President’s Message

Bob Spector Shalom Chaverim,

While the month of November/Kislev is often associated with dreary weather in Chicago, there are plenty of fun, entertaining, and educational events going on at CBS to brighten up our days. From the Sisterhood Holiday Boutique to our CBS Chanukah Happening, from our Pre-Veterans Day Concert of Americana to Israel in Depth and our always popular Men’s Club sponsored Erev Thanksgiving Program, there are engaging events for our entire multi-generational community (check out our calendar for details-https://congregationbethshalomnorthbrook.shulcloud.com/calendar).

Why stay connected to and actively be involved in our CBS community? We are fortunate to live in an extended suburban community that has so many resources and opportunities for social affiliation for our children and ourselves; and truthfully, we cannot compete with the variety of sports, entertainment, and culinary delights. I have heard it said that because we live in a fairly Jewish populated area the need/desire for Jewish affiliation through a synagogue is not as great. I grew up in a community that was about 5% Jewish. We did not live very close to our synagogue, so my family was minimally involved in the social opportunities that Temple of Aaron (our synagogue in St. Paul) offered. However, mine and my parents’ inner circle of friends were all Jewish. We created our own version of Jewish affiliation, but it was not the same as having a place to go where as soon as we walked in, we felt that we were a part of something bigger- a place that represented a shared history and cultural experience.

My first real experience of having that feeling (beyond Hebrew School and High Holiday services) occurred when I was a sophomore in college, having volunteered to help Israel right after the 1973 Yom Kippur War (I will save that story for another column). I knew nobody when I landed, yet I felt so accepted, connected to and a part of something because I was a Jew in a Jewish land. I believe that is what Congregation Beth Shalom has to offer that our secular experiences do not. Walking into our little corner of land that is Jewish fosters our Jewish identities in a way that does not occur elsewhere. We have many roles and life responsibilities that define who we are, many of which may not be specifically Jewish. The best way to nurture our Jewish identity is to be part of a community that lives and breathes being Jewish even when the events are not specifically Jewish focused.

It is even more critical, during a time when our opportunities to affiliate are more restricted, that we seek out ways to feel connected to others. Congregation Beth Shalom is a diverse community, but we do share a bond and understanding that is very powerful and meaningful. If you are regularly participating in our social, education, and religious experiences, keep on coming. If you have not yet checked us out, give us a try. This month has lots to offer everyone. What do you have to lose?

B’Shalom,

Bob

Sunday, November 7th November Office Closings

Thursday-Friday, November 25-26

Happy Thanksgiving