Shalom from Rabbi Adam Chalom...Genius! After a nice luncheon we got down to our discussion. What...
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Founded in 2001 October/November 2019 Shalom from Rabbi Adam Chalom “Learning from Death” Note: previously printed in The Shofar newsletter of April 2010 “Zekher tsadik l’vrakha – the memory of a righteous person is a blessing” – Proverbs 10:7 One of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of my work is dealing with death: eulogies, funerals and memorials. The time frame is often very compressed: a call after a loved one has died, scheduling meetings and services, meeting with the family, preparing and leading a memorial, all within a few days. I am gratified when the work I do is well received–helping people is an important reason I chose to become a rabbi. Yet I often gain more than I give. People sometimes wonder whether the stories I use of people without names really happened. The answer is invariably yes, particularly when it comes to stories about death. I am privileged to be welcomed into a limited family circle at a very difficult moment, to hear the best (and sometimes the worst) about the dead, and to represent the life of someone they loved. Hearing their stories and seeing how they have impacted others and their communities always teaches me something. What have I learned? Here are a few lessons: Know what you want and go for it: Two people were set up on a date, and after their first date, she couldn’t stand him. The next day, they got together again and it was totally different – it just clicked. Within one week they moved in together, in a month and a half they were married, and they stayed together for the next 33 years until he died. What are we waiting for? Remember who they really were: When I visit homes, you see how many pictures people have of their family – from many stages of life, in all seasons and settings. Some families create a montage of pictures of their loved one for the memorial service, showing them in their youth, their marriage, their growth, even their later years. What they remember is not how the deceased looked at the end, or even near the end, but who they were when they were alive. An indifferent universe needs more love: It is impossible to work in healthcare or the law or the rabbinate without seeing tragedy – cancer and accidents far too soon, vibrant lives (of young and many older people) that are cut short, or long and lingering suffering that makes us wonder if we are kinder to our pets. Death often seems to come too soon, or it takes too long to arrive. Our best response is to love each other all the more while we are here, and to embrace each other when someone leaves us. When life cycle events collide, a terrible beauty is born: When a baby is born or named before a grandparent dies, or a wedding takes place just after a funeral, or a couple who has lived together for 15 years gets married because one of them has a terminal diagnosis – these stories are tragic and beautiful and heartrending because they are life at its most real. Do you see why I consider myself fortunate, not just for the life I have but for the memorials I have experienced? The verse from Proverbs that we often use on Shabbat is the truth: the memory of a righteous person is a blessing.
Transcript of Shalom from Rabbi Adam Chalom...Genius! After a nice luncheon we got down to our discussion. What...
1
Founded in 2001 October/November 2019
Shalom from Rabbi Adam Chalom “Learning from Death”
Note: previously printed in The Shofar newsletter of April 2010
“Zekher tsadik l’vrakha – the memory of a righteous person is a blessing” – Proverbs 10:7
One of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of my work is dealing with death: eulogies, funerals and memorials. The time frame is often very compressed: a call after a loved one has died, scheduling meetings and services, meeting with the family, preparing and leading a memorial, all within a few days. I am gratified when the work I do is well received–helping people is an important reason I chose to become a rabbi. Yet I often gain more than I give.
People sometimes wonder whether the stories I use of people without names really happened. The answer is invariably yes, particularly when it comes to stories about death. I am
privileged to be welcomed into a limited family circle at a very difficult moment, to hear the best (and sometimes the worst) about the dead, and to represent the life of someone they loved. Hearing their stories and seeing how they have impacted others and their communities always teaches me something.
What have I learned? Here are a few lessons:
Know what you want and go for it: Two people were set up on a date, and after their first date, she couldn’t stand him. The next day, they got together again and it was totally different – it just clicked. Within one week they moved in together, in a month and a half they were married, and they stayed together for the next 33 years until he died. What are we waiting for?
Remember who they really were: When I visit homes, you see how many pictures people have of their family – from many stages of life, in all seasons and settings. Some families create a montage of pictures of their loved one for the memorial service, showing them in their youth, their marriage, their growth, even their later years. What they remember is not how the deceased looked at the end, or even near the end, but who they were when they were alive.
An indifferent universe needs more love: It is impossible to work in healthcare or the law or the rabbinate without seeing tragedy – cancer and accidents far too soon, vibrant lives (of young and many older people) that are cut short, or long and lingering suffering that makes us wonder if we are kinder to our pets. Death often seems to come too soon, or it takes too long to arrive. Our best response is to love each other all the more while we are here, and to embrace each other when someone leaves us.
