Dear Congregants,
HAPPY PURIM! CHAG PURIM SAMEACH! I hope you have your costume ready because Purim is here! As a reminder, here are those things again to put on your Purim “to do” list. They are: 1) RSVP for the Purim Dinner by TUESDAY so we can be sure to have room for you 2) Purchase your advance tickets/ wristband for the Purim Carnival or just show up at the door 3) Assemble a small gift basket of snacks for Mishloach Manot 4) Get ready for lots of fun.
The Men’s Club presents STUDY, SUPPER & STOLLER on Tuesday, Feb 23, at 7:30 PM. Come and learn with our own Rabbi Brian Stoller in the second series. The first session will be on Inter-Faith Marriage, and the remaining 3 sessions will deal with the Jewish perspective of politics with guest teacher Ezra Kedar. If you never studied with Rabbi Stoller before, this is a great time to get to know him, and to learn about our culture. Contact Fred Beslow or read the flier at http://bjbe.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSSFlier223.pdf .
Hamentaschen help needed for Hebrew School! You can have a great experience making hamentaschen with the Hebrew school students on either Tuesday, February 23 (in Glenview) or Thursday, February 25th (at BJBE). If you can’t join us for the fun, we also need a lot of parents to make the dough that the students will use (we will give you the recipe). Please contact Ruth Lesser at rlesser@ameritech.net or Laurie Hopkins at karmhopkins@comcast.net for more information. Don’t miss out on this fun activity!
A Message from Sisterhood President Gloria Kaiz: At the recent Biennial, Barbara Offenberg and I were introduced to a wonderful movie called the Gefilte Fish Chronicles (not to be confused with a different “Gefilte Fish” movie showing the generation to generation theme). It made us laugh, cry and just be happy with our memories. We would love to share this movie with our community. So, join us on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:30 PM at BJBE for an informal evening of fun and entertainment. If you have ever been to any holiday dinner with family--this is the movie for you. Email me with any questions at gloria@kaizs.com.
WEDNESDAY MORNING MINYON LED BY RABBI STOLLER: Our weekday morning Minyan continues on Wednesday’s from 6:45-7:15 AM at BJBE. Cantor Frost has recorded an audio CD to help us learn the weekday morning prayer melodies. If you would like a copy of the CD, please email Rabbi Stoller at bstoller@bjbe.org. What a wonderful way to start your day and also a great way to support your fellow congregants who may need to say Kaddish for a loved one.
LEARN HOW TO PUT ON TEFILLIN. Yes, Reform Jews can and do put on tefillin! Wearing tefillin during morning prayer, one of the 613 commandments, can be an immensely moving and emotional spiritual experience. This Wednesday morning, Feb. 24 AT 6:30 AM before minyon, Rabbi Stoller will hold a short teaching session.
LUNCH AND LEARN IN THE LOOP will meet next Wednesday, February 24, at the office of our member Scott Schreiber. Scott’s office is at 55 West Monroe, Suite 1200 at the law offices of Stahl, Cowen and Crowley. Bring your own lunch and study with Rabbi Stoller in this most comfortable setting. There is no registration and no fee.
SHABBAT SERVICES this week will begin at 7:30 PM.
“KOL SHABBAT” MUSICAL SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES meets this week and on the second and fourth Shabbat Morning of each month from 9:00-10:15 AM. Join our clergy and our talented musicians to celebrate Shabbat in a relaxed and informal environment with beautiful music and joyous singing. It’s the perfect way to put the work week behind you and let your spirit soar! The “Kol Shabbat” service is followed by Torah Study with one of our clergy at 10:15 AM.
PURIM is a-coming, pardner! Celebrate the holiday of Purim at BJBE on Saturday, February 27. Come dressed as your favorite Purim character or join the round-up and come in full cowboy or cowgirl (cow-person sounds just wrong!). The Purim Service and Megillah Reading will be from 5:00-6:00 PM. The Purim Dinner (reservations required- $7 per adult, $6 per child) will be from 6:00-6:30 PM. The Purim Shpiel and Parade will begin at 6:30 PM. Don’t forget to bring a basket or bag of snacks for Mishloach Manot. We hope to see you there!
