JANUARY 2013 | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 4 INSIDE Get ready to make a joyful noise! Rabbi Pamela Mandel 2 Ed Alpert, Executive Director 3 Interim Cantor Paul Offenkrantz 4 Youth Programming at Am Shalom 5 Seen Around the Temple 6 We Remember 8 We Celebrate 8 Walt Whitman & the With Appreciation 8 Soul Children of Chicago Community Forum 9 Entertainment, Education & Events 10 “With all its grandeur, the Sabbath is not sufficient unto itself. Its spiritual reality calls for companionship of man.” Return to Am Shalom! It’s going to be an evening of musical jubilation! The amazing Walt Whitman & the Soul Children of Chicago are returning to Am Shalom for a rousing Shabbat celebration in honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, along with special guests from St. Paul’s AME Church. Friday, January 11 @ 6:30 p.m. followed by Shabbat Club dinner highlighting the Southern Jewish Experience $30 per family for dinner RSVP for dinner online @ amshalom.com, or call Gia at (847) 835-4800 Join the jubilee! Abraham Joshua Heschel The Sabbath Am Shalom’s mission, as a Reform congregation, is to engage, enlighten, embrace and educate our members in ways that build a sense of community, while respecting individual forms of expression and belief. We seek to explore our Jewish roots, awareness and values, and enrich the spiritual lives of our members, while serving humanity through social action. FRom The DeSk oF RAbbI pAmelA mANDel Last month, Am Shalom came to the city. Rabbi Lowenstein and I met with a dynamic group of young Jewish adults in their twenties and thirties. While the trendy location (Stout Barrel House and Galley) and promise of free food and drinks were certainly compelling, I believe it was their connection to Am Shalom that drew them to this event. These young professionals are busy and on any night of the week they could choose to work late, work out, meet friends, attend a charity function, or stay home and catch up on shows. But on Thursday, November 29th, this group came to check out our new young adults group. Most of the attendees were men and women who had grown up at Am Shalom. But since they live in the city, their participation has been limited to High Holiday services and the occasional yahrzeit. We could wait for them to eventually move back to the suburbs, but with young adults marrying and having children later than ever before that could be years from now. By creating this initiative, we are helping them continue to feel connected to our community, to each other, and to Jewish life in general. Throughout the year we will be planning social gatherings, holiday celebrations, and volunteer opportunities – all beyond the walls of the temple. When young adults do make the move to the suburbs, many think the temple is their parents’ temple and there is nothing going on for them. Others think that they have to wait until they have children in order to get involved. Of course, this isn’t true! In order for them to see this, though, we have to 2 find new ways to engage these suburban young adults. We have to meet them where they are and create experiences that are interesting and attractive to them. It is for this reason that we have also formed a young couples group. On Saturday, December 1st, we invited Jewish young couples (married and dating, with kids and without, temple members and not) to “Tap into Am Judaism. I know that they have so much to offer our community, but there is much for them to gain as well. I am looking forward to connecting with them at our events, and getting to know them on a one-on-one level as well. This is an exciting endeavor that we are embarking upon at Am Shalom. If you fall in this group or have a family member or friend who might be interested, please contact me so that we can start finding ways to get you and others involved. Rabbi Mandel can be reached at: pmandel@amshalom.com Am Shalom Young Adults Shalom” by meeting for drinks at the Tap House in Highwood. The ten couples who attended enjoyed spending time together and getting to know each other. With the help and input of my peers, we will be planning many more events this coming year. Our goal is simple. We want to reach out, build relationships, and create meaningful experiences for these young adults in their twenties and thirties. They are not just the future of our congregation. They are the future of In celebration of Tu B’Shevat (the birthday of