August/September 2016

Transcription

ChaiLites
august/september 2016Tamuz/Elul 5776
Worship Schedule
Why is this year different from all other years?
Why is this year different from all other
years? If we were to merely change the word
‘year’ to ‘night’ this would be a very familiar
phrase to us! As the Passover experience
teaches us, we pause to ask ourselves during
this season of the year: what is different
now as we approach this New Year of 5777?
We will listen to many familiar words and
melodies and many of us will sit in the
exact same seats we have occupied for many
years. We will see many familiar faces as
well. Yet we know that what is different
is that we are different. During the past
year, many of us have faced a variety of life
challenges: the passing of loved ones or dear
friends; personal illness or of those close to us; the loss of a job or a change
in our employment status. Others have celebrated great joy and moments of
happiness...the birth of a child or grandchild; a bar/bat mitzvah or wedding;
a significant graduation or marking of a life moment. Each of these occasions
leaves their mark upon us. We are different!
During the upcoming High Holy Days we will also pause to acknowledge and
take note of a few other significant and prominent ‘differences’ between this
season and those in years past.
continued on page 5
August
Friday, August 5 – Mattot/Massei
5:45 p.m. Kabbalat Panim
6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Worship
With July and August
Anniversary Blessings
Saturday, August 6
8:30 a.m. Torah Study
10:30 a.m. Shabbat Worship with Kaddish in the
Sanctuary
Friday, August 12 – Devarim
With July and August
Birthday Blessings and College Blessing
Saturday, August 13
Sanctuary
Friday, August 19 – Va’etchanan
Under The Stars
Saturday, August 20
Musick Family Library
Bat Mitzvah of Brooke Bickhaus
5:00 p.m. B’not Mitzvah of Eleah Gerstein and
Lauren Ernsteen
Friday, August 26 – Ekev
Saturday, August 27
B’nei Mitzvah of Eli Gens and
Morgan Taitel
5:00 p.m. Bar Mitzvah of Felix Garkisch
Questions about the High Holidays?
Refer to pages 14 and 15
September
Friday, September 2 – Re’eh
Saturday, September 3
B’nei Mitzvah of Emily Freedman and
Max Freedman
5:00 p.m. Bat Mitzvah of Hilary Shapiro
We inspire Jewish journeys in an inclusive, nurturing community with
a passion for lifelong learning, music, acts of loving kindness and a love of Israel.
continued on page 3
2
Kol Sason - A Voice of Joy
Shalom u’Vrachah Peace and Blessings to you!
This fall High Holy Day season
kicks off many opportunities for
you to engage in music and spirit
here at Temple Chai. Our incredible
High Holy Day choir is about to
begin rehearsals with our wonderful
accompanist Gregory and me. We
are so thrilled to be working with a
new prayer book and excited about
all of the possibilities for new music
and deep spiritual connection.
The Chaggim are late this year, so
rehearsals don’t begin until the start
of August. If you have some choral
experience or we’ve spoken in the
past, I encourage you to give me a call to talk about joining our
choir. Our Kol Chai choir is an experienced, top-notch group made
up of amateur and professional singers. Some of our members have
been singing in the group for 15 years, while others just joined the
choir last year. We sing with beauty and power and enjoy a great
reputation in the community. The High Holy Day commitment is
relatively short and also entitles you to join us for some exciting
singing opportunities during the year. So please consider the choir!
It’s a most beautiful way to lift your voice to heaven and will fill
your soul with a sense of spiritual accomplishment and purpose!
Our Ruach! Youth Choir is ready to kick off a great season! With
a large group of kids, tons of opportunities to sing and a terrific
well-organized program directed by one of the top children’s choir
directors in the area, our children’s choir is a fantastic success.
While it is one of the strongest youth-oriented groups at the temple
(‘Ruach!’ choir kids historically and recently have shown up in
force to all of our other wonderful youth programming) they also
are quite serious about making beautiful music and supporting
religious services and congregational arts programming. The kids
also travel off-site to perform at local senior communities and
Jewish community concerts and are always front and center when
big name performers come to town! There’s still plenty of time for
your (2nd grade or up) child to join in the High Holy Day children’s
choir. Please email Mrs. Simon or me right away to get plugged in
to the program! [email protected] or [email protected]
or of course you can always call me for anything at x 227.
The School Song Leader program is another very cool way for your
teen musicians and singers to be involved in the school and learn
valuable song-leading skills. And they’ll do it all while having a
great time with yours truly and the school’s cadre of experienced
song-leaders. Did your child come back from Jewish summer camp
all jazzed up because of their incredible music experience there?
Quickly, while the iron is hot, get a guitar in their arms and get
them to me! So many Temple Chai students have loved and lived
for song leading and grown so much through our program. Song