PURIM CARNIVAL 2010: Our second annual “Shindig in Shushan” Purim Carnival will take place on Sunday, February 28, 2010, from 10:00AM-1:30 PM at our new congregation home! This coming year’s shindig promises lots of games & prizes (including more this year for toddlers and preteens), new entertainment (including a puppet show and more), fun arts & crafts, and yummy food for snacks and lunch. So put it on your calendar, and start thinking about your costumes! Wristbands and tickets are already on sale during Sunday School. For more information or to help, contact Sam Cole, Susie Selbst, or Barry Sabransky.
PROJECT NOURISH packs over 500 lunches on the fourth Sunday of every month. This month’s packing will take place on February 28 and will begin at 8:30 AM (note the revised time) to accommodate the Purim Carnival. These lunches and bulk food are delivered to the House of Daniel and Christian Industrial League in Chicago and to A Safe Place and PADS in Waukegan. Contact Merrilee Waldron at memi660@aol.com if you would like to help.
LOX BOX IS HERE! Our BJBE Sisterhood is having the annual Lox Box sale on March 13th and all orders must be turned in by March 1st. Information and forms can be found in the mid month mailers or on the sisterhood's web site or by calling Sheila Gates at 299-3838 or e-mail of proreps1@hotmail.com.
Rabbi Shapiro is teaching a SHABBAT AFTERNOON STUDY SERIES on Saturdays March 6, 13 and 20 from 12:30 to 2:00 PM at BJBE. The topic will be “Reform Responsa: Questions Moses Never Answered.” There is no registration or fee, just drop in!
SUPPORT CAMP OSRUI and other Reform Summer Camps by attending the “Singing for S’mores” concert at BJBE on Sunday, March 7 at 3 PM. Cantor Frost and BJBE are proud to host this community-wide concert featuring cantors, choirs and musicians from across Chicagoland. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.singingforsmores.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, March 10, 7:30 PM Kehilat Shalom & Sisterhood welcome clinical psychologist Dr. Ivan A. Wolfson, who will speak on “Coping with Life Transitions: How to make the best of trying times as we go through difficult periods in our lives. This program will be held at the temple, and all are welcome to attend. For more information contact Marla Craven 847-480-0344 marlacraven@comcast.net or Shelly Wax 847-209-0115 waxclan@aol.com
In less than one hour you can save 3 lives. Donate at BJBE’S BLOOD DRIVE on Sunday, March 14 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Registration available online at www.lifesource.org . Go “Locate a Blood Drive” link on the left side, then log-in, then type in Temple BJBE and follow directions. Contact Alison Bloom @ 847-831-0593 or ajsbloom@comcast.net with questions, to sign-up or to volunteer.
DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES at BJBE’s Multi-generational Family Event sponsored by our amazing Sisterhood! Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and don't forget your dancing shoes on Sunday, March 14th from 4:00-6:00 PM at BJBE. The afternoon will include a DJ, food from Roti Mediterranean Grill, activities from Mummies and Masterpieces, and raffles. The cost is $30 for a family of 5 or fewer ($35 at the door). Make checks payable to “BJBE Sisterhood” and send to Laurie Hopkins at 501 Willow, Deerfield 60015. Questions? contact Michelle Kriegel at michellekriegel@mac.com -847-948-9830 or Luisa Ellenbogen at rmgshgmom@yahoo.com-847-444-0677.
OUR FINAL "ISRAEL FILM SERIES" EVENT will take place here at BJBE on Saturday, March 20 with "Eitz Limon", Lemon Tree. Please note these schedule changes: BJBE doors will open at 5:00 pm with Reid Schultz's presentation starting at 5:30 PM. Buffet dinner will be served at 6:45 pm, the film will begin at 7:45 PM and Reid will conduct Q and A at 9:45 pm. Individual adult tickets for the full event are $9, movie only is $5. Congregation Beth Shalom will handle all registration. Deadline for dinner reservations is March 15. For details please contact Robbie Schreiber at robbie1008@aol.com. (This series is funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Jewish Education.)
A BJBE tradition continues as the Sisterhood sponsors our annual CRADLE ROLL PARTY on Sunday, March 21. Our Cradle Roll is for children ages 0-5 years old and their favorite chaperones. This year’s theme will be “shapes” and will begin at 9:45 AM at BJBE.
