C o n g r e g at i o n B e t h J u d e a. T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s

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2 C o n g r e g at i o n B e t h J u d e a P r o g r a m G u i d e MISSION STATEMENT Congregation Beth Judea is a welcoming egalitarian synagogue whose mission is to create a warm and inviting home that serves the lifelong spiritual, educational and fellowship needs of our members. Consistent with the principles of the Conservative Movement, we embrace Torah and our responsibility to serve and support the greater Jewish community, the comunity at large, the United States of America, and the State of Israel. VISION STATEMENT Congregation Beth Judea's goal is to be the vibrant, focal point of Conservative Jewish life in our community. T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s Calendar of Events Page 3 Message from Rabbi & President Page 4 Sefer Torah/Me ah Campaign Page 5 Shabbat Services Page 6 Israel Committee Page 7 MT Nesters Page 7 Social Action Pages 8 Focus on Families Page 9 Youth: USY, Kadima & Kadinkers Page 10 Sisterhood Page 11 Men s Club Page 12 Synagogue Programs Page 13 Adult Education Pages Weekly Classes Page 14 Florence Melton School Page 15 Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema Page 16 Adult B nei Mitzvah Program Page 16 Hebrew & Synagogue Skills Page Special Programs Page 20 Page 2

3 AUGUST :00 pm Shabbat Under the Stars SEPTEMBER :00 PM Hebrew Literacy I Begins 5 9:00 am Parsha of the Week 5 10:30 am Interpretive Shabbat 20 10:00 am Build Sukkah 27 TBD Mitzvah Club Stocking the ARK Pantry TBD 8:00 pm Bowling League Begins at Deerpark Brunswick OCTOBER :00 pm Sisterhood Social Kick-Off 2 6:00 pm New Member Shabbat Dinner 3 6:00 pm FOF Sukkot Undernighter 4 5:00 pm Men s Club Steak & Scotch in the Sukkah 5 6:00 pm Simchat Torah Flag Parade & Kindergarten Consecration 8 7:45 pm Parsha Perspectives 8 6:30 pm Conversational Hebrew: Ulpan for Beginners 8 8:00 pm Hebrew 102: Let s Continue 11 Tentative Alzheimers Wallk 12 12:00 pm Lunch & Learn at Sunset 13 8:30 am Israel Matters 13 7:00 pm Melton: Modern Living Maintaining Balance 13 8:00 pm God Talk: Developing a Personal Theology 14 8:00 pm Sweet Taste of Torah: Psalms 15 8:10 am Caffeine for the Soul 15 8:00 pm Text & Context: Pirkei Avot 15 TBD Spirits & Spirituality w/ the Rabbi 16 5:45 pm Tot Shabbat 18 10:00 am Adult B Nai Mitzvah Year Two Study Begins 21 8:00 pm Sisterhood Educational Speaker 28 TBD Chicago Festival of Cinema Begins 29 7:00 pm Sisterhood Book Club 29 8:00 pm Israel Committee: AIPAC Speaker NOVEMBER :30 am Gan Shalom 4 6:00 pm Cooking Class: Hanukkah/Oil 6 7:30 pm Veteran s Day Shabbat 6 10:00 am Men s Club Hanukkah Candle Packing 11 8:00 pm Tap the Torah 15 9:00 am Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar 18 8:00 pm USCJ Scholar-in-Residence 20 5:30 pm Tot Shabbat 21 8:00 pm Men s Club & Sisterhood Vodka & Latke Event 22 7:00 pm Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service 23 8:00 pm Sisterhood Arts Program DECEMBER :00 pm Melton: Jews In America Insiders & Outsiders (at Beth Am) 3 6:00 pm Dinner & Conversation with Rabbi Pivo 5 TBD Mitzvah Club: Volunteering at Bernie s Book Bank 6 12:15 pm Grandparent Mitzvah Program 6 TBD JNF Event (Israel Committee) 9 8:00 pm Sisterhood Program & Gift Exchange 11 5:30 pm Tot Shabbat & Deli Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner 11 7:30 pm Hebrew Literacy I Graduation Shabbat JANUARY :00 pm Opening the Siddur (Hebrew Literacy II) begins 8 7:30 pm Birthright Speaker during Shabbat Services 9 6:00 pm Family Game Night 14 10:30 am Gan Shalom 15 2:00 pm Tot Shabbat 19 8:00 pm Sisterhood Social Event 23 6:30 pm FOF Magical Havdalah FEBRUARY :00 pm Dinner & Conversation with Rabbi Pivo 6 7:00 pm Sisterhood Nosh-a-Nite 7 8:00 am World Wide Wrap 19 5:30 pm Tot Shabbat MARCH :30 pm Tot Shabbat 6 6:00 pm FJMC Man/Youth of the Year Dinner 7 7:00 pm Melton: Mysticism and Kabbalah: Secret Knowledge in Judaism 12 7:00 pm Purim Masquerade Ball 13 7:00 pm USCJ Annual Benefit 15 8:00 pm Sisterhood Spring Event 20 AIPAC Policy Conference 20 10:00 am 11:00 am Gan Shalom: Shushan Wonderland / PURIM CARNIVAL 23 6:00 pm Purim Megillah Reading 26 7:30 pm Men s Club Shabbat APRIL :00 am Men s Club Yom Hashoah Yellow Candle Packing 3 8:00 pm Hebrew Literacy III begins 4 6:00 pm Sisterhood Women s Seder 4 8:00 pm Bible Stories You Haven t Heard 7 6:00 pm Dinner & Conversation with Rabbi Pivo 10 3:00 pm Sisterhood & Men s Club Wine Tasting Sisterhood Candy Sale 13 6:00 pm FOF Matzah Making 13 8:00 pm Tap the Torah 17 7:00 pm Community JUF Event at Beth Judea MAY :30 am Gan Shalom 2 9:30 am Sisterhood Program & Elections 4 7:00 pm Community Yom HaShoah Service at Beth Judea 6 6:00 pm Seis de Mayo Shabbat Dinner 12 FJMC Retreat 20 5:30 pm Tot Shabbat 26 8:00 pm Congregation Beth Judea Annual Meeting 28 9:30 am Adult B Nai Mitzvah JUNE :00 am Sefer Torah Dedication 6 8:00 pm Sisterhood Installation Dinner 11 8:00 pm Tikkun Leil Shavuot 12 9:30 am Shavuot Services & Confirmation 18 9:30 am Sisterhood Shabbat 25 9:30 am Synagogue Installation Shabbat Please note: Schedule changes can occur & will be publicized with as much advance notice as possible.