leaders have gone on from our community and been inspired to
professional lives in music, education, Jewish leadership and even
lives in the rabbinate. I have been honored and so enjoyed training
and befriending dozens of students; helping with everything from
shopping with them and picking out an uncountable number of
guitars for kids, to supporting their musical Mitzvah projects and
fund raisers in honor of their B’nei Mitzvah. As a matter of course
many of them get into Jewish youth leadership programming
throughout their high school years and make lasting, life-long
friendships.
School song leaders also go on to lead youth retreats at camp, not
only for our youth programs but for other congregations and the
camp community as well. This introduces them to today’s hottest
performers and of course builds self-esteem, but also puts really
good money, righteously earned, into their pockets!
Now is the time! This is the place! Music and spirit are truly the
way! Bring joy to your life or the life of your child and get involved
in Jewish Music at Temple Chai! We’re fresher and stronger than
ever and we need you! Give me a call today!
B’Shalom, Your friend,
Cantor Simon
Worship Schedule, cont’d
Friday, September 9 - Shoftim
B’nei Mitzvah of Dylan Brody and
Tyler Kamins
Friday, September 16 – Ki Tetze
B’nei Mitzvah of Jared Meyers and
Justin Meyers
Friday, September 23 – Ki Tavo
B’nei Mitzvah of Stephanie Goldberg and
Nathan Silverman
7:15 p.m. S’lichot Discussion and Worship
Friday, September 30 – Nitzavim
Saturday, October 1
3
Attention B’nei Mitzvah Families
If Your Child Will Soon
Become A Bar Or Bat Mitzvah
Please don’t forget to submit a photo for the
ChaiLites at least three (3) months prior to your
ceremony. Drop off, mail or email a clear photo
of your child with his/her name and date of their
service on the back.
If sending a jpg, please put the child’s name and
date of the service in the subject line and email it to
[email protected]. Also, please submit a two
line bio for your child and return the B’nei Mitzvah
form so we know how you would like your name(s)
listed on the B’nei Mitzvah page and all other
publicity.
Please contact Charla Silver to schedule your
pre B’nei Mitzvah photos 3 months prior to your
mitzvah. She can be reached at 847-537-1771 x241
or [email protected].
By Betsy Hamburg
June 11, 2016 will always hold a place in my heart. It was the day, I, at age 50,
became a Bat Mitzvah along with 8 other very special people. We each had a
different reason for embarking on this journey. Some never got a chance to
reach this honor due to women being denied Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. Some
converted to Judaism. Some just did not get the opportunity because of their
own choice.
Our first day, two years ago, we all introduced ourselves and told our stories.
But that was just the beginning of our trip to the bimah. We started off with
Laura Upin learning Hebrew, just like our kids did. Sure we used the same
book our kids use. Sure we were in the same rooms our kids learned Hebrew.
But we weren’t kids. Our average age was 5 times the regular student’s age.
And we were trying to learn what our kids had learned. And SURPRISE…..
we did!!!! We all know that learning new things at our age is not the same as
learning at the regular mitzvah age. But, people, it can be done. And you can
do it!!! I think this fear is what holds people back from being an older student.
But with the love and patience of Laura and your fellow students, it is possible
to do! Really!! It’s possible.
Temple Chai Funeral Plan
Second year of mitzvah class is to learn the intricacies and joy of prayer and
running a service. Ed Nickow leads you down the road of learning with such
passion and excitement it’s contagious. If you know Hebrew, but never got to
the point of your b’nei mitzvah you can jump in here. We were all so anxious
about the service. What were we reading? How in the world do we even chant
Hebrew? Who is doing what during the service? Ed stuck with us and guided
us down this road leading towards our Saturday night service.
Upon the loss of a loved one, please call the temple
office. If during non-business hours, please listen to
the phone prompts to be connected to someone who
can provide immediate support, and start to help
with your arrangements.
Ahhhh, the Saturday night service! Usually the adult class has their service
on a Friday night. Because of the size of our class, we did a Saturday night
service. We
rehearsed the whole
service at least 6
times. Yes, 6 times.
We were trying
to leave nothing
to chance. Cantor
Simon, along with
Laura and Ed, were
there with us at
our run throughs.
We each met with
Cantor individually
at least one time. We
really got the feeling that the whole temple was behind us, supporting us. Up
on the bimah we also were blessed to have Rabbi Hart and Rabbi Baden there
with us. Down on the sanctuary floor, it was filled with people we all loved.
We soaked in the love everyone was sending to us and bounced it right back.
As a benefit of your membership at Temple Chai, we
are pleased to make available to you and your family
a discounted funeral program at three different local
funeral providers, all of whom enjoy a close working
relationship with our congregation.
