sinai - Chicago Sinai Congregation

Transcription

CHICAGO
SINAI
CONGREGATION
JULY/AUGUST 2015 Volume 62 Number 1
Welcome Rabbi Greene Summer Volunteer Opportunities
Confirmation Class of 2015
SINAI
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Archives
Sunday programming will
resume in the Fall.
July/August 2015
WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAYS AT SINAI
CONTENTS
Friday, July 3, 6:15 p.m.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
Rabbi Limmer will conduct the service.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
Rabbi Greene will conduct the service.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
Friday, August 7, 6:15 p.m.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
TOT SHABBAT ON THE BEACH with
Rabbi Greene will begin at 5:00 p.m.
See back page for details.
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sinai archives
4
rabbi greene
5
rabbi limmer
6
high holy days
7
cards of admission
8
programs
9
social action
11
tributes/in the lives
12
preschool
13
religious education
14
july calendar
SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY
Meets Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in the library
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august calendar
Do you know of a congregant who is ill and would appreciate receiving a call from Rabbi Limmer?
Please let us know. Call our Executive Director, Susan Solomon, at the Temple office.
www.chicagosinai.org JULY/AUGUST 2015 Temple Office 312.867.7000
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REFLECTIONS
Rabbi Amanda Greene
As I prepare to ascend Sinai...
I am Rabbi Amanda Greene and am thrilled to
be joining the community of Chicago Sinai
Congregation. As I prepare for the incredible
opportunity to serve your community, I’m
thankful for this opportunity to share a few
insights with you about the path that has led
me to this special place and time.
The counting up of
my days towards
Sinai has ended,
and I have arrived.
Atop this
mountaintop that is
Chicago Sinai
Congregation, it is
with a deep sense
of awe that I begin
this new journey
with you.
My final months in rabbinical school coincided
with the period of the Omer; Jewish tradition
teaches that during this period we count up
the days from the festival of Passover to the
festival of Shavuot, from redemption to
revelation at Sinai. And though I have observed
these days so many times in the past, they truly
felt different for me this year. This year, I felt
like I was actually counting up the days
towards Sinai -- the days that would come
before I would join this sacred community at
Chicago Sinai.
As a society, many of us are used to “countdowns”. We count down the days before
summer, or the seconds before the New Year.
But, we are not so used to “count-ups”, starting
at 1 and counting up to certain number. Our
tradition offers several reasons why we might
count up during the Omer, rather than count
down. One such reason is that we mimic
Moses. Just as he ascended Mount Sinai to
receive the Torah, we count the days in an
ascending order. The Kabbalists, 16th century
Jewish mystics, provide a different
understanding of counting up that truly spoke
to me throughout the past few months as I
prepared to ascend to Chicago Sinai. They
teach that the Omer serves as a period of
preparing oneself to receive the Torah. This
period of preparation provides the space and
time for personal introspection and
reflection.
For me, these last weeks and months have
certainly been that time of reflection and
introspection -- a sort of Cheshbon HaNefesh,
a recounting of the soul. I’ve reflected on the
moments in my life that led me to become a
rabbi. I’ve reflected back on the experiences I
gained by serving at five different synagogues
while in rabbinical school. I’ve reflected on the
wonderful learning opportunities I
experienced over the past six years while at the
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of
Religion. I’ve reflected on the moment that I
knew I wanted to become part of Chicago
Sinai Congregation. It was at the end of the
first evening I spent with Chicago Sinai, back in
February, when I called a very dear friend
from my hotel room and said, “This is it. I just
feel it. This is the congregation that I want to
call home. This is the congregation where I
want to be a rabbi.”
And, while I look back and reflect as I prepare
to ascend Sinai, I also look forward…
It is truly an honor to join the staff and clergy
team at Chicago Sinai in my first pulpit
position following my ordination from the
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of
Religion in Los Angeles. I look forward to
getting to know more about this historic,
intellectual, warm, and welcoming
community. I look forward to hearing your
stories, hearing what makes you love Chicago
Sinai. I look forward to joining together in
worship, in learning, in times of celebration,
in times of sorrow. I look forward to working
together to make this world a more just, a
more whole place to live.
The counting up of my days towards Sinai has
ended, and I have arrived. Atop this
mountaintop that is Chicago Sinai
Congregation, it is with a deep sense of awe
that I begin this new journey with you.
