 2020
Looking ahead to next month, on Sunday, February 2 Beth Judea’s celebration of the World Wide Wrap will again take place under the guidance of long-time leaders Orin Rotman and Norm Kurtz; they will be ably assisted by Dan Landau and Sam Sussman this year. This service provides an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the Mitzvah of Tefillin by either learning the basic technique of donning tefillin, refreshing their wrapping skills, or being there to help others learn this tradition laden practice. And you don’t need your own tefillin, since there’ll be extra sets available so that everyone can participate. This event is open to all: boys, girls, men, and women alike. Now’s the time to overcome your reluctance to participate in this ancient and tradition bound mitzvah. And as an added bonus, a nourishing breakfast will be provided for all participants following the service. (Flyer) A few weeks later, on February 12, Orin Rotman will again be leading a Tap the Torah discussion. For this session, Ira Sender will join Orin to lend his expertise on coffee roasting and brewing from raw beans to a cuppa mocha java as they explore the Jewish dimension of coffee. This will include a look at all references to coffee in Jewish halachic sources (more than you might think) and a historic look at the Jewish prominence in the emergent coffee/commodity trade and fad that hit Europe, particularly Amsterdam, in the 1600’s. This session will be held at Beth Judea and is sure to be a notably intriguing session. Coming up on Sunday, March 1 right after Hebrew School, an inaugural event for the Men’s Club will be held. This new event is a workshop at which groggers will be assembled and customized from a kit. These kits are being obtained from another Men’s’ Club chapter that presented this activity at the most recent International FJMC Men’s Club Convention held last year in Toronto. This program is targeted for 9-11-year-old students accompanied by a parent or grandparent. After a light lunch, we will make the groggers together. The number of participants is limited, as we will have only 35
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Men’s Club kits. Participation will be limited to CBJ members (either the parent/s or grandparent/s) until midFebruary, at which time we will open it to the entire community- subject to availability Please watch for the flyer with more information. This should be a wonderful child/adult program that will be continued for many years. While it’s still a little way off, it is important to mention that the annual Midwest Region FJMC Men’s Club Man of the Year and Youth of the Year dinner will be held on March 15. CBJ’s honorees this year are Rabbi Morris Zimbalist and Abbey Finn. Registration is now open for both the dinner, which will held at Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah in Wilmette, and the Tribute book by clicking on this link (https://midwestregionfjmc.myshopify.com/). The Tribute book is your opportunity to place an ad to express your sentiments about this significant honor bestowed upon these well deserving individuals.
Ron Friedman,
HELP THE ELDERLY ATTEND SERVICES Once a month, the Beth Judea Men’s Club volunteers at the Lieberman Geriatric Center and helps the elderly get to and from services. If you are interested in helping please contact Sandy Ramras.
Men’s Club strives to offer something for everyone. As such, we’re always open to new and creative programming ideas that help Jewish men lead rich and filling Jewish Lives.
Tzedakah Fund The Men's Club has made donations from the minyan tzedakah box: AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE MAGEN DAVID ADOM We thank all those who have contributed to the tzedakah fund administered by Men's Club.
BJMC President MEN’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Thank You A big thank you to the more than 50 families who made a contribution to the Torah Fund at Beth Judea in honor of my 2nd Bar Mitzvah. For over 50 years, Beth Judea has been a significant presence in the Northwest Suburban area. I sincerely hope that our beloved congregation will continue to be a force in our community for many years to come. B'Shalom, Albert Stark
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Boomers + or Boomers + or -
Hearing Loop at Congregation Beth Judea Users with a t-coil in their hearing aid can now listen to the sound system directly through their hearing aids. Please check with your hearing care professional to see if your hearing aid is equipped with a tcoil and properly adjusted. Nonhearing aid users can pick up a loop receiver and listen though a headset. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Neiman.
Boomers + or - Needs Your Input! What types of programs are you interested in for the future? Locations? Days of the week? Time of day? Any and all information will be helpful for planning for the coming months. Please email us your ideas and or questions. We will work to incorporate a variety of those we receive. Please email us at BoomersPlusorMinus@gmail.com with your suggestions.
UPCOMING EVENT
MARCH 22, 2020 MAXWELL STREET KLEZMER BAND Click here for flyer
A CBJ member is looking to sell 4 cemetery plots at Waldheim Cemetery (Menorah Gardens Gate). Please contact Lisa Neiman at lneiman@bethjudea.org or 847-634-0777 for more information.
