Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation A.G. Beth Israel BULLETIN 2015 Issue 1 January/February 2015 Table of Contents Rabbi’s Study 1, 4 President’s Perspective 2 Announcements 3 Tu BiSh’vat Seder 5 Rabbi Gordon’s Message 6-8 Schedule of Services 10-11 Sisterhood 12-13 Adult Ed. Classes 14 Jan/Feb Calendar 15 Rabbi: Joel Lehrfield Asst. Rabbi: James Gordon LJC/AGBI Bulletin Jan./Feb. 2015, Issue No. 1. Published bi-monthly except for holidays (6-7 issues per year) Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation A.G. Beth Israel, 7117 North Crawford Ave., Lincolnwood, Illinois 60712 Phone: 847-676-0491 www.ljcagbi.org The Rabbi’s Study by Rabbi Joel Lehrfield I t is strange to think that a year may have more than one beginning – that is – many New Years. In fact, the Mishna (the Oral Law) in tractate Rosh Hashanah mentions four New Year celebrations in one year. There is a New Year for trees. There is a New Year for Kings and the beginning of a new government that legislates and dates new laws and legal documents. There is a New Year that marks the giving of tithes (think of the date set for collecting taxes.) and there is the most sacred New Year of them all – Rosh Hashamah that marks the passing of time and the cycle of life and death. Every New Year speaks to a different aspect of our lives and to different obligations. The year 2015, of the Common Era is upon us and it is, or might be an opportunity to reflect upon the passing of time, the years gone by and the future challenges that hopefully await us. One would expect, in a Congregational Bulletin, an article that would urge renewed commitments to Continued on page 4 President’s Perspective As we enter the depths of winter, it is increasingly difficult to remember the warmth of Spring and Summer. Certainly, each of us can think of things we are unable to do now, but look forward to doing when the weather warms up. For me, these things include biking, boating and just reading a good book outside on the porch, perhaps with a glass of scotch from the bottle that I will buy at the LJCAGBI Scotch Tasting (see page 9 for further information). The dark days of winter will pass, and with the coming of Tu’Bishvat, I know that it is not terribly unreasonable to look forward to Spring. Tu’Bishvat always occurs on the fifteenth of Shvat, but not always on the evening of February 3 and the day of February 4 as it does this year. To celebrate this special day, I hope you can make it to our Tu’Bishvat Seder, scheduled for January 31. On this special day, one of the four New Years on our calendar, please consider your commitment to our shul, and make a New Year’s resolution to come more often. We need your participation in our Shabbat services, our daily minyonim, our classes, and our special activities. Look through this Bulletin and commit to attending more activities, as a New Year’s resolution. Put these events on your calendar now. As you enter events on your calendar, note that Purim begins on March 4 this year. We will have Megillah readings and a wonderful celebration. Watch your mail (and e-mail) for more information. To more effectively communicate with you, we have changed the format of our periodic notifications and of our Shabbat announcements. These items are formatted to be readable on your computer, Ipad and smartphone, but will only be available to you if we have your email address. If you are not yet receiving these notifications and announcements, send an email to [email protected], and you will be place on our list. Our web site, www.ljcagbi.org, contains davening times, event flyers, an online version of this bulletin and other information about our shul. Access the web site at any time to stay informed. Larry Miller Calendar Correction: Regine and Stuart Meisel were inadvertently omitted as sponsors for pages in the Shul calendar, honoring Rabbi & Chavie Lehrfield, Rabbi & Marilyn Gordon, Larry & Arlene Miller, Marty & Lynn Scharaga, the Past and Present Sisterhood Presidents, and the Memory of Cantor Pliskin. Thank you for honoring the leadership of LJCAGBI. Announcements MAZEL TOV Welcome new members! { Mazel Tov to Myron & Anna Moscovitch on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Sammy, at Or Torah last Shabbos. Proud parents are Natalie and Erik Moscovitch. We would like to welcome two new families to our Shul! { Mazel Tov to Phyllis Kaplan on the Bat Mizvah of her granddaughter in Israel, Daughter of Mark Kaplan. Yakov & Elyse Baylis Mark & Nancy Weksler { Mazel Tov to Alex & Leah Goldstein on the birth of their new granddaughter! Proud parents are Tammy & Robert Goldstein v SPEEDY RECOVERY v Lawrence Linn, son of Shirley Linn and nephew of Miriam Chaplik. R Jacqui Rothman R Joyce Sklar Lorraine Golembo, sister of Howard Warshawsky. v Morris Frydman, father of Alexandra Light & father-in-law of Jordan Light v Beatrice