Beth Chaverim Spring 2014 Humanistic Jewish Community Volume 12 Issue 4

Upcoming Events Personalizing Passover

Adult Education Elie Wiesel said, “Some stories are true that freedoms nor take them for granted; and let March 25, April 29 never happened.” And the Israeli author us try at every opportunity to ensure that 7:15 pm Amos Oz in his book and Words wrote, everyone can celebrate them. Barnes & Noble, Lincolnshire “fables can tell a truth. Fiction is not a fib.” Book of Exodus So strong is the message of Passover that the Such stories tell us a truth or a moral so Women in the Bible historical accuracy of the holiday no longer meaningful or powerful that the message March 19, 2:15 pm matters. What began as a spring agricultural transcends the literal truth of the details. So Barnes & Noble, Deerfield holiday in the Bible, hag ha-matzot, the it is with Passover. Despite the absence of festival of the matzah, was transformed into Book Club any archaeological evidence of the exodus March 31, April 22, May 27 a national holiday of liberation and actually taking place, or of any Hebrew slave redemption. As history unfolded, it was population existing in Egypt, we nonetheless School Celebration further transformed from a holiday that Sunday, March 16 gather to retell, to remember, and to included animal sacrifices and pilgrimage to recommit ourselves to the truth of the E-Auction the Temple in Jerusalem into one celebrated holiday. The moral imperative to let all who March 16 - 23 around the family table. According to the are hungry come and eat, and to be recent Pew Study of Jewish Identity, 70% of HUJEW Conclave particularly sensitive to the stranger because participate in a seder. And March 28-30 of the imprinted memory of our own at those seders, comes the questions. foreignness, echoes through the generations Religious School Questioning is a practice to be valued, our down to our own. The cultural imperative Spring Break seders teach. Why do we do what we do? to retell our stories so that the tradition is Sunday, March 30 Indeed why is this night different from all continued with successive generations that Sunday, April 6 other nights? Perhaps the answer is that we connect us to our past shapes our identity as embrace our tradition in the company of Maot Chitim Food Delivery Jews. The ethical imperative to rid society Sunday, April 6 family and community, sharing a meal laden of slavery in any form is emphasized as we with symbolism, in a way that is take time to remember the hardships and Community Passover Seder unparalleled any other night of the year. It Tuesday, April 15 bitterness of slavery with all our senses, is ours to make meaningful. Don’t squander (Reservation form enclosed) including taste. We pledge to eliminate the that opportunity either. Annual Meeting personal slaveries that imprison us including unforgiving work schedules, unreasonable Wishing you a wonderful Passover. Sunday, May 18th 11:30am CEL demands of a plugged-in world, or old grudges that prevent us from moving B’shalom, Jewish Festival forward. We embrace the freedoms we Rabbi Jodi Sunday, June 8 enjoy in unprecedented fashion in America. As the iconic series by artist Norman Rockwell captured the words of Franklin Roosevelt, we have freedom from want, freedom of speech, freedom of worship and freedom from fear. Let us not squander our

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 2

From The Steering Committee….

Dear Members: Hope everyone managed to stay warm and healthy To end the year, a group of our adult members got through the rather “nasty” weather start we had to together at The City Winery for a Klezmer Music the secular New Year. Maybe an early winter will Brunch. My husband and I were able to attend and mean an early spring; however, it’s Chicago, so only it was an experience that made me appreciate the time will tell. I think it’s rather typical of our local significance of my identity as a Humanistic Jew. weather that last winter (2012-2013) had been Klezmer music is very much about the eastern forecasted to be the worst in decades and it was one European culture of music, language, song and of the mildest winters I have had since moving to dance. It is not religious music but music about life. Chicago over 20 years ago. There are definitely Especially for those of us with eastern European forces in nature we cannot predict even with our family backgrounds, it makes us appreciate that advanced technology. That is the wonder of our Judaism back then, as now, was both a culture and a universe. lifestyle as well as a religion.