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SOCIAL ACTION
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INTERFAITH COUNCIL News from the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council by Joanne Dicker, President
I hope that everyone had a joyful and peaceful holiday season. We are starting the year with new programs: 1. Friday, January 10, 2020 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: We will be attending a forum on Protecting Houses of Worship: preventing and responding to hate crimes. The forum is facilitated by the US Department of Justice, Community Relations Service. Location: Genesee Theater 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, IL (See attached flier for more information.) 2. Sunday, February 9, 2020 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Kingswood Methodist Church and Congregation Beth Am, in conjunction with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, are sponsoring a program on Hate Groups and Healing. The speaker, T.M. Garret, a former Neo-Nazi and Klan member, will tell his story of transformation. He now sponsors the Memphis Peace Project. (Please bring nonperishable food items for the food pantry.) Our upcoming and continuing programs: 1. “Knock Your Socks Off” in February and March. We collect new socks for the homeless attending PADS. 2. “Stamp out Hunger”: May 9, 2020: Postal workers pick up donated non-perishable food from our post boxes which is distributed by the NWSIFC to our food pantries. 3. “i-walk against hunger”: June 28, 2020: Our annual fundraiser to fight hunger in the suburbs and raise funds for the increased use of our food pantries in the summer due to the end of the school year and its free lunch program. 4. Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration: November 22, 2020: Our family oriented celebration including community harmony with prayers, music and hospitality. Joanne Dicker, President For more information on any of our programs, please contact us by e-mail or telephone: nwsinterfaith@gmail.com, 224-699-0386 or visit our website at: http://www.northwestsuburbaninterfaith.org or your council representatives: Joanne Dicker: joannedicker@comcast.net Helene Fox: helene125125@gmail.com Donations may be made directly to: Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council 1282 Green Knolls Drive Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Interfaith Thanksgiving Newspaper Article
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BOARD OF JEWISH EDUCATION PRE-SCHOOL
Tummy Time and Toddler Dance! In this class with Ms. Corey, babies 3 months to 1 year will explore movement & music with their grown-up! We will sing, do movement activities that encourage motor skills and motor planning, and bounce, jiggle, and wiggle! Parents or guardians should be ready to move, groove, and participate with their little one.
Class location: BJE-ECC, Long Grove Class dates: 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10 & 2/24 Class time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Cost: $30 for 1 child; $45 for 2 The link for registration is: https://www.juf.org/tummytimetoddlerdance
For further information, contact: Natalie Gurin, site director BJE-ECC, (847)634-0363
Sponsored by
&
BJE Early Childhood Centers
MT Nesters WITH NOSTALGIA AND RELUCTANCE: After 25 years, the MT Nesters is “Empty”. This will be our final notice. However, some people have expressed an interest in getting together for dinner once in a while. If you are interested, please contact Susan Adleman at susala1331@gmail.com or by phone at (Home) 847-870-1832 or (Cell) 607227-3827. Here’s to a healthy New Year!
Registration for 2019-2020
Did You Know... Do you know of information that would be of interest to our congregants? If so, please let us know.
Shalom! It has been a busy summer with camp finishing in the beginning of August and the teachers getting ready for the upcoming school year. There is always a great deal of excitement and anticipation as we see old friends and welcome new children and families. The Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Center at Beth Judea promotes a vibrant and innovative Jewish learning community. We encourage the children to explore the world around them through play, explorations, conversations, and more. We support each child in his or her explorations, helping them develop new ideas, expand old ideas, and build lasting friendships. Our goal is to develop lifelong learners! If you are not familiar with our preschool, or know of someone who might be interested, I invite you to come and see all the fabulous things we are doing. We offer classes for children aged 15 months to 5 years old. If you are interested in learning more about all the wonderful opportunities we offer, , please call Natalie at 847-634-0363 to schedule a tour or visit our website at www.bjeecc.info.
The Word – January 2020
Cell Phone Drop-Off Box In Synagogue Office! Help domestic abuse victims by donating your old cell phones. Each phone raises money for domestic abuse crisiscounseling services in the Jewish community! SHALVA offers free counseling to Jewish women who are or were in an intimate partner relationship. If you or someone you know needs our help, call 773-583-4673.
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LIFE IN ISRAEL THE GOODMAN’S BLOG
Alternative Shabbat Service Alternative Shabbat Service
Howie and Suzanne Goodman were valued members at Beth Judea until they decided to . make aliyah in 2009. The Goodmans have agreed to provide us with a blog on their experiences as new olim in Israel. Though we continue to miss the Goodmans, we can all look forward to reading about their adventures in Israel through the blog. To learn more about the Goodman’s life in Israel click here to share their experience.
