BE March April 2013 Bulletin by jonathanfieldsdesign

In this issue

March -April 2013 Adar- Iyar 5773

For more information, Calendar of Events, Rabbis' sermons, and for Emergency School Closings be sure to check our website at www. nssbethel.org or call 847-432-8900.

Learn Passover Palooza pg.7 Frankel Lecture pg.13

Pray Pesach Service Schedule pg.3 Passover Pray & Play pg.7 Passover Supplement pg.16

From the Desk of Rabbi Schwab

Community Chametz Fest pg.3 Marc Epstein pg.6 Yom Hashoah Event pg.7 Sisterhood Membership Tea pg.8 Dinner with Rabbi pg.9 Blood Drive pg.11 A Night of Dreams pg.14

Mission Statement We are a congregation of families and individuals who come together to pray, to study, and to create a warm and welcoming community. We seek to preserve and enhance our People's traditions within the context of Conservative Judaism. We aspire to strengthen our Jewish identity to meet the challenges of a changing environment. We endeavor to provide resources to help us relate to God, understand the ways of God and enrich the Jewish content of our lives. We encourage our members to serve worthwhile causes within our Congregation and the wider Jewish and world communities. We are committed to support Israel. We educate our children so they commit to the cultural, spiritual, and ethical values of our People. March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

The Secret of Passover: Why We Love the Holiday of Matzah So Much! Everyone waxes nostalgic from time to time. Some of us do it quite often. We look into our past and we re-live a powerful experience, a meaningful event, a lovely time. And we remember the special feelings of that time, the magic of that moment, and we cherish it. There are all kinds of occasions in our lives that can become the subject of our nostalgia but I would guess that most represent occasions when we were surrounded by people we love, at moments of significance, especially during times of joy. I don’t know about you, but each year thinking about my upcoming Passover Seder unfailingly sends me into the world of nostalgia. Years of past Sedarim cycle through my head. Precious memories of times spent with family members, some of whom who are no longer alive and some of whom who are no longer part of my Seder because of distance and life circumstance, suddenly become tangible and vivid. I can smell the food, hear the laughter and feel the warmth. Through the experience of these memories I re-connect with my own past, with my treasured relationships, with my personal family history and with my Jewish heritage, all at once, in an emotionally compelling way. During those moments of remembering I understand that all those years of experiencing Passover Sedarim in such a way have created a powerful and positive legacy that naturally creates joyful anticipation in advance of the current holiday each and every year. While many of us complain about the lack of bread and the poor taste of matzah (although there are some who love it!?), the reality is that this is one of the most meaningful and most celebrated holidays on the Jewish calendar. Much of that, I believe, stems from the powerful entwinement of our personal memories with the collective memory of our people. This is a holiday, which perhaps like no other, actively builds Jewish identity and connects us as individuals to the on-going story of the Jewish people. “I” becomes “We”. Our family customs become intertwined with the ancient customs of our ancestors. Our present intermingles with our past – creating a new future. The Passover Seder, in many ways, acts as our Jewish compass helping us to better understand who we are and, therefore, guiding us to where we need to go. Every year I tell anyone who will listen that the more one puts into the preparations for the Seder night, the more one will get out if it in return. Making the content of the Seder interesting, interactive, meaningful and fun allows the Seder experience to go even beyond a wonderful meal with family and friends accompanied by delicious food (already a great foundation). With some forethought, participants can come away with a deeper appreciation for their freedoms, a greater understanding of the Jewish past, a deeper connection to their family history and a greater affinity for their Jewish identity. Any time we have (continued on page 2) 1

From the Desk of Rabbi Schwab The Secret of Passover (continued from page 1) the opportunity to engage in Jewish identity building, we should seize it! And the Seder night might be the greatest opportunity of them all! Jewish education is crucial, Jewish Camp wonderful, synagogue life essential, Birthright valuable but, a vibrant meaningful Jewish home life is vital to the continuation of the Jewish people. So please, wax nostalgic in advance of the Passover holiday and remember what made your

Sedarim of the past so meaningful. Then work to help create memories this year that will sustain you and the participants at your table well into the future. And if you don’t have nostalgia for past Passovers, there is no time like the present to create an experience worthy of such memories! Feel free to consult with me on wonderful resources to enhance your seder. Whatever you do, I wish you a meaningful Passover filled with

Shabbat Schedule Monday through Friday Mornings, 7:15am Sunday through Thursday Evenings, 7:30pm Sunday and Legal Holiday Mornings, 8:45am Rosh Hodesh Mornings, 7:00am Services are conducted by: Rabbi Vernon H. Kurtz, Rabbi Michael Schwab, Hazzan Larry B. Goller

11:00 am Every Shabbat Tot Shabbat / Mini Minyan B'yachad Services for families with children 2nd grade and younger

Junior Congregation Services for students in 3rd - 5th grade

See calendar for times.

Shabbat, March 2 Shabbat Parah Parashat Ki Tissa Torah: Exodus 30:11–34:35 Maftir: Numbers 19:1–22 Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16–38

Shabbat, April 6 Birkat Ha'Hodesh Parashat Shemini Torah: Leviticus 9:1–11:47 Haftorah: II Samuel 6:1 – 7:17 Shabbat, April 13 Parashat Tazria-Metzora Torah: Leviticus 12:1–15:33 Haftorah: II Kings 7:3 – 20

Shabbat, March 9 Birkat Ha'Hodesh Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei Torah: Exodus 35:1–40:38 Maftir: Exodus 12:1–20 Haftorah: Ezekiel 45:16–46:18

Shabbat, April 20 Parashat Aharey Mot-Kedoshim Torah: Leviticus 16:1– 20:27 Haftorah: Amos 9:7–15

Shabbat, March 16 Parashat Vayikra Torah: Leviticus 1:1–5:26 Haftorah: Isaiah 43:21–44:23

Shabbat, April 27 Parashat Emor Torah: Leviticus 21:1– 24:23 Haftorah: Ezekiel 44:15 – 31

Shabbat, March 23 Shabbat Ha'Gadol Parashat Tzav Torah: Leviticus 6:1–8:36 Haftorah: Malakhi 3:4–24; 3:23 Shabbat, March 30 Shabbat Hol Hamoed Pesach Torah: Exodus 33:12–34:26 Maftir: Numbers 28:19–25 Haftorah: Ezekiel 37:1–14

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

memorable moments, which help each person connect in a lasting way with our beautiful tradition! Hag Sameah – Have a Happy Passover holiday!

President's Corner by Andrew W. Brown

I know I’ve written the following sentiment in past messages, but important thoughts always bear repeating. One of the best things about North Suburban Synagogue Beth El is the richness and diversity of our many programs and activities. Sometimes we take for granted how fortunate we really are at our Synagogue. To get all this activity underway takes a terrific amount of planning and cooperation by a combination of lay leaders and staff. Many areas of our facility are in use, by very different groups of congregants, multiple times a day. And, while all of this activity is swirling, it’s hard not to witness our clergy and our senior staff members in the midst of teaching, of ritual, of celebration and a myriad of community events. For this, I’m grateful, and I’m sure you are too. But, in this article, I want to mention and bring attention to the many often unsung staff members of Beth El that help keep our Synagogue humming smoothly. Our administrative staff both in the office and in other areas of Beth El, handle a phenomenal volume of tasks. They work diligently and thoughtfully throughout the year to maintain our standards of excellence and to keep us on an even keel. They are active in accounting, communications, technology, education, membership, fundraising, and ritual. There is almost nothing that we do at the synagogue that isn’t somehow made better by the administrative staff. Beth El’s maintenance staff is on the go virtually non-stop on every day of the week. They start early to prepare the synagogue for morning services, morning programs, and preschoolers every weekday. And, friends, let me assure you, even after a long day of setting up rooms for programs, cleaning our facility, and repairing normal wear and tear matters, a maintenance staff member is still there at the conclusion of late night meetings to help close up the building for the night. Of course, on the weekends, they are also working hard to get the synagogue ready for Shabbat worship, Kiddush after services, and our many programs on Sunday. With some frequency, I’ll receive a gracious and lovely compliment from a congregant about the thoughtful and enthusiastic assistance they’ve received from one of our staff. And while verbal or written recognition of a job well done is a terrific tribute, your Board of Directors decided it was time to take another step. So, a few weeks back, we approved and put into place a new fund, entitled the “Staff Recognition Fund.” This fund was established to accept donations in recognizing the efforts of our outstanding support staff. The President of the Synagogue will coordinate and distribute the money accumulated in the Staff Recognition Fund to our administrative and maintenance staff members, most likely at the end of the calendar year. I’m pleased to note that the fund has already received a number of contributions. Has a staff member gone out of their way to make your membership meaningful? Please don’t hesitate to recognize them with a gift to the Staff Recognition Fund! March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Pesach Service Schedule Monday, March 25 Erev Pesach/1st Seder/ Fast of the Firstborn 6:30am Morning Minyan/ Siyyum Bechorim 6:45pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:50pm Candle Lighting

Thursday, March 28 Pesach Third Day 7:00am Morning Minyan 7:30pm Evening Minyan Friday, March 29 Pesach Fourth Day 7:00am Morning Minyan 6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:54 pm Candle Lighting

Tuesday, March 26 Pesach First Day/ 2nd Seder 8:50am Festival Service 7:00pm Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:51pm Candle Lighting

Shabbat, March 30 Pesach Fifth Day 8:50am Festival Service 6:45pm Mincha/Ma'ariv 7:59pm Shabbat Ends

Wednesday, March 27 Pesach Second Day 8:50am Festival Service 11:00am Pray & Play 7:00pm Mincha/Ma'ariv 7:55pm Yom Tov Ends

Monday, April 1 Pesach Seventh Day 8:50am Festival Service 7:00pm Mincha/Ma'ariv 7:58pm Candle Lighting Tuesday, April 2 Pesach Eighth Day/ Yizkor 8:50am Festival Service 7:00pm Mincha/Ma'ariv 7:57pm Yom Tov Ends

Sunday, March 31 Pesach Sixth Day 8:45am Morning Minyan 6:57pm Candle Lighting 7:00pm Evening Minyan

It's A Chametz Fest! Friday, March 22, 2013 Choice of traditional or family Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6:15pm followed by a “Chametz Fest” Shabbat dinner & interactive programming. We look forward to Sharing Shabbat with you! Questions or need more information please contact: Jackie Melinger - jackiemelinger@gmail.com or Rabbi Schwab - mschwab@nssbethel.org To register: Mail your registration form along with a check to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 To register and pay online: Go to www.nssbethel.org and login using your member id. To register and pay on the phone, call Cheryl Swenson at 847-432-8900 x222 Family Name Names & Ages of Children Attending

Seating Preference Cost: $24 for 13 years old and up x $24= $15 for ages 3–12 x $15= Under 3 are free. Price increases on March 19th to $30 ages 13 and up and $18 for ages 3–12 3

Congratulations To - Jill and Irwin Bernstein on the engagement of their daughter, Dana, to Joe Karmin - Ali and Michael Drumm on the birth of their daughter, Hannah Eliana - Gail and Bruce Greenspahn on the birth of their grandson - Drs. Glenn and Marsha Kushner on the birth of their granddaughter, Aria Isabelle - Steve and Marsha Levin on the birth of their granddaughter - Bernard and Elaine Reisin on the birth of their great-granddaughter - Herman Wexler on the engagement of his daughter, Naomi, to Greg Pestine