Through these cold months our community has With spring just around the corner we will again be been busy with many activities. Our Sunday school returning to Winberie’s for our annual Second has been busy with projects including holiday Night Passover Seder. I was first introduced to Beth celebrations, supporting the PADS shelter by Chaverim when Judith Matz and David Barhydt continuing to make monthly breakfast and our invited our family to attend the Passover Seder six Holocaust curriculum for the older students and years ago. It was a wonderful introduction to any interested adults. Our music program led by Humanistic Judaism and, needless to say, got me Brooke Perlman launched this year and is rounding hooked on Beth Chaverim. If you have any friends out the education program for our students. We are or potential members that might be interested in planning an adult “learn the holiday tunes” our community, please invite them to join us. program with Brooke to allow adults to learn our Experiencing the warmth, tradition and culture of High Holiday melodies. our community is a wonderful way to build our membership. We participated once again in the sponsorship of an interdenominational gathering in October where Be sure to watch your email for information about the program “More Alike Than Not” featured other activities planned for this spring. Moslem, Catholic and Jewish speakers highlighting similarities and differences between the personal Deb Rusnak, President experiences of each of these minorities. We will sponsor another program in the fall, “The Mecca Tales” as we continue to explore interfaith issues. The Annual Hanukkah Party (early as it was this year) was one of the best attended ever by our community.

Beth Chaverim Mission Statement

Beth Chaverim is a place for individuals and families to explore their Jewish heritage and traditions, to learn to think critically and independently about religious and theological issues, and to develop meaningful and relevant Jewish identities through education. VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 3

What’s Happening In Our School

Third/fourth grade wrote their own lyrics or choruses to songs as we studies Jewish heroes of the music world. By way of example, Rachel Young wrote: “If I had just one wish, I would make peace to my family and peace to the world. Some people wish diamonds or everything, but I have just one wish to the world.” Such wise words from a child; we should all heed them.

"Experiencing Dead Sea Mud"

Did You Know?

Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld is available to conduct life cycle ceremonies including

weddings, civil unions, baby namings and funerals for members and non-members. Contact Rabbi Jodi for further information, 847-945-6512 [email protected] VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 4

What’s Happening Mah Nishmah

Todah Rabah WELCOME means thank you very much The Spritz Family: To the following families for supplying the food for the Ryan, Shawn, and Louie PADS breakfast in November, December, January, February, March: Becky Herman & Anthony Kohlenberg The Buckland family, the Chessick family, the Davies family, the Ellis family, the Enteen family, the Grant family, the Horn family, the Kantor family, the Kornfeld family, the Lewis family, We Remember the Matlin family, Meryle Mitchel, the Shore family, the Wartell family, the Young family, Brooke Perlman; and the Cheskin, Kantor and Tamul families for delivering it.

Deb Rusnak for substitute teaching the Bryan Koehler, third/fourth grade class Husband of Cathy,

The following who helped with our school Father of Grace and Clare Chanukah celebration: Milton Goldin Jodi & Juan Hernandez and Grandma Alice for the , Uncle of Michele Wartell wonderful latke making; Nancy Freedkin for the fantastic cookie baking; Joan Ezell, Stacy Buckland, Steve Rusnak; Jillana Enteen; Mother of Dan Ezell Carolyn & Dan Lewis; Michele Wartell

The following who helped at the Tu B’shevat seder: Ruth Hecht, Jillana Enteen, Deb & Steve Rusnak

Meryle Mitchel for preparing the e-auction mailing. Mazel Tov

Kaila Stein for substitute teaching in our primary class. Elizabeth Davies on her graduation from Loyola Law School Amy Tamul, David Young and Tami Libman who helped with the cooking of Israeli foods Ken and Cara Strauss on the birth of their as well as the PADS breakfast daughter Olivia Morgan; Dick and Donna Strauss are the SPECIAL TODAH RABAH proud grandparents

From Dan Lewis who provided all the food for the Stacy Samuels on the engagement of March PADS breakfast: her daughter Chloe “I am turning 50! For 50 years, I have been very fortunate to have a roof over my head and food in my Brooke Perlman on her graduation from belly, and I have never had to worry about either. In Elmhurst College in music education celebration of that, I would like to provide all of the items for the PADS breakfast.” Donations

Dick and Donna Strauss in honor of the birth of their granddaughter Olivia Morgan Strauss

Geno Shifrin

Andrea Berk in appreciation of the Women in the Bible class VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 5

At Beth Chaverim

Fifth/Sixth grade Hebrew story: Our fifth/sixth grade class is studying Israel this entire year. They wrote stories using Hebrew words. Here is a sample: The Simcha that ani was not invited by Marla Tamul My chaverim are pretty cool. Kol b’seder around them. My soos always has a nice lev around all of my chaverim. At laila, we tikvah that the kelev won’t read any sefer without permission. The gadol and oversized chatool was over sham mi was having a simcha. The ben and bat, the soos, the kelev and all of my chaverim. Ani was not invited. Ani wanted to be invited! When the simcha was over, ani heard everyone say today rabah. Then they bumped roshes.