Thank you.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Sinai’s Young Professionals Group is open to those in their mid-twenties to late thirties who are interested in exploring Judaism
intellectually, spiritually and socially.
Please contact Rabbi Greene at rabbigreene@chicagosinai.org with any questions.
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NEWS AND VIEWS
Rabbi Seth M. Limmer
A Summer Book
I had a precious week left of my summer to
enjoy Labor Day weekend before the first day
of school came around. I had one precious
week before that difficult Junior Year of high
school, with its classes, assignments, and
purportedly all-important SATs. I should have
been able to enjoy myself, to live my precious
teenage years to the fullest, but there was one
hitch. Actually, two: Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the
D’Urbervilles, and Sons and Lovers by D.H.
Lawrence. All summer long, I had put off
reading of those two “masterpieces” of florid
English prose, because I did not think their 19th
Century romanticism would quite appeal to my
then sixteen-year-old sense and sensibility. But
an assignment was an assignment, and I felt
compelled to forego the fun and sun of a final
week of vacation in order to finish my summer
reading.
A book is the most
delightful
companion.
An inanimate thing,
yet it talks, it
stimulates your
inner talents.
There is in the world
no friend more
faithful and
attentive, no
teacher more
proficient.
— Moses Ibn Ezra,
Shirat Yisrael
It is the most under- of understatements to say
that my life has changed drastically since that
summer before I entered my Junior Year of high
school. Yet one of the myriad ways in which it
has regards summer reading: instead of
considering it a burden to dash through two
books on a holiday weekend, I now spend the
greater part of my year planning those books
I will finally get the time to read during July
and August. And I know I’m not alone in this.
Just about every newspaper recently has
published a Sunday supplement
recommending hundreds of books to be read
specifically during the summer. Obviously, it
makes sense for all of us, at a time of the year
when schedules are the most relaxed and free
time is closest at hand, to jump into books of
good worth.
And so I thought I’d throw my hat into the ring
of book-recommenders, although I’m a critic
with an advisedly pointed tilt. While I’m hardly
an expert on modern literature, I have come
across some wonderful books this past year
which are not only worth reading, but also
which serve to connect us back to our Jewish
tradition. Not every book on the list below is
particularly “Jewish,” but what all of them share
is a perspective on life that is born of Jewish
values. Four of the books are written by Jewish
people, although only one of them speaks
specifically to a Jewish theme. The other
speaks to a compelling issue of our time, and
gives us great pause to think about matters
most religious in nature.
So without any further ado, here is my short list
of good reads—both fiction and nonfiction—
that just might fit perfectly into the bag you
bring to beach of your choice here in Chicago,
or on the airplane as you fly to some sunny
destination.
Jews and Words,
Amos Oz and Fania
Oz-Salzberger–In
some ways, the only
book I would have
people read if I wanted
them to know
everything I love
about Judaism. This
wonderful, if brief,
book is co-authored
by father and
daughter, and captures conversations between
generations about the power of tradition It
would be worth it for that family insight alone;
the chapter, “Vocal Women”, is probably the
most powerful piece I have read about the
meaningful presence of women in Jewish life.
The Third Plate,
Dan Barber–I will
come clean: Dan
Barber, who was just
awarded the 2015
James Beard award for
“Writing and
Literature” for penning
The Third Plate, is a
good friend of mine.
Yet I recommend this
book not because I
heard Dan’s tales in real-time as he evolved in
his thinking, but because his thinking about
food—the very fundamental of life—is so
important. These “field notes on the future of
food” challenge us to reconsider our
connection to what we eat, where we get it,
and how we take care of the Earth entrusted
to us.
Continued on page 10
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HIGH HOLY DAY
Services
ROSH HASHANAH EVE - Sunday, September 13
5:00 pm Early Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer; Rabbi Greene will deliver the sermon.
7:00 pm Evening and Community Service at Fourth Presbyterian Church will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer;
Rabbi Greene will deliver the sermon.
8:00 pm Late Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer; Rabbi Greene will deliver the sermon.
Information Packet
with order forms
will be mailed
the week ending
June 26, 2015.
ROSH HASHANAH DAY - Monday, September 14
9:30 am Family Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer and Rabbi Greene.
11:00 am Morning Service at Sinai for the 7:00 pm Seating Group will be conducted by Rabbi Greene;
Rabbi Zola will deliver the sermon.