Condolences To - Alvin Bayliss on the loss of his mother, Molly Baylis - Karen Benson on the loss of her mother, Janet Robbin - Gail Boorstein on the loss of her father, Abe Baker - Linda Feinstein on the loss of her sister, Ellen Bookman - Nancy Gooze on the loss of her mother, Betty Allswang - Michelle Gooze-Miller on the loss of her grandmother, Betty Allswang - Sheila Gutman on the loss of her mother, Marilyn Rudin - Mario Jedwabnik on the loss of his mother, Elsa Jedwabnik - Sheela Katz on the loss of her mother, Reva Cooperman - David Lansing on the loss of his mother, Ellen Lansing - Leslie Nadler on the loss of her mother, Esther Schlutz - Ira Rosenthal on the loss of his father, Jerome Rosenthal - Gayla Ruffer on the loss of her mother, Ophira Ben-Arieh - Alan Spellberg on the loss of his father, William Spellberg - Sandy Starkman on the loss of her mother, Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman - Leslie Steinberg on the loss of her mother, Rose Steinberg

In Memoriam - Janet Robbin - Esther Schlutz

Kehillat Netzach Israel, Our Sister Congregation in Ashkelon Israel The NSSBE Israel Family Mission, led by Rabbi Michael Schwab and Hazzan Larry Goller visited with four members of our sister congregation/ kehillah while in Jerusalem. Everyone had a good time, made new friends, and learned about their sister synagogues in Highland Park and Ashkelon. On December 12, 2012, we held the second study morning in our series “The Family has Many Faces” with special focus this time on the subject of sibling rivalry. We looked at the biblical roots of this important family issue with our Rabbi Gustavo Surazski, who identified many examples from the Book of Genesis. Educational Psychlogist, Dori Taback-Hazan, then divided us into groups according to our place in the family (eldest, sandwich or youngest) for an interactive workshop looking at sibling interaction, identifying our different perspectives of family life by creating a collage which we then discussed among the 30 participants. A third study morning will be held sometime after Pesach. We plan to continue exploring the “many faces of family life” as an ongoing program, this March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

March – Adar/ Nisan 5773

Joseph Schrayer, son of Lynn and Skip Schrayer Shabbat, March 2

Dana Steinberg, daughter of Esther and Guy Steinberg Shabbat, March 9

April – Nisan / Iyar 5773

Hannah Wirth, daughter of Jennifer and Michael Wirth Shabbat, April 13

Deena Krawitz, daughter of Michelle and Michael Krawitz Shabbat, April 27

overall subject contains many issues which are important for us to explore, as well as being relevant to our members both young and old who see the family as the mainstay of our kehillah. Katif – Fruit picking for Needy Families We left Ashkelon on a sunny winter afternoon and were met by representatives from Leket Israel on our arrival at the orchard and shown how best to pick the fruit. What followed was 2 hours of hard but incredibly satisfying “katif ”work, by the end of which we had picked over 300kg of clementinas (tangerines) which we were told would feed 150 families for a week. The success of such projects is due largely to the response of thousands of volunteers, including everyone from tourists and immigrants, to veteran Israeli’s and young Israeli’s doing National Service/ She’erut Le’umi. Kehillat Netzach Israel continues to take an active role in activities promoting Tikun Olam and we plan to go fruit or vegetable picking again soon. March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural & Learning Center the rissman family kol ami museum at north suburban synagogue beth el presents:

Marc Michael Epstein Professor of Religion at Vassar College and author of The Medieval Haggadah: Art, Narrative, and Religious Imagination

March 8–10, 2013 Friday Evening March 8: Shabbat Dinner & Presentation My [Father’s] Name is Asher Lev: Reflections on Art and “Ultra-Orthodoxy” An autobiographical talk that attempts to answer the question, “What’s a nice Jewish boy — the product of a mixed marriage between the scions of Slonimer and Lubavitcher Hassidim and a Romanian socialist family —doing studying and teaching medieval Christian art?” Cost: Adults $25; children (ages 5-12) $12. Services at 6:15pm; dinner follows at approximately 7:00pm. Reservations are required by March 1 to Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8903 X234.

Saturday, March 9: D'var Torah & Post-Kiddush Lecture D’var Torah: Four Cubits of Space: Seeking God in Stillness Post-Kiddush Lecture: Building God's House in the World: Creation, the Tabernacle and Us When Rabbi Akiva described the Song of Songs as the Holy of Holies, he was not merely speaking in superlatives, but referring to a unique feature of the Temple in Jerusalem that he had known in his lifetime. This week's Torah portion describes the completion of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, the predecessor of the Temple, and, like it, a structure (and an idea) that feels very distant from us. Join Professor Epstein as he demonstrates the continuing relevance of the idea of the Tabernacle and the Temple, as they relate to Creation, to Shabbat, and to our innermost selves.

Sunday, March 10: Keynote Address—10:00 am The Medieval Haggadah: Art, Narrative, Religious Imagination An exploration of aspects of four enigmatic, quirky, and interesting illuminated haggadot: the earliest-known surviving illuminated haggadah, the Birds’ Head Haggadah, made in Mainz circa 1300; the Golden Haggadah from Barcelona, circa 1320-30; and two Spanish “siblings,” the Rylands Haggadah and its so-called Brother, made between 1330 and 1340. Breakfast will be served at 9:30 am, hosted by the Men’s Club. Copies of Professor Epstein’s book will be available for sale. A book signing will follow the program. Reservations are requested to Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8903 X234.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural & Learning Center Passover Palooza Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The Cohen Religious School, the Steinberg Pre-School, the Grey Cultural & Learning Center, and the Youth Community present Passover Palooza, featuring author Leslea Newman, on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 4:15 – 5:45pm. All NSS Beth El families with children in preschool-4th grade are invited! Leslea Newman’s enthusiasm for reading and writing is contagious! Using her picture books about Jewish families and holidays as examples (A Sweet Passover, Matzo Ball Moon, Kiss on the Keppie, and others), she will show students how a book is created from start to finish and how the strong Jewish values she learned as a child carry over into her writing. Families will have an opportunity to taste different types and brands of matzah and vote for their favorite. Inspired by A Sweet Passover by Leslea Newman, different matzah toppings will be offered too. Passover crafts and activities will also be included and a selection of Leslea Newman’s books will be available for sale. A book signing will follow the program. Bet, Gimmel, and Dalet students will participate with their teachers during Religious School. All other children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8903 x242 for more information.

Yom Hashoah Event Sunday, April 7 10:00am, sponsored by the Men's Club 12:15pm, for Sokol Hebrew High School students and parents Award-winning author and sought-after speaker Fern Schumer Chapman will take us along on her mother’s journey as one of the twelve hundred children rescued from Nazi Germany and brought to Chicago as part of the One Thousand Children project. Her books, Is It Night or Day? and Motherland, resonate with universal themes of assimilation, family legacy, prejudice, loss and identity. Fern will also share the story behind the story–how a group of compassionate 8th graders in Naperville helped to reunite her mother with her best friend. Their reunion was recently featured on the very first episode of the Oprah Winfrey Network’s series, Lost & Found, which aired earlier this year. Copies of the books will be available for sale and a book signing will follow both presentations. This program is sponsored by the Gray Cultural & Learning Center, the Sokol Hebrew High School, and the Men’s Club. For more information contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8903 x242.

Passover

pray & play Wednesday March 27, 2013 11:00am Meet in the Zell Activity Center for a combined Tot Shabbat/Mini-Minyan holiday service with songs, prayers, stories, and more. Stay for yummy Pesach treats and playtime in the Grossinger-Brickman Activity Center. This program is geared for families with children in 2nd grade and younger but all are welcome.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Sisterhood

Sisterhood Membership Tea

Sisterhood Matters! Be Involved. Be Enriched. Be Inspired. As the daylight hours slowly increase and temperatures begin to moderate, we are reminded that spring is only weeks away. It is hard to believe that Passover is just around the corner, and that we will all be making summer plans soon! Sisterhood members enjoyed celebrating Purim, and we are grateful for everyone’s support of the Mishloach Manot project last month. We hope you had a festive holiday and enjoyed all the delicious goodies in your packages. Yasher Koach to Rachel Ferber on organizing all the details of this wonderful fundraiser, which we are proud to report, surpassed all of our expectations. Although it was a labor of love, Sisterhood appreciates all the helping hands that spent hours filling and distributing the bags and making this project a success. This year is a very special one for our community, as our Synagogue is celebrating 65 wonderful years and our own Rabbi Kurtz is marking 25 years as our spiritual leader. Sisterhood is very lucky in that we have a core group of members, which have formed the foundation of a strong organization of committed Jewish women, as well as group of new members who are excited to follow in the footsteps of these inspirational leaders. It is remarkable for me to see these amazing women who continue to carry on the traditions of the generations before them and to inspire all of the members of Sisterhood. I feel I am blessed everyday to be part of such a remarkable group of women. On March 12th Sisterhood is holding a Membership Tea that we are hoping you will be able to attend, as it is open to all members and is certain to be a nice kick-off to our spring series of events. Please join us as Rabbi Schwab starts our program with a short welcome, offering his insight on Passover. Our afternoon together will also include an exciting afternoon of socializing, recipe sharing, laughter and of course, eating. Passover is only weeks away and hopefully you have seen some of the wonderful items on our shelves in the gift shop. In order to continually update our offerings, earlier this year Diane Levin and Sulie Holt spent several days at the International Gift Show in New York City. Diane and Sulie were very pleased with the items they purchased on behalf of the gift shop, as they accomplished their goal of transforming our gift shop into the only place to shop on the North Shore for your Jewish home. During the past 25 years, Sisterhood has been blessed to have the daily guidance and wisdom of Rabbi Vernon Kurtz. During the month of April we are honoring the Rabbi at numerous affairs, taking every possible opportunity to thank him for his dedication and honor him for his commitment to the Sisterhood, Synagogue and Jewish people. Please be sure to join Sisterhood at its annual Rabbi’s Dinner this year on April 9th. This evening’s dinner is a very intimate one in which each of us will be able to spend time with the Rabbi in a more light-hearted atmosphere. The Gala being held to recognize the Rabbi on April 28th is sure to be a memorable event which each of us should be sure not to miss! On behalf of Sisterhood, we wish each of you a Happy Pesach!

Meet the Ladies of Sisterhood by participating in a fun filled and rewarding afternoon of game mixers.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 12:15 –2:30pm North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Sisterhood will be Creating Special Memories. Bring your favorite Passover recipe, or share a funny story. We will create a Passover journal, with this event filling our first page. Be sure to arrive on time, as we will have a special presentation by our very own Rabbi Michael Schwab. If you would like us to order you a journal, please enclose a check payable to North Suburban Beth El Sisterhood for $8.

RSVP to: Allyson Rose 812 Marion Avenue Highland Park, IL 60035 Questions: Please call Allyson at 847-433-3388

Michelle Krawitz President Sisterhood

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Sisterhood Mah Jongg Monthly Game â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 13 at 12:45pm. Join us for a few hours of mahj fun. Donation of $5 to Sisterhood. Contact Michelle Krawitz at 847-951-4890 or email webs70@aol.com and let her know your playing level. Remember to bring your card and set if you have one.

Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club Shabbat, March 16 12:30 pm

Torah Fund News The Mission of JTS: The Jewish Theological Seminary is a preeminent institution of Jewish higher education that integrates rigorous academic scholarship and teaching with a commitment to strengthening Jewish tradition, Jewish lives, and Jewish communities. JTS articulates a vision of Judaism that is learned and passionate, pluralist and authentic, traditional and egalitarian; one that is thoroughly grounded in Jewish texts, history, and practices, and fully engaged with the societies and cultures of the present. Our vision joins faith with inquiry; the covenant of our ancestors with the creative insights of today; intense involvement in the society and State of Israel with devotion to the flowering of Judaism throughout the world; service to the Jewish community, as well as to all of the communities of which Jews are a part: our society, our country, and our world.

The Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club will meet on Saturday, March 16 after Shabbat Kiddush (at approximately 12:30 pm) to discuss The List by Martin Fletcher, facilitated by Rachel Kamin. The NBC Special Correspondent uses meticulous research and his own family's history to dramatize the explosive events in London and Palestine in the years directly following World War II, following the lives of Edith and Georg, Austrian refugees struggling to stay afloat in a world riddled with terrorism, assassination attempts, and fear.

Thank you to all recent donors:

All are welcome! Copies of the book are available in the Maxwell Abbell Library and from local libraries and bookstores. Register by sending a $36 annual donation to the Sisterhood Torah Fund.

Guardian: ($360.00 +): Dr. Gerald Frank, Mae Spitz Benefactors: ($180.00 +): Elinor Bayliss, Ruth Burack, Roberta Goldman, Bryna Kurtz, and Margaret Silberman. Contributors: ($18.00+): Renee Bearak, Batia Eizikovic, Mindy Gordon, Ellen Lavin, Joellen Lidov, Sharon Monsour, Frances Rabinowitz, Sandra Raizes, Betty Rozenfeld, Andrea Saffir, Ruth Stern, Phyllis Wygodny, Phyllis Woloshin, and Pearl Zaid.

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Men's Club & Sisterhood invite you to join us for:

Marilyn Lewis Torah Fund Vice President

Dinner with Rabbi Kurtz Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:00pm $25 per person. Reservation deadline is April 3, 2013. Please pay with check only and make checks payable to North Suburban Beth El Sisterhood and mail to: Ruth Fischer, 620 Calais Circle, Highland Park, IL 60035. Contact Ruth Fischer at 847-433-1919.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Men's Club Men's Club Shabbat

Bagels for Your Brains

This year our Men’s Club celebrated Men’s Club Shabbat on February 1st and 2nd as opposed to the December dates in the past. Over thirty-five men participated in the rituals and honors. The Parasha was Yitro and it held an important message for all. Beginning on Friday night, families gathered to enjoy welcoming in the Shabbat by chanting familiar melodies. Following, the Shabbat was again welcomed by singing, blessings, Kiddush and a delicious Israeli menu dinner, prepared by our own Chefs, Chuck Kahalnick and Avram Pachter. Zmirot and Birkat Ha’mazon completed the festive evening. Shabbat morning found more than the usual few people beginning the Services. All of the services were led by Men’s Club members. Those who read Torah were well prepared. The congregation joined in singing along very enthusiastically. The Haftarah was chanted by Larry Pachter. D’var Torah was delivered by Men’s Club President, Jeffrey Goldsmith, who also led Shacharit. Musaf was led by Richard Rabinowitz. Following services, everyone enjoyed a festive Kiddush and complimented those that participated in and led the services. The entire Men’s Club weekend was chaired by Scott Bieber. We all thank him for the hours of time spent on the arrangements. May we all look forward to celebrating Men’s Club Shabbat again next year.

NSS Beth El Hosts Man of the Year On Sunday, February 17th, the FJMC Midwest Region Men’s Clubs held their Man of the Year brunch at our Synagogue. It’s been a number of years since the event was held at Beth El and we were very proud to entertain the honorees, their families, friends and members of the Men’s Clubs in our region. Our Man of the Year was Rob Freeman, who received the well deserved honor. An Easterner by birth, born in Utica, New York, living there for eighteen years. He attended SUNY in Buffalo, NY where he earned his BS degree. Further attending the University of Rochester to receive his MBA. Rob lived in Sharon, MA where he was an active member of Men’s Club at Temple Israel, serving as Vice President. He and his wife Marcy were “childhood sweethearts” and were married in 1990 and moved to Highland Park in 2006. They became members of Beth El, with Rob joining our Men’s Club. He assumed leadership immediately as Vice President of membership and programming, offering new and successful programs. Rob is currently Vice President of membership on the Congregation Board of Directors. He has worked in marketing for large firms such as Xerox, Monster.com, Lycos and LoJack. Currently he has his own company, Northshore Pet Chef. Rob and Marcy are very proud of their three children, Andrew, Ariel and Harrison who are all very active in USY here at Beth El. Rob enjoys biking, golf, poker and of course Men’s Club. Our Men’s Club was happy to host this year’s Man of the Year brunch and looks forward to the opportunity again to host other Midwest Region Men’s Club events.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

March 3 – Susan Levin Abir, Vice president of Strategic Development for Keshet Keshet is the premier provider of educational, recreational, vocational and social programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities operating according to traditional Jewish values. Their mission is to enhance independence and integration to optimize personal potential. March 10 – The Medieval Haggadah: Art, Narrative, and Religious Imagination Join Professor Marc Epstein for an exploration of aspects of four enigmatic, quirky, and interesting illuminated haggadot: the earliest-known surviving illuminated haggadah, the Birds’ Head Haggadah, made in Mainz circa 1300; the Golden Haggadah from Barcelona, circa 1320-30; and two Spanish “siblings,” the Rylands Haggadah and its so-called Brother, made between 1330 and 1340. Breakfast will be served at 9:30am, hosted by the Men’s Club. Copies of Professor Epstein’s book will be available for sale. A book signing will follow the program. Reservations are requested to Marcie Eskin at meskin@ nssbethel.org or 847-432-8903 x234. (co-hosted with CLC) March 17 – Morton Steinberg, Synagogue Historian Mort Steinberg will speak on the history of NSSBE and the building in which we worship. April 7 – Fern Schumer Chapman (author) She is a local author who wrote two books, Motherland: Beyond the Holocaust (for adults) and Is It Night or Day? (for middle school/teens), both based on her mother’s experience. On the ship that brought her to America, her mother, Edith Westerfeld became best friends with 12-year-old Gerda Katz, but the two hadn’t seen each other since their arrival in 1938. After a Naperville, Illinois middle-school class read Is It Night or Day?, the students were so moved by the story that they made it a class project to reunite the two women. Fulfilling a shared life-long dream, the two women, now in their 80s, finally saw each other again in 2011. Edith and Gerda's story was the very first episode on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s series, Lost & Found. April 14 – Holocaust Scholarship Program Featuring Beth El students who will discuss their experiences. April 21 – Deborah Opolion-Elovic General discussion on Israel’s constitution law/religious freedom. Deborah Opolion-Elovic is the founder of Deborah Opolion Law Offices, LLC. She is a licensed attorney in Israel since 1988, and in the US (WI), since 2010. Born in NY, Deborah emigrated to Israel after attending high school in Austria, and graduated from Bar Ilan University, in Israel. 10

Men's Club Men's Club Blood Drive By donating a pint of blood on Sunday, March 17, 2013, you are helping someone truly in need for his or her life.The process is easy, painless, and free from any risk to you. The Life Source Blood Center needs our help for the community. You are a community member who one day may need this help yourself. On March 17, you can help others who require help now! And yes, your thoughtful gift is precious, especially to the person receiving it. Please join us in the Grossinger-Brickman Activity Center and give someone the gift of life. You must be in good health, 18 years or older, and weigh more than 100 lbs. Although refreshments are available, it would be a good idea to still have breakfast beforehand. Don’t forget to have your driver’s license or some other photo ID handy. Over the years, our blood drive yields annually about 44-55 pints. From an absolute perspective, this is a pretty good result. However, when considering the sheer mass of our membership and the potential of our contribution, another view may become more obvious. This year please consider your option to donate a pint. It is a worthwhile cause and merits your participation.

Return completed form to: Irv Kuperman 288 Hastings Avenue Highland Park, IL 60035

Please schedule me (us) for the Blood Drive on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at: 8:50

9:10

9:30

9:50

10:10 10:30 10:50 11:10 11:30 11:50 12:10

Name(s): Address: Phone:

Men's Club Shoah Program The Men’s Club, through our special Holocaust Fund, is awarding the Irwin Wygodny Memorial stipend to those traveling to Poland this summer in an organized educational program, and whose parent is a member of Beth El. If you would like to receive this stipend, and share that experience at a Men’s Club Program, please complete the bottom portion of this letter. It is important that you respect this deadline, as we will be unable to process applications after May 1, 2013. Mail detached form to: Arnie Sandler 650 Constance Lane, Deerfield, IL 60015 prior to May 1, 2013 Participant's Name: Address: Home Phone: Name of Program Traveling to Poland: Name & Phone Number of Program Coordinator: Travel Dates: Parent's Signature:

Participant's Signature: March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Social Action In Action Thoughts on Social Action Jacqueline Kott-Wolle, Chair Social Action Committee This winter I developed a guilty pleasure…I admit that I am completely addicted to Downton Abbey – Masterpiece Theater’s brilliant and beautiful saga about the wealthy Crawley family, the maids, butlers and valets who work for them and the beloved castle their family has occupied for centuries in the bucolic English countryside. I’ve spent many Sunday afternoons on cold winter days curled up at home and getting caught up on past seasons. I know it seems ridiculous to refer to a TV show in an article about Social Action but it struck me somewhere in the middle of Season Two that there is a connection. As World War One raged through Europe, the whole Crawley household transformed themselves for the better through the act of rolling up their sleeves and lending a hand to the war effort. High teas, fancy clothes, pomp and circumstance were gladly exchanged for service to others when the Crawleys decided to turn their estate into a hospital and treat the wounded as well as feed the poor. Lines between the rich and poor became blurred, friendships blossomed and purpose emerged when the focus of the family turned to the act of giving. How true that is…when I think of some of the most satisfying and purposeful moments of my life, they often involved this very truth. As I write this article we are only days away from Beth El’s Fourth Annual Mitzvah Day, a chance for our community to cooperatively engage together in a day of service to others. I don’t know about your family but after Mitzvah Day last year, my husband, kids and I came home so completely inspired and clear about what really matters. Henry declared that when he grows up he wants to get a job at the Northern Illinois Food Bank but would not take a salary. Sophie has been furiously making blankets in anticipation of this year’s Project Linus. And therein lies the point of Social Action. We are here because an act of service to others, no matter how small, provides a great feeling of overall purpose and well-being. Both those who give and receive are better for it. Have a Happy Pesach!

Maot Chitim Pesach Food Delivery Package pickup and delivery will be on Sunday, March 17, 2013; 9:00am –10:30 am. Warehouse location is 5990 W. Touhy Ave, Niles. Expect to spend about 2 hours including time for waiting, loading and delivering. Everyone is welcome! Pre-registration is not required to deliver our food packages. Beginning approximately three weeks before the holiday they need volunteers to assemble boxes and to put non-perishable food items in the packages. There are many ways to help Maot Chitim accomplish its noble mission. They need volunteers to help pack the food packages and to help deliver the packages. They attempt to have as few expenses as possible, however the cost of the food, boxes and other costs and expenses require us to raise money. They need your financial support now to help make the holidays brighter and more meaningful for those in need. For more information, call Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago at 847-674-3224, or email help@maotchitim.org.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Have a garage/basement full of sports equipment your kids have outgrown? Donate them to our first annual Sporting Goods Drive at Beth El. The Social Action Committee is running our First Annual Sporting Goods Drive to benefit the children at the Chicago Chesed Fund in Lincolnwood. Bins will be available at the entryways at Beth El, from Sunday, April 14 through Sunday, April 21. Please bring in good, usable condition: roller blades, soccer balls and shoes, baseball bats, balls, cleats, helmets, caps and tennis racquets, duffel bags and more. On Sunday, April 21, from 9:00am–12:00pm, please bring your bicycles, tricycles, Big Wheels, scooters and bigger items to Beth El for drop off. This is a great opportunity to get rid of all the sports stuff you're not using and do a mitzvah as well!