When life cycle events collide, a terrible beauty is born: When a baby is born or named before a grandparent dies, or a wedding takes place just after a funeral, or a couple who has lived together for 15 years gets married because one of them has a terminal diagnosis – these stories are tragic and beautiful and heartrending because they are life at its most real.
Do you see why I consider myself fortunate, not just for the life I have but for the memorials I have experienced? The verse from Proverbs that we often use on Shabbat is the truth: the memory of a righteous person is a blessing.
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On August 26th, there was a gathering of some women in the congregation to discuss plans for WE (Women Enjoying) Kol Hadash. This group is a subset of the membership. To be included, one needs to have free time in the afternoon. How we danced around a description, but Joyce Hirsch summed it up, Women in Kol Hadash who do not drive at night! Genius!
After a nice luncheon we got down to our discussion. What activities could we offer ourselves as members of Kol Hadash,
activities that are not already offered? We already have some wonderful groups including a Wine group, Theater, Knitting, Canasta and a Movie group. Last year, we organized three special events. In the Fall, we took an architecture boat ride on the Chicago River; in the winter we had our first Soup-a-thon. And in the Spring, we organized a group tour of the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
Some new ideas from this gathering included Genealogy and “Moving with Ease Feldenkrais” and “Don’t forget the Soup.” How about a current events group and an opportunity to visit and have a conversation? Some other ideas include a visit Leah Sosewitz’s studio of Judaic Art, Latin dancing, glass fusion, cooking classes, tasting anything and Tai Chi. Quite a wide range. Nothing definite yet about a program or an outing in October or November. When planned, there will be a notice in the Shofar or weekly emails. To learn more, contact Joyce Hirsch at [email protected].
Women’s Group Update ([email protected])
Values in Action Committee Update by Lynn Miller ([email protected])
Values in Action is gearing up for an amazing year! We’re volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank, Feed My Starving Children and making and serving dinner at St. James Church in Highwood. We have a children’s book collection scheduled, our High Holiday food collection for A Safe Place, Holiday Gifts for children drive plus be sure to save the date for our second annual MITZVAH DAY with the Unitarian Church on March 7th!
This year we’ll also be collecting food for the ARK and snack kits and cards for the Ronald McDonald House. The Youth Group plus any interested members can help us cook and serve
a meal to the families staying at The Ronald McDonald House (more info coming soon).
We’ll be doing the 5K Empowerment Run in the again this year as well as the Mental Health Fair run by Al Dorfman. And we’re also very excited to march in the Gay Pride Parade in Buffalo Grove on June 7th!
Mark you calendars for October and November Events:
Sunday School Children’s Book Drive
(new or gently used books)
October 27 and November 3 (at Sunday School)
November 15 (at Friday Night Service)
November 16th we will volunteer at Bernie’s Book Bank from 3:00–4:30. When we are finished, interested participants will go to The Silo for a pizza dinner! Join us and have fun while doing some good in our world!
Please contact Lynn Miller at [email protected] if you have any questions or suggestions.
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Rebecca Makkai In August, we packed the sanctuary at the North Shore Unitarian Church for a Shabbat discussion with National Book Award finalist Rebecca Makkai, the author of The Great Believers. In this book, Makkai tells the story of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago during the late 1980s.
She read an excerpt from the book, then she and Rabbi Adam explored some of its: the idea of the family you make and the family you were born into; how memories change who we are as we move into forward in life; relationships between mothers and daughters, and what it mean to be a keeper of memories. And then she took questions from the audience.
A great book and a great evening of exploring some of the big questions in life. Special thanks to our administrator Jeremy Owens who made this event happen.
SHJ @ 50 Nearly 150 people attended a three-day conference last April at the Birmingham Temple to celebrate the Society for Humanistic Judaism. Participants included a broad array of members from our affiliated communities, several independent members, and even a few non-SHJ members.
The featured speakers were Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Greg Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT.
The weekend included a community service project entitled, “Tikkun O’Yarn,” which our Steering Committee Vice Chair Victoria Ratnaswamy helped to coordinate. The project consisted of collecting and knitting squares to be made into “welcome blankets” for survivors of persecution around the world.
The weekend also saw the publication of Here is Our Light: Humanistic Jewish Holiday and Life-Cycle Liturgy for Inspiration, which is a compilation of services and writing from our movement.
Gender Cool In June, we kicked off our PRIDE celebration with guest speaker Gearah Goldstein, an advocate, educator and nationally recognized LGBTQ expert.