Planned Giving Is Beth Judea a Part of Your Estate?
Help ensure the future of Congregation Beth Judea. From Generation to Generation “Making a Difference in the Lives that Follow”
Service Leader: Norm Kurtz Every Shabbat Morning 10:30 am until 11:45 am. You are invited to join the Alternative Shabbat Service which meets every Shabbat morning. Our growing interpretive minyan (prayer group) is focused on building community by enjoying a passionate, meaningful, and dynamic Shabbat morning experience. We are innovative, creative, and different from the traditional service. We are friendly and welcoming to all. Being nonjudgmental and accessible, we are interested in creating a meaningful spiritual community where joyful prayer and spirited Torah discussion is experienced, accompanied by camaraderie and friendship. Join us for prayer/discussion/ learning and stay after services for Kiddush/lunch with the entire Congregation. We meet in the former youth lounge on the lower level of the Synagogue (which is accessible to the physically challenged) from 10:30 am until 11:45 am. Bring a friend with you. We look forward to welcoming you to our community. Shabbat Shalom,
Upon three things the world is based: Upon Torah, Upon Divine Service
Norm Kurtz Service Leader For further information: cbjoffice@bethjudea.org
EVERY SHABBAT MORNING
and Upon the Practice of Charity
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The Helping Hand Plan
The Helping Hand Plan A Project of Congregation Beth Judea Hesed Committee • •
•
Do you need some help? Do you need a ride to a doctor’s appointment? Do you need a ride to services at Beth Judea?
WHAT IS THE HELPING HAND PLAN? Beth Judea has a group of volunteers who are ready, willing, and able to lend a hand. Just call or e-mail if you need some assistance. WHO DO I CONTACT TO REQUEST SOME HELP? Please call Larry Wollheim at 847-6349399 or e-mail Larry at lwollheim45@gmail.com to request help. It’s a Mitzvah to help someone. Please allow us to help you.
You Make A Difference We firmly believe that reaching out to others benefits not only the recipient, but the person providing help as well. This is, without a doubt, a win-win situation for all involved.
If you are interested in making a difference, please contact one of the Hesed (Caring) committee members below: Ellene Lammers Marilyn Green-Rebnord Evan Rumack Larry Wolheim
The Word - January 2020
Hesed Committee
An Important Announcement CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA HESED (CARING) COMMITTEE The Hesed committee would like to know if you have any difficulties/problems that you would like to discuss with a knowledgeable individual. We have a group of congregants who have been trained or are professionals who would be able to provide a brief consultation with you in order to refer you on for more in-depth assistance. We are also thinking about starting some support groups. We would like to know what you feel your needs are. Please email Ellene Lammers at elammers@comcast.net or call the Rabbi. FOR A LIST OF EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS, AGENCIES AND RESOURCES click here
We Would Like To Know WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW . . . . If you are celebrating a life cycle event such as a birth, engagement, or wedding, we would like to know about it so that this milestone can be included in The Word. If you are ill or know someone who is sick, we would like to know about it so that a prayer for recovery can be said, so that the clergy can call or visit, and so that the Hesed (Caring) committee can be notified and be of assistance. If there is a death in your family, we would like to know about it so that we can offer our support, can share this information with our congregation, and so that we can add your loved one to our Yahrzeit records.
Please call the synagogue office with this information. Do not assume that someone else will have notified the synagogue staff. 39
BUSINESS DIRECTORY Accounting Services
Advertise your business! Advertise your business in our new Business Directory section of The Word.
Funeral Services
Handmade Gifts
$120 for a year a one-year term Submit your original or clearly scanned copy of your business card to the CBJ office (email to LNeiman@bethjudea.org).
Subscription payment must be received to activate term.