Upcoming Social Action Opportunities March 12th JUF Uptown Café For ages 12+, serve dinner to neighborhood needy. Contact Bryna Kurtz at 847-432-1039 or brynakurtz@aol.com. March 17th • Food Drive Begins – Clean out your pantry for Pesach and donate unopened non-perishable food to our local food bank. Contact Jacqueline Kott-Wolle jkottwolle@hotmail.com. April 11th JUF Uptown Café For ages 12+, serve dinner to neighborhood needy. Contact Bryna Kurtz at 847-432-1039 or brynakurtz@aol.com.

Bewilderments: Is it a Good Land or a Bad Land? The turning point of the Israelites' wilderness journey is the narrative of the Spies. When the people declare their intention to return to Egypt, is it fear that drives them? Or is it deeper issues of love and hate, trust and skepticism? We will explore this central narrative through the prism of midrashic, literary, and psychoanalytic materials. This lecture is presented free of charge at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El 1175 Sheridan Rd Highland Park, IL 60035 Questions? Phone: 847-432-8903 X234 Marcie Eskin meskin@nssbethel.org

Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg is the author of The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious, Genesis: The Beginning of Desire (for which she won the National Jewish Book Award) and The Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus. Her next book on the Book of Numbers will be published by Schocken in 2014. She was born in London and grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, where her father was a Rabbi and the head of the Rabbinical Court. She studied with him from childhood; he was her most important teacher of Torah. She holds a BA and PhD in English Literature from Cambridge University. After teaching English literature at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, she turned to teaching Torah. For the past twenty-five years, she has taught Torah in Jerusalem at Matan, Yakar, Pardes and the Jerusalem College for Adults. Dr. Zornberg also holds a Visiting Lectureship at the London School of Jewish Studies. She travels widely, lecturing in Jewish, academic and psychoanalytic settings.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Sunday April 28, 2013

Visit www.nssbethel.org for complete details.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Membership & Development A Night of Dreams

There’s something cooking at Beth El…

1 Sixty-five years ago, our founding families had a dream to start a Conservative synagogue on the North Shore. 1 Twenty-five years ago, Rabbi Vernon Kurtz had a vision about leading this synagogue and educating our congregants. 1 And in about eight weeks, we will honor both of these milestones at a Gala Anniversary Dinner, A Night of Dreams. It is a pleasure to take pause and celebrate happy events. We spend so much worthwhile time working, studying and doing all those “have to” things. A Night of Dreams will be a beautiful gala evening filled with good food, wonderful music, moving tributes and fun friends. This celebration also has an important fundraising component, as all proceeds from the event go directly to help meet our synagogue’s budgetary needs. The Gala is being chaired by wonderful volunteers, Michael and Karen Kesner, Jackie and Michael Melinger and Jenna and David Smiley, with oversight by our Vice President of Finance Lisa Rosenkranz. They have planned a lovely event, and congregants have so many ways to participate. Mark your calendar for Sunday evening April 28 and check out your dress attire. Festivities begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30pm, followed by an elegant dinner catered by Danzinger Kosher Catering. Guests will enjoy the music styling of “Listen up,” a Jewish acapella group, the CJHS Jazz Band will provide cocktail music, and there will be some fun tributes and surprises as well. Tickets for the event are $180 per person, and there are also dinner tables and sponsorships available. Watch your mail for the invitation coming soon! Kathy Stinson in the office is taking Gala dinner reservations with an April 3rd RSVP deadline. The Gala will also feature a unique silent auction of select elite items such as NSSBE parking spots, sports tickets and much more. There will be a Gala Program and Ad book in which many local businesses and congregants will place congratulatory ads. With tributes ranging in price from $36 to $2000, there is a way for everyone to participate. We are also reaching out to local businesses and organizations to place an ad, so if you can help us contact vendors, please let us know. You should have received your ad book information by now. Please contact Nancy Kekst at nkekst@nssbethel.org or call 847-4328900 x 237 for ad book assistance. All ads are due by April 3, 2013. As you also all know, in celebration of his 25th Anniversary here, Rabbi Kurtz is publishing a book of his finest Shabbat sermons, Encountering Torah: Reflections on the Weekly Portion. You can still contribute to this publication and your gift will be honored in Gala ad book. As of this writing, 195 friends have pledged over $470,000! All donations to this book will fund educational programming and youth scholarships at NSSBE. The book will be published this spring and distributed to the entire congregation, but if you attend the Gala, you will get your copy first! To make your pledge in honor of the Rabbi's Book, contact Nancy Kekst. I’m sure that when our dreamers first formed their vision they could not anticipate the success of NSSBE today. Join us in honoring our dreamers at A Night of Dreams. I am happy to help you find a way to participate in this celebration. Feel free to contact me, Nancy Kekst, Development Manager, by calling my office at 847-847-432-8900 x237 or emailing nkekst@yahoo.com.

introducing

Circle-of-Life Kosher Catering by

Beth El Catering Services Make Every Life Event – Special! No matter how large or how small, Whether on-site at Beth El or in the Community, Beth El Catering will provide sumptuous kosher cuisine for your next event. Call Beth El Catering to plan a delicious meal for your: Bar and Bat Mitzvah Organizational Meeting Havurah Gathering Birthday Party Kiddush Friday Night Dinner Brit Milah Anniversary Celebration Wedding Contact: Avram Pachter, Catering Manager 847-432-8900 x238 Catering@nssbethel.org

Nancy Kekst Development Manager March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Passover Supplement

2013/5773

Forbidden Foods The following foods are forbidden to Ashkenazic Jews during Pesach: leavened bread, cakes, biscuits and crackers; cereals, coffee substitutes derived from cereals; wheat, barley, oats, rice, dry peas, dry beans, and all liquids which contain ingredients or flavors made from grain alcohol. (Sephardic Jews have some different practices.)

Permitted Foods Requiring no kosher l’Pesach label, the following foods are permitted in unopened packages or containers: natural coffee, sugar, tea, salt, pepper, and fresh vegetables (except peas and beans, although string beans are permitted on Pesach). The following foods are permitted if certified for Pesach use by Rabbinical authority (have a kosher l’Pesach label): matzah, matzah flour, Passover noodles, candies, cakes, beverages, canned and processed foods, milk, butter, jams, cheese, jellies, relishes, dried fruits and vegetables, salad oils, vegetable gelatin, shortening, vinegar. Wines and liquors are permitted if certified by a Rabbinical authority as fit for Pesach use.

Dishes and Utensils Only dishes and utensils specially reserved for Pesach should be used with the following exceptions: silverware made entirely of metal if used during the year may be used on Pesach if thoroughly scoured and immersed in boiling water. Metal pots and pans used for cooking purposes only (but not for baking), if made wholly of metal, though used during the year, may be used on Pesach. They must first be thoroughly scoured and immersed in boiling water. The utensils should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between their cleaning and immersion in boiling water. Utensils used for baking during the year cannot be used for Passover. Earthenware, enamelware and porcelain utensils used during the year may not be used. Fine translucent chinaware if not used for a year is permitted if scoured and cleaned in hot water. Authorities disagree as to the method of koshering drinking glasses. One opinion requires soaking in water for three days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesach or putting them through a dishwasher. A dishwashing machine may be used for Passover after a thorough scouring and non-use for 24 hours. Authorities disagree whether a new tray is necessary. The stove is prepared by a thorough scrubbing and cleansing of all parts, then turning on the ovens and all burners full-flame for one half hour. Self-cleaning ovens should be scrubbed and cleaned, then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same manner as regular ovens. Microwave ovens should be cleaned, and then a cup of water placed inside. The oven should be turned on until the water disappears. A microwave that has a browning element cannot be kashered. In all the above cases the appliance cannot be used for 24 hours prior to kashering. If the parts of electrical appliances that come into contact with Hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate way. If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. Non-Passover dishes, pots and hametz whose ownership has been transferred should be separated, locked up or covered and marked in order to prevent accidental use. If you have specific questions, please contact our rabbis.

Bedikat Hametz (The Search For and Burning of Leaven) On the evening of Sunday, March 24, the Search for Leaven, bedikat hametz, is conducted. This is a ritual that symbolizes the final cleaning of the house of all hametz. It is customary to place pieces of bread in various rooms around the house before the search March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

begins – remember how many pieces there are and where they are hidden! The search is conducted with a candle for light and a feather and wooden spoon to collect the hametz. The hametz, feather and wooden spoon should be put in a bag and set aside to be burnt in the morning. In the morning – this year on Monday, March 25 – after eating our last meal of hametz, add any remains from breakfast to the bag of hametz from the previous night, and burn them outside the home. This is the final act of removal of hametz from our homes. Hametz should be burned by 10:15am. The appropriate prayers for the search for and destruction of hametz are found at the beginning of every Haggadah.

Mechirat Hametz (Sale Of The Hametz) In addition to the thorough cleaning of the house before Pesach, we are commanded to completely free ourselves of leavened products. Anything made from wheat, barley, oats, rye or spelt, which had a chance to leaven (rise or ferment), must be destroyed. Today a simple but meaningful tradition is followed: • • •

Each Jewish home must be cleaned before Pesach. The Rabbi contractually arranges for the sale of the hametz to a non-Jew so that it will, technically, be out of Jewish possession during Pesach. At the end of Pesach, everything in your stored-up area will be repurchased for your immediate use.

Please see Mark Stadler or use the form below to sell your Hametz. Please contact Mark no later than Monday morning, March 25. A voluntary contribution should be made upon selling Hametz. All gifts will be added to our Maot Chitim fund. Maot Chitim (Portions of Wheat). It is traditional for Jews who have been blessed by the Almighty to make sure that their less fortunate brethren have all that is necessary to celebrate a joyous Pesach. Special funds for this purpose, known as Maot Chitim, are collected in synagogues through the world. Beth El participates in this activity. If you would like to make a contribution to the Maot Chitim fund, please mail it directly to the synagogue, or bring it in personally, and earmark it accordingly. These funds will be distributed to the Greater Chicago Maot Chitim and other institutions that provide Pesach food to the less fortunate.

Maot Chitim Delivery Please plan to participate with the Greater Chicago Maot Chitim in the delivery of packages on Sunday March 17, 9:00 am to 10:30 am. For more details and directions, go to www.maotchitim.org or www.nssbethel.org.

Siyyum Bechorim (Fast of the Firstborn) At the Minyan service Monday, March 25, at 6:30am the ceremony of siyyum bechorim will take place in the Field Family Sanctuary, led by Rabbi Vernon Kurtz. It is customary for the first born male to fast on the day preceding Passover. In place of the fast, however, tradition developed the practice of concluding a portion of study of a Rabbinic text after which celebration and feasting takes place. The siyyum bechorim ceremony is the means of obviating the need for a fast. We encourage all first-born males to attend.