Goldstein shared her personal journey into the person she always felt she was at our first Kol Hadash Pride Shabbat on June 9. We discussed everything from pronouns to biology to the dignity of living one's true self. Gearah co-founded GenderCool as a national storytelling campaign to celebrate who transgender
youth are, not simply what they are. She also conducts high-level diversity and inclusivity training for Fortune 500 companies. As part of our Chicagoland Keshet Leadership Project participation, Kol Hadash has changed our messaging, reviewed our materials, and added programs like this one.
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Adult Education
Celebrations
North Shore Unitarian Church 7:30-9:00 PM
Upcoming Activities
Friday, October 4
Discussion Shabbat: Letting Go
The Jewish new year is a time to remember and a time to let go. How can we learn to do better at letting go?
Friday, October 18
Discussion Shabbat: Ethical Eating
We feel far removed from the processes and consequences of our food choices. How can we try harmonizing our diet with our values?
Sunday, October 20 Sukkot Service & Potluck
Celebrate fall by joining us for our all-ages event in our Sukkah to celebrate the harvest festival of Sukkot.
Our celebration then moves indoors for a light potluck dinner. Please bring a side dish or entrée to share, and we will provide dessert and drinks.
Friday, October 25 Music Shabbat: Twenty-First Century Nationalism
These days nationalism is almost a dirty word and a source of global conflict, but it can also be “patriotism.” How can we find the balance?
Friday, November 15
Discussion Shabbat: Leadership in the Google Era
Join us to discuss the challenges of leadership at a time when smartphones put unlimited information at anyone’s fingertips
Friday, November 22
Music Shabbat: Secular Jews in the Holy Land
Freshly returned from his “Secular Israel” tour and an ordination ceremony for Israeli Secular Humanitic Rabbis, Rabbi Chalom will share his eperiences from the trip.
String Theory Meeting Sunday, October 6, 9:30 AM
Calling all knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, and felting fans. All skill levels are welcome!
Contact Victoria Ratnaswamy [email protected]
Sukkot Service & Dinner Sunday, October 20, 4:00-6:00 PM
What better place to celebrate the Jewish fall harvest holiday than in our congregational sukkah!
See flyer in this Shofar for details!
Progressive Dinner Saturday, November 9, 6:00 PM
Join us for a fun evening of food, fun, and fellowship! RSVP by Friday, October 25.
See flyer in this Shofar for details!
Book Club Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane Wednesday, November 13, 7:30 PM
Join us for a book discussion. All are welcome!
Contact Stacey Max [email protected]
Bernie’s Book Bank Saturday, November 16, 3:00 PM
Be sure to donate your new or gently used books for our book drive, and then join us as we volunteer at Bernie’s Book Bank!
Contact Lynn Miller [email protected]
String Theory Meeting Sunday, November 17, 9:30 AM
Calling all knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, and felting fans. All skill levels are welcome!
Contact Victoria Ratnaswamy [email protected]
Women’s Group Canasta Mondays at 1:30 PM Garden walk Tuesdays at 9:30 AM
Contact Joyce Hirsch [email protected]
Sunday, October 13 Deerfield High School Humanistic Spirituality
Secular people also need inspiration, and to feel part of something greater, but can we be “spiritual”? Join us for this “spirited” discussion!
Tuesday, October 22 North Shore Unitarian Church Introduction to Jewish Philosophy
What is Jewish philosophy?
Tuesday, November 12 North Shore Unitarian Church Reality & God
How does the universe work and what is our approach to the question of god?
Sunday, November 17 Deerfield High School Family Education: Jewish Philanthropy
We’ll explore ideas for making the world better by giving time, money, and voice.
Tuesday, November 19 North Shore Unitarian Church The Nature of People
If reason and emotion are equally human, then what is our approach to “spirituality?”
Sunday, November 24 Deerfield High School Kaddish.com by Nathan Englander
The latest novel by Nathan Englander offers challenging questions. Don’t worry if you didn’t finish the book—you’ll enjoy our discussion.
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Preschool Jewish
Discovery
10:30-11:30 AM September 22 — High Holidays
October 13 — Sukkot
November 24 — Family/Tzedakah
Children ages 2-6 with a grown up join Rabbi Adam Chalom and veteran preschool teacher Lynn Miller as they explore a Jewish holiday or cultural value along with interactive songs, books and hands-on activities. There is time for a snack and for the children and parents to socialize. At home resources will also be provided.