4 A M e s s a g e f r o m t h e R a b b i & S y n a g o g u e P r e s i d e n t Dear Congregants, The synagogue has been at the center of Jewish life for two thousand years. Its two main functions are to serve as beit kenesset, a meeting place for prayer, and beit midrash, a meeting place for study. In the pages of this booklet you will find that in addition to fulfilling our obligation to be a place of prayer, Beth Judea has a tremendous amount to offer as a beit midrash. There is truly something for everyone here, from tots to our elders, on weekdays and weekends, and on every conceivable topic (but if you think of one that is not here, let us know!). The former Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi Louis Finkelstein, once memorably said When I pray, I speak to God; when I study, God speaks to me. We hear God s voice emerge from classical Jewish texts, from modern commentaries on them and from our discussions of both. I invite our members to engage in the sacred process of study in order to learn, to do and meet one another. I look forward to seeing you in class and in shul! Rabbi Jeff Pivo Dear Congregants, Our Beth Judea community is proud to present our programming guide for the upcoming year. These planned events give our members the opportunity to pray, to learn, and to socialize. Our professional staff along with our lay leaders have worked hard to plan diversified events to enhance your engagement in our Kehilla. I look forward to seeing you many times during the upcoming months. Arnie Goldberg CBJ President Page 4

5 Sefer Haftarot/Me ah Campaign Last year we learned about the process of creating a Sefer Torah and concluded that year of learning by welcoming a new Torah scroll into our community. At the same time we initiated a major fundraising campaign, Me ah, to meet our current needs and to establish an endowment that will continue to provide benefits to Beth Judea for many years to come. Me ah means one hundred; as we approach our fiftieth anniversary as a community, we look ahead to the next fifty, working to secure a solid foundation for the future, with a fundraising goal of $3 million. This is a more ambitious campaign than we have ever attempted, but I am happy to report that we are already more than half way to our goal. But we will need your help to complete our work. As part of the effort to conclude a very successful Me ah campaign, we have commissioned a Sefer Haftarot. This scroll, like a Torah scroll, will be hand scribed, and include all the weekly, holiday and special haftarah portions that are read throughout the year. Each haftarah can be sponsored by a Beth Judea family, who will also have their names permanently inscribed on the scroll above the section they sponsor. Whether in honor of a bar/bat mitzvah, a special section that we have read, or any occasion, this is a wonderful opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in both the ritual realm and in our endowment. The Sefer Haftarot is not the only way to support Me ah. Throughout the year our campaign volunteers will be setting up individual and group meetings to solicit support. We want every household to make a gift that is meaningful to them, to feel a part of building a solid future for Beth Judea s next fifty years. Mark Your Calendar now for June 5, 2016: We will celebrate the completion of the Sefer Haftarot scroll with food and dance. We will be joined by a sofeir who will complete the writing of the scroll alongside sponsoring families in the presence of the entire Beth Judea community. Visit and check the weekly for details as we approach these wonderful events. Page 5

6 S E R V I C E S C H E D U L E DAILY SERVICES Shabbat Evening Services... 7:30 pm Shabbat Morning Services... 9:30 am Gan Shabbat Shabbat Mornings... 10:30 am Weekday Morning Minyan: Sunday... 9:00 am Monday... 6:15 am Tuesday through Friday... 7:30 am Weekday Evening Minyan: Monday through Thursday... 7:30 pm Beth Judea has regular morning and evening minyan so that those who are obligated to say kaddish to do so have this opportunity. We invite everyone in the community to attend as often as possible so that we can sustain this vital component of synagogue life. SHABBAT...A GIFT TO YOURSELF The experience of Shabbat is an experience of and for a lifetime. It is a gift you will give yourself and one which you will want to share. FRIDAY NIGHT SERVICES Our Friday evening service, which includes Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv, begins at 7:30 pm. Responsive English readings are incorporated as part of the Friday night service. This service usually is less than an hour in length. SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES In our main sanctuary, Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 am and concludes around noon. GAN SHABBAT Gan Shabbat offers a participatory Shabbat Service for families with children, ages 9 and under. Our service is filled with singing, stories and learning. We meet every Shabbat morning in the Beit Midrash on the Religious School level. Our service begins at 10:30 am and concludes around 11:30 am. After Gan Shabbat all families are encouraged to join the main service and the community Kiddush. INTERPRETIVE SHABBAT SERVICE Join us on the 1st and 3rd Shabbat of each month at 10:30 am, as Norm Kurtz facilitates this Shabbat morning service. We will examine the structure of the prayer service, learning the major prayers and becoming more comfortable with the choreography and customs of the Shabbat morning service. Page 6