the trees) we will get together to enjoy the fruit of the tree and the vine. Come join us for a WINE TASTING! In the City ... Thursday, January 31st @ evolution Wines & Spirits, lakeview In the Suburbs ... Saturday, February 2nd @ evolution Wines & Spirits, Northbrook It’s all about SOUL! Soul Children of Chicago – Friday, January 11th @ our 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service. FRom The DeSk oF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR eDWARD m. AlpeRT “A Jew can be Jewish with God, against God, but not without God.” Elie Wiesel I am ashamed to admit that although I live only 5 minutes away, until recently I had not found the time to visit the inspirational Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie. Over Thanksgiving break my sister and her family were in town visiting and they asked that we spend a day at the museum. I am so glad they did, as I found it to be one of the most moving experiences of my adult life. I have been one of those individuals who has been concerned that we devote so much time and energy to Holocaust remembrance that we forget sometimes about all of the other important aspects of being Jewish. I recently read there are over one hundred Holocaust memorials or museums in the United States alone. But after spending the day at the museum, my thinking was profoundly changed. I understand the importance of future generations never forgetting what happened to our people. If you have yet to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie I encourage you to do so. I am proud to announce that the Am Shalom Board of Trustees will hold their February 2013 Board meeting at the museum. The question that was left unanswered when I departed the museum was how could a just and righteous God allow this to happen? Elie Wiesel, quoted above, is probably the best known writer on the Holocaust. He is part of a very long Jewish tradition in which believers express their rage and disappointment, as well as their love, to God. This unique tradition goes all the way back to biblical figures such as the prophet Habakkuk, who laments: “How long, O Lord, shall I cry out and You not Listen.” The Psalmist demands “Awake, why do you sleep, O Lord…Why do you hide your face and forget our suffering and oppression?” ...we are forbidden to despair of the world as the place which is to become the kingdom of God, lest we help make it a meaningless place in which God is dead or irrelevant and everything is permitted. The question I wrestle with, and which I am sure millions of others have wrestled with, has no easy answer. However I have found comfort and great meaning in something shared by scholar Emil Fackenheim in his book, The Jewish Return Into History. In that book Fackenheim suggests a new 614th commandment which I quote: The authentic Jew of today is forbidden to hand Hitler another, posthumous victory. In the 614th commandment we must survive as Jews, lest the Jewish people perish, we must remember in our guts and bones the martyrs of the Holocaust, lest their memory perish. We are forbidden to deny or despair of God and finally we are forbidden to despair of the world as the place which is to become the kingdom of God, lest we help make it a meaningless place in which God is dead or irrelevant and everything is permitted. Let us in our daily lives never forget the Holocaust and most important do everything within our power to fight ethnic cleansing, prejudice and intolerance throughout the world. DOWNTOWNERS with Rabbi Steve Meet on the first Thursday of each month for a thoughtful discussion over lunch, headed by Rabbi Lowenstein, in the Chicago Loop. Email elainew@amshalom.com to register. Meeting Schedule: Thursdays, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2. All meetings are at 12 noon. Would you like to get your KOL early, with color photos and bonus content? Get it online! @ amshalom.com. KOL 3 FRom The DeSk oF cANToR pAUl oFFeNkRANTZ INTeRIm cANToR Jews had an “Earth Day” way before it became fashionable. According to our tradition, the earth, with all its vast beauty and riches, does not belong to us. It belongs to God who created them. This magnificent and fragile planet that we are blessed to inhabit has been on permanent loan to all those who came before us, as well as to all those who will follow. We have a sacred responsibility to protect and nurture the environment that has been entrusted to us so that future