Detach and send to: Mark Stadler, NSS Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 I, (please print name)

hereby authorize Rabbi Vernon Kurtz to act as my agent to sell Hametz that may be in my possession wherever it may be at home, place of business or elsewhere in accordance with the requirements and provisions of Jewish law. My home address is: My office address is: Signed:

Date:

I enclosed $ for Maot Chitim (list amount)

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Jack & Mildred Cohen Religious School and Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School M'Shulchan Hamenahelet A few months ago I sat with a non-Jewish printer as I was trying to explain to him the different date inscriptions I needed on the front page of my work. After repeating the explanation of the two different nomenclatures for the English and Hebrew dates, the printer stood up and said, “Now I get it; ‫ תשע"ג‬is 2013 in Hebrew.” Well, I said, “Not really, ‫ תשע"ג‬stands for 5773 and that indicates the Hebrew year.” “Wow,” responded the printer “you guys are that old!” Explaining the difference mentioned above is, in a nutshell, the goal of our Jewish studies program. As Jews we are defined by our common “Jewish temporality.” We are set apart from the outside world first and foremost by our relationship to time. Jewish calendar is a combined solar/lunar calendar, set to keep the calendar in tune with the seasons in Israel. Our week revolves around the concept of separation between chol (weekdays) and Shabbat; major and minor Jewish holidays fall according to the calculations of the Hebrew calendar. Jews pray three times a day at fixed times and mark life cycle events following to the concepts of Jewish time. Our meals are even influenced by temporary markers. Our educational program is geared to instruct students in the understanding of Jewish time, including all the traditions and practices that have been developed in the past and continue to develop in the present. As time intersects with space, we teach Jewish rituals performed in synagogue, at home, in Israel and outside Israel. Becoming knowledgeable with the Jewish literary corpus that has been developed throughout time is a major undertaking of our program of study. To that end, we teach sacred books, modern Jewish literature and Jewish history. The learning is done incrementally and in a spiral fashion, as we strive to add new elements each year according to students’ level of development. For example, the Jewish holidays are taught in every grade; however in each grade we stress a different element of the chag to broaden understanding. The Jewish studies program combines the arts (music, art, dance and literature) in order to enrich the students’ learning experience. It is our hope that by understanding and experiencing “Jewish temporality” through all learning modalities, students will develop a strong sense of Jewish identity. Alicia Gejman Director of Formal Education

We Love Used I-Pads! If you just bought a new I-Pad and are wondering what to do with your old one, please consider donating it to the Cohen Religious School or the Sokol Hebrew High School. They are wonderful tools for learning. Please contact the Religious School Office if you would like to make a donation at 847-432-8900, ext. 225.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Beth El congregants are cordially invited to the showcase of:

My Family Story Project Sunday, April 14th Students in Kitah Vav (6th grade) have embarked on a journey to the past, an exploration of roots, a project that goes beyond the usual family tree. It is a journey that connects students to their personal stories, to their family stories, and to the greater story of the Jewish People. The culminating event of the My Family Story program in our school will be a competition of Family Roots Projects featuring those made by our students. Our school will conduct an April competition to determine which projects will go on to compete internationally. The chosen projects will be sent to Beit Hatfutsot (Museum of the Jewish People) where judges will determine the final winners of the competition. All final submissions will be included in a special exhibition at Beit Hatfutsot, and finalists and winners will be eligible for prizes as well as the opportunity to participate in an official ceremony at Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv, Israel, marking the opening of the exhibition and the conclusion to the competition.

Mesilot Hebrew Language Showcase Sponsored by the Community Foundation for Jewish Education with Ariela Haymberg Last month, Ms. Ariela Haymberg, our Kitah Bet teacher (2nd grade) gave a presentation to teachers from other schools, who came to learn how our school implements the Tal Am program. The program was held at our religious school. Ms. Haymberg is an expert in the “Tal-Am” program, which she uses to teach at our school. Ms. Haymberg has been named winner of the 2012 Hartman Family Foundation Educator of the Year Award last December. “Tal Am has been and continues to be an excellent Hebrew and heritage component of my school curriculum. The world renowned program fosters the natural acquisition of Hebrew through exposure to authentic language usage. The curriculum is interactive, research based, context based and sequential. More importantly, it helps strengthen students' Jewish identity while connecting them with their past and present heritage, both in Israel and abroad.” – Alicia Gejman, Director of Formal Education, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

Jack & Mildred Cohen Religious School and Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School March/April – Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5773

Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School March/April – Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5773

Mar 2

Shabbat

Hey Family Shabbat Services

Mar 3

Sunday

Mar 3

Sunday

Race to Nowhere–Follow-up Discussion (for Parents)

Race to Nowhere–Follow-up Discussion (for Parents) Maot Chitim Field Trip

Mar 10

Sunday

Hey Family Shabbat Services / Luncheon

Mar 10

Sunday

I-Program

Mar 13

Wednesday

Pesach Palooza with Author Lesléa Newman

Mar 24–Apr 2 Sunday–Tuesday Pesach Break Apr 7

Sunday

Yom Hashoah Commemoration Program Gesher class to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum

Apr 14

Sunday

Yom Ha'zikaron / Yom Ha'atzmaut Kitah Vav students will present the My Family Story Projects

Apr 19–Apr 21 Friday–Sunday

Hey and Vav Kallah

Mar 24–Apr 2 Sunday –Tuesday Pesach Break Apr 7

Sunday

Yom Hashoah Commemoration Program

Our Pre-School classes begin with children 16 months old through pre-kindergarten. We also have a 7 week Summer Camp for children 14 months through pre-kindergarten. Please call Caron Knopoff at 847-432-2830 for information and to arrange a tour of the school.

Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School I would like to share some very exciting news from our PreSchool. We have received a grant that will afford us the opportunity to bring Treasure Literacy™ to our school. It is a unique approach that encourages imagination, spontaneity and comprehension in young children through dramatization, music, and other multisensory experiences. Treasure Literacy™ focuses on using popular children’s stories, selected in conjunction with our school curricula and content areas of study, which provides a process-oriented approach into story dramatization. It enables children to learn concepts that can transfer to success in and outside the classroom. Through this grant our there will be training for our teachers as well as “treasure chest” in every classroom. This is just another thing that makes our school so special. We look forward to the enrichment this program will bring our children. The Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School is now well into its celebration of Purim and then Pesach. These two holidays give us an opportunity to learn about Jewish “Super Heroes”– Esther and Mordechai of Purim and Moses of Pesach. For Purim our children were busy recreating the story, making their own megillah and baking hamantashen. They learned about tzedakah, giving gifts to the poor as well as mishloach manot, exchanging treats with their friends. When they bake at school they learn about measurements, turning liquids into solids, and other math and science concepts. The teachers turned the Grossinger Brickman Activity Center into Shushan for Purim Carnivals especially for our young children. We all dressed up and had a joyous time. At the conclusion of Purim the joy does not end because a few days later we begin to learn about Pesach. The children will be

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

experimenting with flour to understand leavening. They will visit the Matzah Factory to see first hand how quickly and carefully matzah is baked. Their sand tables will be converted to the Sinai desert and their water tables to the salty Sea of Reeds. They will learn the story of Pesach, the order of the Seder and new holiday songs and blessings. Each class will invite their families to be their guests at a model Seder where they will read the Haggadah and eat special foods including matzah, charoset and maror. They will learn to remember the time when Jewish people left Egypt and became free. We hope that as you prepare for Pesach you will include children in your preparation. Do some spring cleaning together, search for chametz, cook a special holiday treats together. The Seder is a time to ask lots of questions! We encourage you to make your Seder “child friendly”. Give children a chance to get up and move around. The Seder table can be a crowded place with lots of interesting things and a source of a great Seder game for children. Ask a child to look around the table to see how many things s/he can find that begins with the letter “m”. Try the game with other letters. You can also play a “What is Missing” game by removing items on the Seder plate. If you need more suggestions please call or stop by the Pre-School office and we will gladly share some ideas with you. We wish you all a happy and healthy Purim and Pesach. Caron Knopoff Steinberg Pre-School Director

Kol No'ar The Voice of the Youth–Beth El's Youth Community A few words from BEANS USY Rel/Ed Board Member, Aaron Pickard, on being a part of USY.... BEANS is...what? That’s the question that plagues me, because BEANS is so many things at once. It’s a chapter in USY, the Conservative youth group. But BEANS is something more than just a chapter. It’s the place during the school year where I feel most comfortable being myself. At school, I feel I’m there to learn, so I really don’t make an effort to socialize, but when I’m here, I just want to have fun. I feel that I have more friends here than at school. It’s also the place where I enjoy learning the most outside of school. I’ve made spreading a love of Judaism among BEANSniks my main mission here because it is my passion. So what is BEANS? I’m still trying to figure that out on a daily basis. And I can’t do it alone. It’s the members who define BEANS more than anything else. So come to a Saturday evening program. Try a lounge night. Let’s define BEANS together. • Kol HaKavod to all the USYers who participated in USY Shabbat on January 26th! You did a fantastic job leading the congregation. • Calling all Jewish 8th Graders! You are invited to come to USY programs! We can’t wait to see you! BEANS Youth Community is a great way to make new friends, hang out with old ones, and have an awesome time. Still not a member of Beth El’s award winning youth community? It’s never too late. Contact Sam Isenstein, Youth Community Director, at sisenstein@nssbethel.org or at 847-432-8900 ext. 214 for more information regarding membership or any other questions regarding the Beth El Youth Community.

Melissa and Dana Levin at USY Jungle Speed Lounge Night

BEANS USY Tuesday, March 12th–There will be a Café BEANS Lounge Night, 7:00–9:00pm in the Horowitz-Hoffman Youth Lounge (Lounge nights are $5, Free for Activity Pass holders). Shabbat, March 16th– Join Teen Minyan for morning services, Free Lunch will be provided after for all teens that come! Saturday, March 16th (after Shabbat)– BEANS is going to BroomBall and Ice Skating. Meet in the Youth Lounge at 8:00pm, pick up will be at 10:00 pm. $10 for members, $15 for non members and free for Activity Pass holders. Tuesday, March 19th– Get ready for a chocolate filled evening. BEANS USY will have their own Chocolate Seder from 7:00–9:00pm. This program will be $5, Free for Activity Pass holders and lots of chocolate to be served.

Kadimaniks playing "Minute to Win It" games

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Kol No'ar The Voice of the Youth–Beth El's Youth Community Upcoming Programs and Events! BEANS USY

Kadima

Shalom Club

Tuesday, April 9th– BEANS USY will be having an Amazing Race Lounge Night. 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Horowitz-Hoffman Youth Lounge (Lounge nights are $5, Free for Activity Pass holders).

Wednesday, March 6th–There will be a Kadima Board Meeting 6:15–7:30pm (After CRS). Dinner will be served.

Saturday, March 9th–Shalom Club is off to Nickel City. Please meet in the Youth Lounge at 7:00pm for Havdallah. Pick up will be at 9:30pm at Beth El. Snacks will be provided. $10 for members, $15 for non members, Free for Activity Pass holders.

Shabbat April, 13th – Join Teen Minyan for Mincha. (Free and Yummy Meat seudah shlishit for all those that come!) 5:00pm in the Youth Lounge. Saturday, April 13th (after Shabbat)– BEANS USY is off to Laser Tag. Meet in the Youth Lounge at 8:15pm for Havdallah. Bus will be leaving promptly at 8:45pm. Pick up at 11:30pm. $15 for members, $25 for non members and Free for Activity Pass holders.

Sunday, March 10th–Kadima will be going to the Chicago Wolves Game. Come cheer on the Chicago Wolves as they take on the Rockford Ice Hogs. Kosher dinner will be served at the game. Meet at 2:30pm, bus will depart Beth El promptly and return at 7:30pm. $30 Limited Tickets available! Be sure to RSVP to Brittany at BEANSkadima@ gmail.com

Shabbat, April 13th–Shalom Club will have Shabbat Lunch and Games in the Youth Lounge. Lunch will be $5, please pay before or after Shabbat.