7 Israel Committee For more information, please contact Sidney Mathias at or Cathy Feiger at Congregation Beth Judea has continually demonstrated its support of Klal Yisrael or the Community of Israel because we see ourselves as a part of the larger worldwide Jewish community. Naturally, the State of Israel is central to this vision. We embrace Israel from an historical, spiritual, educational, and cultural basis at the synagogue and in our homes. The role of the Israel Committee is to maintain awareness and support of Israel among our congregants. We intend to accomplish this by providing news of what is happening in Israel via internet website links; planning congregational trips to Israel and providing speakers at the synagogue to discuss topics related to Israel. Additionally, we hope to help congregants hone their advocacy skills on behalf of Israel and to encourage them to contact the media and our elected representatives to garner their support of Israel. We encourage congregants to join various organizations that vigorously work on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. The committee is tentatively scheduled to meet on the first Thursday of the month at the synagogue immediately following evening minyan. AIPAC SPEAKER: JONATHAN ADELMAN Thursday, October 29, 2015 AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE march 20 22, 2016 in Washington, d.c. JNF EVENT JUF FUNDRAISER December 6, 2015 april 17, 2016 BIRTHRIGHT SPEAKER ISRAEL GENERATIONAL TRIP (TENTATIVE) Friday, January 8, 2016 December 2016 WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE Technion program (in February date tbd) MT Nesters For programming information, contact Carol Schechter at or Sam Chiprin at The MT Nesters is a group comprised of seniors, the majority of which are members of Congregation Beth Judea. The group meets at the synagogue once a month and continues to celebrate many years of coordinating activities for seniors in our community. Activities are normally planned for the Second Sunday of each month and may include a Chanukah Party, an Evening with the Clergy, taking in a Theatre play, a visit to a museum, a night at Ravinia, hosting professional entertainment, having an Educational/Cultural program, and sometimes just an informal get together for coffee. Current annual dues are free for the first year if member of Beth Judea and then only $20.00 per year per person. Page 7

8 Social Action For more information, contact Scott Eisner at or (847) The Social Action Committee generally meets the fourth Monday of each month at 8:00 p.m. or directly following minyan at the synagogue. Please check with the synagogue office to confirm the next meeting date. SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE sponsors many Tikkun Olam Mitzvah Day programs to spark the spirit within the Synagogue and community. We invite you to join us for fun and to volunteer to perform a mitzvah! HELP THE ELDERLY PLAY BINGO 1st Sundayof Every Month, 3:30 pm 5:00 pm Help the residents of Friend Center at Gidwitz Place Play Bingo. Friend Center is located at 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Illinois TIKKUN OLAM MITZVAH DAY, Alzheimer s Walk (Tentative) Sunday, October 11 th. Route Length: 5K Join the Beth Judea Team.! Ceremony at 9:30 am Walk begins at 10:00 am. Independence Grove in Libertyville. Watch our website and weekly s for more info. TIKKUN OLAM MITZVAH DAY, Maot Chitim Passover 5776 April 3, 2016 Box Making April 10, 2016 Non-perishable Packing Day April 17, 2016 Delivery Day Volunteers needed, contact Scott Eisner, scott.eisner1@gmail.com YEKATARINBURG Congregation Beth Judea has assisted Yekaterinburg, a community of 10,000 Jews in the Ural Mountains. We help support 1 week youth summer camp to enrich Jewish education and make it possible for the community to have a model Passover Seder with our donations. We speak with community leaders monthly to discuss their needs and monitor anti-semitism. We hope you will participate. CHANUKAH GIFTS TO NEEDY CHILDREN Several weeks before Chanukah, Congregation Beth Judea participates in the 7+1 Wish List project as well as the general 7+1 campaign, both sponsored by the Jewish Children s Bureau. 7+1 stands for seven days of Chanukah and one for a needy child. Please bring a gift to the Synagogue to donate to a child less fortunate. Donation date to be announced in The Word. Page 8

9 Focus on Families Event Calendar Congregation Beth Judea s Focus on Families is dedicated to enriching families connections to Judaism and our Jewish community through services and programs specifically designed for children, infant through 2 nd grade. Focus on Families programs captivate young children s interest in the joys and excitement of Judaism and Jewish holiday celebration. Focus on Families Programs for Date, Time* October 3, :00 pm Thursday, October 5, :30 pm Holiday / Event Sukkot Undernighter Simchat Torah Celebration & Parade We are proud to offer: Family and Tot High Holiday Services: More information can be found on the Beth Judea High Holiday Schedule. Gan Shabbat: Saturday Morning Family Shabbat Service geared towards children ages 9 and under and their families. Every Shabbat Saturday Morning, 10:30 am Sunday, December 6, :15 pm Saturday, January 23, :30 pm Sunday, March 20, :00 am Sunday, March 20, :00 am Wednesday, March 23, :00 pm Thursday, April 13, :00 pm November 1, 2015 January 24, 2016 March 20, 2016 May 1, :30 am 12 noon 2015: Oct. 16 Nov. 20 Dec : Jan. 15 Feb. 19 March 4 May 20 Grandparent Mitzvah Program Magical Havdalah Shushan Wonderland Tot Hour at Purim Carnival Megillah Reading Matzah Making Gan Shalom (PreK and under) Sundays TOT SHABBAT WITH BRAD EGEL Gan Shalom: Gan Shalom is a monthly pre-kindergarten program focusing on Jewish holidays, heroes, and mitzvot for children 5 years old and under accompanied by an adult. On the following Sundays from 10:30 am 12:00 noon Nov. 1, 2015; Jan. 24, March 20, and May 1, 2016 Tot Shabbat with Brad Egel: Welcome Shabbat with a service geared to the younger set as Brad Egel leads tots and their families in songs and stories. Geared especially for toddlers, kids, parents and grandparents. Approximately once a month, on Shabbat Friday Evening from 5:45 pm 6:15 pm. Dates: 2015: Oct. 16 Nov. 20 Dec. 11 (With Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner) 2016: Jan. 15 Feb. 19 March 4 May 20 Please note: Schedule changes can occur & will be publicized with as much advance notice as possible. For more Focus on Families programming information, contact Allyson Marcus at allysonjmarcus@yahoo.com Mitzvah Club: Dozens of families with young children are coming together to teach the important lesson of helping others through mitzvot. As a group, the families are volunteering six times this year for a variety of nonprofits across Chicagoland. All activities are geared towards ages nine and younger. Children will receive a Mitzvah Club card. September 27 stocking the ARK food pantry December 5 volunteering at Bernie s book bank Page 9