11:00 am Morning and Community Service at Fourth Presbyterian Church for 5:00 pm and
8:00 pm seating Groups will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer who will also deliver the sermon.
1:30 pm Family Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer.
KOL NIDRE EVE - Tuesday, September 22
5:00 pm Early Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Greene; Rabbi Limmer will deliver the sermon.
7:00 pm Evening and Community Service at Fourth Presbyterian Church will be conducted by Rabbi Greene;
Rabbi Limmer will deliver the sermon.
8:00 pm Late Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Greene; Rabbi Limmer will deliver the sermon.
YOM KIPPUR - Wednesday, September 23
9:30 am Family Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer and Rabbi Greene.
11:00 am Morning and Community Service at Fourth Presbyterian Church for 7:00 pm and
8:00 pm seating groups will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer who will also deliver the sermon.
11:00 am Morning Service at Sinai for 5:00 pm seating group will be conducted by Rabbi Greene;
Rabbi Zola will deliver the sermon.
1:30 pm Family Service at Sinai will be conducted by Rabbi Greene.
2:30 pm Recital of classical music at Sinai.
3:30 pm Afternoon, Memorial/Yizkor and Concluding Services at Sinai.
These services will be conducted by Rabbi Limmer, Rabbi Greene and Rabbi Zola;
Rabbi Greene will give a d’var Torah.
FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, CARDS OF ADMISSION ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL SERVICES. NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT A CARD OF ADMISSION.
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CARDS OF ADMISSION
For Members
We are pleased to offer three seating options for High Holy Days Services. Please select your first and second
seating preference from the list below. If you select a service and space is not available, you will receive a
Card of Admission for your second preference. Cards of Admission will be distributed on a first-come firstserved basis.
OPTION 1 - 5 PM Seating Group
Rosh Hashanah Eve Service: Sunday, September 13, at 5:00 pm at Sinai
(Rabbis Limmer & Greene)
Rosh Hashanah Day Service: Monday, September 14, at 11:00 am at Fourth Presbyterian Church
(Rabbi Limmer)
Kol Nidre Service: Tuesday, September 22, at 5:00 pm at Sinai
Yom Kippur Service: Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 am at Sinai
(Rabbis Greene and Zola)
Afternoon, Yizkor and Wednesday, September 23, at 3:30 pm at Sinai
N’ilah Services: (Rabbis Limmer, Greene and Zola)
Information Packet
with order forms
will be mailed
the week ending
June 26, 2015.
Rosh Hashanah Eve Service: Sunday, September 13, at 7:00 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church
Rosh Hashanah Day Service: Monday, September 14, at 11:00 am at Sinai
(Rabbis Greene & Zola)
Kol Nidre Service: Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church
Yom Kippur Service: Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 am at Fourth Presbyterian Church
(Rabbi Limmer)
Rosh Hashanah Eve Service: Sunday, September 13, at 8:00 pm at Sinai
Rosh Hashanah Day Service: Monday, September 14, at 11:00 am at Fourth Presbyterian Church
(Rabbi Limmer)
Kol Nidre Service: Tuesday, September 22, at 8:00 pm at Sinai
Yom Kippur Service: Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 am at Fourth Presbyterian Church
(Rabbi Limmer)
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PROGRAMS
Education
Discussions
Groups
Cinema & Book Groups
Adult Education
SHABBAT MORNING PRAYER AND TORAH STUDY
SINAI BOOK CLUB
Join in a discussion of the week’s Torah reading
on Saturday mornings at 10:00 am. Torah
study will be preceded by a brief worship
service which begins at 9:30 am. Everyone is
welcome and no prior knowledge or
experience is required.
Join fellow congregants on July 14 at 2:00 p.m.,
when we will discuss All the Light We Cannot See by
Anthony Doerr. We will also meet on August 11. On
September 8 we will discuss Madam Secretary by
Madeline Albright.
Class will meet on July 4, 11, 18, 25 and on
August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 in the Library on the
second floor.
WEDNESDAY ADULT EDUCATION
WITH RABBI LIMMER
INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM SERIES
Join Rabbi Limmer on Wednesdays to study
the great legal works of Moses Maimonides,
Mishneh Torah. We will begin the year studying
chapters on Repentance, and move through
different topics over the course of the year. The
class meets every Wednesday.
FILM REVIEW SERIES
Class will meet on July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and
August 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 11 a.m. to noon.