Hypnotherapy
Term can commence at any time. One year term is 10 issues.
click here for full flyer and details
40 The Word - January 2020
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JANUARY BIRTHDAYS We wish a very Happy Birthday to the following members of our Beth Judea Family: January 1
Amy Bauer
January 15
Linda Wolin
January 2
Gary Krugel Cheryl Levine Natalie Reinglass
January 16
Robert Atlas Helaine Katz-Ratskoff Jason Neiman
January 3
Alan Marcus Ethel Schwerdlin
January 17
Hadrian Markowitz
January 18 January 4
Barry Bikshorn Lauri Rosenbloom Jack Siegellak Gary Watts
Rhoda Fischman Steve Fischoff Stella Greener Kathryn Harris Linda Kramer
January 5
Judith Atlas
January 19
Ezra Becker
January 6
Steven Kaufman Robert Lipka Michael Shultz Robert Spiro
January 20
Chuck Walcer
January 21
Debra Morris
January 22
Erin Drazin William Kramer Christopher Ryan Gloria Secler Bonnie Sender Richard Ward
January 23
Alan Friedlander
January 25
Joan Rosemarin
January 26
Darlene Bikshorn Neal Ford Darlene Tominberg
January 28
Audrey Block Barry Cohen Andrea Heiger Audrey Weisberg
January 29
Marc Zeidman
January 30
Mari Moskowitz Sheldon Rubin
January 31
Marla Drucker Kandy Ginsburg Marlene Gothelf Randy Polonsky
January 7
Ruth Finkel Rosita Rothenberg
January 8
Cynthia Andreoli Sanford White
January 9
Renee Brown Matt Veronie
January 10
Bobbie Babbitt Russell Barnett Allen Harris Stacey Resnik Michael Sturt
January 11
Helen Brin Robert Weissman
January 12
Nicole Colen Celia Geiger Pamela Kaufman Dmitry Polyakov Judy Solomon
January 13
Alan Gould Debra Green Brian Schwartz
January 14
Cathy Feiger Alan Rosenbloom We encourage you to also contact one another to share in their celebration NOTE: If your name is missing from the list please contact the synagogue so we can update your information in our files.
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JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES We wish a very Happy Anniversary to the following members of our Beth Judea Family: January 6
Suzanne & Richard Reingold
January 7
Susan Leibovitz & Michael Mangurten
January 12
Marilyn Green-Rebnord & David Rebnord
January 18
Jamie & Jason Breslaw Suzanne & David Waitz
January 20
Sandy & Elliott Englander
January 21
Jill & Barry Goldrich
January 23
Marlyn & Marc Spivak
January 31
Barbara Buhai & Stephen Katz
We encourage you to also contact one another to share in their celebration
NOTE: If your name is missing from the list please contact the synagogue so we can update your information in our files.
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January Yahrzeits YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS January 3
Violet Barrier* Maxwell Clamage Harvey Gold Doris Kalina* Marilyn Levit Bruce Minnick* Sylvia Polakow* Sylvia Rubin* Rose Schwartz* Toby Charlene Swichkow* Newton Truger* Mildred Wittlin* Tillie Yublosky*
Mildred Berngard Ruth Duboe Joseph Green Sol Kaufman* Helen Lindenbaum* Ann Pervosky Sheldon Robbins Theodore Sakol* Peter Stark Janet Thomas Louis Vicker* Leona Wolf* Samuel Zablen*
Carly Berns* Gertrude Gold Beverly Guttenberg Israel Levine* Stephanie Lustig* Lewis Pervosky Philip Rockwell Morris Schwartz Harriet Sumner* William Toch* Harry Weinstein* Abe Wolinsky*
January 10
Barbara Abrams Richard Brown Sam Chibnik Shirley Dubin Ida Glickman Lillian Goroff* Audrey Kirst Marvin Miller Maury Platt Dr. Jack Rizman* Muriel Sachsel* Larry Silver* Sylvia Travis*
Margaret Atlas Robert Allan Brown Samuel Chiet* Carol Feldman* Christina Marie Goldberg Samuel Kanter* Joe Koek Fannie Orloff Michelle Rappaport Sherwin Rosenfeld* Yetta Sanders Samuel Silver* Bernard Weisel*
Fannie Barasch Robert Buhai Samuel Dicker Martin Garson* Jeri Ann Goldman Patricia Kaplan Irwin Lipka Gertrude Trudy Paley* Diana Ratskoff Ruth Rotman Ilse Sender* Faye Singer* Elizabeth Zeltser
January 17
Irving H. Babbitt Irving Coady* Jane Friedland* Bernice Gross* Michael Jaffe* Sol Kravitz* Michael Linderman* Herman Morgenstein* Seymour Nagel Michael Schwartz Harvey Shiffman* Alfred Weiner
Erwin Berenson Samuel Cooper* Marilyn Gould Sandee Grossman Linda Katz Shirley Kriegler* Arlen Litwin Betsy Mosak Louis Newman* Bessie Shavitz* Celia Spivak* Morris Weiner*
Daniel Brown Alfred Feiger Lorin Greenberg Hannah Hockfield* Joseph Kolner* Ann Linderman* Mina Magarici Fred Moskowitz Claire Rothnagel Morris Sherman* June Walcer* Shirley Wolf*
* Denotes the deceased has a yahrzeit plaque. If you are interested in purchasing a plaque please contact the synagogue office.