Tuesday, April 16th – Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day at BEANS USY’s Yom Haatzmaut Israel Program Lounge Night! 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Horowitz-Hoffman Youth Lounge (Lounge nights are $5, Free for Activity Pass holders). Tuesday, April 23rd – Get Ready for Kinnus at BEANS USY Kinnus Pump Up Lounge Night with SARBEANS. 7:00–9:00pm in the Horowitz-Hoffman Youth Lounge (Lounge nights are $5, Free for Activity Pass holders). Friday, April 26th – Sunday, April 28th Look out for registration for CHUSY Regional KINNUS where we will elect a new CHUSY Regional Board, see who wins Chapter of the year and say goodbye to our seniors! Tuesday, April 30th – Have a relaxed evening at the Café BEANS Lounge night; 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Horowitz-Hoffman Youth Lounge (Lounge nights are $5, Free for Activity Pass holders). Save the Dates! Tuesday, May 7th– BEANS USY Mandatory Parent and Candidate Election meeting Tuesday, May 21st –BEANS USY Elections

Sunday, March 17th–Shalom Club will have their Annual Chocolate Seder 11:15–1:00pm (after CRS). Lunch and lots of chocolate will be served. $5 for members, $10 for non members and Free for Activity Pass holders.

Wednesday, March 20th–There will be a Kadima Lounge Night from 6:15–8:00pm (After CRS) $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers and free for activity pass holders. Dinner will be served! Wednesday, April 10th–There will be a Kadima Board Meeting from 6:15–7:30pm (After CRS). Dinner will be served. Saturday, April 20th–Kadima and Shalom Club will join together for a Larger than Life Evening Program. $10 for members, $15 for non members, Free for Activity Pass holders. Snacks will be provided. Please meet in the Youth Lounge for Havdallah at 8:30pm, *Special pick up time for Kadima will be at 11:00pm. Wednesday, April 24th–There will be a Kadima Lounge Night from 6:15–8:00pm (After CRS). $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers and free for activity pass holders. Dinner will be served.

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Saturday, April 20th– Kadima and Shalom Club will join up for an amazing Larger than Life Evening Program. $10 for members, $15 for non members. Snacks will be provided. Please meet in the Youth Lounge for Havdallah at 8:30pm, pick up will be at 10:00pm.

M&M Club Shabbat, March 2nd– M&M Club will have Shabbat Lunch and games. Lunch will be $5, please pay before or after Shabbat. Wednesday, March 13th– Passover Palooza will be from 4:15–5:45pm. A new program featuring Leslea Newman, author of A Sweet Passover, Matzo Ball Moon, and Kiss on the Keppie plus a Matzah "Bar," crafts, and activities for families with children in preschool-4th Grade. Sunday, April 14th– There will be an M&M Club Program at 11:15 am –12:30 pm (After CRS). Lunch will be served. Cost of program is $5 or free with activity pass! Shabbat, April 20th–M&M Club will have Shabbat Lunch and Games. Lunch will be $5, please pay before or after Shabbat.

Todah Rabbah

We are grateful for the following contributions:

Rabbi Kurtz's Discretionary Fund

- In honor of Avi Coven's engagement - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

- In memory of Arie Hooberman, beloved father of Zvia Dover - Batia Eizikovic

- In honor of Dr. Martha Kushner's aliyah Glenn and Martha Kushner

- In memory of Arthur H. Frohman, beloved husband - Cecelia Frohman

- In honor of Emily Kaplan becoming a Bat Mitzvah and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Joseph and Cynthia Kaplan

- In memory of Benjamin Friefeld, beloved father-in-law - Friefeld Living Trust

- In honor of Ernest Smolen as Hatan Torah David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh - In honor of Ilana Spitz becoming a Bat Mitzvah - Annette and Jerry Blumerg - In honor of Leslie Apter being awarded the Kol Ha'Nearim - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh - In honor of Lucy Cohen becoming a Bat Mitzvah and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Sue Cohen - In honor of Nathan and Gabriel Small becoming B'nai Mitzvah - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

- In memory of Betty Wasserman, beloved grandmother - Michael and Debora Pinzur - In memory of Daniel Schechter, beloved husband of Sally Schechter - Herbert Rosen - In memory of Debra Boorstein, beloved mother of Brain Boorstein - Robert and Marsha Weinstein - Julie and Mark Gerstein - Vicki and Paul Morton and family - In memory of Dina Field, beloved mother and grandmother - Phillip and Sandra Cooper

- In honor of our aliyah - Jori and Leah Brajer - In honor of the birth of Jane and Nate Pickus' grandson - Barbara and Ira Berger - In honor of the birth of Noah to Jason and Sarah Weil and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Alan and Nancy Gandelman - In honor of the birth of our grandson, Daniel Maurice Richman, and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Michael and Sara Sher - In honor of the marriage of Jill Leiderman, daughter of Michael and Hermine Leiderman, to Rob Cohen - Harris and Sharon Goldenberg - In memory of Aaron Eliot Cohen and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for being with us in our time of grief - Stephen and Lynn Cohen - In memory of Abe Baker, beloved father of Gail Boorstein - Julie and Mark Gerstein - Robert and Marsha Weinstein

- In memory of Dr. Lester D. Kaplin, beloved father - Alan and Marcia Kaplin - In memory of Dr. Marshall Bergman, beloved father of Merle Kaufman - Ronald and Ruth Wolf - Myrna Kaufman - Jill and Steve Hoffman - In memory of Elaine Krumbein, beloved wife of Eliezer Krumbein and beloved mother of Debbi Dworin and Aaron Krumbein - Rochelle and Earl Rubinoff and Family - Sue Cohen - Ruth Burack - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh - In memory of Eli Field, beloved father Phillip and Sandra Cooper - In memory of Ellen Bookman, beloved sister of Linda Feinstein - Annette and Jerry Blumberg - In memory of Ellen Bookman, our beloved sister - Steve, Linda, Sara, Matt, Carli and Melissa Feinstein

- In memory of Abe Baker, beloved father and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Brian and Gail Boorstein - In memory of Abe I. Yaffe, beloved father Daniel Nast Jr. and Dolly Nast

- In memory of Elsa Jedwabnik, beloved mother of Mario Jedwabnik - Adam and Kathy Keyser - In memory of Ernest Kaplan, beloved father Trevor and Dina Lissoos - In memory of Esther Rosenberg, beloved mother - Sidney and Natalie Rosenberg

- In memory of Albert Rosenberg, beloved father - Fred and Linda Rosenberg - In memory of Amy Ebstein, beloved daughter Bernhard and Roslyn Ebstein - In memory of Anna Hirschfeld, beloved grandmother - Marc and Brenda Wilkow March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

- In memory of Betty Juron Davis, beloved sister - Marvin and Joyce Juron

- In memory of Ethel Karson, beloved mother Sally Aaron - In memory of Frank Pollack, beloved father Mark and Susan Pollack

Todah Rabbah Rabbi Kurtz's Discretionary Fund (continued)

- In memory of George Goldstein, beloved father - Phyllis Fischel

- In memory of Max Glassman, beloved father Joan Holland and Eli Glassman

- In memory of Gilbert and Ethel Levy, beloved parents - Adrian and Linda Winick

- In memory of Merwin Rosenberg, beloved father - Jerome and Mary Kaltman

- In memory of Herman Chudacoff, beloved father - Donald and Lois Chudacoff

- In memory of Meyer W. Reisin, beloved brother - Bernard and Elaine Reisin

- In memory of Isidor Mandel, beloved father Irwin and Sheri Mandel

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Samuel and Irene Shanes - Philip and Doreen Feitelberg - Debbi and Ira Rosenberg

- In memory of Jacob Wolk and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for the El Malei Prayer - Barry Wolk

- In memory of Miriam Singer Galerkin, beloved mother - Amos and Edith Turner

- In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz David and Karen Benson

- In memory of my beloved mother - Sharon Behm

- In memory of Janice Friedman, beloved sister of Rabbi Vernon Kurtz - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

- In memory of Nathan Greenfield, beloved father - Milton Greenfield

- In memory of Jerome Rosenthal, beloved father of Ira Rosenthal - Gerald Lapins

- In memory of Raymond Hara - Lynne and Michael Lieber - Marlene and Glenn Mikell - Richard and Karen Reisin - Terri and Bruce Mason and Rachel and Eric - David and Peggy Orloff

- In memory of Joseph Brooks, beloved father Donald and Lois Chudacoff - In memory of Joseph Ferns, beloved father and Florence Goldberg, beloved mother Ronald and Eileen Goldberg

- In memory of Reuben R. Stein, beloved father - Alan and Marcia Kaplin

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Ronald and Kathy Sonenthal - Hetty De Leeuwe - Mark and Robin Greenberger

- In memory of Rose Steinberg - Michael and Jane Strauss - In memory of Sam Kaltman, beloved father Jerome and Mary Kaltman

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld and Judy and Nate Coven, our beloved parents, and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - Steve and Sara Coven

- In memory of Sidney Freifeld, beloved husband - Friefeld Living Trust - In memory of Susanne Spellberg, beloved mother and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz Alan Spellberg and Audra Kaplan

- In memory of Lillian Winick, beloved mother - Adrian and Linda Winick

- In memory of Susanne Spellberg, beloved mother of Alan Spellberg - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

- In memory of Louis H. Frohman, beloved father-in-law - Cecelia Frohman - In memory of Louis Kaplan, beloved father Wallace and Joan Dunn

- In memory of Sylvia Levin, beloved mother and Nate and Lily Rosenberg, beloved parents - Ira and Deborah Rosenberg

- In memory of Louis Shulman, beloved father Alvin Shulman

- In memory of Sylvia Maiman, beloved mother and grandmother - Steven and Linda Feinstein

- In memory of Ludwig Blum, beloved father Melvin and Lenore Blum

- In memory of Sylvia Szwajger, beloved mother - Martin and Yolanda Schachter

- In memory of Ludwig Ebstein, beloved father Bernhard and Roslyn Ebstein

- In memory of Zelig Brajer, beloved father Jori and Leah Brajer

- In memory of Marshall Rosman, beloved brother - Bernhard and Roslyn Ebstein

- With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz - James and Julie Stempel - Barry and Jody Schatz - Keith and Cheryl Weitzman

- In memory of Marvin Holland, beloved husband - Joan Holland - In memory of Marvin Small, beloved father of Richard Small - Debra Rade March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Todah Rabbah

We are grateful for the following contributions:

Rabbi Kurtz's Discretionary Fund (continued)

- With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for his special spiritual leadership - Joseph Hara

- With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for officiating at our wedding - Robin Malis and Gary Stern

- With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for Kate Sternberg and Marty Elisco's wedding Daniel and Rena Sternberg

Rabbi Schwab's Discretionary Fund

- With appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for officiating at Molly's baby naming ceremony Michael McElwee and Allison Kamen

- In appreciation of Bris of Kooper Halperin The Halperin Family

- In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother of Karen Benson - Gloria Zieve

- In honor of Aaron Krumbein receiving the Keeper of the Flame award - Nancy Michaels

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld and Judy Coven and Nate Coven, our beloved parents, and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Steve and Sara Coven