THURSDAY ADULT EDUCATION WITH RABBI GREENE
Explore the topic of Teshuva -- turning and
returning -- with Rabbi Greene this summer as
we prepare for the High Holy Days. We will
take a look at the way in which our ancient
rabbis understood Teshuva and study
modern interpretations in order to create our
own understanding of the role Teshuva
plays in Jewish tradition and more specifically
in our own lives. Feel free to join the class in
the Library at 11 a.m. If you are interested in
the class, please contact Rabbi Greene at
rabbigreene@chicagosinai.org.
Class will meet on July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and
August 6, 13, 20 and 27 in the Library at 11
a.m.
Dinner and film will resume in the Fall. The cost of dinner will be $15.00.
Join us on July 9 and August 6 at 7:00 p.m. as Zbigniew Banas, a former
movie critic for The Reader, leads a discussion. Participants view the movie in
the theater and then meet at Sinai in the Social Hall on the first floor. The cost
of $15 per person includes dessert. To make a reservation please call the
Temple office.
Congratulations to the
Confirmation Class of 2015
Front row (l-r):
Caroline Berezin; Emma Meyers; Liza Kaniewski; Alana Schacher;
Abby Sacks; Josh Ben-Dashan
Second row (l-r):
Sophie Putrim; Talia Garg; Levi Jones; Alan Sydel; Alexis Ries;
Alice Asch; Cade Adelman
Back row (l-r):
Logan Gorman; Julia Wapner; Olivia Putrim; Theo Bufferd;
Charlie Moss; Eli Rosenfeld
Not pictured: Lindy Harris
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SOCIAL ACTION
Repair the World
Get Involved
Teen Living Report
Cooking is a wonderful way
to participate in the
volunteer experience and will
give you a chance to see the
Teen Living program up close, and to start to
get to know the kids. Here are a few stories of
dinners at TLP Belfort House and Drop-In
Center. The experience was stimulating for all
of us.
Teen Living Program
Volunteer Opportunities
Saturday, June 20, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is hosting
their 30th Annual 5K walk. This free walk is a
great way to assist TLP because with every
walker that signs up and checks in at the race for
TLP, the GCFD will provide a 12 dollar credit to
TLP's account. By having a lot of participants this
year, TLP will be able to cut a lot of food costs.
Sandwich Making
Sunday, July 12
Offsite
More information about the race and how to
register for it can be found on this event page:
http://www.tlpchicago.org/event/30th-annualhunger-walk/
4:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
BELFORT HOUSE DINNER from Dale and David
David and I have gone to Belfort House twice
to prepare meals and more importantly
spend time with the teens. These folks have
little experience with nutritious meals – fresh
vegetables are largely terra incognito. Our
venture at serving cauliflower brought a
range of responses from surprise - that's
good; to - what's that and almost running
away. But they are very grateful for our
efforts. We're learning that relationships and
trust will take time but even on our second
visit we saw a bit more of warmer smiles,
more openness and a real appreciation we
were there and returned.
DROP-IN CENTER DINNER from Ann and Art
Art and I spent our first afternoon at Teen
Living Drop in Center on Monday (6/1). We
had a great time and learned some valuable
lessons. The kids are wonderful and so
appreciative. We brought the fixings for a
lasagna dinner only to find out that is what
the kids had for lunch. Art and I regrouped
and, thanks to the internet, we were able to
come up with a great tilapia dish using the
fish they had already defrosted. Lesson
learned…be flexible and confirm the menu.
The kids are curious about us but reserved.
Lesson learned…it is going to take time,
patience and a regular presence for the kids
to get comfortable with us and the Sinai
community.
SUMMER
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Ronald McDonald House
Saturday Dinner, August 8
Please contact
Dawn Owens at
dowens@chicagosinai.org
Friday, September 28
Here’s another way to support the Teen Living
Programs. The TLP Open is set for September
28th @ Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long
Grove, noon start time. $300 per golfer - which
includes lunch, green fees, dinner and lots of fun!
Anyone who is interested in these activities – or
any other of the opportunities to volunteer at
TLP – should contact David Ginsburg via email
dsg@nsnephrology.com.
The Jew assumes for himself the historic post of a soldier of
righteousness and justice; responsibility and service are the
sacramental words of the Jewish philosophy of life.
We are going to be back at TLC on Monday
June 29 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you want to
join us, to see what the drop in center is all
about, please contact me at
afox227@aol.com. Remember…you have to
have gone through TLC orientation to
participate.
