WHAT KERUV MEANS AT All of our programs and events are BETH SHALOM open to interfaith couples and their families. All of us are on a journey to find meaning in our lives. The best way to Listed below is a sampling of our do this is in the company of a caring congregational programs: community of others who share the same aspirations. In responding to the KERUV INTERFAITH challenges of today's ever-changing SHABBAT world, our Keruv initiative welcomes ShabbaTONE & ShabbaTONEd-Down INITIATIVE interfaith families. We have developed A Friday night service with musical guidelines for your participation in instruments and dancing. synagogue life and for the education of Select Friday Nights your children. In keeping with the 6:45 PM meaning of the word keruv (to draw near) we wish to do just that, with the Shabbat B'Yachad realization that the fabric of our family for children (Grades K-7) and their families life will be enhanced by its diversity. First Friday Nights of the Month 6:00 PM (dinner); 6:45 PM (service) 2nd Your opportunities for involvement in and 4th Saturday Mornings our Congregation Beth Shalom 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM community are very broad. You may participate in and explore our outstanding educational, social, OTHER PROGRAMS community service and religious Sundays WE WANT YOU TO BE programs. Our community is dedicated Breakfast & Speakers sponsored by to help all people who want to be part A PART OF THE of our synagogue to grow spiritually Men’s Club BETH SHALOM and morally as human beings by Evenings experiencing the richness of our Jewish A Series of Distinguished Speakers and FAMILY! heritage and tradition. classes AND MUCH, MUCH MORE! Congregation Beth Shalom ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 3433 Walters Avenue Northbrook, IL 60062 Our website www.bethshalomnb.org has (847) 498-4100 more information about the synagogue and www.bethshalomnb.org its Keruv Interfaith Initiative.

SHALOM & WELCOME FOR GIRLS: COME PRAY WITH US! SIMCHAT BAT BABYNAMINGS We are excited that your family is either Join us on Friday evening, Saturday already a part of or thinking of joining (Baby Naming) morning, Holidays and at our Daily Congregation Beth Shalom. Girls of Jewish mothers, or girls who have Morning and Evening Services. Participate in congregational worship as We value you for who you are, and we been converted to Judaism by immersion much as you wish. respect the religious choices you have in the mikvah (ritual immersion), may be made in your household. We are committed brought to the synagogue for a simchat bat, We welcome the entire family to worship to including all family members in our a baby naming at the Torah. Both parents with us. For those who need, we have rituals as permitted by Conservative are invited to ascend the bima (pulpit) for transliterated prayer books for all services. Judaism. Our ritual policies reflect this the naming. philosophy, as we welcome the rich For a simchat bat at home, the clergy will diversity you bring to our community. BAR/BAT MITZVAH be happy to assist in choosing We understand that each family is meaningful ceremonial readings for all CELEBRATIONS unique. Many interfaith families and, family members. In the spirit of inclusion, we present the indeed, many Jewish families, have non- tallit (prayer shawl) in the center of the Jewish relatives who wonder what roles sanctuary just before the service begins for in the community might be open to them. FOR BOYS: all to experience. You may well have questions and BRIT MILAH CEREMONIES (Covenant of Circumcision) concerns this brochure does not address. Both parents and clergy present the tallit We would be happy to meet with you to Boys are to be ritually circumcised. The along with special blessings and words of discuss your concerns. mohel (the person performing the encouragement. During the ceremony, We stand ready to help you on your circumcision) will help determine the both parents also recite a prayer in English spiritual path, wherever it may lead. extent of the non-Jewish parent’s in front of the open Ark just before the participation. For sons of non-Jewish Torah is taken out of the Ark. Honors mothers, the brit milah is the first step in involving the Torah, in particular, Ark Warmly, the conversion process. The additional openings and aliyot (Torah blessings), are Rabbi Aaron Melman requirement of mikvah must take place to complete conversion to Judaism. reserved for Jewish members of the family. Cantor Steven Stoehr Rabbi Warner Ferratier CELEBRATE LIFE WITH US! Your whole family is welcome to celebrate life cycle events!