INSIDE THIS ISSUE Rabbi’s Column Continued..................... 2 President’s Message .................................. 3 SH L’Shana Tova Greetings .................... 4 Special Event ............................................... 5 Youth/Young Family Programming ....... 6 B’nai Mitzvah ............................................... 7 Religious School ......................................... 8 Shabbat Mornings ...................................... 9 CBS U/ Adult Education/Programming ... 10-11 Sisterhood .......................................... 12-13 Men’s Club ............................................... 14 Social Action ............................................ 15 Keruv Korner .......................................... 16 “See” What’s Happening ...................... 17 Calendar ............................................. 18-19 Donations ................................................. 20 Birthdays & Anniversaries .................... 21 Milestones ................................................ 22 Yahrzeits ................................................... 23 MyCBS ....................................................... 24 Mobile App............................................... 25 Ads ....................................................... 26-27 Candle Lighting & Service Times ........ 28 Head Rabbi ......................................... Aaron Melman Senior Cantor ..................................... Steven Stoehr Assistant Rabbi ............................. Warner Ferratier Rabbi Emeritus....................................... Carl Wolkin Director of Jewish Life & Learning ................................................. Leann Blue Director of Education .......................... Stacy Ybarra Director of Youth & Young Family Engagement ……… Eric Golberg Interim Executive Director ............Susan Karlinsky President ............................................Tanya Solomon Sisterhood President ................... Robyn Rosengard Men’s Club President .......................... Steven Elisco USY President .................................. Ryan Eisenstadt 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.
SEPTEMBER 2020 • VOLUME 84 ISSUE 54
ELUL 5780/TISHREI 5781| SEPTEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 84 ISSUE 54
RABBI FERRATIER’S FINDINGS In recent weeks, the most frequently voiced opinion I’ve heard is the desire for 2020 to be over. It’s easy to understand why! Given that the High Holidays are nearly upon us, we’re about to get our wish with the Jewish year, at least. 5780 is just about over, and I think we all look forward to 5781 with both hope and trepidation. The last few months have upended our expectations for just about everything. We’ve changed the formats by which we work, learn, and socialize. We’ve even changed the format for how we worship and participate in Jewish life. Some of these changes have been good. Based on the numbers, attendance at daily minyan, Shabbat services and adult education are all much higher than expected. It’s great to know that so many people are finding ways to connect and participate with us at CBS, albeit through virtual means. However, I think some of the changes are not as positive. I can’t tell you how many posts I’ve seen on social media describing how our newly home-centered lives have Rabbi Ferratier
led to an overly relaxed approach to life. People regularly joke that bathing has become optional. People have been less focused on keeping their living spaces and bodies clean. It’s not uncommon to show up for a Zoom meeting formally dressed from the waist up, and comfortably dressed from the waist down. I certainly understand this tendency, and at times, have even been guilty of it myself. However, I think there is one area where we cannot afford to become lax, either personally or communally; namely, our Judaism. You might rightfully ask, how can I worry that our Judaism might become lax when I’ve just said that attendance at services and classes are actually higher than they were prior to COVID-19? There are two things I’d like everyone to think about. After the Temple was destroyed, the rabbis said that the humble table at home replaced the sacrificial altar. While our building may be closed, it is important for all of us to remember that we can practice sacred rituals at home also. The other thing is that we still need to take our virtual worship seriously, especially on the High Holidays. It is important to remember that these are still Holy Days. (continued on page 2)