10 THE YOUTH Kadinkers, Kadima and USY For more information about any of the youth programs contact Youth Director Marc YouthDirector@BethJudea.org or BJUSY President Avi BJUSYPresident@gmail.com. Kadinkers For 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th graders, Beth Judea s Youth Program offers Kadinkers. Members gather together after Sunday school to bond and create new friendships with fun activities such as apple picking, corn maize s and laser tag. Our first Kadinkers program will be a visit to the Chocolate F a c t o r y o n Sunday,September 20th. Kadima For 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, members will stay after Sunday school or gather on weekday evenings to further their friendships with other people their age in social and Judaic ways. In addition, this is the time when our middle schoolers can begin to take a leadership role in the group. With opportunities to join the Kadima board and help plan and run programs throughout the year our Kadima members get their first glimpse into not only participating in a group but helping to lead one. Previous programs have included make your own ice cream and bowling, laser tag, water parks, Party Fantasy and so much more. Kadima members are also invited to join us at our monthly teen creative minyanim where we take a fresh look at the Shabbat morning service through the use of fun themes. Our first program will be a visit to the Chocolate Factory on Sunday, September 20th. BJUSY CHECK US * BJUSY EVENTS *FOLLOW US ON *CALENDAR FOUND AT This international award winning program is for high school students (9th-12th graders). BJUSY meets on most Tuesdays, usually from 7:00 9:00 pm. USYers gather together to focus on topics such as religion, Israel, and charity along with social activities. BJUSY programs are planned and run by the USYers, led by the BJUSY executive and general boards. Some programs BJUSY has previously had include Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll with the Rabbi, Israeli Iron Chef, and traveling to places like Whirly Ball and Extreme Trampolines. USYers also have the opportunity to attend our monthly teen creative minyanim. These creative minyanim are Shabbat morning services with a theme and are entirely teen led. The themes allow a fresh look each month at the Shabbat morning service. Can t wait to see you at all the great programs! Page 10

11 M i s s i o n s t a t e m e n t SISTERHOOD Congregation Beth Judea Sisterhood strives to foster and further the highest ideals of C a l e n d a r o f e v e n t s Conservative Judaism, as expressed by the Synagogue, serving as a center of religious, charitable, educational and social activities for the women of the Synagogue. For more Sisterhood information, contact Sherry Krawitz at sherrykrawitz@yahoo.com, or Kitty Hoffman at mskitty.hoffman@gmail.com O C T O B E R Sisterhood Social Program 2 Board Meeting-CBJ 21 Educational Program 29 Book Club-OOB N O V E M B E R Board Meeting-CBJ 14 Set-up for Hanukkah Bazaar 15 Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar 21 Sisterhood & Men s Club Vodka & Latke 23 Judaic Arts Program TBD Book Club D e c e m b e r Board Meeting-CBJ 9 Sisterhood Hanukkah Program and Gift Exchange TBD Book Club J a n u a r y Board Meeting CBJ 19 Sisterhood Social Event TBD Book Club F e b r u a r y Nosh-a-Nite 9 Board Meeting-CBJ TBD Book Club M a r c h Board Meeting CBJ 15 Spring Event A p r i l Women s Seder 10 Passover Wine Tasting w/ Men s Club 10 Sisterhood Candy Sale 12 Board Meeting CBJ TBD Book Club M a y Elections and Social Program 10 Board Meeting CBJ J u n e Installation Dinner 18 Sisterhood Shabbat Page 11