*ani - I *chaverim – friends *kol b’seder – everything is okay *soos - horse Mazel tov to our own *lev –heart Alexis Brill & Shelby Vojcak, members of the *laila – night Chicago Jazz Synchronized Skating Team. *tikvah – hope The Jazz will represent the United States at the *kelev – dog Junior World Challenge Cup in Switzerland in *sefer – book March. It is the team’s first trip to the World *gadol – big Challenge Cup since 2009. We wish them all *chatool – cat the best as they represent Chicago in competing *sham – there against teams from fifteen other countries. *mi – who *ben – son *bat – daughter *todah rabah – thank you very much *rosh - head

Beth Chaverim Steering Committee Members President : Deb Rusnak Past President: Robin Chessick Treasurer: Michele Wartell Members At Large: Alan Solid Jodi Hernandez Secretary: Steve Rusnak Sue Pinkus

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The Humanist Café - Food for the Mind & the Appetite

In 1948, in the aftermath of WWII, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The rights sought to be guaranteed to every human being not surprisingly resonate well with Humanistic Judaism. In light of the attacks on the religious and personal freedoms of people around the world, it is worthwhile to take another look in part at what was included. Let us pledge to help realize these principles wherever they are challenged, and to be grateful that we enjoy the freedoms we do. Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 18: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. Article 26: Everyone has the right to education. Article 27: Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Cake

1 cup flour (can use half wheat) 3/4 c. white sugar 1/4 teas. Salt 1/4 c. olive oil (or butter, melted) 1/4 c. applesauce 2 eggs 1 teas. Vanilla 1 teas. Cinnamon 2 cups cranberries 1/2 c. chocolate chips

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8×8 baking pan. 2) Mix all but cranberries and chocolate chips. Then add them. Spread batter into pan. 3) Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until done.

Fabulous when warm. Darn good when cold. Double (and put in 9×13 pan) if bringing to a potluck. (Note: can use blueberries and almonds and lemon zest instead of cranberries, chocolate chips and cinnamon. It makes a different, but fabulous cake especially when blueberries are in season.)

From our member Katherine Lato, http://katherinelato.com/wordpress/?p=402 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 7 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 8

Adult Education Continues

Our exploration of Exodus continues Tuesday, March 25 and April 29 at 7:15 pm Barnes & Noble - Lincolnshire We will consider the book of Leviticus on Tuesday, May 20.

Women in the Bible continues Wednesday, March 19 at 2:15 pm Barnes & Noble - Deerfield We will consider the prophetess Huldah, 2 Kings 22. Watch your emails for the dates thereafter.

A copy of the Tanach (the Hebrew Bible) by Jewish Publication Society is all you will need. There is no cost for the classes. The book can be found on Amazon.com.

Beth Chaverim Book Club

For March 31st we are reading The Lawgiver by Herman Wouk. Written when he was 97, it is the story of a Hollywood writer/director trying to make a movie of Moses. Wouk has written himself into the novel as well.

On April 22nd, we will be discussing The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan by Jonathan Kirsch.

And then on May 27th, we will discuss One More River by Mary Glickman.

Book group continues monthly. Watch your emails for upcoming titles and dates.

Many if not most of the books we read in our book group are in the Beth Chaverim library. If you would like to borrow one of the books, just contact Rabbi Jodi.

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Over the past few years, we have had several families within our community that have had a temporary set ???? Membership Questions ???? back, ie: a surgery, loss of a job, family crises, etc. Do you have questions about membership? Then contact our membership liaison "Helping Hands" is available to help with the needs Deb Rusnak at [email protected] of these families, either through delivering a meal, or driving to a doctor's appointment or any other minor needs a family could use. Over the past several months, assistance has been provided to several members. Can You Help?