Funerals may be held in our sanctuary (calendar
permitting), at the funeral home chapel, or graveside
at the cemetery.
Please visit www.templechai.org/lifecycles/funerals
for detailed plan information, or call our Executive
Director, Deb Mattes at 847-537-1771 x245 for more
information.
PFLAG -- Deerfield Chapter
(Parents, Family, and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays)
Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth
Elohim
1201 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: 630-415-0622 • Office: 630-297-3658
Email: [email protected]
Meets second Thursday of each month from
7:15 - 9:00 p.m.
4
My Adult B’nei Mitzvah
It is rare at our age to be nervous for something we are doing. Not for
something our kids are doing. Not for something our grandkids are doing.
But for what we are doing to honor ourselves and those in our past, present
and future. It took 1½ hours about 30 times per year to reach a goal we could
not even imagine we could achieve. And we all did. All 9 of us were up before
G-d, our temple, our friends and family showing what we can do at any age.
Message from the President
From the Rabbi, cont’d
Summer isn’t over yet but soon our synagogue will be
filled with the hustle and bustle we all love!
It begins with a full weekend of welcome back
opportunities. Start off your Shabbat with a
congregational favorite, for big and small and young
and not so young, Shabbat Under The Stars, on
Friday, August 19th at 5:45 p.m. Remember to bring
your dinner, blankets or lawn chairs and plan for a
great evening of singing and dancing. Then for our
families with children in school, our School Open
House is back on Sunday, August 21st. It is always a
wonderful way to welcome many of our congregants
back from summer break. Between Shabbat Under
the Stars and Open House, we have a great way for those who have been away to
connect once again with your Temple Chai family. And with our “late” high holidays
in October this year, we have more time for our Religious school to get going with a
greater build-up and anticipation for the holiest time of our year.
So what did you do this summer? What did you learn? What did you experience?
It’s always great to see friends and fellow congregants and hear their stories as the
summer comes to a close. We now have 3 engagements in our family with our first
wedding taking place in September. I will be the expert on wedding plans after
this! As a community we have had excitement from the Cubs (and I hope we’re still
excited as you read this!), our wonderful biannual Greater Chicago Jewish Festival,
a highly successful Maj Jong Tournament, Chai Guys Softball League, the Northwest
Interfaith Council iWalk for Hunger, Israeli Summer Scout Caravan tour, as well as
time to continue to work on meeting our fiscal needs, our development needs, and
our planning for the coming year. I’ve learned our activities may slow down but they
certainly don’t stop during the summer. Rabbi Baden, Laura Perpinyal and Scott
Goode all had a chance to serve as faculty at our Reform movement camp, OlinSang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) and let our children see familiar faces at camp
while they were there.
Our clergy and staff have worked hard this summer learning our new Mahzor,
Mishkan HaNefesh (High Holy Day prayer books) to create meaningful and
beautiful services for both Temple Chai and our alternative service at Kingswood.
We will also have a new family friendly afternoon service for Rosh Hashanah in
hopes to better meet the needs and wishes of our young families.
For the first time in a very long time, my family and I will not be attending Rosh
Hashanah services at Temple Chai but will be at another URJ Temple, B’nai Israel in
Petoskey, Michigan, as our son Ben leads High Holy Day services for the first time
as a Rabbinical student. For the past ten years since returning from the Ta’am Israel
program in eighth grade he has wanted to be a rabbi, and although he has led other
services, somehow leading High Holy Day services puts an official stamp on his
dream becoming reality.
What does the coming year hold in store for all of us? We will continue our highly
successful Third Thursday and Lunch and Learn daytime programs. Our wonderful
Gala Committee has begun to work on a Purim celebration for this coming March
and so much more.
Hope the rest of your summer is wonderful. I am always happy to listen to your
ideas and thoughts as we continually work to improve the Temple Chai experience.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu,
Laurie
We are introducing our new High Holy Day
Prayerbook Mishkan HaNefesh. This exciting and
new addition to our High Holy Day worship will
enable us to experience these days with new and
fresh eyes...transliterated texts and contemporary
reflections on many parts of the service. Please
make sure you have purchased your own copies
to bring to services with you. Please also take note
of an exciting new addition to our High Holy Day
Service opportunities this year: on Rosh HaShanah
afternoon at 3:00 p.m. a Tot Rosh HaShanah
worship experience specifically for children ages
6 and under. Please consult the ‘which service is
right for your family?’ page in this ChaiLites so
you can determine which service experience is