Family Education
Sunday, November 17 10:30-11:30 AM
Sunday School students are joined by their parents (and, grandparents or other family members) for this Family Education session on Jewish Philanthropy. We’ll explore ideas for making the world a better place by giving of your time, money, and voice. And, we'll discuss the various aspects of philanthropy from a generational perspective.
High Holidays for Tots
Sunday, October 6, 10:45 AM at our Sunday School
at Deerfield High School
for children up to 4 years old
Celebrate the New Year with stories, songs and activities!
Sukkot Service & Dinner
Sunday, October 20, 4:00-6:00 PM in the Kol Hadash Sukkah
at the North Shore Unitarian Church
Celebrate the fall harvest festival in our sukkah.
Help build the Sukkah on October 13
Simchat Torah Book Drive
Bring your gently used children’s books to support our book drive for Bernie’s Book Bank.
Collection Dates: Sunday, October 27 Friday, November 1 Sunday, November 3
Holiday Storytimes
for Young Children
Celebrate Jewish Holidays with stories & activities for children up to age 2 with a grownup.
Sukkot Wednesday, October 16
Sunday, October 20
Youth Education and Family Events: Contact Ilana Shaffer, [email protected], 773-209-8266
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Kol Hadash News and Announcements
Family News • Deep condolences to Michele and Joel Shoolin on the recent death of Joel’s mother, Marilyn Shoolin.
• Deep condolences to Marcie Cottle on the recent death of her brother.
• Mozel Tov to Sue Wagner and Mike Lippitz on the birth of their grandchild, Maria Rose Chapman Kacyn.
• Wishing a swift recovery to Betty Gordon from recent medical treatment.
• Wishing a full recovery to Rick Bolnick from ongoing medical treatment.
• Mazel Tov to Kol Hadash Youth Education Director Ilana Shaffer on a very successful first month of Sunday School!
Thank You
• Thank you to our recent oneg hots: Marcie Cottle, Lynn & Elliot Miller, Suzie Garfield, Susan & Roger Addelson, Andrea Friedlander, and Joyce & Rich Hirsch!
• To our Sunday School parents for their participation and feedback at our Youth Education Committee Meeting.
• To Susan Addelson, Andrea Friedlander, Lori Gerberding, and Leora Hatchwell for their help with nametags for our High Holidays services!
The Congregation is invited
The Bar Mitzvah of Tate Landsman
Son of
Lisa & Jon Landsman
Saturday, October 26, 4:30 pm
North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield
The Congregation is invited
The Bar Mitzvah of Evan Kessler
Son of
Janene & Lee Kessler
Saturday, November 23, 10:30 am
North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield
Thank You to our 2019-2020 Youth Education Staff!
Preschool Jewish Discovery: Lynn Miller
1st/2nd/3rd Grade Class: Dan Polonsky and Michelle Malow
4th/5th Grade Class: Karen Jackson
6th/7th/8th Grade Class: Mark Friedman
9th/10th Grade Confirmation Class: David Hirsch and Rachel Samlan
Hebrew Class + Tutor: Mara Heichman
Mitzvah Class + B Mitzvah Tutor: Rabbi Adam Chalom
Class Aide: Ben Katz
Music: Ellen Apley
Youth Group: Alec Ratnaswamy
B Mitzvah Coordinator: Leah Sosewitz
Photographer: Grayson Landsman and Mark Friedman
Guitar Accompanist: Laura Burk
Youth Education Director: Ilana Shaffer
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In Loving Memory October Yahrtzeits The following names will be read at the October 25 Shabbat service.