generations will inherit a world with clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and the magnificence of nature unspoiled by human greed or exploitation. Sometimes, as a species, we need to remind ourselves that we are just tenants here. God is the landlord and is probably not pleased to see the place trashed. Our “Earth Day” is called Tu b’Shevat – which, this year falls on Tuesday, January 15th (although it is always on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat!) I have always been proud of the fact that Judaism values nature and teaches respect and reverence for our natural environment. As with so many social issues, we have led and continue to lead the way. Not too long ago, a politician (I forget who) said on the floor of Congress that he believed global warming had to be a “myth” because only God would decide when the world would come to an end, and that human actions would therefore never be a factor. He went on to reference the story of Noah and how God promised to never again destroy the world and sealed that promise with the sign of a rainbow. 4 Statements like this would be laughable if the subject wasn’t so serious. More recently, the presidential nominee of one of our major political parties expressed disdain for his opponent by saying that he wanted to “save the oceans and fix the planet” – a line which (as intended) was met with laughter and derision from the thousands assembled in the convention hall. I have quoted this before, but it bears repeating ... “Pray as if everything depended upon God. Act as if everything depended upon you.” Polar ice caps are melting. Glaciers are receding. Ocean levels are rising. Devastating weather-related events – including hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, blizzards and heat waves – are becoming more frequent and more destructive. This is what most serious Jews believe: that the Brit or Covenant between God and the Jewish People works both ways. We must be partners with God in doing mitzvot and working towards tikkun olam. I have quoted this before, but it bears repeating and appears in our Prayer book: “Pray as if everything depended upon God. Act as if everything depended upon you.” Here’s what I don’t get: even if you reject global warming (in spite of all the scientific evidence) – what’s the downside of conservation, recycling, developing clean forms of energy, and giving our children and grandchildren a cleaner planet to live in? On January 15th, pause for a moment to look at the trees and plants that surround us. Think about the vastness of the ocean and all the sea life it contains. Look up at the blue sky and take a deep breath. And then … try to do just one more thing in your own life so that generations to come will be able to do the same. RELEASE YOUR INNER MUSTARD! Join Us January 20 @ 9:00 a.m. in the Am Shalom Kitchen for Fanchon Simons HELPING THE HOMELESS Make sandwiches, pack 400 lunches, drivers needed. It’s all about SOUL! Soul Children of Chicago – Friday, January 11th @ our 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service. YoUTh pRoGRAmmING UpcomING eVeNTS: Am ShAlom FUN! WILL! BE! HAD! 5th & 6th Grade Retreat January 18-20 oconomowoc, WI Two amazing days of Am Shalom friends, joyful Jewish experiences, gaga games, and an indoor water park excursion! JAmSY (grades 7 & 8) January 27 @ 2:00 p.m. Bowling Tournament at Eskape with Beth Am, BJBE, Temple Chai, and Or Shalom Rishonim (grades 2-4) January 27 @ 5:00-6:30 p.m. Nickel City Visit the “youth group” tab of amshalom.com or e-mail Adam & Sarah at youthgroups@amshalom.com for more information and to register for all youth group events! To register: submit a check for $180 to Am Shalom with your child’s name and “retreat” in the memo. E-mail youthgroups@amshalom.com or call Adam & Sarah at (847)835-4800 for more information Next year in Rio — Passover in Argentina! But time is running out — make your reservation to join Am Shalom in Argentina Join Rabbi Steve as we explore South America March 21st - 30th, 2013 Iguazu Falls, Argentina Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Final deadline to sign up is January 10th For further information, call Elaine Wexler @ (847) 835-4800, ext. 254. Would you like to get your KOL early, with color photos and bonus content? Get it online! @ amshalom.com. KOL 5 FRom cAmeRA To kol phoToGRAphS FRom IN AND ARoUND Am ShAlom Lamb’s Farm Chanukah Party & Service Fanchon