- Dr. Emil G. Hirsch, 1903
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NEWS AND VIEWS
Rabbi Seth M. Limmer
A Summer Book continued from page 5
These are but a few
suggestions I make
to you of books I
consider to have
incredible worth. If
you choose to read
any of them, I’d love
to hear what you
think about them.
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The Road to Character,
David Brooks–New
York Times columnist
David Brooks explores
society’s move
towards an immersion
in ego in this
fascinating new work.
Broooks’ meditations
on humility lead him
through eight spiritual
biographies of people
who persevered through difficulty in paving a
road towards their own character. Not only is
this likely to be the most-quoted book by
rabbis for the upcoming High Holy Day season,
but it’s thought-provoking material will
challenge how we look at our lives and what
we most value.
Up All Night,
Carol Miller–This is
another fun one!
Carol Miller was the
DJ of my youth,
playing rock and roll
over the airways of
New York’s legendary
WNEW. This memoir
tells not only the tales
of running around
with rock royalty, but
also explores what it was like for a young
woman—a young Jewish woman at that—to
break through gender barriers in the broadcast
world. Usually funny, often poignant and
thoroughly enjoyable, Up All Night provides an
interesting angle to explore the evolution of
Jewish identity in America.
The New Jim Crow,
Michelle Alexander–
There is no doubt that
this is the most
difficult read on the
entire list, and not
because of the prose.
Alexander’s subject
matter is the plague of
mass incarceration in
America. Alexander
walks the reader
through not only the
difficult statistics, but also the narratives of
legal [and societal] factors that have created
this monumental problem. In a year when
John Legend spoke of this problem in
accepting his Academy Award, and when our
Governor commissioned a panel on criminal
justice reform, this painful book is helpful
reading for understanding the depths and
technicalities of the problem; knowing those,
we can work to end them together.
These are but a few suggestions I make to you
of books I consider to have incredible worth.
If you choose to read any of them, I’d love to
hear what you think about them. And, if you
choose not to, I hope you tell me what
wonderful books have crossed your path this
summer. In either case, I do wish everyone a
summer of relaxation, restoration, and
reconnection with the things that are most
important to us. I’m looking forward to
having us all together for the High Holy Days
once summer has faded into memory.
TRIBUTES
Temple Fund
In honor of Rabbi Limmer’s Installation
Donna Barrows
Jan E. Stone
In the Lives
Music Fund
In honor of Seth Limmer’s Installation
Leslie and Douglas Rothopf
In honor of the Confirmation Class of 2015
Helaine Billings
In honor of Florence Siegel on the
occasion of her 100th birthday
Marian Edelstein
Cootz and Mort Siegel and
Sue and Leon Mendelsohn
In appreciation to Scott, Andrew, Kim,
Maia, John and David, our volunteer choir
and guest performers for an uplifting and
glorious musical Portrait of Salmon Sulzer
Jan E. Stone
In honor of the confirmation of
Elana Schacher
Nadyne Elegant
In memory of Dr. Myron Rubnitz
Eileen and Philip Hoffman
In honor of Jill and Grant Peters for this
year’s fabulous benefit
Merilee Elliott
Community Concerns Fund
In honor of the Confirmation Class of 2015
Carol and Bruce Miller
In honor of Amanda Greene
becoming a Rabbi
Shayna and Jacob Cohen
Ellen and Larry Schor
In honor of Amanda Greene’s
Rabbinic Ordination
Nina and Bruce Gotteiner
Ann Courter and Norman Hirsch
Vicki and Tom Horwich
Teen Living Program
Ann E. Weisman and Robert F. Szurgot
Madison Hale and Dmitry Ragozin
On their marriage
Laura Brinkman and Zachary Markin
On their marriage
In honor of Jill and Grant Peters in
appreciation for their dedication in
hosting a fabulous Benefit Gala
Abbey Haroldson and Andrew Rintels
On their marriage
In appreciation to Rabbi Limmer for
conducting the beautiful wedding
ceremony of Amy Rosenfeld and
David Finkelstein
Leslie and Harvey Finkelstein
In Memory of Joan H. Epstein
Harriet Bertsche
David Ellbogen
Gail Kowler
Mimi Letchinger
Connie and Howard Sulkin
Mary Ann Barrows Wark and David Wark
Congratulations to