comfortable and appropriate for your family.
The world is living in fearful and anxious times.
Each day we hear of another tragic loss of human
life, a moment of terror or hate in our country
or the world. In many ways, with each passing
moment of loss or horrific violence, we find
ourselves becoming increasingly immune and
have desensitized ourselves in so many ways to
this new reality. We have also sadly in our times
lost the ability to trust and have a respectful
conversation about our differences of opinion. This
has regrettably become our ‘new normal’ during
this New Year.
This year, I celebrated my 30th year in the
rabbinate and will begin my 24th year at Temple
Chai. I have often been asked: ‘what has changed
over the years?’ Although there is certainly a great
deal more to be shared, for the first time in my
rabbinic career, I find myself wondering: given
the current climate in the Jewish community,
distancing from the organized Jewish community
and the synagogue and the growing perception of
apathy towards committing oneself in deed and
purpose to the future of the Jewish people, what
steps do we now need to take to sustain ourselves
and insure our future?
Why is this year different from all other years? We
have so much to ponder; so much to reflect upon;
so much to learn. Together with my wonderful
colleagues Rabbi Ilana Baden and Cantor Scott
Simon, we look forward to learning, growing and
being uplifted with you during the upcoming High
Holy Days.
With all best wishes for a good and sweet New
Year,
Rabbi Stephen Hart
5
NEW!! ! Third Thursdays at Temple Chai
1670 Checker Road • Long Grove, IL 60047-5289 • 847-537-1771 • www.templechai.org • [email protected]
All programs begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. unless noted. Please RSVP for the entire series or
individually, by emailing Shelly at [email protected].
August 18th
Current Events with Leon Stein
corners, red ribbons, and the lack of baby showers
have in common? Join us to learn more.
What are the issues making the news each week
and their effect on the world? Come hear from our
very own Leon Stein, Professor Emeritus of History
at Roosevelt University and one of the leaders in
Holocaust education in the state of Illinois.
November 17th
Post-Election Analysis with Leon Stein
September 15th and 22nd 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. (note
early start time and late ending times)*
Movies with Jay Sorkin
Back by popular demand, Jay Sorkin’s
program will lead us in discussion and
you will be amazed at the underlying
messages of these wonderful comedies.
The Frisco Kid is about a Polish Rabbi who wanders
through the old west on his way to lead a synagogue
in San Francisco. He and a bank robber form a
friendship and both have many mis-adventures.
Gene Wilder/Harrison Ford
Keeping Up With The Steins is about a 13 year
old boy who uses his upcoming Bar Mitzvah to
reconcile the strained relationship between his
father and grandfather. Jeremy Pivan/Jami Gertz/
Garry Marshall
October 20th
Why on Earth?! An exploration of Jewish
Superstitions and Bubbe Meises with Rabbi
Baden
Every heritage has its share of cultural quirks.
In many Jewish family circles, bubbe meises
(“grandmother’s tales”) have been passed on from
one generation to the next. What does salt in
6
Join us for this special current events discussion,
focusing on the results of our recent election. Leon
Stein, Professor Emeritus of History at Roosevelt
University and one of the leaders in Holocaust
education in the state of Illinois, will lead the
conversation.
December 15th Kvell or Cringe? (Is it good for the
Jews?)
Jewish movie characterizations
in the last 50 years! With
speaker Chuck Kuenneth, we
will examine, talk about, and
view excerpts from movies in
the last half century dealing
with Jewish characters and
themes. Will they make us cringe or kvell?
AND SAVE THE DATES FOR:
January 19th Book Discussion with Rachel Kamin
February 16th Annie Shimojima, Story Teller:
Knowing your family’s story and why it’s important
March 16th Antisemitism in America: Sandy
Rockwell
April 20th The Chosen People with Rabbi Hart
May 18th Dede Harris Art and Video
June 15th A Musical afternoon with Cantor Simon
Lunch and Learn Mini-mesters
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Monday, September 12th Rosh Hashanah with
Rabbi Baden
Monday, September 19th Yom Kippur with Rabbi
Hart
Monday, September 26th Sukkot/Simchat Torah
with Cantor Simon
Wednesdays, January 4th , 11th , and 18th with
Rabbi Baden
Wednesdays, February 1st , 8th , and 15th with
Laura Perpinyal
Wednesdays, March 1st , 8th , and 15th with Rabbi
Hart
Wednesdays, April 5th , 12th , and 19th with Scott
Goode
Tuesdays, May 2nd , 9th , and 16th with Cantor
Simon
Sunday School For Grown-ups
9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
September 18th
October 9th
December 11th
January 8th
March 12th
April 9th
May 14th
Holocaust Speaker Series
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 30th
Sunday, November 6th
Dr. Jeff Kondritzer: “Jews Through the Centuries”
On June 16, 2016 Dr. Jeff Kondritzer, “Dr. K”, Director of Education Emeritus,
led a thoughtful and entertaining discussion with over 90 temple members
and guests about the ongoing migrations by Jews through the centuries since