Simons Helping the Homeless 6 It’s all about SOUL! Soul Children of Chicago – Friday, January 11th @ our 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service. FRom cAmeRA To kol phoToGRAphS FRom IN AND ARoUND Am ShAlom There are always smiling faces at Hebrew and Religious School! Would you like to get your KOL early, with color photos and bonus content? Get it online! @ amshalom.com. KOL 7 We RemembeR ... The Congregation extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of: being impacted by illness, or just feeling stressed by life, consider Marci Werner, sister of Richard (Keri) Werner Lucille Iglitzen, mother of Marlene Iglitzen attending the Am Shalom “Almost Andrew Reib, son of Barbara Blinderman Michael Weber, father of Fred (Diane) Weber intimate service, held in the serene Edith Rosengarden, mother of Michael (Andrea) Rosengarden Charlene Miller Sholl, mother of Steven (Susan) Sholl We celebRATe ... Bill Towne, father of Julia (Dan Mendelson) Towne Mildred McShane, aunt of Rita Kanne The Congregation extends a hearty “Mazel Tov!” to the following: Weddings Samantha Shapiro, daughter of Jamie & Steven Shapiro, to Geoff Swerdlin on October 13, 2012 B’nai Mitzvah Adam Weber, son of Bryan & Kathy Weber, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on January 12th Celia Buchband, daughter of Richard Buchband & Betsy Rosenblum, on becoming a Bat Mitzvah on January 12th Casey Frey, daughter of Seth & Karen Frey, on becoming a Bat Mitzvah on January 26th WITH APPRECIATION We thank the following for their generous contributions to Am Shalom In Memory of Mort Rosen Bernetta Hirschberg Marvin Ingber In Honor of Sammi Wolfberg’s Bat Mitzvah Dan and Linnette Wolfberg In Memory of Stanley Fox Paul and Vicki Morton In Memory of Patty Bob and Lesley Strauss In Memory of Henry Cahn Howard and Loren Friend In Memory of Sheldon Kahn Ellyn and Richard Mayer In Honor of Ryder Max Ellyn and Richard Mayer 8 If you are suffering from a recent loss, In Memory of Andrew Reib Doris and Bill Gould In Honor of Robert Kahn’s 90th Birthday Ellyn and Richard Mayer Barbara Dolinger and Howard Taymor In Honor of Rachel Schapiro’s Bat Mitzvah Jackie, Andy, Robbie, Merrie, and Stephanie Aaron In Memory of Edith Rosengarden Steve and Chickie Rosen In Memory of Marcia Seifman Paul and Vicki Morton In Memory of Bernadine Block Bernard and Betty Fae Nusinow Daily” Minyon. This quiet and worship space of the Rosenfeld Chapel, is the perfect setting to remember a Yahrzeit, to pray for healing, and to calm and refresh your soul. The “Almost Daily” Minyon is held on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. Rosa Parks took a SEAT on the BUS. Rosa Parks took her PLACE as a HERO. Who are YOUR heroes? Send them to stevenlow@amshalom.com. In Honor of Jerry Skurnick’s Special Birthday Joy and David Grossmann In Memory of Sandra Mayer Richard Basofin and Joan Zahnle In Memory of David Dolin Bernard and Betty Fae Nusinow Mindy Nusinow Nadell In Memory of Joan Richman Mindy Nusinow Nadell In Honor of Jerry Meyer’s 90th Birthday Lynda and Rick Strusiner All donations to Am Shalom are listed in the KOL. If you would prefer that your contribution not be listed, please notify us. It’s all about SOUL! Soul Children of Chicago – Friday, January 11th @ our 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service. commUNITY FoRUm UpcomING eVeNTS oF INTeReST IN The chIcAGolAND JeWSh commUNITY 4th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service Monday, January 21 Highland Park Recreation Center 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Multi-Generational Event Partner with other members of the community by participating and completing fun, meaningful projects in honor of MLK Day. Projects will include among others: * Assembling toiletries for local shelters * Writing letters/ creating valentines for soldiers and their children * Making pet toys for Orphans of the Storm * Decorating flower pots for hospital patients This year, come hear Edgewood Middle School Chorus sing freedom songs (10:00 a.m.) and come explore your First Amendment freedoms by visiting the McCormick Foundation’s Freedom Express, a 45-foot traveling museum. This is your chance to turn community concerns into citizen action. For more information contact Cheryl Levi at 847-903-9523 or levi.cheryl@yahoo.com Bringing Peace To Our World Through FOOD Last month, as part of our annual Twinning program between Am Shalom and