If you would like to be added to the list of We are always looking for some assistance members who will assist when needed, please large and small for our events. Please let us email us and Laurie Matlin will contact you when know if you are interested to help with any the need arises. Thank you to everyone who has of the following events this year or next. volunteered already; it is greatly appreciated. Any family needing assistance can seek it by contacting  Helping Hands Committee Rabbi Jodi.  E-Auction

Humanistic Judaism 101

 Defines Judaism as the collective historic experience of the Jewish people and promotes a community of shared Jewish values.  Promotes the development of a strong Jewish identity, especially for those Jews who cannot intellectually or emotionally embrace a supernatural being, or who are unsure about the existence of such a being and want to express their Judaism in an honest and meaningful way.  Emphasizes the capacity in all human beings to improve themselves and the world through learning and the performance of good deeds.  Teaches that ethical behavior is conduct which enhances the dignity of every individual.  Understands that ritual without meaning is simply empty ritual and that liberal Judaism is authentic Judaism, without apologies to the present or nostalgic bows to the past. Beth Chaverim is affiliated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism. VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 10

Purim The holiday of Purim is March 16. It tells the story of Queen Esther who bravely stood up for the Jewish people in the face of the evil Haman’s plot to destroy them. In so doing, she had to reveal her true identity as a Jew to her husband the king. It is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. Named for a woman, it is especially appropriate that it falls during Jewish Women’s History Month. The holiday is filled with merriment and revelry as the text suggests we celebrate until we can’t tell the difference between Haman and Mordecai, Esther’s uncle. Among the traditions are making of hamantashen, the three cornered pastry filled with fruit, nuts or poppyseeds. Although it is often thought to get its name from the hat Haman is depicted as wearing, in fact it comes from the German pastry, mondtaschen, that was a pocket (taschen) filled with poppyseeds (mohn). We retell the story, and make all sorts of noise at the mention of Haman’s name, the better to blot out evil. We have a festive meal shared with family and friends. We give gifts. And we give portions to the poor, shalach manot. Wishing everyone a very happy Purim!

Beth Chaverim Goes To The Movies

Enjoy popcorn and laughs as we watch the films of Mel Brooks at the home of one of our members.

We began the series with The History of the World Part I on Sunday Feb. 23 at 7:00 pm On Sunday, March 16 at 7 pm, we will enjoy Blazing Saddles and again on Sunday, April 27, we will see To Be or Not to Be.

Standing only 5 foot 5 inches, Brooks has become the proverbial giant of comedy. Born Melvin Kaminsky in , he would change his name to reflect his place of birth. Mel Brooks has created some of the funniest, most outrageous movie moments. Honored by the American Film Institute with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, it was said: “These films targeted more than film conventions; they took aim at greed, racism, anti-Semitism, despotism and death. Brooks cheerfully ignored those critics and others who described his work as vulgar, and liberated grateful audiences by acknowledging truths that had been missing from the screen. In the end, all mankind shared beans around his campfire, and another taboo was gone with the broken wind.”

“I do not think that Humanistic Judaism, with its affirmation of human dignity, would have been possible without the setting of America.”

Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 11

Jewish Women’s History Month

March is Jewish Women’s History Month. Why a separate month to recognize women’s achievements? All too often, they have been ignored or swept aside. In the academic world, the phenomenon is referred to as the “empty shelf” because there are volumes that need writing and shelves that need to be filled. Even from the vantage point of the twenty-first century with so many opportunities for women, we need to make a deliberate effort to hear those voices that were silenced, listen to those stories previously untold, and integrate those histories left out. Take time this month to honor the important women in your lives, and ask them to tell you their stories.

Consider reading the works of Dvora Baron, a Yiddish writer who wrote in both Hebrew and Yiddish. The daughter of a rabbi, Baron writes of the poignant and painful experience of being excluded from the mainstream male community.

Examine the brave life of Hannah Senesh, a resistance fighter in World War Two who parachuted behind enemy lines as well as a poet. Her works are beautiful in a life that was sadly too short.

Learn about Ray Frank who preached on Yom Kippur in 1890 in the Old West yet was never ordained as a rabbi.

Consider Rebecca Gratz, a woman from the early nineteenth century who set up the first Sunday School as well as pursuing other philanthropic and benevolent work.

Investigate the biography of Elana Kagan who joined Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the two Jewish women on the Supreme Court. She famously said during her confirmation hearing that, like so many of us, she spends Christmas going to a movie and then eating Chinese food. Ginsburg has the quote from Deuteronomy in her chambers, "Justice, justice shall you pursue."