- In honor of Baby Naming - Heather and Ben Sher - In honor of Lucy Cohen becoming a Bat Mitzvah and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Sue Cohen - In honor of Mark Fox becoming a Bar Mitzvah and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Michael and Joyce Fox - In honor of the birth of our grandson Daniel Maurice Richman and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Michael and Sara Sher - In memory of Aaron Eliot Cohen and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab for being with us in our time of grief - Stephen and Lynn Cohen - In memory of Elaine Krumbein, beloved wife of Eliezer Krumbein and beloved mother of Debbi Dworin and Aaron Krumbein - Barry and Irene Sufrin and Family - In memory of Ellen Bookman, our beloved sister - Steve, Linda, Sara, Matt, Carli and Melissa Feinstein

- In honor of Davida Goller becoming a Bat Mitzvah - Myrna Kopin - Alan and Susan Resnick - Nissah Mattenson - Irving and Betty Rozenfeld - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

- In memory of Morris Foxman, beloved father Leonard and Rochelle Foxman - In memory of Raymond Hara - Jim and Beckie Nolan - In memory of Sherwin O. Simon, beloved father - Gregg and Rebecca Simon - In memory of Yale Kaplan, beloved father Jeff and Lisa Rosenkranz -With appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Marvin and Sara Siegel - Keith and Cheryl Weitzman

- In honor of with appreciation to Hazzan Goller for making a very special service Debra Rade - In memory of John Baskin, beloved grandfather - Paul and Eileen Goldstein - In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, Judy Coven and Nate Coven, our beloved parents, and with appreciation to Hazzan Goller - Steve and Sara Coven

- In honor of Lucy Cohen becoming a Bat Mitzvah and with appreciation to Hazzan Goller - Sue Cohen - In honor of Mark Fox becoming a Bar Mitzvah and with appreciation to Hazzan Goller - Michael and Joyce Fox - In honor of the birth of our grandson Daniel Maurice Richman and with appreciation to Hazzan Goller - Michael and Sara Sher March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Roger and Ronnie Wilk - Gail and Bruce Greenspahn

- With appreciation to Rabbi Schwab for his warmth and support during Emily Kaplan's Bat Mitzvah - Joseph and Cynthia Kaplan

- In memory of Jack Barnett, beloved father Ruth Geiderman

Hazzan's Discretionary Fund

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven and beloved grandmother - Rochelle and Earl Rubinoff and Family

Todah Rabbah Andrew and Gail Brown Technology Endowment Fund

- In honor of James Gordon becoming a Bar Mitzvah - Andrew and Gail Brown

- In honor of Jeremy Pascal becoming a Bar Mitzvah - Andrew and Gail Brown

- In honor of Davida Goller becoming a Bat Mitzvah - Andrew and Gail Brown

- In honor of Ashley Hendler becoming a Bat Mitzvah - Andrew and Gail Brown

- In honor of Lucy Cohen becoming a Bat Mitzvah - Andrew and Gail Brown

- In honor of Sara Fishbein becoming a Bat Mitzvah - Andrew and Gail Brown

Ann and Jack Weinberg Holocaust Memorial Education Fund

- In memory of Calvin Kagan, beloved father and grandfather - Joel and Pearl Kagan

Ben and Marion Drachler Scholarship Endowment Fund

- In memory of David Scott Drachler, our beloved son - A. Michael and Nancy Drachler

Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School Fund

- In memory of David Berger, beloved father of Robert Berger - Debra Rade

Beth El Camp Scholarship Fund

- In honor of Ira Rosenberg's 60th birthday Lila George

- In memory of Elsa Jedwabnik, beloved mother of Mario Jedwabnik - Cindy, Aaron, Harper and Ryan Leshtz

- In honor of our son Joshua becoming a daddy - Drs. Glenn and Martha Kushner - In honor of Dr. Martha Kushnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aliyah - Dr. Glenn Kushner

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Nancy and Allen Gandelman

- In memory of Elaine Krumbein, beloved wife of Eliezer Krumbein and beloved mother of Debbi Dworin and Aaron Krumbein - Nancy and Allen Gandelman - Debra Rade

- Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Mort Steinberg - Annette and Jerry Blumberg

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman Bobbie and Len Tenner

- In memory of Raymond Hara - The Zito Family

Camp Ramah General Scholarship Endowment Fund

- In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother of Karen Benson - Myrna Kopin

Capital Improvement Fund

- In memory of Harold Hymen, beloved father of Mira Temkin - Karen and Michael Kesner

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman Marcy and Kenneth Levin

- In memory of Harry Weisberg, beloved father Karen and Michael Kesner

- With appreciation to Chuck Kahalnik for his assistance at Thanksgiving - Debra Rade

- In memory of Ignacio Fried, beloved father Edward and Sari Salinas

Continuing Education Endowment Fund

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Elise, Ira, Marc, Alice, Josh and Rachel Frost - Greg and Leslie Apter

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

- With appreciation for Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter's friendship - Richard and Pam Schlosberg

Todah Rabbah

We are grateful for the following contributions:

Edward S. Frank Israel Study Memorial Endowment Fund

- In memory of Edward S. Frank, beloved husband - Nessia Frank

General Israel Scholarship Fund

- In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother of Karen Benson - Howard and Sandra Turner

- Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Karen Bieber - Howard and Sandra Turner

- In memory of Sidney Starkman, beloved father and Annette Berg, beloved aunt - Larry Pachter and Sandy Starkman

- Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Marge Birnbaum - Howard and Sandra Turner

- Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Mort Steinberg - Howard and Sandra Turner

Gerald and Rita Buckman Yom Ha'atzmaut Program Endowment Fund

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Gerald and Rita Buckman

- In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother of Karen Benson - Gerald and Rita Buckman

Gertrude Lederman Family Continuing Education Program Fund

- In memory of Shulamit Kahana, beloved mother - Dov and Eileen Kahana

- In memory of Ellen Bookman, beloved sister of Linda Feinstein - Elise and Ira Frost

Glass/Goldman Endowment Program Fund

- In memory of Colette Lapata, beloved wife of Howard Lapata - Phillip and Ellen Glass

Irving and Janet Robbin Scholar-in-Residence Program Endowment Fund

- In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother of Karen Benson - Fran and Joel Rabinowitz - Lawrence Lidov - Mildred Lidov - Robert and Sharon Krakowsky

Isadore Finkelstein Fund

- In memory of Merle Mattenson, beloved husband of Nissah Mattenson - Sheri Gordon

Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School Gift Fund

- In honor of Rob Freeman becoming Beth El Men's Club Man of the Year - Howard and Sandra Turner - In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman Howard and Sandra Turner

Janger Family Haverot Endowment Fund

- In memory of Harold Goldenberg, beloved father of Gail Greensphan - Richard and Lois Janger

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

- Marcy and Kenneth Levin - Hetty De Leeuwe - Ira and Elise Frost - Allene Frost - Harris and Sharon Goldenberg - Sandi Kaplan and Naomi Kaplan

- In memory of Dorothy Hirschfield, beloved mother - Howard and Lois Hirschfield - In memory of Irving Hirschfield, beloved father - Howard and Lois Hirschfield

- Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Lois Janger - Karen and Michael Kesner

Todah Rabbah Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural and Learning Center Fund

- In memory of Florence Cohen, beloved mother - Mark and Marla Cohen

- In memory of John Ferns, Eileen Goldberg's beloved brother - Joseph and Susan Adler

- In memory of Pearle T. Cohen, beloved mother and Philip D. Cohen, beloved father Janet Cohen

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky / Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Andrew and Gail Brown - Anne and Elliott Rossen

- In memory of Martin Brown, beloved father Michael and Sara Sher

Kopin Family Fund for Children's T'filot Education Fund

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman Myrna Kopin

Kurtz Family Youth Endowment Fund

- In memory of Larry Asher, beloved brother of Annette Abrons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz

Lippitz Family Camp Ramah Fund

- In honor of Jon and Sherri Lippitz's anniversary; Stuart and Rolla Eisman's anniversary - Herbert Lippitz and Fran Scully

- In honor of Shael Siegel's 80th birthday Myrna Kopin

- In memory of Jacqueline Lippitz, beloved wife and mother; Morey Lippitz, beloved father and grandfather - Herbert Lippitz and Fran Scully

- In honor of Orli Lippiz's birthday; Gail Scully's birthday; Jack Pizer Lippitz's birthday; Robert Greenberg's birthday - Herbert Lippitz and Fran Scully

Maot Chitim Fund

- In memory of Elaine Krumbein, beloved wife of Eliezer Krumbein and beloved mother of Debbi Dworin and Aaron Krumbein - Joseph and Susan Adler

Maxwell Abbell Library Fund

- In honor of Joan Groner's special birthday - Sandra Becker - Gerry Kaplan

- In memory of Jerrold Groner, beloved husband and Herman Soloman, beloved father - Joan Groner

- In honor of the birth of our grandchildren Melvin and Roselynn Roseman

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Joel and Frances Rabinowitz

- In memory of Daniel S. Schechter, beloved husband of Sally Schechter - American Hospital Association

Minyan Service Fund

- In memory of Rose Reingold, beloved mother Arnold and Hilda Reingold

- In memory of Aaron M. Dlugie, beloved father - David and Joyce Dlugie

- In memory of David Berger, beloved father and with appreciation to the Beth El community - Rabbi Kenneth Berger

- In memory of Abe Baker, beloved father of Gail Boorstein - Marlene, Seth, Emily & Justin Halpern

- In memory of David Cohen, beloved brother Jeanette Massey

- In memory of Albert James Goldberg Richard Wolfe

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

- In memory of Dr. Marshall Bergman, beloved father of Merle Kaufman - Marlene, Seth, Emily & Justin Halpern 27

Todah Rabbah

We are grateful for the following contributions:

Minyan Service Fund (continued)

- In memory of Elaine Krumbein, beloved wife of Eliezer Krumbein and beloved mother of Debbi Dworin and Aaron Krumbein - Jenny and Roger Schoenfeld

- In memory of Max Eckerling, beloved father Sanford Eckerling

- In memory of Ellen Bookman, our beloved sister - Steve, Linda, Sara, Matt, Carli and Melissa Feinstein

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Nancy and Allen Gandelman - Cheryl and Keith Weitzman

- In memory of Fanny Gertz, beloved mother William Gertz and Associates

- In memory of Morton Shiner, beloved husband - Sonja Shiner

- In memory of George B. Dunn, beloved father - Wallace and Joan Dunn

- In memory of Rose Ramek, beloved mother and Ida Pollack, beloved mother-in-law Joyce R. Pollack

- In memory of Isadore Ganan, beloved grandmother and Seymour Ganan, beloved uncle - Harry and Karen Rubinoff

- In memory of Ruth Scheinman, beloved grandmother - David and Barbara Lansing

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Steven and Frances Shapiro

- In memory of Toby Goldfarb - Renee and Eugene Goldfarb

- In memory of Leo Farbman, beloved father Laura Lieberman

- In memory of Bert, Henrietta and Dudley Derdiger; Mort and Tillie Bloomberg; Mickey Gross - Carole and Stanton Derdiger

NSSBE Special Gifts Fund

- In memory of Raymond Hara - Ginger and David Russ - Nancy Gerstein and Jon Smith - Jeanine and Bill Yacktman - Jaffe Family

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky / Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Pat and Bob Gregory

Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School Fund

- In honor of Jessica and Daniel's engagement The Steinberg Pre-School Staff

- In memory of John Ferns, beloved brother of Eileen Goldberg - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh - Andrew and Jorie Sigesmund

- In honor of Nancy Iden becoming a Bat Mitzvah - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh - In honor of Yoni and Tali's marriage - The Steinberg Pre-School Staff