Marisa Helberg and Ben Lavin
on their marriage
Susan Bronstein and Robert Soffer
On their marriage
Rabbi Limmer’s Discretionary Fund
In honor of the upcoming wedding of
Sally Rosenberg and Bruce Charendoff
Betty and Tom Philipsborn
In Memory of Ruth Beck
Polly Deutelbaum
Jill and Roger Giller
Kaye and Howard Haas
Joyce Himmel
Judy and Richard Kern
Janet and Charles Peters
We Record with Sorrow the
Death of our Members
Ruth Beck
Rayna Jacobson
In memory of Bill Barrows
Blessings in a Back Pack
In honor of Josh Meyer’s Bar Mitzvah
Barbara and Norman Kravitz
Carol Rafsky
Welcome to our New Members
Judith and Terry Feiertag
Sarah and Charles Orlove
In honor of Jason Tothy’s Bar Mitzvah
Carol and Charles Siegel
In honor of Rabbi Limmer for his support
of Jason Tothy on his Bar Mitzvah
Alison and Peter Tothy
Pulpit Flowers
Marian Edelstein
In loving memory of her husband, Arthur
Andrea Moonsammy
In memory of her husband, Bruce Boynick
The Barrows Family
In memory of Sidney Barrows
B.J., Neil & Jan Stone, Wendy & Don
Blum, and Kathy Stone & Mel Septon,
In loving memory of Marshall J. Stone
Kate Kestnbaum, Ellyn and John Daniels,
Meyer Kestnbaum and Cynthia Cook
In memory of Theodore Norris Trynin
and Ada Wilentz Trynin
In honor of Rabbi Limmer’s Installation
Donna Barrows
Donna Barrows
Rabbi Levinsky’s Discretionary Fund
In honor and appreciation of
Rabbi Levinsky
Susan Messinger
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SINAI PRESCHOOL
Fern Katz
It is so hard to say good-bye to the children and
families who are moving out of the city and
state, or on to other schools. This year was
especially sad for me, many of the children who
left this year began three years ago, at the very
same time I began at Sinai. But with each
good-bye, I look forward to a new hello as the
next group of children come to Sinai.
“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” Maybe for
George Gershwin but not at Sinai Preschool
Camp! Shortly after preschool ended, camp
began and we are having a wonderful summer.
We are busy playing, singing, creating,
exploring, and learning. We have enjoyed
sunshine, warm weather and our new toddler
pools. It may not be easy, but it sure is fun!
The end of the year culminating activities at
Sinai Preschool were meaningful, fun, and
brought us all a feeling of sweet sadness.
Our 5-day morning class had a very special
experience in the sanctuary with Rabbi Limmer
when he explained many of the items that they
see on the bima and showed the children each
a word in the Torah that was meaningful to
them. A special thank you to Bryn Bass, who so
generously wanted to share her “assist the
Rabbi” experience won at our silent auction
with her entire class. Our ice cream socials
were, of course, a success—we all love ice
cream and choosing our own toppings! This
was an extra treat for our children because we
usually serve healthy snacks. Our afternoon
class, most of whom are going on to
Kindergarten, had a lovely program. Their lead
teacher, Meredith Koletsky, presented a slide
show highlighting the year’s activities and then
gave each child a certificate and thanked them
for what we learned from each of them.
We had so many parents and grandparents join
us for these activities and it gave us all a chance
to visit and reminisce. “Special” was a word I
heard over and over again. Grandparents and
parents shared with me what an amazing
experience they have had and that they felt
Sinai is a special place. I couldn’t agree more.
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We have only few spaces left for the 2015-2016
school year. If you are interested in a tour or
enrolling your child, or have any questions,
please contact me at 312.867.7010.
Grandparents and
parents shared
with me what an
amazing experience
they have had and
that they felt Sinai
is a special place.
I couldn’t
agree more.
Please help us spread the word about our
wonderful school!
Applications and registration materials can be
found on our website www.sinaipreschool.org.
Accredited by NAEYC’s National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
...It reminds me that time spent at Chicago Sinai-connecting with each other, learning about our common
faith and values, joining together on Mitzvah projects, and
sharing Shabbat-- is worthwhile and does
make a difference.