12 M i s s i o n s t a t e m e n t Our objective is to foster and further the highest ideals of Judaism, as expressed through the Synagogue, and to promote closer relationships among its members. In cooperation with the congregation, Men's Club shall be a center for religious, cultural, social and educational activities For more Men s Club information, contact Eric Yegelwel at ejwhy@aol.com C a l e n d a r o f e v e n t s Sept. 20 Oct. 4 Nov. 8 Nov. 21 Dec Feb. 7 March 6 March 26 April 3 April 10 May Build the Sukkah! Steak and Scotch Under the Sukkah Chanukah Candle Packing Vodka & Latkes with Sisterhood Hebrew Literacy 1 Class Graduation (part of the Friday evening Shabbat Services) World Wide Wrap FJMC Man & Youth of the Year Men s Club Shabbat Yom Hashoah Yellow Candle Packing Passover Wine Tasting FJMC Midwest Regional Retreat W o r l d W i d e W r a p S u n d a y, F e b r u a r y 7, : 3 0 a m Learn the tradition, history, and symbolism of wearing tefillin. Men s Club members will be on hand to assist in putting tefillin on. We will then join the congregation in the lay-led Sunday Morning Minyan FJMC RETREAT P a s s o v e r W i n e T a s t i n g S u n d a y, A p r i l 1 0, : 0 0 p m Joint Men s Club and Sisterhood program. Taste various Passover Kosher wines and see which one will make it to your Seder Table this year. M e n s C l u b S h a b b a t S h a b b a t, M a r c h 2 6, Men s Club members join in and participate in the Shabbat service. The Men s Club Shabbat service is always filled with RUACH! Page 12

13 Synagogue Programs For more program information, contact Tammy Brody at Bowling League:: 4th Saturday of each month Begins September 26, 2015 Brunswick Zone at Deerpark (21080 N. Rand Rd.) Cost: $20/pp per month. Do you like to bowl? Then join the synagogue bowling league. They bowl on the 4th Saturday of each month. Contact Arnie Bender at for more information. New Member Shabbat Dinner: Friday Night, October 2 nd Welcome New Members! Join us for a special dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat services as we welcome our new members. All members are encouraged to attend. Veterans Day Shabbat: Friday Night, November 6 th, 7:30 pm Join us as we offer thanks and express gratitude to all veterans for the gift of freedom at a special Veteran's Day Shabbat Service. Great time for relatives (adults and children) and friends to support those who have kept our country free. COMMUNITY INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION: Sunday, November 22 nd Join clergy, friends and neighbors from local houses of worship as we share music, thoughts and prayers of Thanksgiving, Blessing and Peace. Location TBA Family Game Night: Saturday Night, January 9 th Bring your favorite games and join us for an evening of fun! Purim Masquerade Party: Saturday Night, March 12 th Dinner! Dancing! Great Food! Purim Ruach! This event is quickly becoming a Beth Judea favorite! Our 5 th annual Purim Masquerade promises to be even more memorable than the past! It is a time for our community to join together and celebrate Beth Judea. Watch for our early bird registration in December! This event will fill up, so register early! Friends are welcome! Seis de Mayo Shabbat Dinner: Saturday Night, May 6 th Watch our website for details Tot Shabbat with Brad Egel 2015: Oct. 16 Nov. 20 Dec : Jan. 15 Feb. 19 March 4 May 20 Dinner & Conversation with Rabbi Pivo December 3, 2015 Making Meaning: Bar/Bat Mitzvah February 4, 2016 Making Meaning: Shabbat April 7, 2016 Making Meaning: Kashrut Rabbi Pivo & Rabbi Melman Spirits & Spirituality October 15, 2015 February 11, 2016 Page 13

14 WEEKLY CLASSES These classes are ongoing. Please join at any time. Hebrew is not required for any of these classes, unless specifically noted. Let's Talk Talmud: Grappling with Life, Law and Innovation Sunday mornings at 8 am The Talmud is a profoundly rich compilation of wisdom that has continued relevance to our contemporary search for meaning. It addresses eternal questions of ethics, human nature and our relationship to the Divine. Participate in a lively discussion of the Talmud and its relevance for us today. No prior knowledge required and texts will be provided. Orin Rotman will facilitate this weekly Talmud study session. (Artscroll Schottenstein edition is used for the class) Israel Matters Tuesday mornings after minyan (8:30 9:15 am) Beginning Oct. 13, 2015 Join Hazzan Weisberg in gaining a better understanding of the newest challenges and opportunities arising for Israel as well as its neighbors. Linger after morning minyan for a light breakfast and a bit of Torah, as we spend a few minutes together. Caffeine for the Soul: Morning Torah Study Thursday mornings aftr minyan (8:10 8:30 am) Beginning October 15, 2015 Linger after morning minyan for a light breadfast and a bit of Torah, as we spend a few minutes together looking at the weekly parsha with Rabbi Pivo. Parsha Perspectives Thursday evenings after minyan (7:45 8:00 pm) Beginning October 8, 2015 Do you have 10 minutes to spare? It only takes 10 minutes to get started on a lifelong journey. Spend each Thursday after Minyan learning about the upcoming Parsha with Rabbi Pivo, and before you know it you'll have completed hours of Torah study. Shabbat Torah/Haftarah Study Shabbat morning at 9 am Weekly study to discuss the parsha of the week. We will discuss questions raised by the participants. Sweet Taste of Torah: Psalms Wednesday evenings at 8 pm For thousands of years Judaism has been interpreting and applying the Torah to everyday life. This class follows the Tanach cycle. Each week we will read through several chapters a week of the Nevim (Prophets) texts, then on to Ketuvim (Writings), then back to Torah again. Interpretive Shabbat Service Shabbat morning at 10:30 am every 1st & 3rd Shabbat of the month Norm Kurtz facilitates this Shabbat morning service that focuses on examining the structure of the prayer service, learning the major prayers and becoming more comfortable with the choreography and customs of the Shabbat morning service. Page 14