Pinsof Children's Reading Room Fund

- In memory of Raymond Hara - Bob and Betsy Murray

Prayer Book Fund

- In honor of Dr. Bernard and Edith Kaye's 65th anniversary - Zella Ludwig

- In memory of Irving Fegenhols, beloved father - Iris Wittenberg

- In memory of Edward Pedahel Azaryahu Amnon and Carmela Amram

- In memory of Jeanette Ulman, beloved mother - Lillian Charney

- In memory of Ellen Bookman, beloved sister of Linda Feinstein - Shelby Parnes

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Joseph and Susan Ament

- In memory of Eva Wittenberg, beloved mother-in-law - Iris Wittenberg

- In memory of Max Zar, beloved father Wendy and Leon Zar

- In memory of Felix Wolf, beloved father Mark and Julia Gerstein

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

Todah Rabbah Prayer Book Fund (continued)

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Zella Ludwig

- In memory of Rose Fried, beloved mother and Dionisio Salinas, beloved father Edward and Sari Salinas

- In memory of Natalie Bernstein, beloved sister - Robert and Sharon Abrams

- In memory of Sara Levy, beloved mother Howard and Sandra Turner

- In memory of Philip Zand, beloved husband Frances Lee Zand and Pendri Shalem

- In memory of Shane Zien Wolf, beloved mother - Mark and Julia Gerstein

- In memory of Ray Hara, beloved father Michael and Wendi Ezgur

- Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Edith Kaye - Zella Ludwig

Ritual Refurbishment Endowment Fund

- In honor of Mark Fox becoming a Bar Mitzvah and with appreciation to Mark Stadler - Michael and Joyce Fox

- In honor of Millie and Buddy Wool's 65th anniversary - Jack and Barbara Blumberg

Sarah and Henry Stiebel Schechter Endowment Fund

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Babette and Mark Daskin

Social Action Donations Fund

- In memory of Debra Boorstein, beloved mother of Brian Boorstein - Daniel and Honey Bronson

Special Gifts Fund

- In memory of Alex Knopfler, beloved father of Carol Ruderman and Rena Sternberg - Much Shelist - Sheri Gordon - Sarita Warshawsky - Steven and Belinda Zola

- In memory of Abe Baker, beloved father of Gail Boorstein - Honey and Dan Bronson

- David and Susan Greenberg - Sandi Kaplan - Irving and Betty Rozenfeld - Nancy Michaels - Harry and Harriet Bernbaum - Barbara Lipson - Chet and Diane Steinmetz

- In memory of Elaine Krumbein, beloved wife of Eliezer Krumbein and beloved mother of Debbi Dworin and Aaron Krumbein - Jerome and Mary Kaltman - Karen and Michael Kesner - Hetty De Leeuwe - Melvin and Lenore Blum - Judith Wax - Marlene Siegal - Charles Mouratides - David and Judy Weiss - Michael Balinsky - Gerald and Adrienne Lasin - Hugh and Arlene Block - Louis and Ruth Kahnweiler - Sarah Small - Elisa Whitman - Dr. Bennet and Delores Sherman - Marilyn Sidran - Thomas Nangle - Dr. and Mrs. Ascherman

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

- In memory of Elaine Krumbein, my dear sister-in-law and our loving aunt - Cecelia Frohman, Danny, Carole, Barbara, Steve, Josh and Noah - In memory of Harold Goldenberg, beloved father of Gail Greenspahn - Karen and Michael Kesner - In memory of Maurice Sher, beloved father Michael and Sara Sher - In memory of Raymond Hara - Karen and Gerald Pam - Mirobelli, Durkin & Rudin LLC - Burton and Sharon Behm - Irene Loewy Hillman - Joel Glickman - David and Rona Lasser - Sharon Gonsky - Sharon Kaufman

Todah Rabbah

We are grateful for the following contributions:

Special Gifts Fund (continued)

- In memory of Raymond Hara, beloved father and with appreciation to Rabbi Kurtz for his wisdom and support - Robert Hara - Joseph Hara - Steven Hara

Spitz Family/Ruth and Milton Liebman Israel Scholarship Endowment Fund

- In honor of Ilana Spitz becoming a Bat Mitzvah - Karen and Michael Kesner

- In memory of Janet Robbin, beloved mother of Karen Benson - Mark and Mae Spitz

- In memory of Mildred Lashinsky/Lash Starkman, beloved mother of Sandy Starkman - Mark and Mae Spitz

- In memory of Juleanne (Julie) Rosenfeld, beloved mother of Sara Coven - Mark and Mae Spitz

- In memory of Rose Cohen, beloved grandmother - Mark and Mae Spitz

Youth Community Fund

- In honor of Ali and Michael Drumm's baby naming - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh - Michael and Wendi Ezgur - In honor of Rob Freeman's 50th birthday and becoming Beth El's Man of the Year Greg and Leslie Apter

- In memory of Ellen Bookman, beloved sister of Linda Feinstein - Suzan and Ken Kolmin - With appreciation for my Shabbat aliyah Felissa Kreindler - With appreciation - Richard and Janice Small

Save the Date! NSSBE Men's Club presents the 43rd Annual Spring Music Festival

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

April 2013 Events Calendar

Sunday

7 Yom Hashoah

Monday

Tuesday

1 Pesach 7th Day 8:50 am Festival Services 7:00 pm Mincha/Ma'ariv 7:58 pm Candle Lighting

8 Yom Hashoah

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

2 Pesach 8th Day/Yizkor 3

8:50am Festival Services 7:00pm Mincha/Ma'ariv 7:57pm Yom Tov Ends

12:00pm Sisterhood Board Mtg 7:00pm Rabbi Kurtz and Hartman Institute Lecture

8:00pm Ba'al Korei Committee

6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:01pm Candle Lighting

8:50 am Shabbat Services 6:45 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv 8:06 pm Shabbat Ends

10 Rosh Hodesh Iyar

7:45pm Being Jewish by Doing Jewish – BJE Class

8:00pm Executive Committee

6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:08pm Candle Lighting

8:50 am Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah – Hannah Wirth 7:00 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv 8:12 pm Shabbat Ends

6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:16pm Candle Lighting

Past President's Shabbat Blessing Our Babies 8:50 am Shabbat Services 7:00 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv 8:21pm Shabbat Ends

9:30am Bagels for Your Brains Commemorated 3:30pm Terrific Tuesdays 7:45 pm Ritual Committee Mtg. Open Gym 6:00pm Dinner with the Rabbi 8:00 pm Board of Education Committee Meeting

15 Yom Hazikaron

16 Yom Ha'Atzmaut

9:30am Bagels for Your Brains 8:00 pm Ritual Committee Mtg. 11:00am Men's Club Board Meeting 7:45pm Frankel Scholar Evening

8:00 pm Continuing Education Committee Meeting

1:00pm Making Trouble Movie

7:45pm Being Jewish by Doing Jewish – BJE Class

12:00pm Study in the LoopRabbi Kurtz 8:00pm Board of Directors

6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:22pm Candle Lighting

8:50 am Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah – Deena Krawitz 7:15 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv 8:27pm Shabbat Ends

28 Lag B'Omer

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

6:00pm Beth El's 65th Gala

8:00 pm CLC Committee Mtg.

7:45pm Being Jewish by Doing Jewish – BJE Class

8:00pm Ba'al Korei Committee 6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:32pm Candle Lighting

8:50 am Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah – Jami Blumenthal 12:30pm Torah Fund Book Club 7:15 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv 8:37pm Shabbat Ends

The Adult and Family Programming will hold a special movie event for seniors on Tuesday, April 23 at 1:00 pm. A showing of, “Making Trouble: Three Generations of Funny Jewish Women” tells the story of six of the greatest female comic entertainers of the last century – Molly Picon, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner, and Wendy Wasserstein. Screening will be held at Beth El and snacks will be served. Cost is just $5.00 payable by cash or check at the door. Please RSVP to: Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8903 x234. March- April 2013 / Adar- Iyar 5773

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El 1175 Sheridan Road Highland Park, IL 60035

Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Highland Park, IL Permit No. 96

March 2013 Events Calendar

Address Service Requested

Sunday

Monday

9:30 am Bagels for Your Brains

Tuesday

Wednesday

5:21pm Candle Lighting 6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat

8:50 am Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah – Joseph Schrayer 10:00 am Hey Family Services 5:15 pm Mincha /Ma'ariv 6:26 pm Shabbat Ends

7:45pm Being Jewish by Doing Jewish – BJE Class

8:00pm Ba'al Korei Committee 5:28pm Candle Lighting 8:00pm Executive Committee 6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00pm Museum Scholar-inResidence Shabbat Dinner

8:50 am Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah – Dana Steinberg 10:00 am Hey Family Services 12:30pm Museum Scholar-inResidence Post Kiddush Lecture 5:15 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv 6:32 pm Shabbat Ends

12 Rosh Hodesh Nisan

6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:37pm Candle Lighting

8:50 am Shabbat Services 12:30 pm Men's Club Kiddush Club 12:30pm Torah Fund Book Club 6:30 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv 7:42 pm Shabbat Ends

8:00 pm Ritual Committee Mtg. 12:00pm Sisterhood Program 8:00 pm Board of Education 8:00pm Men's Club Board Committee Meeting Meeting

12:45pm Mahjongg 4:15pm Passover Palooza 7:00pm Rabbi Kurtz & Hartman Institute Lecture

9:00 am Social Action PrePesach Food Drive Packing 7:00 pm USCJ Concert

12:00pm Study in the Suburbs- 6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat Rabbi Kurtz 6:45pm Candle Lighting 8:00pm Board of Directors Mtg. 7:00pm Congregational PrePesach Dinner

Erev Pesach/1st Seder

6:30 am Shacharit Siyyum 6:45 pm Mincha /Ma'ariv 6:50 pm Candle Lighting

8:45 am Morning Minyan 6:57pm Candle Lighting 7:00 pm Mincha / Ma'ariv

Saturday

2:00 am Daylight Savings Time Begins 9:30 am Museum Scholar-inResidence Lecture 7:00 pm JUF Event

31 Hol Hamoed Pesach

Friday

12:00pm Sisterhood Board Meeting 3:30pm Terrific Tuesday Open Gym

Thursday

26 Pesach 1st Day/ 2nd Seder

27 Pesach 2nd Day

8:50am Festival Services 8:50am Festival Services 11:00am Passover Pray & Play 10:00am Passover Pray & Play 7:00pm Mincha /Ma'ariv 7:00pm Mincha /Ma'ariv 7:55pm Yom Tov Ends 7:51pm Candle Lighting 8:00pm Passover Second Seder

8:50 am Shabbat Services 6:30 pm Mincha /Ma'ariv 7:50 pm Shabbat Ends

28 Hol Hamoed Pesach 29 Hol Hamoed Pesach 30 Hol Hamoed Pesach 7:00am Morning Minyan 7:30pm Evening Minyan

7:00am Morning Minyan 6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:54pm Candle Lighting

8:50 am Shabbat Services 6:45 pm Mincha /Ma'ariv 7:59 pm Shabbat Ends

Receive Organic Healthy Vegetables at Beth El! – Sign up to receive healthy organic produce from Primrose Valley Farm in nearby Wisconsin, which is responsibly grown in concert with Jewish values and delivered weekly to the Synagogue. Primrose donates a portion of their crop to the ARK and also gives a small donation to our synagogue, making it a win for everyone! To register visit the Farm’s web site: http://www.primrosevalleyfarm.com/ making sure to fill out the “Affiliated Institution” section of the form indicating you are from NSS Beth El.