Perhaps, like me, you feel that life moves too
quickly. Every summer, I resolve to slow down
and enjoy life a little more and then I turn
around and look at the approaching fall and
wonder, “Where did the time go?” Knowing
this, I try to prioritize my time—going to and
doing the things that mean most to me and
sharing my time with the people I love.
We have just completed our Confirmation
ceremony. Each student moved us with their
thoughts and insights about the meaning of
Judaism in their lives. It reminds me that time
spent at Chicago Sinai-- connecting with each
other, learning about our common faith and
values, joining together on Mitzvah projects,
and sharing Shabbat-- is worthwhile and does
make a difference.
Here is my favorite writing from the late Erma
Bombeck. It is posted on my bulletin board at
work, and when I clear-off all the extraneous
notes and papers that I have haphazardly
tacked on there, I can actually read this. I hope
it inspires you to prioritize what is meaningful
to you so that you can embrace each day of
summer. And I hope your connection to
Chicago Sinai is one of those things…
Want to learn more about
our religious school?
Need registration materials?
Contact Heidi Kon
hkon@chicagosinai.org or
312.867.7012
I am happy to talk with you
about our program.
Heidi Kon
If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even
if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten popcorn in the “GOOD”
living room and worried much less about the
dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the
fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my
grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted that the car
windows be rolled-up on a summer day
because my hair had just been teased and
sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted
like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children
and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while
watching television and more while watching
life.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick
instead of pretending the Earth would go into a
holding pattern if I wasn’t there for a day.
I would have never bought anything just
because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or
was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of
pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment
realizing that the wonderment growing inside
me was the only chance in life to assist God in a
miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would
have never said, “Later. Now go get washed-up
for dinner.”
There would be more “I Love You’s”… more “I’m
Sorry’s”.
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would
seize every minute, look at it and really see it…
live it... and never give it back.
I hope that enjoying time with your families,
learning, making new friends, deepening the
meaning in our lives, and sharing our faith with
the Chicago Sinai community continues to
enrich your lives.
Enjoy the summer!
13
JULY
sun
5
mon
6
tues
7
TEMPLE CLOSED
2015
wed
1
thurs
fri
sat
2
3
4
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
TEMPLE CLOSED
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
8
9
10
11
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
7pm Film Review
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Lunch Program: Make
bag lunches, offsite
9:15am Movie Group
10am CJE at Sinai
3:30pm Fourth Church
Dinner
2 pm Book Club
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
2 pm Sunday Supper at
Fourth Church
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
26
27
29
30
31
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
10am CJE at Sinai
14
28
AUGUST
sun
mon
tues
2015
wed
thurs
fri
sat
1
9:30am Torah Study
2
3
4
10am CJE at Sinai
5
6
7
8
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
7pm Film Review
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
4:30pm Ronald
McDonald House Dinner
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Lunch Program: Bring
bag lunches
9:15am Movie Group
10am CJE at Sinai
3:30pm Fourth Church
Dinner
2 pm Book Club
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
2 pm Sunday Supper at
Fourth Church
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
23
24
26
27
28
29
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
5pm Tot Shabbat on
the beach
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
10am CJE at Sinai
30
25
31
10am CJE at Sinai
15
CHICAGO
SINAI
CONGREGATION
Facebook.com/ChicagoSinaiCongregation
@ChicagoSinai
Chicago Sinai Congregation Bulletin (USPS 0103-880) is published monthly, by Chicago Sinai Congregation,
15 W. Delaware Pl., Chicago, IL, 60610-3306, except for a combined issue in July/August.
Periodical postage paid at Chicago, IL.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Sinai Congregation, 15 W. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60610-3306.
Seth M. Limmer Senior Rabbi
Amanda Greene Associate Rabbi
Howard A. Berman Rabbi Emeritus
Bruce Miller President
Susan Solomon Executive Director
Scott Kumer Music Director
Heidi Kon Education Director
Fern Katz Early Childhood Director
Susan Solomon Bulletin Director
Join Rabbis Limmer and Greene on
the beach near the Beachstro
Restaurant. Look for the
Chicago Sinai Banner!
Questions?
Call the Temple office at
312.867.7000
TOT SHABBAT
When?
What?
Where?
Who?
On the Beach!
August 28, at 5:00 p.m.
A 30-minute music-filled Shabbat service
Oak Street Beach on the Beautiful Shores of Lake Michigan
All families with young children are welcome!

sinai - Chicago Sinai Congregation

Transcription

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