Biblical times. Dr. K said that Jews generally traveled from one place to another
in response to anti-Semitism or to seek
better economic opportunities, particularly
during the 16th – 20th centuries. But,
he said, as early as biblical times when
Jews were doing well in Babylonia – they
founded academies, and some wrote the
Talmud – many took to the road and found
the more congenial Mediterranean climates
of Spain, Italy, southern France and Greece
where they prospered as international
traders.
Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, European nobility welcomed educated
Jews and employed them as tax collectors, a position singularly unpopular with
non-Jews. “When resentment against the nobility boiled over, Jews felt the sting
of anti-Semitism because they worked for the bosses,” said Dr. K. For example,
he continued, educated Jews in Lithuania were sent by its nobility to the
Ukraine, which the Lithuanians had conquered, to collect taxes for Lithuanian
absentee landlords. Then in the 1600s, the Khmelnitsky led uprising in the
Ukraine unleashing vicious reprisals against the Jews who were surrogates
of those landlords. These reprisals engulfed Jewish intellectuals and peasants
alike. The Ukrainians exterminated up to 500,000 people, mostly Jews. This
mass extermination, the largest of its time, caused many Jews to embrace false
Messiahs, including Jacob Frank, or to follow the Baal Shem Tov in a revival of
Hasidism.
Many Jews also left previously hospitable nations because new rulers chose
a national religion and mandated strict adherence to their choice with the
promise of torture and/or death
for the recalcitrant. Dr. K cited
Ivan the Terrible who seized
power in Russia in the 1500s.
Ivan held a contest so he could
decide which religion would
become Russia’s national faith.
He disqualified Judaism because
he overheard a delegation of Jews
squabbling over what it took to be an observant Jew. When Eastern Orthodoxy
won out, Jews moved on.
In the 1800s, the Sassoon family in Baghdad prudently responded to antiSemitism by journeying to Bombay and China. “In China,” said Dr. K, “they
made a fortune trading opium and built many synagogues.” And in the late
19th and early 20th centuries, anti-Semitism spread over Russia which together
with revolutions caused Jews to leave primarily for America.
Sunday, November 13th
Congregant David Weisberg wondered why educated Jews were not welcomed
by European nations. Dr. K. deferred to Dr. Leon Stein who replied that
because we were accused of killing God, we had no right to succeed.
Sunday, November 20th (tour at museum at
10:30 a.m.)
Dr. K concluded by saying that “I hope we’ve learned a little about the reasons
for our many “travels.”
Submitted by Julian Schreiber
7
Summer Suppers at Kingswood
When you are asked in the world to come, “What was your work?”
and you answer, “I fed the hungry,” you will be told, “This is the
gate of Adonai, enter into it, you who have fed the hungry.”
~ Midrash Psalms 118:17
On May 16th congregants from Temple Chai came together to feed
the hungry
through the
Summer Suppers
at Kingswood
initiative. For
the third year,
Temple Chai has
participated in
this program,
along with 19
other Northwest
Suburban
congregations
and churches.
For five Mondays
(May-September), congregants from two organizations buy, prepare
and deliver the food to Kingswood Church who hosts the meal.
Thirty members from Temple Chai provided main courses, salads,
desserts and drinks to 38 hungry people. In addition to receiving a
hot meal, each diner leaves with snacks and personal care items.
Coordinator
Suzanne Wexler
said that the
people who
come for the
meal are from
many walks
of life—some
struggle with
homelessness,
poverty,
addiction,
domestic
violence and
mental health
issues. “We can’t change all of their problems, but we can do a small
part, “she said. The Summer Supper is run through Journeys, the
Road Home,
a northwest
suburban Cook
County agency
that provides
shelter and
services to
those who are
homeless or at
risk of becoming
homeless in our
community.
8
In addition to the Summer Suppers, the Women of Temple Chai
coordinate weekly lunches through the PADS program. They are
always looking for volunteers.
Special thank you to the volunteers who worked at Kingswood to
set up, serve and clean up:
Jane and Sal Sidoti, Barbara Krupp, David Kogan, Sue Shamberg
and Dan Hirschberg.
To learn how to get involved with Journeys, PADS or Summer
Suppers, please contact Suzanne Wexler at 847-769-8257.
Submitted by Kitty Loewy, Hineini Chair
Traditional and Special Interest
Chavurot
You asked and we’re making it happen……
So far we have had requests for several Special Interest
groups:
•
A movies, games and rock/pop music group – Open to
adults of all ages, singles and couples. Join this group
and set the course of your activities.
•
Movie viewing and discussion group – Open to adults
of all ages, singles and couples. View current and old
movies and meet to discuss them.
•
Bridge group – All that’s needed is 4 interested people to
start this up. Come in with a partner or we’ll place you
in a group of 4. You decide when and where you meet to
play.
•
Torah Learning group – Torah study usually ends as the
Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land… the
end of Deuteronomy. Want to learn what happens next?