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January Yahrzeits (Cont.) YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS January 24
Harriet Ament Walter Berkley* William Frankel* Herbert Kahn Norman Levsky* Louis Lifshitz* Louis Margolis Dorinne Palmer* David Resnick* Irene Sandler* Hilda Tominberg*
Ralph Barnett Sarah Deicher James Glickman Seymour Klein* Irving Levy* Barry Mandelblatt Philip Meltzer* Ida Polansky Joseph Rosenfeld* Milton Silverstein* Evelyn Weisel*
Lauri Bauer Herman Feldman* Paul Goldman Ruth Kurtz* June Lieberman Lorraine Margolis Harry Minnick* Irene Ramras Berel Sales* Robert Silverstone
January 31
Wally Arbetter Adele Chubin Janette Friedman Oscar Krawitz Leonard Meltzer Bernice Rothenberg* Harvey Schmall Evelyn Torres*
Marion Bordon Bella Cohen* Alice Gimpel Morris Lessin* Sheila Moskowitz William Rubenstein* Gertrude Schoeneman* Ruth Zeiger
Sandy Caplan* Alexander Davis* Miles Klein* Gertrude Manewith Darrell Pollack* Eva Sanes* Ethan Noah Sulkin
* Denotes the deceased has a yahrzeit plaque.
If you are interested in purchasing a plaque please contact the synagogue office.
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February Yahrzeits YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS February 7
Anna Berkovitz* Diane Brown* Sarah Feinstone Era Greiman* Ann Karno Annette Kessler* Alex Lustig* Margaret Pinkus* Helen Schwartz* Dora Stein* Benjamin Weisman
Roselin Berman Sidney Bulmash Edward Vincent Fojtik Charlotte Herstein Irv Kaufman Herbert Levine* June Pearlman* Ida Pollack Samuel Schwartz Betty Wasserman
Gerald Bernstein Abe Cooper* Samuel Goldman* Robert Isenberg Estelle Kerstein Ethan Levitan* Mandel Perl* Shirley Schechtman Morris Spiegel* Janice Weiner*
February 14
David Appel Gregorio Copelovitz Edward Ernstein Stuart Julis Hymen Polonsky Elizabeth Rosenthal Minnette Rothstein Rose Sher Clara Weisberg
Alfred Braun* Mitch Davis* Ceil Feldstein Hyman Karafin Jacob Rizman* Jack Rosenthal Lauren Salzenstein Gordon* Seymour Shub*
Robert Cohen* Florence Deckowitz Anna Herstein David Polakow* David Rosenfeld* Sam Rothnagel Rose Secler* Pearl Smiler
February 21
Jack Adelman Barbara Cohen* Harold Dobrikin* Sherie Esrig* Yudes Frumina Marvin Harris* Lillian Karp Rita Kravitz Albert Levin Howard Lorber* Leon Mordoh Ann Nemser* Mary Alice Ryan Sidney Simons* Howard Weinert
Jack Babbitt* David Cohen Irwin Dritz* Bertha Feldman* Richard Ganden* Dorothy Hyman Sylvia Katz* Norman Leibold* Sandra Levinson Sidney Lorber* Solomon Mordoh* Judif Pesin Jerome Schneider* Bernard Stouber Bernard Weisberg
Dorothy Becker* Alice Copeland* Muriel Epstein* Moe Forman* Sol Ganelin* Lena Kagan* Gert Korengold Sam Lemsky Monte Levitt* Jackie Max* Victor Nahum* Pola Rizman* George Sherman* Bertha Watchman Arthur Westerman*
* Denotes the deceased has a yahrzeit plaque. If you are interested in purchasing a plaque please contact the synagogue office.