15 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h J u d e a A d u l t E d u c a t i o n For more information about the Adult Education programs, contact Anna Besser at or at abesser@bethjudea.org All programs and classes are free of charge unless specifically noted. FLORENCE MELTON SCHOOL OF ADULT JEWISH LEARNING Graduate Classes For more information about the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, call Rolly Cohen at , ext or at rolly@bjechicago.org A Taste of Melton (Sample a Taste of Melton) Classes Held at Beth Am September 2, 2015 Modern Living: Maintaining Balance Classes Held at Beth Am Oct. 13, 20, 27; No v. 3 7:00 pm 8:00 pm This 4 part Melton curriculum offers ways to find balance in our lives by discovering answers in timeless Jewish texts. This course focuses on family, work, community and self. jews In America: Insiders and Outsiders Classes Held at Beth Am Dec. 1, 8, 15; Jan. 5, 12 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16 7:00 pm 8:30 pm This Scholars course provides students with the opportunity to consider the challenges of Jewish acculturation to American life, and the sacrifices as well as the contributions that have been made over the past 200 years. Lessons will explore such topics as the role of education, The Three Generation Hypothesis, Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the changing place of Zionism and the State of Israel, The Civil Rights Movement as a case study of distinctiveness and involvement, and other issues that address American and Jewish culture and identity. Mysticism and kabbalah: Secret knowledge in Judaism: Classes Held at Beth Judea Mondays: March 7 May 23 (no classes on 4/18 & 4/25) 7:00 pm 8:30 pm Despite the public chatter about Kabbalah, for many, this important aspect of the Jewish tradition remains a closed book. This course presents the rich history of Jewish mysticism, along with understandings of many of the texts that have been so central to that tradition speaking to the deepest mysteries of human existence and to many of life s eternal universal questions. Page 15

16 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h J u d e a A d u l t E d u c a t i o n For more information about the Adult Education programs, contact Anna Besser at or at abesser@bethjudea.org All programs and classes are free of charge unless specifically noted. OCTOBER 28 NOVEMBER 8,2015 Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema The annual Chicago Festival of Israeli C i n e m a ( C F I C ) showcases a love and appreciation of Israeli culture. ADULT B NEI MITZVAH REQUIRED COURSES: Year Two CLASS WITH RABBI AND HAZZAN Sunday Morning - 10:00 am Beginning on October 18, 2015 Focusing on Service Skills and Learning Trope Screenings take place at various venues in Chicago, including the historic Music Box Theatre a n d t h e A M C Northbrook Court. HEBREW 102 (continued) THEOLOGY SACRED FRAGMENTS ADULT B NAI MITZVAH DATE: May 28, 2016 Shown are Israel s most current, internationally award-winning feature films, documentaries, shorts and TV shows, with guest appearances by Israeli Our two year Adult B'nai Mitzvah program provides a chance for adults who haven t celebrated a Bar/Bat Mitzvah to participate in group study that will culminate in being called to the Torah and leading Shabbat Services for the entire congregation. Students also share equally in the cost of any Kiddush luncheon and/or Oneg fees associated with the B nei Mitzvah ceremony. WELCOME BACK TO YEAR TWO!! Page 16

17 A d u l t E d u c a t i o n EDUCATION SERIES (continued) The classes listed on this page are Required For the Adult B Nei Mitzvah Course and also are available as individual classes to the community HEBREW LITERACY H e b r e w L i t e r a c y I Co- s p o n s o r e d b y M e n s C l u b Eric Yegelwel & Jerry Sakol September 1 December 8, 2015 ( No Classes on Sept. 15 & 22) Tuesday Evenings: 8 :00 pm 9:00 PM Want a proven successful opportunity to learn how to read Hebrew in a friendly environment? Then join this class. Hebrew Literacy I is designed to teach those with no previous (or forgotten) knowledge of Hebrew how to read. The 12-week course focuses on learning to read the words used in the Friday Night service. COST: $30 fee for course materials Graduation Friday Night Service on Dec. 11, 2015 O p e n i n g t h e S i d d u r ( H e b r e w L i t e r a c y I I ) Co- s p o n s o r e d b y M e n s C l u b Norm Kurtz & Eric Yegelwel J a n u a r y 5 F e b u r a r y 9, Tuesday Evenings: 8 :00 pm 9:00 pm Explore the texts, tunes and tangles of the prayer book. We will wade our way through Siddur Sim Shalom going into everdeepening prayer, learning the vocabulary, choreography, history, mysticism, history and techniques of prayer. All levels of experience are welcome. H e b r e w L i t e r a c y I I I Amidah - Stand and Understand Co- s p o n s o r e d b y M e n s C l u b Norm Kurtz & Eric Yegelwel A p r i l 5 - M a y 1 0, Tuesday Evenings: 8 :00 pm 9:00 pm The Amidah is often called HaTefillah the prayer. Our rabbis compiled 18 pearls of prayer, strung together into a necklace of standing contemplation. Join us to learn more about the Amidah. HEBREW LITERACY H e b r e w 10 2 : L e t s C o n t i n u e Taught by lee Goldberg October 8 December 10, 2015 ( No Classes on November 26) January 14 March 17, 2016 Thursday Evenings: 8 :00 pm 9:00 PM Cost: Members Free Non-Members $36 for Series In this course, students will develop greater reading fluency and understanding of Hebrew word and sentence structures. They will also learn to recognize and translate key vocabulary in blessings and prayers. The course is open to all, including our Adult B nei Mitzvah students. C o n v e r s a t i o n a l H e b r e w U l p a n f o r B e g i n n e r s T a u g h t b y l e e G o l d b e r g October 8 December 10, 2015 ( No Classes on November 26) January 14 March 17, 2016 Thursday Evenings: 6:30 PM Cost: Textbook Fee $15 Mah Yaish? Want to be able to speak b'ivrit with family and friends in Israel? Understand the words to your favorite Hebrew song? Here is your chance! We'll learn the basics of Hebrew grammar while learning to order food in a restaurant, shop, and tell the doctor what hurts and have fun doing it, with songs, word games, and imagery. The ability to read the aleph-bet is required. The morah, teacher, Lee Goldberg, taught Hebrew for more than 20 years. She thinks that Hebrew is the perfect language and loves to excite others to learn it and enjoy it! Page 17