On Sunday morning March 21st, Debbie Friedman will be giving a concert at Am Shalom in Glencoe. BJBE’s Adult Choir has been asked to participate as part of a larger North Shore Choir Ensemble. The concert will begin at 10:30 AM and participants are being asked to arrive at 9:00 AM. Rehearsals will take place Monday evenings, March 1st and March 15th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Am Shalom. Please email Cantor Frost at jfrost@bjbe.org or call the office and let me know that you are interested in participating in the Choir.
POST CARPOOL CLUB EVENT: Sunday, March 21st at 4:00 PM An Afternoon at the Northbrook Symphony at Glenbrook North (free pre-concert lecture at 2:30). Enjoy the music of Four Fabulous Composers . Balcony seats (no elevator!) are $20.00 each, main floor is available at $25.00. Enjoy a post-Concert dinner together at Max and Benny’s. Dinner is not included in the ticket price. Northbrook Symphony Series Ticket holder are welcome to join the group for dinner, just let Carol know. Please send your check made payable to Congregation BJBE to Carol Berger at 4552 Lindenwood Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062 by March 10th. PCP events are planned for the enjoyment of BJBE members who have no children or children who are post confirmation age. Questions? Contact Carol Berger at 847-205-9793, ponderer4552@sbcglobal.net .
MAOT CHITIM feeds over 24,000 needy people in the metropolitan area during the High Holy Days and Passover. You can donate funds or your time on March 14 to pack and March 21 to deliver food. Learn more at www.maotchitim.org. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions please contact Brian Aronson – briana@aronsonassociates.com. Thank you for your help.
PASSOVER will begin on Monday evening, March 29. On the second night, Tuesday, March 30, at 5:30 PM BJBE will be hosting our annual CONGREGATIONAL SEDER led by Rabbi Stoller. The Seder will cost $32 for adults ($40 nonmembers) and $18 for children age 3-9 ($20 nonmembers) and will be catered by Pear Tree. Contact Lynne Kleiman for more information at lynne.kleiman@sbcglobal.net.
BJBE SISTERHOOD presents the Second Annual "Games Galore Plus More" on April 14th from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. at BJBE where you can play your favorite game of Maj, Canasta, Bridge, Board Games, etc. Bring your friends and neighbors for Dinner, Gourmet Desserts, Snacks, Raffles and lots of FUN! The cost is $36 in advance ($40 at the door). Questions? Call Midge Colman 847-509-9917, Elaine Kupfer 847-564-1656 or Lois Stiglitz 847-498-3337.
BJBE is proud to be hosting the NFTY KOLBO this spring, April 16-18 (it’s the regional kallah for our Senior Youth Group). One of our responsibilities as host is to house the teens who will be attending. If you are interested in housing at least 3 teens that weekend, please contact Lenny or Lisa Ostach at 847-383-5198 or lostach@comcast.net.
LADIES, HAVE WE GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!!! Any woman joining BJBE Sisterhood during the month of February will received a coupon entitling them to 10% off their next purchase in our beautiful Judaica Shop. It's a win-win situation for everyone. Send your $41 dues to Marcia Simmons, 9439 Merrill Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053. Questions--email Gloria Marron at glor1225@hotmail.com.
Stop by your JUDAICA SHOP to see the new 'make your own yad' kit suitable for any age future Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Now open on Sundays of Religious School during the Beit Cafe. For more information call Sharon 564-2998, Julie 299-3528, or Gail 564-2339.
Information about programs from the Jewish Employment Network is available at www.bjbe.org/pages/kehilat-shalom.html. Jewish Child and Family Services have a series of terrific programs as well listed at www.jcfs.org.
FEBRUARY TZEDAKAH is the Haiti Relief Fund of the Union for Reform Judaism. The Reform Jewish community has a long history of generosity when natural disasters devastate communities around the world. Your generosity at this critical time enables us to play a role in recovery efforts and bring healing and hope to those whose lives have been affected. Donations to the Union for Reform Judaism Haiti Relief Fund can be made online or by check (note: Haiti Relief in the memo section) to: Union for Reform Judaism, 633 Third Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Please give generously.
If you have any questions about these or any other Temple programs, please feel free to contact the Temple office at (847) 940-7575.
L’Shalom,
Marc