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February Yahrzeits (Cont.) YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS February 28
Hanna Adler Morris Braverman* Sonia Copelovitz Aaron Elisco David Feldheim* Frances Friedlander Corrine Gill* Anna Haberman* Lou Kalisky Gary Lerman* Howard Malkin* Gerald Rappin Philip Rothstein Hyman Schwartz* Beatrice Silver* Robert Victor* Leslie Zucker*
Manny Adler Mac Brown* Shirley Davis* Agnes Ellegant Norton Ferber Paul Geiger Benjamin Golyer* Faye Hefler* Samantha Keeshin* Joseph Levin Jacob Petrynek* Bernard Resnik Alexander Sanders Joseph Shefsky* Marshall Sylvan Elaine Waitz
Dan Bauer* Becky Cohn Arthur Deicher Irene Ernstein Lillian Freedman Irving Gelman Norma Gordon* John Horflich Teddy Kray* Earl Levit David Popilsky* Dorothy Rose* Steven Schmeisser* Samuel Shwachman Isabelle Victor* Florence Zablen*
* Denotes the deceased has a yahrzeit plaque. If you are interested in purchasing a plaque please contact the synagogue office.
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TRIBUTES FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THESE FUNDS, PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE PRAYERS HAVE BEEN SAID FOR THE RECOVERY OF: Norman Bloch Renee Brown Francine Eisner Michelle Finn Marilyn Green-Rebnord Anat Greener Betty Katz Susan Katz Rami Pinsberg Joan Smith Albert Stark Congratulations upon Births: Debbie & Ben Dubin upon the birth of their granddaughter, Peyton Ryleigh Dubin Joan & Norm Kurtz upon the birth of their grandson, Gavin Levi Kurtz
RABBI ZIMBALIST DISCRETIONARY FUND
RABBI ZIMBALIST DISCRETIONARY FUND (Cont.)
IN APPRECIATION OF: Rabbi Zimbalist for performing such a beautiful marriage ceremony for our children, Brittany & Corey. Marla & Ken Brandt
Shirlee Lerman, beloved stepmother of Mitch & Ann Lerman. Geri & Robert Friedman UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Elynor Klein, in memory of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Bobbie & Floyd Babbitt
Rabbi Zimbalist for helping Jake with his Bar Mitzvah and leading such a beautiful service. Marcy, Jeff & Jake Kostis Rabbi Zimbalist for making the B’nai Mitzvah so wonderful. Marc & Debbie Posner and Family
Rabbi Zimbalist for his encouragement to Albert for his 2nd Bar Mitzvah. Albert & Linda Stark Rabbi Zimbalist for his concern during my illness. Dr. Jeff Wener
Condolences Upon the Deaths of: Nancy Gordon Mother of Howard Gordon Sol Greenberg Uncle of Steve Greenberg Robert “Bobby” Katz Brother of Helaine Katz-Ratskoff Lois Soble Mother of Jon Soble
SPEEDY RECOVERY WISHES TO: Renee Brown with continued prayers for Renee feeling better. Renee & Wes Brown IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Berger, beloved mother of Sherry & Marty Krawitz. Rona Wolf Marge Eisner, beloved mother of Scott & Fran Eisner. Gail Gerber & Eric Yegelwel
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Irving Kolko, in loving memory of Uncle Irving. Betty & Steve Kolko Phyllis Shatz, in loving memory of our beloved Aunt Phyllis. The Brandt Family HAZZAN EZRING DISCRETIONARY FUND IN APPRECIATION OF: Hazzan Ezring for leading such a beautiful service for Jake’s Bar Mitzvah. Marcy, Jeff & Jake Kostis Hazzan Ezring for making the B’nai Mitzvah so wonderful. Marc & Debbie Posner and Family Hazzan Ezring for his enormous help in preparing Albert for his 2nd Bar Mitzvah. Albert & Linda Stark CANTOR WEISBERG DISCRETIONARY FUND UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Michael Linderman Merle Linderman Ben Shugan Roberta Uhler
TRIBUTES RABBI LIFSHITZ DISCRETIONARY FUND IN APPRECIATION OF: Rabbi Lishitz for the beautiful speech he gave at Albert’s 2nd Bar Mitzvah. Albert & Linda Stark IN MEMORY OF: Shirlee Lerman, beloved stepmother of Mitch & Ann Lerman. Rona Wolf RABBI LIFSHITZ LEGACY FUND IN MEMORY OF: Shirlee Lerman, beloved step-mother of Mitch & Ann Lerman. Gail Gerber & Eric Yegelwel UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Bruce J. Minnick Harry H. Minnick Craig & Janice Minnick PRAYER BOOK FUND (Siddurim purchased) IN HONOR OF: Al Stark upon his 2nd Bar Mitzvah. Sherry & Marty Krawitz IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Berger, dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother of Sherry & Marty Krawitz and Family. Jean & Ron Friedman Janet & Maynard Grossman UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Irving Tolsky Deborah & Howard Tolsky
