Program description:  Shabbat morning services will be a field trip to Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation.  Services led by Rabbi Funnye.

​Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation (Marquette Park) is a unique congregation. Consisting largely – but not entirely – of African-American members, its worship style combines a traditional Jewish ethos and practice with the musical style of African-American churches.

There is a kiddish to follow and we are invited to bring food to share. Head coverings for men and women are obligatory.  There is a parking lot.

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This Friday night we celebrate both Shabbat and Hannukah with our usual B’Chavana ruach (spirit). Our tefilot will include elements of Kabbalat Shabbat; Hanuka candle lighting; Hannukah songs and more. We’ll also welcome new members to our B’Chavana community, a fitting opportunity at this festival of dedication.

After dinner, Rachel is organizing another episode of Ha-Ahsh (The Moth), this one focused on the Hannukah theme of “miracles” – miracles experienced, miracles doubted, miracles missed.  If you have a short story to share, contact Rachel in order to share it with us:  [email protected].

Please bring your chanukiah (Hannukah menorah) and candles (6th night/7 candles) to add your own light at this darkest time of year.

To bring a little light to those who might especially need it: please bring new or gently used scarfs, gloves, and/or hats for all ages to help the Highland Park Fire Station provide to families in need of them this winter.  Beth and Bruce will drop them off the next day. There will be a box by the front door to drop them in.

Beth & Bruce are hosting, with Renee & Wayne co-hosting; please sign up (CLICK HERE) for our Potluck Dinner now. Please read their instructions carefully.

6:00     Food & schmooze
6:30     Chanuka celebration; Welcoming Shabbat; Welcome of new members
7:20     Shabbat dinner
8:15     Ha-Ahsh: Stories of Miracles

I’m looking forward to celebrating with you soon.  In the meantime, I hope you find light, joy and inspiration in your lighting of your candles at home, and that they remind you that light can suddenly appear when things are darkest.

 

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Program description:  I​’m looking forward to this coming Shabbat morning (12.15) when we’ll gather for tefilot and brunch. We’ll celebrate the 8th anniversary (12.18.10) of the first Shabbat morning tefilot that led to the creation of B’Chavana.

Our topic of learning will be “Talking About God,” which will be the subject of my blog post this Wednesday morning. In that post, I’ll share some of my thoughts about God and how we talk about God, and the nature of religion. We’ll then be able to use that as the starting point for an exploration and dialogue about God, Judaism, prayer and worship.

Leslie and Kevin will host; please sign up for our potluck luncheon right away: Click here to confirm what you will bring for the potluck lunch.

For further info, contact Leslie: [email protected]; (847) 207-2266.

9:45   Gather & schmooze
10:00  Tefilot, Torah and Learning
12:15  Kiddush & lunch

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