With the Olympics just concluded, learn more about Bobbie Rosenfeld, an Olympic runner from Canada who won a gold medal in the 400 meter relay, and a silver medal in the 100 meter relay in the 1928 Summer Olympics.

Jewish women have made contributions to our Jewish heritage as well as to society at large. Here’s to the women!

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Memorial Plaque Order Form Beth Chaverim Memorial Plaque Order Form (One Name per plaque)

Name of Loved One: ______

Date of Death: ______

Plaque Donor: ______

Name of Loved One: ______

Date of Death: ______

Plaque Donor: ______

Line 1: ______

Line 2: ______

Plaque Donor: ______

$136/plaque X ______

Total Enclosed: ______

Return this form to our office.

Checks payable to Beth Chaverim Humanistic Jewish Community 1457 Wilmot Road Deerfield, IL 60015

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Look What the Mail Brought

From the of Metropolitan Chicago “Dear Friends: Thank you for your generous gift to the Jewish Federation Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, which is supporting humanitarian aid to the Philippines. All funds collected will be distributed in coordination with the Jewish Federations of North America and overseas partners, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which is consulting with local officials, the Filipino Jewish community and global partners to assess the evolving situation on the ground, where the strongest storm on record has wrought widespread destruction. . . . Thank you for joining the Jewish Federation in demonstrating that compassion knows no boundaries, and for joining us in this life-saving work. Sincerely, Stuart Spector Direction, Jewish Federation Relief Funds”

From SuperSibs: “Dear Rabbi Kornfeld and Students, We would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to you for the Birthday Cards. We greatly appreciate the lovely cards that were created for our SuperSibs! As you know, SuperSibs! provides ongoing support to children whose brothers and sisters are battling pediatric cancer. Families of children diagnosed with cancer face profound financial, emotional and physical challenges. SuperSibs! does what these overwhelmed families cannot, to focus on the siblings who are facing their own fears and anxiety. . . Rabbi Kornfeld and Students, thank you so much! On behalf of the Board of Directors, our volunteers, and most importantly, the families we serve, thank you for your generosity and support. Best regards, Beth Gauthier Program/Volunteer Coordinator

Standing On One Foot (Judaism in 140 characters or less)

Let all who are hungry, come and eat. Repeated each Passover, we have to internalize this instruction to ease food insecurity in our time. VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 14

THE BETH CHAVERIM E-AUCTION IS COMING!

What's an e-auction?  It is a silent auction held via email bids for gift certificates for restaurants, businesses, manicures, haircuts, sporting events and other merchandise. This is Beth Chaverim’s biggest annual fundraiser of the year.

When is it held?  It will be held from Sunday, March 16 through Sunday, March 23.

How do I participate?  In the beginning of March, you will be able to get a bidder number. When the auction opens, you will receive a brochure with all the items listed. You can submit a bid via email. The brochure will be updated each day and sent out again. Bid from the comfort of your own home, any time of the day or night.

Who else can participate?  Anyone can become a bidder. They do not need to be a member so encourage your friends to participate. Forward the brochure to them.

How can I help?  If you have a business that can donate a gift certificate, or know of a business that would be willing to do so, let us know. Donations are always appreciated.

Some Items Available for Auction Teddie Kosoff makeover day, Red Door Spa massage, Gift Certificates for: Flemings, Carson’s, SuperDawg, Il Forno, Tickets to Bulls, Cubs and Sox Games

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 PAGE 15

Beth Chaverim Donation Form A wonderful way to recognize any occasion and benefit Beth Chaverim. Fill out this form and clip and mail along with your donation. Please accept our donation of $ ______to Beth Chaverim Humanistic Jewish Community.

This donation is being made In Honor/Memory of: ______

Donation From: ______

_____ General Donation _____ Member Relief Fund ____ Torah Fund

Mail Donation acknowledgement to the following person: ______

Tu B’Shevat Seder 2014 Beth Chaverim

A quarterly publication of Beth Chaverim Humanistic Jewish Community 1457 Wilmot Road Deerfield, IL 60015 847-945-6512 www.BethChaverim.net

Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld Administrator Linda Horn

Affiliated With

The E-Auction is coming! March 16– 23, 2014

Visit our website to learn more about us - www.BethChaverim.net