The Word – January 2020
GENERAL FUND IN APPRECIATION OF: Hazzan Ezring for all the help he provided for Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah. Susan & Norman Kronowitz Lisa Neiman for all the help and assistance she provided for Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah. Susan & Norman Kronowitz Rabbi Zimbalist for all the help he provided for Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah. Susan & Norman Kronowitz IN HONOR OF: Joan & Norm Kurtz upon the birth of their grandson, Gavin Levi Kurtz. Rita & Sid Mathias Rita & Sid Mathias upon their son, Scott’s engagement. Sandy Ramras IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Berger, beloved mother of Sherry and Marty Krawitz. Myra & Neil Borkan Henny Elisco Kitty & Bruce Hoffman Marge Eisner, beloved mother of Scott & Fran Eisner. Kitty & Bruce Hoffman Shirlee Lerman, beloved step-mother, grandmother and great grandmother of Mitch & Ann Lerman and Family and beloved mother and grandmother of the Lessman Family. Kitty & Bruce Hoffman
GENERAL FUND (Cont.) UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Maxwell Clamage Marla Feld Clara Kersky, beloved mother and grandmother. Cheryl & Stuart Kersky and Family Joseph Kronowitz, Lena Kronowitz, Ida Rice, Walter Rice, in loving memory of our beloved parents. Susan & Norman Kronowitz Ruth Kurtz Norm & Joan Kurtz Dorothy Patt, in loving memory. Jerry Patt Jackie Pollard Ellyn & Layne Pollard Ruth Sabol, beloved mother. Alan Sabol Louis Schnabel, beloved grandfather of Stuart. Cheryl & Stuart Kersky and Family CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT FUND IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Berger, beloved mother of Sherry and Marty Krawitz. Gail Gerber & Eric Yegelwel
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TRIBUTES SISTERHOOD FUND
MEN’S CLUB FUND
LINDA & ALBERT STARK FUND
IN HONOR OF: Ron & Jean Friedman upon their 50th wedding anniversary. Sandy Ramras
IN HONOR OF: Ron Friedman, Darlene Bikshorn, Ron Kovich, Matt Dragon, Maynard Hirsch, Lou Rabin, Jerry Sakol, Fred Rabinowitz and Manny Ribot for being wonderful Lieberman volunteers. Sandy Ramras
IN HONOR OF: Albert Stark upon his 2nd Bar Mitzvah. Leah & Sam Chiprin Gail Gerber & Eric Yegelwel Susie Rizman & Howard Levy Sandy Ramras Barry, Barb, Allison & Shaina Stark
Merle & Evan Rumack upon their 50th wedding anniversary. Sandy Ramras IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Berger, beloved mother of Sherry & Marty Krawitz. Susan Adleman Marcie, Alan & Ross Marcus Sandy & Marty Rockwell Robert “Bobby” Katz, beloved brother of Helaine KatzRatskoff. The Mann Family – Kim, Skip, Ryan, Jo, Jason, Amber, Owen & Nate Shirlee Lerman, beloved stepmother of Mitch & Ann Lerman. EDUCATION FUND Levitan Judith & William IN HONOR OF: Sandy & Marty Rockwell upon the B’nai Mitzvah of their beloved grandchildren, Tessa & Stephen Posner Jean & Ron Friedman IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Berger, beloved mother of Sherry & Marty Krawitz. Miriam Rudolph UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Janet Thomas, our beloved sister and aunt. Rhonda & Jeff Wener and Family
The Word – January 2020
Ron & Jean Friedman upon their 50th wedding anniversary. Sandy Ramras Joan & Norm Kurtz upon the birth of their grandson, Gavin Levi Kurtz. Gail Gerber & Eric Yegelwel Ellen & Jeff Gluskin Sandy Ramras Susan & Fred Rabinowitz upon the birth of their grandchild. Sandy Ramras Merle & Evan Rumack upon their 50th wedding anniversary. CHESEDSandy FUND Ramras
IN MEMORY OF: Margaret Eisner, beloved mother and grandmother of Scott & Fran Eisner and Family. Aileen Shaffer KIDDUSH FUND
IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Berger, beloved mother of Sherry & Marty Krawitz. Linda & Albert Stark UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Michael Schwartz, most beloved nephew and cousin. Miss you and love you. Linda & Albert Stark and Family INCLUSION FUND SPEEDY RECOVERY WISHES TO: Marilyn Green-Rebnord. David Rebnord and Marilyn Green-Rebnord YOUTH FUND IN MEMORY OF: Sheldon Robbins upon his yahrzeit. Anthony Cirillo
IN MEMORY OF: Shirlee Lerman, beloved step mother of Mitch & Ann Lerman. Eileen and Alan Spiegel Larry Lipson, a great friend. Ron Caplan
