INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chanukah .................................................... 2 President’s Message.................................. 3 Cantor’s Notes.......................................... 4 Community Shabbat ................................. 5 Religious School/Youth ........................... 6 B’nai Mitzvah .............................................. 7 Shabbat @ CBS ......................................... 8 CBS Highlights ........................................... 9 CBS U/Adult Ed/HAZAK ................ 10-11 Sisterhood........................................... 12-13 Men’s Club .......................................... 14-15 JUF Brunch/Distinguished Speaker ..... 16 CBS Spain Trip......................................... 17 Social Action ............................................ 18 Library........................................................ 19 Birthdays/Anniversaries ................... 20-21 Milestones ................................................. 22 Yahrzeits ............................................. 22-23 Donations ................................................. 24 Candle Lighting & Service Times ........ 25 “See” What’s Happening@CBS .... 26-27 Calendar .................................................... 28 Mobile App ............................................... 29 Ads ........................................................ 30-31 Diversity Shabbat .................................... 32 Rabbi ................................................... Aaron Melman Cantor ..................................................Steven Stoehr Assistant Rabbi ............................. Warner Ferratier Executive Director ............................ Michael Garlin Director of Jewish Life & Learning ................................................. Leann Blue Director of Education .......................... Stacy Ybarra Ritual Director ............. Cantor Raquel P. Gershon Director of Youth & Young Family Engagement ……… Eric Golberg Controller ......................................... Susan Karlinsky President ........................................... Tanya Solomon Sisterhood President................... Robyn Rosengard Men’s Club President .............................Steve Elisco USY President ............................... Brandon Wagner Rabbi Emeritus .......................................Carl Wolkin Shalom Designer/Editor .............. Deanne Friedman SHALOM INFO Shalom is published monthly by Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters, Northbrook, Illinois 60062-3298 for the exclusive use of its members and staff. All material contained herein is the property of Congregation Beth Shalom.
KISLEV/TEVET 5780 | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | VOLUME 77 ISSUE 47
RABBI FERRATIER’S FINDINGS Back in June, when I arrived in Northbrook, I frequently remarked that I was happy to be back in Illinois. Almost invariably, the person to whom I was speaking would smile indulgently and say something to the effect of “just wait until winter.” Well, it’s December, and I’m still happy to be back in Illinois. Although the Fall seemed very brief (it always does for some reason) I’m happy that it’s winter. I understand why most people dislike winter. It’s dark, it’s cold, the weather is even less predictable than usual. Many find the bare trees, the grey skies, and the wind to be desolate. The weather discourages venturing out, and so many people feel lonely and isolated. Most of us probably know someone who does their best to avoid wintersomeone who migrates to a warmer climate during the winter months or takes a tropical vacation. Although I am not immune to the winter-time blues and cabin fever, I find winter to be the most spiritual of seasons. Winter is a time for introspection and study. During the cold months, it is much easier for me to settle down with a book, to block out distractions, and take time to think my way through things. In winter, I don’t feel as though I should be taking advantage of beautiful weather outside. There is a stillness and timelessness in winter that allows me to give myself permission to pause, and to plan. Rabbi Ferratier
DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 • VOLUME 77 ISSUE 47
While it is true that winter can be isolating, it doesn’t have to be. Although it may be harder to convince oneself to leave the house, this is the time when it is most important to make the extra effort. Winter is when we appreciate the opportunities to be in a community, and when we need to take responsibility for providing community to others. While I am sure there are many opportunities in the greater Northbrook community, there are always things going on here at CBS. Between the classes, various committees, and our large selection of programming options, there is always something to do. When we feel lonely, CBS is a place where it is safe to reach out. Although, community is a twoway street. If we want to be able to use CBS as a place where we can come when we need others, it must also be a place we go when we are not in need. It is our individual responsibility to participate in a community so that others have a place to come, and so that when we are in need, we know we will also be cared for. It is unlikely that winter will be most people’s favorite season, but it does not have to be the low point of the year. I hope that each of us is able to find inner warmth to counter the cold outside.