Huff, long time AGBI member CONDOLENCES v Ludwig Freund, long-time LJC member and Gabbi v Ben Stelzer, husband of Eva Stelzer Page 3 The Rabbi’s Study—continued from page 1 our ritual lives. After all, it is our rituals that promote our spiritual life; for rituals are meant to awaken and arouse in us that spiritual element that is to be found in every human being. But that is not the case. For I am not going to write about religious rituals but about other Mitzvot just as important. In the secular world we organize thoughts about renewed commitments in the form of resolutions, e.g. “I resolve to do this or that”. It is as if we notice that something is missing in our lives. Either a goal that has been missed, or never sought, or an emptiness that needs fulfillment, and we resolve upon reflection to search for perhaps a richer, more wholesome life. What we need most to do is what the Torah calls Mitzvot Ben Adam L’Chavero (Those Mitzvot that are associated with the behaviors between ourselves and others.) What can we do to give of ourselves, to help others? And I am not speaking about money. A very good friend of mine once told me that the State of Israel could not exist without the outpouring of volunteer help. That is true here as well in the United States. There are so many places where vol- unteering would be an opportunity to fulfill these Mitzvot between ourselves and our community. There is, of course, our Congregation which could not function without the energy and the effort of our volunteers, our President, our officers, our committee heads, etc. There are so many social agencies that could benefit from the willing efforts of volunteers – hospitals, nursing homes, childrens’ agencies, food pantries, shelters for the abused, our returning veterans and their families, etc. Even closer to home – what about helping to drive the elderly and infirm to appointments or giving shutins a friendly call regularly, or “adopting” someone without a family – what better resolutions than these? We call these activities acts of “Chesed.” This time of the year, when reflections are uppermost in our minds, let us resolve to perform more acts of Chesed, for they are a powerful means of attaining a richer life. So let me wish you a year of good decisions, as I did on our Rosh Hashanah. It’s never too late! Chavie and I wish that all of us be granted a good and healthy 2015. Your presence is greatly needed: please attend Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation A.G. Beth Israel, our Shul, has always maintained two daily minyanim for Shachrit and for Mincha/Maariv (or just Maariv during the winter months). Your help is urgently needed to ensure that a full minyan is present for everyone, especially those who have Yahrzeit or are in their year of mourning. To keep our Shul vibrant it is essential that members can rely on a daily minyan. Please start the new year by committing to attend the daily minyan for Shachrit or Mincha/Maariv at least twice per week. Your help is essential for our Shul to thrive. Page 4 LINCOLNWOOD JEWISH CONGREGATION A.G. BETH ISRAEL Sixth Annual Tu BiSh’vat Seder January 31, 2015/Parashat B’Shalach-Shira during Kiddush (@ about 11:45 a.m.) Add meaning and joy to your celebration of Tu BiSh’vat by participating in our Sixth Annual Seder. Modeled after the Tu BiSh’vat Seder created in the sixteenth century by the Kabbalists, this modernized ceremony celebrates the Rosh Hashana of Trees (Rosh HaShana 1:1) and the special produce of Israel (Deuteronomy 8:8). Please join us and participate in this most enjoyable & inspirational program which is open to both LJC AGBI members & non-members and will be held at LJC AGBI, 7117 N. Crawford in Lincolnwood. Although this program is complimentary, please RSVP to the synagogue office @ (847) 676-0491. The special Tu BiSh’vat fruits are sponsored by Rabbi & Marilyn Gordon and Family in commemoration of the Yahrtzeits of our beloved sisters and aunts Rita Newman Cohen – z”l & Sharon Gordon Abrams – z”l. Rabbi Gordon’s Message Dear Friends, I hope that you all enjoyed a most meaningful Chanuka with family and friends. Earlier this year, I wrote a Torah Column that was published in The Chicago Jewish News on The Leadership Skills of Areivut (Responsibility ) & Acharai (Follow Me). I now present an edited version of this piece. On behalf of my wife Marilyn and our children Max (Menashe), Rita (Miryam Rivka Chana) and Sophie (Tziyona Hinda), I wish you all a healthy, safe, and enjoyable winter. May Hashem protect and bring peace to Israel & K’lal Yisrael (the World Jewish Community). Rabbi James M. Gordon The Leadership Skills of Areivut (Responsibility) & Acharai (Follow Me) At age seventeen, I was faced with a dilemma. Having just passed a rigorous course to become certified as a Water Safety Instructor (“WSI”), I knew that, in order to maintain this certification, I had to