November Yahrzeits The names being read at the November 22 Shabbat service
Lenore Adler Albert Baer Anita Edwards Wende Fretzin Melvin Gerberding Eileen Herron
George Jerris Grace Kelner Bernice Kirsner Alice Lakin Frieda Levitt Leopold Levoy
David Marcus Ben Matthews Belle Matthews Bonnie Pashkow Morris Richter Nathan Rothenberg
Daniel Rothenberg Alvin Samson Bertie Sarasohn Jacob Schechner Harry Shepard Robert Slaw Katherine Tankel-Lipkin
David Bolnick Bernard Brook Maurice Cohn Joe Collins Jack Cottle
Tamara Dworsky Israel Friedman Dusica Gavrilovich Olive Gleave Arnold Klapp
Anna Krouse Shirley Lason Regina Mayer Jean Merkin Beth Rabe Musich
Jeanne Parker Bess Richter Sandy Sarasohn Robert Schoenbrod Ben Sosewitz
Tributes, Donations & Gifts Susan & Roger Addelson, in celebration of the birth of Maria Rose, granddaughter of Sue Wagner and Mike Lippitz Lauren Deutsch, General Fund Andrea & Mark Friedlander, in honor of Glynis & David Hirsch’s retirement, General Fund Dawn & Mark Friedman, in honor of Glynis & David Hirsch’s retirement, General Fund Joyce & William Goldman, General Fund Happy Stone & Rick Henriksen, Weiss Choir Fund Happy Stone & Rick Henriksen, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Glynis & David Hirsch, General Fund Joyce & Rich Hirsch, in memory of Marilyn Shoolin, General Fund Terry & Geoff Kass, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Jane & Rudolph Lederer, in memory of Marianne Klein Lederer, General Fund Brad Malis, General Fund Rory McClure, in memory of Diane Aschman, General Fund Vladimir Novokhovsky, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
James Vanderbeck Esther K. Wagner Marie Yellen
Rosh Hashana Oneg Sponsors Ellen Rudnick & Paul Earle
Happy Stone & Rick Henricksen Joyce & Rich Hirsch
Karen & Chris Jackson Susan Wagner & Mike Lippitz
Sheila & Ron Sebor
High Holidays Choir Sponsors Susan & Roger Addelson
Emma Kowalenko & Tony Bilotti Marcia Cottle Loren Deutsch
Ellen Rudnick & Paul Earle Michelle Fishman
Joyce & William Goldman The Weiss Foundation Julia & Richard Katz
Andi & Thomas Kenney Susie & Andrew Kramer
Dori Rosenbloom & Chet Mirman Sharon Rothstein
Lynne & Neil Samuels Kim Stone & Ken Wexler Laurie & Michael White
Host an Oneg Hosting an Oneg is an easy way to get involved.
We have dates available for upcoming Shabbats:
October 18, November 22, January 10, February 7, February 21, March 6, March 13, April 3, April 24, May 1, and May 15.
If interested contact David Hirsch ([email protected])
Yom Kippur Memorial Donations Warren Abend
Susan & Roger Addelson Alexandra & Bill Brook
Laura & Ken Burk Janet Century
Joan Chase Marcia Cottle
Marla & Craig Davishoff Marilyn Litz & MiltonField
Michelle Fishman Rabbi Dan Friedman
Dawn & Mark Friedman Lori Gerberding
Irene Chase & Jeremy Gibson Joyce & William Goldman
Leah Sosewitz & Helga Gruenbauer Peggy Bartelstein & Bill Gurolnick
Paula & David Harris Terry & Geoff Kass
Julia & Richard Katz Susie & Andrew Kramer Nina & K. Michael Lipkin
Hope Malis Leora Hatchwell & Tom McCune
Lynn & Elliot Miller Marsha Milstein
Sharon & Stan Nosking Lita Passen
Judith Perlman Ellard Pfaelzer, Jr.
Sally Wisper Kathryn Schoenbrod
Marcy & Paul Schumacker Sheila & Ron Sebor
Michele & Joel Shoolin Nancy Sohn & Mike Simon
Merle & James Styer Marlene Tambourine
Nathan Wagner Laurie & Michael White
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175 Olde Half Day Road Suite 123 Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Your Shofar awaits!