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TRIBUTES JERRY BERENSON MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF: Albert Stark upon his 83rd birthday and his 2nd Bar Mitzvah. Jeff, Melinda, Jonathan & Elizabeth Fine IN MEMORY OF: Shirlee Lerman, beloved step mother of Mitch & Ann Lerman. Jeff, Melinda, Jonathan & Elizabeth Fine UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Sarah Singer, loving grandmother. Melinda Fine & Family ETHAN LEVITAN MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF: Marge Eisner, beloved mother and grandmother of Scott & Fran Eisner and Family. Judith & William Levitan Eileen & Alan Spiegel
BEN SAYPOL MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF: Robyn Anders, beloved sister of Lisa Neiman. Sandy Ramras Marilyn Berger, dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother of Sherry & Marty Krawitz and Family. Marlene & Stacy Sachs Marge Eisner, beloved mother and grandmother of Scott & Fran Eisner and Family. Marlene & Stacy Sachs Shirlee Lerman, beloved step-mother, grandmother and great grandmother of Mitch & Ann Lerman and Family. Marlene & Stacy Sachs
JUDY WALCER MEMORIAL FUND UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Judy Walcer, we miss you mom! Marcy, Jeff & Jake Kostis
Judy Walcer, beloved wife, mother and grandmother of Chuck Walcer and Family. Nancy & Burt Litwin Karen & Paul Saharack Rhonda & Larry Wollheim
JACK RIZMAN MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF: Marti & Morry Rizman upon their 50th wedding anniversary. Pam & Jon Davis
UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Brenda Chait, beloved sister and aunt. Marlene & Stacy Sachs Sam Kanter Herb Kanter
UPON THE YAHRZEIT OF: Maynard Duboe, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather. Fred & Sue-Ellen Duboe Ruth Duboe, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Fred & Sue-Ellen Duboe Morris Schwartz, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather. Fred & Sue-Ellen Duboe
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CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA 5304 RFD Long Grove, IL 60047 (847) 634-0777 E-Mail: info@bethjudea.org Website: http://www.BethJudea.org Rabbi Morris Zimbalist Hazzan Gil Ezring Rabbi Emeritus Howard Lifshitz Hazzan Emeritus Roger J. Weisberg President Dana Goldstein Executive Director Lisa Neiman Educational Director Anna Besser Youth Director Marc Sender Editor Evan Rumack
From The Editors In order for your article to be published in the next issue, we must have it at the synagogue by the 10th of the month! There will be no exceptions. This includes information on disk as well. We need your article as it is important to let the congregation know what your group is doing. Announcements should take the form of articles in The Word rather than separate flyers. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Rabbi, Board of Directors or the editors.
Worship Schedule
Candle Lighting Times Candle Lighting time is calculated for 18 minutes
Conducted by before sunset and is adjusted for Daylight Savings Time. Rabbi Morris Zimbalist and Hazzan Gil Ezring Shabbat Evening Services ..........................................7:30.p.m. . January 3 …............................................. 4:14 p.m. Shabbat Morning Services ........................................ 9:30 a.m. Alternative Shabbat Service (Interpretive Minyan).. 10:30 a.m. January 10 ..…………………................. .4:21 p.m. Weekday Morning Minyan: Sunday .................................................................. 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday ........................................ 7:30 a.m.
January 17 …........................................... 4:29 p.m. January 24 ..…………….……………… 4:38 p.m. January 31 ..…………...……………… 4:47 p.m.
Weekday Evening Minyan: Monday through Thursday .................................... 7:30 p.m.
The Blessing For Lighting The Candles On Shabbat is אֲ ֶשׁר,ֹלקינוּ ֶמלֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ מ ֵ ֱבָּ רוְּך אַ ָתּה ה' א .וֹתיו וְצִ וָּנוּ ְלהַ ְד ִליק נֵר ֶשׁל ַשׁבָּ ת ָ ְִק ְדּ ָשׁנוּ ְבּ ִמצ Bo-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Melech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav Vi-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has hallowed us through His Commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of the holy Sabbath.