18 A d u l t E d u c a t i o n EDUCATION SERIES (continued) SYNAGOGUE SKILLS Gabbi Refresher Orin Rotman Date: tbd (springtime) Orin will teach an introduction to the roles of Gabbayim the first three sessions. The following sessions will have opportunities to practice with a Torah scroll. Chanting Megillat Esther : learning megillah trope Taught by hazzan weisberg Monday evenings 6:30 pm 7:25 pm Interested in reading the Megillah this Purim? There is a unique musical system used to chant Megillat Esthe. Spend several weeks learning the Megillah trope symbols with Hazzan Weisberg. A basic reading knowledge of Hebrew is required, but you do not need to know how to chant Torah or read music. Those who participate in the class will have the option to chant from the Megillah during our Purim Megillah reading on Wednesday, March 23, Lunch & Learn: Hot Topics Taught by Rabbi Pivo Mondays from 12:00 pm 1:15 pm Text & Context: pirkei avot Taught by rabbi pivo Sunset Foods 2nd Floor Conference Room (corner of rt. 83 & aptakisic) FALL SESSION: Oct. 12 Dec. 14 ** WINTER SESSION: Feb. 22 Mar. 21, 2016 SPRING SESSION: May 2 May 23, 2016 ** No class on nov. 16 Bring lunch and an appetite for discussion as we examine current events in the Jewish world. Participants are encouraged to share news articles about Jews, Israel, religion or any topic of interest that we can view through a Jewish lens. Thursday Evenings: 8:00 pm 9:00 pm Oct. 15, 2015 june 9, 2016 Will not meet on monthly board meeting nights What are the ethics that shaped ancient Judaism, and how do they stand up today? In this class we will study the Hebrew text of Pirkei Avot, dating back to the early rabbinic period, and explore the limits of applying ancient traditions to modern Jewish life. God Talk: developing a personal theology Taught by Rabbi Pivo Tuesday evenings: 8:00 pm 9:00 pm FALL SESSION: Oct. 13 Nov. 7, 2015 WINTER SESSION: Jan. 19 Mar. 8, 2016 Join us as we delve into a variety of Jewish perspectives on God, revelation and the intersection of spirituality, law and actions. Using Rabbi Neil Gillman s book Sacred Fragments, this course will provide students with the tools to construct or deepen a modern Jewish theology. Page 18 Bible Stories You Haven t Heard Rabbi Lifshitz, Emeritus Monday evenings at 8:00 pm April 4 April 25, 2016 Who were Jeptha, Amaziah, and the daughters of Zelophed? Their stories are just some of the lesser known events found in the Tanach (the Bible) that we will discuss. Among others will be those of Rachav and Yael, courageous non-jews; of Absalom and his rebellion against King David; of Ahab and Jezebel and their evil acts along with Elijah s response, and of Josiah, a young king who sparks a reformation of Israelite religion and a revival of the nation. Besides finding episodes interesting, we will also seek to find in them lessons relevant for our own time.

19 EDUCATION SERIES (continued) TAP the Torah Taught by Orin Rotman Sponsored by Men s Club Join us on Thursday nights at 8pm for a lively Torah study while we down some beer! Location: The Continental Restaurant (788 S. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove) Dates: November 11, 2015 April 13, 2016 Spirits & Spirituality Rabbi Pivo and Rabbi Melman Watch our website for upcoming information: Dates: October 15, 2015 February 11, 2016 Dinner & Conversation with Rabbi Pivo December 3, 2015 Making Meaning: Bar/Bat Mitzvah February 4, 2016 Making Meaning: Shabbat Cooking Classes Hanukkah/oil Taught by Sarit Elran Dates: Wednesdays, nov. 4 & nov. 11 Time: 6:00 pm 7:30 pm Cost: $36 for series A Great Miracle Happens Here: 8 Ways to Cook, Bake, and Enhance with Olive Oil (2 class sessions) How many times have we heard the Hanukkah story? Sometimes it seems as old and tired as the latkes we eat dripping with vegetable oil. This year we'll commemorate the miracle by bringing light to our palates with delicious new recipes. Israel Food Made Fast & Easy (through Hebrew immersion) Taught by Sarit Elran Dates: mondays, may 9 & may 16 Time: 8:00 pm 9:30 pm Cost: $36 for series Adult Hebrew Immersion Cooking Class: Want to learn Hebrew in a fun, immersive environment? Want to learn to cook in the process. Join us for these two sessions to learn fun recipes in Hebrew. Learn the Hebrew words for ingredients, verbs like mix and roll, and adjectives like tasty. April 7, 2016 Making Meaning: Kashrut Page 19