The Shofar The Newsletter of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation
Affiliated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism 175 Olde Half Day Road, Suite 123, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
847/383-5184 • [email protected] • www.KolHadash.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday — 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
October 2019
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
Choir Rehearsal @NSUC
7:00 PM
3
Steering Committee
Meeting @Lincolnshire Office
7:30 PM
4
Discussion Shabbat Service:
Letting Go @NSUC
7:30 PM
5
6
Sunday School 9:30 AM String Theory 9:30 AM
High Holidays for Tots 10:45 AM Hebrew/Mitzvah Class 11:10 AM
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 11:30 AM
Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM
7
8
Yom Kippur Evening Service
@ NSUC 7:30 PM
9
Yom Kippur Morning Service @ @ NSUC 10:30 AM
Yom Kippur Family Service
@ NSUC 1:00 PM
Yom Kippur Memorial Service @ NSUC 3:30 PM
10 11
12
13
Sunday School 9:30 AM Sukkah Setup 9:30 AM
Adult Education 9:30 AM Preschool Jewish Discovery 10:30 AM
Youth Group Meeting 11:00 AM Hebrew/Mitzvah Class 11:10 AM
14 15 16
jBaby Storytime in the Sukkah
@NSUC 10:00 AM
17 18
Discussion Shabbat Service:
Ethical Eating @NSUC
7:30 PM
19
20
No Sunday School
jBaby Storytime in the Sukkah @ NSUC 3:00 PM
Sukkot Service & Potluck
@NSUC 4:00 PM
21 22
Adult Education Jewish Philosophy
@ NSUC 7:30 PM
23
24
25
Music Shabbat Service: Twenty-First
Century Nationalism @NSUC
7:30 PM
(Yahrtzeit Service)
26
Tate Landsman Bar Mitzvah
@ NSUC 4:30 PM
27
Sunday School Book Drive
Confirmation Class Field Trip to Central Ave. Synagogue
7:45 AM (departs from DHS)
Sunday School 9:30 AM Hebrew/Mitzvah Class 11:10 AM
28
29
30
31
November 2019
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2
3
Sunday School Book Drive
Sunday School 9:30 AM Youth Education (YEC) Meeting 9:30 AM
Youth Group Meeting 11:00 AM Hebrew/Mitzvah Class 11:10 AM
Staff Meeting 11:30 AM
4
5 6
7
Steering Committee
Meeting @Lincolnshire Office
7:30 PM
8
9
Progressive Dinner
6:00 PM
10
Sunday School 9:30 AM
Confirmation Class Field Trip to Holy Cross Catholic Church
9:45 AM (departs from DHS)
Hebrew/Mitzvah Class 11:10 AM
11 12
Adult Education Reality & God
@ NSUC 7:30 PM
13
Book Club Ask Again, Yes
By Mary Beth Keane Lincolnshire Office
7:30 PM
14 15
Book Drive
Discussion Shabbat Service:
Leadership in the Google Era
@NSUC 7:30 PM
16
Values in Action: Bernie’s Book Bank
3:00 PM
17
Sunday School 9:30 AM String Theory Meeting 9:30 AM
Family Education: Jewish Philanthropy by Sharon Morton
10:30 AM
Hebrew/Mitzvah Class 11:30 AM
18 19
Adult Education The Nature of People
@ NSUC 7:30 PM
20
21
22
Music Shabbat Service: Secular Jews in
the Holy Land @NSUC
7:30 PM (Yahrtzeit Service)
23
Evan Kessler Bar Mitzvah
@ NSUC 10:30 AM
24
Sunday School 9:30 AM
Adult Education 9:30 AM
Preschool Jewish Discovery: Family Tzedakah10:30 AM
Hebrew/Mitzvah Class 11:10 AM
25
26
27
28
Thanksgiving
29 30
2019/5780 High Holidays Schedule North Shore Unitarian Church, 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield, IL
Rosh Hashana Evening Service: Sunday, September 29, 7:30 PM Day Service: Monday, September 30, 10:30 AM
Family Service: Monday, September 30, 1:00 PM
High Holidays for Tots (for children up to age 4)
Sunday, October 6, 10:45 AM
High Holidays for Tots will be held at our Sunday School at Deerfield High School.
All other High Holidays programming will be at the North Shore Unitarian Church in Deerfield
Yom Kippur Evening Service (Kol Nidre): Tuesday, October 8, 7:30 PM
Day Service: Wednesday, October 9, 10:30 AM
Family Service: Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 PM
Memorial & Concluding Services: Wednesday, October 9, 3:30 PM
High Holiday Admission Policies • Advance reservations are required for all members and guests for Adult Services.
• Each family guest admission is $40 per service or $95 for all four adult services.
• Each guest admission is $90 per service or $250 for all four adult services.
• Family and Concluding Services & High Holidays for Tots are free, open to everyone, and do not
require reservations
• Adult services are appropriate for children entering 6th grade and older.
• Family Services are appropriate for children age 5 and older.
• Free childcare is available for children age 4 and older (with advance reservation) during Memorial
and Day Services. Contact Ilana Shaffer at (773) 209-8266 or [email protected]
Questions? Contact 847-383-5184 or e-mail [email protected]
2019 - High Holidays - 5780 Old Challenges Anew
Jewish history and the human experience have been full of difficult moments: disasters,
persecutions, suffering. What have we learned to survive, and how can that help us face today’s
challenges?
Antisemitism and Other Hatred Rosh Hashana Evening September 29, 7:30 PM
Public expressions of hate are rising, and a rising tide lifts all bigotries. Even if numbers remain small, the haters
are louder and bolder. Synagogue (and mosque and church) shootings, antisemitic cartoons, discrimination by
both Christian foster care agencies and Dyke Marches – we have seen this before and had hoped never again.