We’re starting a special interest Chavurah, “After Moses”,
to explore the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) after the Five
Books of Moses…. Interested?...
If this, or any other special group is of interest to you,
please email one of our Co-chairs, Charlotte Leventhal at
[email protected] or Marni Rotblut at
[email protected].
Once we have 5-6 interested people, we will begin the process
of connecting you. Don’t be shy, let us know your interests, or
if you’d like to be placed in a traditional group. Chavurah is a
great way to engage or re-engage, get together with friends or
make new ones at the temple.
Free!! Book Discussion for Parents
Wednesday, September 7th at 7:00 p.m.
Check our website for the location
Nurture the WOW: Finding Spirituality in the Frustration,
Boredom, Tears, Poop, Desperation, Wonder, and Radical
Amazement of Parenting by Dayna Ruttenberg
Every day parents are bombarded by demands. The
pressures of work and life are relentless; our children’s
needs are often impossible to meet; and we rarely, if ever,
allow ourselves the time and attention necessary to satisfy
our own inner longings. And yet, argues Rabbi Dayna
Ruttenberg, if we approach it from a different mindset,
perhaps the work of parenting itself can offset the solace
we seek.
Join Rabbi Ilana Baden of Temple Chai and tired parents
from all over the northwest suburbs for a book discussion
on spiritual parenting. This program is free and open to the
community.
Caring Community Remembrance Bag
Project
Each New Year the Caring Community reaches out to congregants
who have lost a spouse, parents, grandparents, children, or siblings
since last Rosh Hashanah by delivering Remembrance Bags that
have been prepared and packed by our volunteers.
On Sunday, September 18, 2016, we will meet at Temple Chai to
pack the Remembrance Bags.
Following the packing, we will need people to help deliver the bags
at 1:00 p.m.
If you are able to help with this mitzvah, please contact:
Reesa Epstein 847-634-9335 / [email protected]
Marcy Rasky 847-821-8917 [email protected] or
Edye Sylvan 847-550-1402 [email protected]
Your help in making this project successful is greatly appreciated.
9
Tot Shabbats for 2016-17
Meet Our Newest Member
of the Board
Once again we are shaking things up due to
feedback we received from our “tot families”.
Many of you asked if we could make the
Friday night experience earlier or have access
to dinner because it’s too late when you can
finally get your happy “totters” to leave! So
beginning in November, with our first official
“Tot Shabbat” of the year, we will unveil our
revamped evening.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. November through
May, you can order a pasta dinner from the
temple for a nominal charge, or bring in your
own meal and dine together. Worship will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by our mini-Oneg
(snacks) and schmoozing. June 2017, will be our final Tot Shabbat for the summer and will
end with our awesome S’mores and More Shabbat.
Monday, October 3
3:00 p.m. NEW!!
Tot Rosh Hashanah Experience
Friday, November 4
5:30 p.m. Optional Dinner
6:00 p.m. Tot Worship
6:30 p.m. Oneg and schmooze
Friday, December 2
Friday, January 6
Saturday, January 21
Friday, February 3
Friday, March 3
Friday, April 7
Friday, May 5
Friday, June 2nd
5:30 p.m.
S’mores and more!
My name is Arnie Brown and I was elected
Co-President of the
Chai Guys Brotherhood
Men’s Club for the
next 2 years. My wife,
Linda of 25 years, and
our two wonderful
children have been
members of Temple
Chai for approximately
13 years. Both Michael (20 years old) and
Jennifer (18 years old) studied and had
their Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s at Temple Chai,
while Jennifer completed her confirmation
and traveled to Israel on the 8th grade
Ta’am Yisrael voyage! Michael just returned
from his Birthright trip to Israel this
summer. We are very fortunate to have
two very special and talented children
with Michael attending the University of
Michigan (Honors Industrial/Operational
Engineering Program) as a junior, while
Jennifer will begin her freshman year at the
University of Wisconsin in September.
Within the temple, Linda and I chaired the
10 year Temple Anniversary committee,
and I have been very active in the Chai
Guys Brotherhood serving as CoChairman of the Membership Committee.
This year, I decided to step up to a major
role as Co-President of Brotherhood as
I felt the time was right. I will also serve
on the Temple Board as the Brotherhood
liason. I am very proud and honored to
serve in this position, and am confident
that I will be able to continue adding value
to a terrific Men’s Club for Temple Chai
with a great group of guys!
Outside of Temple Chai, I have been in
banking for about 35 years. I presently
serve as Senior Managing Director for
MB Financial Bank, leading a 1031 TaxDeferred Exchange Division in Wealth
Management. Prior to my 8 years at MB,
I managed the Professional Service Firm
team (Law Firm Banking) at LaSalle
National Bank/Bank of America for 15
years. My wife, Linda, has worked at
Providence Management Co. (Glenview)
for the past 3-1/2 years. We are very
proud members of such a wonderful
congregation, and look forward to many