the Islamic Cultural center of Northbrook, we decided that it would be a great opportunity for our two communities to share in the creation of a very special project. We all love to eat. And as we broke bread with our Muslim neighbors, they asked if we would be interested in doing a joint Cookbook of our traditional foods and favorite recipes. We now need your help. Please share with us your favorite recipe for a Jewish/Middle Eastern or Israeli dish that you would be proud to share – we need a picture, ingredients, name and serving size. This will be a joint project between Am Shalom and the Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago. Please email your recipes to elainew@amshalom.com. For more information please contact Patti Vile, our Interfaith Liaison, at 312-520-4100 or via email at pattivile@gmail.com. Submissions will be accepted until the first of March. Education & Screening Program Did you know that one in four Ashkenazi Jews are carriers for a genetic disorder? Carriers are generally healthy, but their children may be at risk for a life-threatening disease. With a simple blood test, you can learn your risks and understand your options. Screenings will be held: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 Anshe Emet Synagogue 3751 North Broadway, Chicago Tuesday, April 23, 2013 Congregation Beth Shalom 3433 Walters Avenue, Northbrook Genetic counselors from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago will be available to address both general and personal questions. Hospital staff will take samples for screening. (Results are confidential.) Program fee: $180 per person (tests normally cost over $4,000) Program includes dinner, an educational presentation and genetic screening for 18 disorders. (Visit www.jewishgenetics.org/disorders for the full list of disorders.) Pre-registration is required. Space may be limited. Contact Taryn Brickman at (312) 3574988 or TarynBrickman@juf.org to sign up. Would you like to get your KOL early, with color photos and bonus content? Get it online! @ amshalom.com. KOL 9 eNTeRTAINmeNT, eDUcATIoN & eVeNTS AT Am ShAlom (and see the pink insert for more adult education opportunities!) halom ! s Am S milie a F g Youn with Susan Salidor Saturday, January 12 @ 4:00-5:30 p.m. Am Shalom Monday Night Movie Monday January 7th @7:00 p.m. A great film ... a great time with great friends ... and the popcorn’s on us! RSVP online @ www.amshalom.com Get into your favorite pair of pajamas and join us for this great family get together. We will say goodbye to Shabbat and welcome in a new week with fun, food, and entertainment. Come and see old friends, make new ones, and don’t miss the chance to see your Am Shalom clergy in their favorite PJ’s! For young families with children aged 0-6. Featuring: * Concert by beloved children’s musician, Susan Salidor. * Special arts and crafts project. * Celebration of Havdalah. * Pizza and other delicious treats will be served. To RSVP, contact Elaine Wexler at 847-835-4800. Save the Dates for some AmAZING Shabbat experiences! Including Craig Taubman - Friday, February 22nd Julie Silver - Friday, march 15th Danny Maseng - Friday, April 12th Glencoe Interfaith Builders Watch your e-mail or keep checking the kol for further details! Spend your Shabbat helping others! Am Shalom Build January 5th & 19th We’re starting work on our 7th home and beginning fundraising for our 8th! Contact Jim Goodman for further information and opportunities to participate. jamesgoodman68@yahoo.com 10 10th Annual Women’s Seder Save the date! Thursday, March 14th, 2013 - featuring special guest Julie Silver! Watch upcoming issues of the KOL and your e-mail for details! It’s all about SOUL! Soul Children of Chicago – Friday, January 11th @ our 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service. JANUARY 2013 Tevet/Shevat 5773 Our calendar is always available online at www.amshalom.com. Now! Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/amshalomglencoe SUNDAY MONDAY 1 TUESDAY NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 13 9:30am Religious School ( K- 6 ) 11:30am Religious School (7-10) 11:30am JAmSY Social Action Event 20 9:00am Fanchon Simons’ Help the Homeless 9:30am Religious School ( K- 6 ) 11:30am Religious School (7-10) 27 9:30am Religious School ( K- 6 ) 11:30am Religious School (7-10) 7 5:45pm AlmostDaily Minyan 7:00pm Monday Night Movie - The Human Resources Manager 7:30pm Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 14 5:45pm AlmostDaily Minyan 6:30pm Finance Committee Meeting 7:00pm Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal 21 MLK Day - Office CLOSED 10:00am 4th Annual MLK Day of Service - HP Rec Center 28 FRIDAY SATURDAY 3 4 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:00am Library Minyan 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 9:30am Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 9:30am Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 22 9:30am Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 5:45pm AlmostDaily Minyan 7:00pm Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY 2 Office CLOSED 6 WEDNESDAY 29 1:00pm Joyce 9:30am Adult B’nai Schrager Current Mitzvah class Events Class resumes 5:45pm Almost-Daily Minyan 7:00pm Adult B’nai Mitzvah class NO HEBREW SCHOOL 4:10pm Hebrew School 4:10pm Hebrew School 7:00pm Justice, Justice w/Rabbi Steven Lowenstein 23 4:10pm Hebrew School 10:00am The Psalms w/Rabbi Phyllis Sommer 30 4:10pm Hebrew School 5:45pm AlmostDaily Minyan 6:00pm Executive Committee Dinner & Meeting 7:00pm Board Meeting 9:45am Book Discussion - I Am Forbidden 5:45pm AlmostDaily Minyan 6:00pm Communications Task Force Meeting 7:30pm “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” 24 5:45pm AlmostDaily Minyan 5 9:00am Mahjong at Am Shalom 6:30pm Shabbat Service featuring Soul Children of Chicago & St. Paul AME Church Shabbat Club Dinner (Southern Jewish Experience) 9:00am Library Minyan 10:30am Adam Weber Bar Mitzvah 4:30pm Celia Buchband Bat Mitzvah 9:00am Mahjong at Am Shalom 6:30pm Shabbat Service featuring Youth Choir, and Am Shalom 2nd Grade 9:00am Library Minyan 25 26 9:00am Mahjong at Am Shalom 6:30pm Shabbat Service - Chapel 19 9:00am Library Minyan 10:30am Casey Frey Bat Mitzvah 31 5:45pm AlmostDaily Minyan Am Shalom Young Adults Wine Tasting Mission to Cuba Would you like to get your KOL early, with color photos and bonus content? Get it online! @ amshalom.com. KOL 11 Change Service Requested 840 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe, IL 60022-1560 Telephone: (847)835-4800; Fax: (847)835-5204 e-mail: amshalom@amshalom.com Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein, Senior Rabbi Rabbi Phyllis A. Sommer, Associate Rabbi Rabbi Pamela Mandel, Associate Rabbi Cantor Paul Offenkrantz, Interim Cantor Rabbi Harold L. Kudan, Founding Rabbi Judi Berliner, Director of Education Sarah Rosenbaum & Adam Bellows, Directors of Youth Programming Sharon Morton, R.J.E., Educator Emeritus Edward M. Alpert, F.T.A., Executive Director Carolyn R. Fulton, Director of Communications Mark Burnstine, President Barbara Breakstone, President-Elect Vivian Nitzberg, Vice President Gregory Miller, Vice President Susan Gumbiner, Treasurer Paul Kleinmann, Secretary KOL January, 2013 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Skokie, IL 60077 Permit No. 269 Volume 41, Number 4 A community service presentation by: Dr. Tamir Rotman Raanan, Israel "hello muddah, hello Fadduh" The challenges of parenting: the most important things we should teach our children nowadays and how camp helps accomplish exactly that Dr. Rotman is a practicing clinical psychologist at “Alumim” Youth Village, Kfar-Saba, Israel, on the staff at Zinman College at Wingate Institute, The Israeli Integrative Center for Group Counseling, and has a closed private practice in Israel. Dr. Rotman is also an assistant to the Director of Camp Ojibwa for Boys, where he is the High School age group leader and adjustment specialist. Here is your chance to find the tools to help your child fully adjust to the summer camp experience. Thursday, January 17 7:30PM @ Am Shalom RSVP online @ amshalom.com for this special presentation 12 It’s all about SOUL! Soul Children of Chicago – Friday, January 11th @ our 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service. ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING UP Anouk Markovits’ I Am Forbidden January Book Discussion Thursday, January 17 @ 9:45 a.m. A beautifully crafted, emotionally gripping story of what happens when unwavering love, unyielding law, and centuries of tradition collide, I Am Forbidden opens a startling window on a world closed to most of us. Join us for what is sure to be an eye-opening discussion. Justice, Justice We Shall Pursue: Judaism and Civil Rights Led by Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein January 16, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m. What is our legacy and responsibility as American Jews with regard to the civil rights movement of the past, present, and future? As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, let’s consider where we’ve been and where we are going in the field of civil rights in our country. The Psalms: Prayers of Healing, Praise, and Comfort Led by Rabbi Phyllis Sommer January 23, 2013 10:00-11:00 a.m. e Psalms are one of the most well-known sections of the Bible. ey are words of healing, praise, and comfort. Come and learn more about this beautiful book of the Bible and how these words can be a part of our lives today. “Spiritual But Not Religious?” Led by Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein February 21, 2013 @ 7:00-8:00 p.m. According to a recent Pew study, more and more Americans describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious." What does this claim mean? What is spirituality, and can it truly be separated from religion? How do Jews define and engage in spiritual practice? “Understanding Prayer” Taught by Buddy Schreiber February 12 & 19, 2013 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. Join Buddy Schreiber in an in depth look at the Jewish prayer service and how to make heads or tails of the words and actions. No experience required! ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING UP! Leonard Bernstein: The Man and His Music Class Instructor: Cantor Paul Offenkrantz February 6, 13, and 20th from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Composer, Conductor, Pianist, Author, Lecturer, Television Personality, Civil Rights Activist, Musical Icon ... Leonard Bernstein was unquestionably one of the most recognized, influential, and pioneering musical figures of the 20th Century. Unlike many Jews of his era who changed their names when they achieved fame, Bernstein not only made no attempt to hide his "Jewish-ness" but revelled in it proudly and publicly. Privately however, he was a complicated, enigmatic, and conflicted human being who struggled with many personal demons. is course will survey all aspects of Bernstein's fascinating life and will include video footage as well as audio recordings. North Shore Community Kallah A Community-Wide Adult Education Program Tuesdays, February 5, 12, and 19 At Temple Beth El 3510 Dundee Road Northbrook Co-sponsored by the North Shore Chavurah of Rabbis and Spertus, a three-week adult learning program. Session 1 – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Selection of courses taught by area rabbis Session 2 – 8:15-9:15 p.m. “Cosmopolitan Jewish Communities at the Edge of Modernity” Taught by members of the Spertus faculty: Dr. Dean Bell, Dr. Yohanana Petrovsky-Shtern, and Dr. Benjamin Frommer Visit spertus.com/kallah for more information. Open to all, no charge! Register to jhadesman@templebeth-el.org or call 847-205-9982 to reserve your spot! Unless otherwise indicated, all classes will be held at Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe. Celebrating traditions, building community Am Shalom’s 10th Annual Women’s Seder Thursday, March 14, 6:30pm With SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST, Julie Silver All women welcome (ages 12 and up) Guests welcome! Bring your friends, your mothers, your daughters, your granddaughters! Cost: $36/person Sign-in will begin at 6:00pm so we can start promptly at 6:30pm In honor of our Women’s Celebration, we will be collecting tzedakah to benefit women in need. Reservations & payment must be received by March 1st Name _____________________________ Phone # __________________ Email Address _______________________________ Number in your party ________ @ $36/person = _________ enclosed Please list all the names of those you are paying for: (use the back for more) 1._______________________ 5._______________________ 2._______________________ 6._______________________ 3._______________________ 7._______________________ 4._______________________ 8._______________________ Tables will be “reserved” for parties of 5 or more. Tables seat 8-10. Please list your table requests on the back of this form. Signup also available online at www.amshalom.com Please make checks payable to Am Shalom Sign up online OR please mail to Am Shalom, Attn: Women’s Seder, 840 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022 BY MARCH 1st Additional questions? Please call the Temple office 847/835-4800.