Why now? And what to do now?
Political Civil War Rosh Hashana Morning September 30, 10:30 AM
It’s been said that “war is the continuation of politics by other means.” Today politics IS war: opponents are
enemies, issues are black or white, the other side is not just wrong but evil. In Israel, in America, in Europe, civil
society strains at the seams. We have also seen this story before, and we need to change the ending.
Rosh Hashana Family Service September 30, 1:00 PM
Our Family services are aimed at children ages 5-12 but all are welcome to attend.
An Uncertain Jewish Future Yom Kippur Evening October 8, 7:30 PM
The Jews have been called “the ever-dying people.” Each generation is convinced it is the last. Yet we are still
here and, like our ancestors, we must answer new challenges. Balancing continuity and change is a Jewish
tradition and a key to Jewish survival. As is hope.
What We Can Do Yom Kippur Morning October 9, 10:00 AM
Our problems are so large, and our powers seem so limited – what can one person or one community do? Facing
earlier tragedies, the Jewish people trusted both supernatural providence and human effort. What must we do for
human power to be enough for us.
Yom Kippur Family Service October 9, 1:00 PM
Our Family services are aimed at children ages 5-12 but all are welcome to attend
The Reality of Morality Yom Kippur Memorial & Concluding October 9, 3:30
If this life is the only life we know, how do we find comfort after loss? Death has always defined the human
condition, but are we any better at dealing with it after all this time? How we remember can make all the
difference.
Please join our High Holiday Collection for A Safe Place
A Safe Place provides shelter, court advocacy, referrals and other supportive services for victims of domestic violence. This High Holiday season will be the seventh year Kol Hadash has partnered with A Safe Place. Your donations will help the women and children who show up at their door with only the clothes on their backs.
Please return your filled bags at any of our Yom Kippur services. Cars will be stationed at the entrance before the start of each service.
A Safe Place Wish List
Nail clipper sets Women’s new underwear
Floor cleaner Shower sponges/body soap
Garbage bags Plastic wrap/aluminum foil
Mouthwash Disinfectant wipes
Baby food Laundry soap/dryer sheets
Razors/shaving cream Diapers (all sizes)
All-purpose cleaner
Welcome bags to put toiletries in that we give women & children coming into the shelter (ex. reusable shopping bags)
For more information about our Community Service programs contact [email protected].
Jewish Philosophy An Adult Education Course with Rabbi Adam Chalom
There have been secular and cultural Jews for two centuries; what makes Humanistic Judaism unique is our conscious philosophy of Humanism and Judaism. How do we define ourselves by what we do (and what we do not) believe and practice? And what are our answers to the most important questions of life?
Tuesday Evenings, 7:30-8:30 PM North Shore Unitarian Church ∙ 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield
2019-2020 Class Schedule October 22: Jewish Philosophy: Introduction
November 12: Reality & God
November 19: The Nature of People
December 3: Truth
December 10: Ethics
January 14: Politics & Social Ethics
January 21: Anti-Religion or Pro-Humanism?
January 28: Why Be Jewish?
February 4: The Limits of Tolerance
February 11: Jewish Identity
February 18: Jewish History
March 3: Past & Present
March 10: Intermarriage, Conversion, & Boundaries
March 17: Israel & “Diaspora” Judaism
April 14: Pluralism – Unity or Uniformity
April 21: Yiddishists
April 28: Zionists
May 5: Haskalah, Reform & Reconstructionist Judaism
May 12: Great Thinkers, Jews & Non-Jews
May 19: Contemporary and Conclusions
To RSVP, or for any questions about this course, contact Rabbi Chalom ([email protected] or 847‐383‐5184).
www.KolHadash.com
www.KolHadash.com
Sunday, October 6 ∙ 10:45-11:30 AM
Kol Hadash Sunday School at Deerfield High School
Celebrate the Jewish High Holidays with stories, songs and activities especially for young
children. Everyone is welcome at this free, family program. Rabbi Adam Chalom and our
Youth Education Director will lead holiday activities for children up to age 4 with a grown up.
There will be time for a snack and to get to know other families in your community, too.
Resources for celebrating the High Holidays in your home will also be provided.
Older siblings can come at 9:30 am and join their grade’s class with our Sunday School Try
Out (with advance notice, please).