more years of celebration with Temple
Chai!
10
Our Shabbat Under the Stars Tzedakah recipient
Hineini
Dear Hineini Committee and members of Temple Chai,
Michele Perlman contacted me yesterday and told me of your
generosity in helping to provide school supplies for our children in
need. We would truly welcome any help you can provide.
Cooke Magnet School for the Fine Arts and Sciences is a high
poverty elementary school in an urban/suburban community. We
are one of 24 public schools in Waukegan Public School District
#60. Our school houses approximately 525 students from Pre-K
through 5th grade. Being a magnet school, we have the luxury
of most students having to apply. Due to this fact, even though
our families are low income, the parents want more for their
children than what they have for themselves, and therefore take
their children’s education and behavior seriously. The parents,
our students, and our staff, would all be so appreciative of your
generosity.
Todah Rabah,
Nan
Nan M. Heim
Principal, Andrew Cooke Magnet School
About The School
individual, and by providing a literature rich environment. They
are dedicated to helping children recognize and develop their gifts
and talents. To be considered for admission to the Cooke Magnet
program, students must be performing academically at or above
grade level, and should have an interest in the fine arts.
If you have any questions regarding our school, send an email
to [email protected] or contact Michele Perlman, Temple Chai
Special Needs Coordinator at [email protected].
Our Connection
Michele Perlman has been a teacher at Andrew Cooke Magnet
School for 9 years and at the time of formation, the liaison for
NFTY teens. Because of that relationship, CAMP CAR was created
in 2012, by NFTY CAR advisor, Logan Zinman and our very
own Amy Orlov, the 13-14 president.The first ever camp, took
place in 2014 after 2 years of fundraising. The teens have formed
a partnership with the school and hope to become more involved
over the years.
How YOU Can Help
Please help by dropping off desperately needed school supplies to
the temple any time you stop by, or, bring them with you to Shabbat
Under The Stars. A full list of supplies can be found by checking the
ChaiWire or on the web.
Cooke is dedicated to
enhancing the core curriculum
through the integration of
the fine arts and sciences.
The arts program provides
the opportunity for children
to develop skills and
understanding in drama, art,
choral and instrumental music,
and dance. Students interested
in the sciences will enjoy the
science lab and greenhouse.
There are many opportunities
to investigate and expand
horizons in both the arts and
the academic areas.
The staff is committed to
meeting the individual needs
of all students by addressing
unique learning styles of each
11
It’ s Almost Time for
Which Service Is Right For Your Family?
Adult services are for Bar/Bat Mitzvah age children and above.
of the Women of Temple Chai, the east doors to the temple and the
restroom by the coat racks are fully automated and accessible.
Family Worship is recommended for elementary school-aged
children, along with their parents and grandparents who are temple
members. An llustrated machzor (prayer book which features
prayers, songs and Torah readings) will lead traditional family
worship, along with puppets and our youth choir.
Yom Kippur Study Session
Wednesday, October 12th – 2:30 p.m.
NEW this year! Tot Rosh Hashanah Experience for children ages
2-6 and their family will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Rosh Hashanah
afternoon at Temple Chai. Songs, hands-on crafts and snacks will
help our youngest welcome in the New Year.
High Holy Day Prayer Books
Please remember to bring your copies of the new
machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, with you when
attending worship at Temple Chai. There are separate
books for Rosh Hashanah and for Yom Kippur.
Limited copies will be available for loan. If you need
to order a set, please contact the temple office by July
31st. Each two-volume set costs $45 each ($100 for
large-print copies).
If you have not picked up your Mishkan HaNefesh,
we will be distributing orders along with name tag
pick-up the weeks of September 11th and September
18th. Please check the ChaiWire, your High Holy
Day mailing, or the temple website for specific pickup times.
Congregants attending services at Kingswood will
will use a special prayer book specific to those
services.
Yizkor (Memorial) and Ne’ilah (Concluding) Services
Our integrated Yizkor/Neilah Service will begin at
4:15 p.m. An important aspect of the Yizkor Service
is our Memorial Booklet. The names of those who
have passed away on or since last Yom Kippur will
be listed. If you have a loved one who you would
like listed in the Memorial Booklet, please contact
Deborah Greenswag at [email protected]
or 847-537-1771 x222 to confirm both the inclusion
and the spelling of the names prior to August 31st.
High Holy Days Accommodations
Amy Millman has volunteered to provide sign
language interpreting for selected services with
reserved front row seating; additional steps will be
available for the shuttle buses to the parking lot;
select seating will be available for congregants with
mobility impairments; and thanks to the generosity
12