20 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h J u d e a A d u l t E d u c a t i o n For more information about the Adult Education programs, contact Anna Besser at or at abesser@bethjudea.org. All programs and classes are free of charge unless specifically noted. SPECIAL PROGRAMS/ Community Events USCJ SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Tuesday, Nov 18, 2015 Time: 8:00 pm Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker Rabbi Rowen Baker is the rabbi of Kehillat R a m o t - Z i o n i n F r e n c h H i l l, Jerusalem. Born to an Orthodox father and a Reform mother, she grew up within the Masorti Movement in Israel. After her army service, she was head of MAROM, the Masorti student and young-adult organization. Rabbi Rowen Baker participated in the first class of "B'ruach", pastoral training at the oncology ward of Sha'are-Tzedek Medical Center, was the 2007 Tanenbaum Fellow of Congregation Beth-Tzedec in Toronto, and has been a fellow of RIKMA for leadership development since Rabbi Rowen- Baker lives in Jerusalem with her husband Etai, their four children Adaya, Keshet, Clil, and Yagel, and their dog Hummus. O YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION Wednesday May 4, :00 pm Join us at the annual community commemoration that will take place at Congregation Beth Judea. TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT Saturday JUNE 11, :30 pm Tikkun Leil Join us in celebrating the giving of the Torah with an evening of Jewish learning. We will begin the evening with Mincha service (7:30 pm), followed up learning sessions and Ma ariv. Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker Page 20

21 5776 HOLIDAY CALENDAR JEWISH HOLIDAYS DATE (Y) Yizkor CANDLE LIGHTING TIME HEBREW DATE Rosh Hashanah September 14 & 15, 2015 September 13, 2015 before 6:45 pm September 14, 2015 after 7:47 pm 5776 Tishri 1-2 Yom Kippur September 23, 2015 (Y) September 22, 2015 before 6:29 pm 5776 Tishri 10 Sukkot September 28 29, 2015 September 27, 2015 before 6:20 pm September 28, 2015 after 7: Tishri Hoshanah Rabbah October 4, Tishri 21 Shemini Atzeret October 5, 2015 (Y) October 4, 2015 before 6:08 pm 5776 Tishri 22 Simchat Torah October 6, 2015 October 5, 2015 after 7:10 pm 5776 Tishri 23 Hanukkah December 7-14, 2015 Each evening after sundown beginning December 6, Kislev 25 Tevet 2 Tu B Shevat January 25, Shevat 15 Purim March 24, Adar II 14 April 22, 2016 before 7:21 pm April 23, 2016 after 8:26 pm Passover April 23 April 30, 2016 (Y) April 28, 2016 before 7:28 pm April 29, 2016 before 7:29 pm 5776 Nisan Yom HaShoah May 5, Nisan 27 Yom Hazikaron May 11, Iyar 3 Yom Ha Atzmaut May 12, Iyar 4 Lag B Omer May 26, Iyar 18 Shavuot June 12 13, 2016 (Y) June 11, 2016 before 8:07 pm June 12, 2016 after 9:11 pm 5776 Sivan 6-7 Tisha B Av August 14, 2016 (observed) 5776 Av 9 Selichot September 24, Elul 21 (Y) - Yizkor is recited on Yom Kippur (September 23) and the last days of Sukkot (October 5) Passover (April 30) Shavuot (June 13) All Jewish Holidays Begin at Sunset the Preceding Day

22 Focus on Families Event Calendar Congregation Beth Judea s Focus on Families is dedicated to enriching families connections to Judaism and our Jewish community through programs specifically designed for children, infant through 2 nd grade. Focus on Families programs captivate young children s interest in the joys and excitement of Judaism and Jewish holiday celebration. These programs are open to the community. Focus on Families Programs for Date, Time* October 3, :00 pm Thursday, October 5, :30 pm Sunday, December 6, :15 pm Saturday, January 23, :30 pm Sunday, March 20, :00 am Sunday, March 20, :00 am Wednesday, March 23, :00 pm Holiday / Event Sukkot Undernighter Simchat Torah Celebration & Parade Grandparent Mitzvah Program Magical Havdalah Shushan Wonderland Tot Hour at Purim Carnival Megillah Reading Join us in the Sukkah for snacks, crafts, games and Havdalah. Sing and dance with us as we celebrate the Torah. More information to come! Havdalah, crafts and a special presentation of Magic by Randy. Join us for a fun interactive magic show for the whole family. Meet Esther and others from the Megillah. Make a grogger, see a purim play and head up to the Purim Carnival. Tot hour will be from 11 am 12pm. Come in costume to hear the Megillah read. Thursday, April 13, :00 pm Matzah Making Let s make Matzah! We will have story time with Rabbi Pivo, Passover songs with Hazzan Weisberg and make matzah for Passover. Sundays 10:30 am 12:00 pm November 1, 2015 January 24, 2016 May 1, 2016 Gan Shalom (PreK and under) Gan Shalom: Gan Shalom is a pre- Kindergarten program focusing on Jewish holidays, heroes, and mitzvot for children 5 years old and under accompanied by an adult. Fridays 5:45 pm 6:15 pm 2015: 2016: Oct. 16 Nov. 20 Dec. 11 Jan. 15 Feb. 19 March 4 May 20 MUSICAL TOT SHABBAT WITH BRAD EGEL Tot Shabbat with Brad Egel: Welcome Shabbat with Brad Egel as he leads tots and their families with music, songs and stories. Geared especially for toddlers, kids, parents and grandparents. Please visit our website for more information. To receive program updates contact Anna Besser at abesser@bethjudea.org

23 For More Information on all of our programs Visit Our Website at

24 PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE 5304 RFD Rte. 83 & Hilltop Rd. Long Grove, IL Phone: Fax: C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h J u d e a P r o g r a m G u i d e