RSVP on Kol Hadash website calendar
RSVP’s encouraged - walk-ins welcome
Questions to Ilana Shaffer at [email protected] or 773-209-8266
Members choose financial commitment — Trial Memberships offered — Jewish and Interfaith families fully participate
Questions to Ilana Shaffer at [email protected] or 773-209-8266
Members choose financial commitment — Trial Memberships offered — Jewish and Interfaith families fully participate
www.KolHadash.com
Free monthly enrichment class open to everyone
Children ages 2-6 with a grown up join Rabbi Adam Chalom and veteran preschool teacher Lynn
Miller as they explore a Jewish holiday or cultural value along with interactive songs, books and
hands-on activities. There is time for a snack and for the children and parents to socialize. At home
resources will also be provided.
Older siblings can come at 9:30am for our Sunday School Try Out and join their grade's class (with
advanced notice, please).
Monthly on Sundays at 10:30-11:30am
Kol Hadash Sunday School at Deerfield High School
RSVP on calendar at KolHadash.com
RSVPs encouraged, walk-ins welcome
September 22 — High Holidays
Celebrate Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur with stories, songs and apples & honey!
October 13 — Sukkot
Find out who is in the Sukkah! Enjoy fruits and vegetables while joining in on the Sukkot
Hokey Pokey.
November 24 — Family/Tzedakah
Read stories about family and participate in an age-appropriate Tzedakah project!
December 15 — Hanukkah Party
Class will begin at 10:30am so we can read a story and participate in a craft. Stay and
enjoy the Sunday School Family Hanukkah Party and Lunch!
Mark Your Calendar:
January 19: Challah/Matzah
February 16: Tu B’Shevat
March 8: Purim
April 19: Passover
www.KolHadash.com
Holiday Storytimes for Young Children
Celebrate the Jewish fall harvest festival of Sukkot with stories, songs and activities
especially for young children. Everyone is welcome at this free, family program. We will
gather in the Kol Hadash Sukkah where Rabbi Adam Chalom and our Youth Education
Director will lead holiday activities for children up to age 2 (older siblings welcome) with
a grown up. There will be time for a snack and to get to know other families in your
community, too. Resources for celebrating Sukkot in your home will also be provided.
in the Kol Hadash Sukkah
at the North Shore Unitarian Church
Wednesday, October 16
10:00-10:45 AM
Sunday, October 20
3:00-3:45 PM
Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation celebrates Jewish
identity and culture by replacing worship with a belief in human responsibility and equality – for
us, it’s about people, not prayer.
RSVP on Kol Hadash website Calendar
RSVPs encouraged - walk-ins welcome
Questions to Ilana Shaffer at [email protected] or 773-209-8266
Members choose financial commitment — Trial Memberships offered — Jewish and Interfaith families fully participate
www.KolHadash.com
Sunday, October 20
4:00-5:00 Sukkot Service (including children's crafts activities to decorate the Sukkah)
5:00-6:00 Dinner
in the Kol Hadash Sukkah
at the North Shore Unitarian Church
Celebrate fall by joining us for our all-ages event in our Sukkah to celebrate the harvest festival of
Sukkot. Rabbi Adam Chalom will lead a brief service - you’ll have a chance to hold the lulav
branches and etrog fruit - and sing along with the guitar.
The older students in our Youth Group will provide hands-on craft activities for children, who can
hang their creations in our Sukkah or take them home.
Please bring chairs or blankets to sit in & around our sukkah (and there is a rain plan on-site!).
Our celebration then moves indoors for pizza dinner, including salad, fruit and dessert (gluten-free
options available). The dinner is $5 per-person (children 5 and under are free).
RSVP on Kol Hadash website calendar
RSVP’s encouraged - walk-ins welcome
Questions to Ilana Shaffer at [email protected] or 773-209-8266
Members choose financial commitment — Trial Memberships offered — Jewish and Interfaith families fully participate
PROGRESSIVE DINNER Saturday, November 9
Begins 6PM ⬧ Cost $22 per person
O’Hare Ye! O’Hare Ye! Be in The Loop and come to our Chicago-style Progressive Dinner. We start at the Skydeck (one member’s home) where we’ll enjoy the stunning views of assorted appetizers while sipping red and White Sox wine. Midway through the evening, we’ll drive a Magnificent Mile (or so) to other members’ homes for small-group catered dinner parties. Finally, we’ll come back together to form a United Center at another member’s home for coffee and dessert.
Da Boss says you’ll have an “L” of a good time!
Register online at: www.kolhadash.com/form/progressive-dinner.html
Registration Deadline: October 25, 2019