Mishkan HaNefesh: How Did Your High Holy Experience Change?
After using the Reform Movement’s new High Holy Day Machzor
for our first four worship services – and as we prepare for Yom
Kippur Afternoon, Yizkor and Ne’ilah – join us to talk about how
the new prayer book affected your worship experience. We’ll reflect
on your favorite new poems and readings, and explore some of the
editors’ explanations about the choices they made.
The High Holy Days
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I request name tags? When will I get my name tags?
The High Holy Day packet mailing will be sent to your home in
July. All forms are due back by August 15th. Name tags will be
distributed the weeks of September 11th and September 18th.
Please check the ChaiWire, your High Holy Day mailing, or the
temple website for specific pick-up times.
Q: Will there be extra prayer books available for loan?
With the introduction of the new Mishkan HaNefesh, there will
be limited copies available for loan. If you need to order the new
prayer book, please contact the temple office by July 31st. The twovolume set is $45 ($100 for large-print copies).
Q: Where should I park?
When attending services for which you do not have a parking pass,
please plan to park at Willow Stream Park on Old Checker Road
and take a convenient shuttle bus to temple. Our shuttle buses will
be running all day during High Holy Day services.
Please note that parking at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve across the
street from Temple Chai is strictly prohibited. Anyone who parks at
the Forest Preserve may be ticketed once the gates are closed for the
evening. If you require handicap accessible parking, please contact
the temple office to obtain a special pass.
Q: We would like to bring out-of-town guests with us to High Holy
Day services. What do we need to do?
All families who wish to bring out-of-town guests to a High Holy
Day service MUST order guest name tags at $200 each. Please
include this information on your name tag service request form.
Q: My parents are members of a synagogue out-of-town and are
joining us for the holidays. What do we need to do?
If they are members in good standing at their synagogue, have their
synagogue fax us a letter including your names so we know who
they are connected to and we will issue them complimentary name
tags.
Q: Our family is interested in babysitting during the High Holy Day
services? How do we proceed?
Please complete the babysitting request form included in your High
Holy Day packet mailing. Babysitting will only be available during
early services on Rosh Hashanah Day and Yom Kippur Day at
Temple Chai. Children must be potty trained.
Q: How can I help?
Help us by becoming an usher for the High Holy Days.
Participating in this mitzvah opportunity will truly make a
difference in our congregation. To sign up, contact Stephen Brenner
at 847-821-8551 / [email protected].
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Donations to any of the funds listed here, as well as
many others, can be made in honor, appreciation
or memory of a person or event. All donations will
be recognized in ChaiLites. For donations of $18 or
more, the tribute will be acknowledged with a letter
sent to the honoree or their family. You can see a
description of all available funds and download a
Donation Form from our web site at http://www.
templechai.org/donate/. You can mail it with your
donation to Temple Chai.
Many employers will match your donations. For
all the information you need about potentially
increasing the value of your donation to Temple
Chai, go to
http://www.templechai.org/donate/matching_gifts/.
Donations to Temple Chai, a 501(c)(3) organization,
are tax deductible.
A minimum donation of $18 is required
to send an acknowledgement.
20
vesm Tzedakah
vesm Tzedakah
21
TEMPLE CHAI
REFORM CONGREGATION
1670 RFD
LONG GROVE, IL 60047-5289
STEPHEN A. HART, Rabbi
Ilana G. Baden, Rabbi
SCOTT D. SIMON, Cantor
DEB MATTES, Executive Director
DEBORAH GREENSWAG, Assistant Executive
Director
Laura Siegel Perpinyal, Director of
Congregational Learning
SCOTT GOODE, Assistant Director of Education,
Youth and Engagement
CHARLA SILVER, B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator
CATHY SCHWARTZ, Director of Member Services
Laurie Azriel-Prager, Temple President
DEBBIE BRENNER AND LINDA BRUBAKER,
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
ARNIE BROWN AND DAVE KOGAN, Chai Guys
Brotherhood Co-Presidents
JEFF KONDRITZER, Director of Education, Emeritus
NON-PROFIT
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Buffalo Grv., IL 60089
Permit No. 40
DEADLINE FOR october/november CHAILITES IS september 1
1670 Checker Road • Long Grove, IL 60047-5289 • 847-537-1771 • www.templechai.org • [email protected]

August/September 2016

Transcription

Similar documents

January 2016 - Temple Chai

with Mariska Hargitay

A SimchaWorthy of Community Celebration

halloween party invitation halloween party invitation

May 2011 - Temple Sinai

David`s Newsletter 03/31/15 It is “Semana Santa” (Holy Week) here

August 2016 - Temple Beth Israel, Waltham MA

September 2015 - Temple Sholom of Chicago

Temple B`nai Or Bulletin - American Jewish Archives

February - Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism

Newsletter Winter-5