teach formal swimming classes. My problem was that, years ago, I had promised myself that I would never be a swimming instructor. For the six summers leading up to my certification, I passed the preliminary swimming courses in the freezing lake waters of Northern Wisconsin where I attended summer camp. Each summer - without exception - the instructor, while standing in a warm sweat suit, would bark out orders to all of the students who were in the frigid liquid “classroom.” Being slight in build, I always seemed to be the first student whose lips turned blue. Beginning at age ten, I made a pledge to myself, that I renewed each of the next five summers, that I would never be so cruel, and, therefore, would never become a swimming instructor. When I received my WSI certification, I did not know what to do. Fortunately, within a week, I thought of a compromise solution that would allow me to teach while not wavering from my principles. I decided that, at the start of every swimming class, I would jump into the water, no matter how cold the water or air were, and demonstrate the day’s lesson to all of my students while they stood – warm and dry - on the dock. So not to elicit ill-will from any of my students, but while still preserving my health, upon my emergence from the arctic waters, I would not indulge in the “luxury” of covering myself in multiple layers. Rather, I covered myself with one simple towel. My plan worked well as, during my entire (thirteen-year) career as a swimming instructor, not one of my students ever complained that they were cold. I achieved pedagogical success by applying an ancient teaching/leadership technique rooted in the Torah, referred to today by many as Acharai (“after me” or “follow me”). In order to be a sucPage 6 cessful parent, teacher or leader, the most effective way to instruct is by personal example. In the double-Parasha of Nitzavim-Va-Yelekh (and until the end of the Torah), we read about the final day in the life of the greatest leader in world history, Moshe Rabeinu (Moses our Rabbi/ Teacher). Like so many of our other leaders, Moses taught by example. Before agreeing to his father-in-law’s recommendation to introduce a multi-tiered court system, Moses himself judged at every level. He was a great role model to all of the judges who served in this new system, because he himself had done so. Although Moses was separated from his biological family at a young age, I am convinced that Moses had already internalized what it meant to be a member of the oppressed Hebrew People, thus making it easier for the Israelites to follow him. In Nitzavim-Va-Yelkh, Moshe Rabeinu teaches, through the principle of Acharai, perhaps his greatest lesson. Parashat Nitzavim begins with the words: “Ahtehm nitzavim ha-yom kulkhem—You are all standing here today . . . (Deuteronomy 29:9).” Moses then defines the term “Ahtehm—You (plural)”: “Kohl Ihsh Yisrael—all members of Israel.” Moshe re-enters all members of B’nei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) into the Covenant. It has been attributed to the Kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar that, by including all strata of B’nei Yisrael—men, women, children, leaders, laborers, etc., Moses was teaching the importance of Areivut. Areivut has been defined as the responsibility that Jews have for each other to ensure compliance with the Torah and its teachings. A broader definition is the responsibility that one Jew has towards another Jew to ensure his/her physical, financial and spiritual well-being. As stated in the Talmud (Shevuot 39a): “Kohl Yisrael areivim zeh ba-zeh—all Jews are guarantors for each other.” Rabbi Gordon’s Message—continued on page 8 Save the Date & Be Happy Adar is Almost Here! Wednesday, March 4th, 2015 Join LJCAGBI for a Purim Celebration Watch your mail for more information… Page 7 Rabbi Gordon’s Message—continued from page 7 The second portion, Parashat Va-Yelekh, begins: “Va-Yelekh Moshe va-y’dabehr eht ha-d’varim ha-eleh ehl kohl Yisrael—And Moses went out and spoke all of these words to the Children of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:1).” Ramban teaches that, after re-entering all members of B’nei Yisrael into the Covenant, Moshe then went out into the camp and said good-bye to each Israelite. Extrapolating on Ramban’s commentary, this Torah Columnist would add that, in addition to bidding farewell to all of his charges, Moses symbolically reaffirmed all of the teachings of the Torah. Most importantly, by greeting each Israelite, Moshe Rabeinu reconfirmed—by example—the importance of Areivut— showing responsibility towards each and every Israelite. The terms Acharai and Areivut have been popularized by the philosophy of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). With rare exception, every Prime Minister – whose job it is to serve as the Commander in Chief of the IDF – has had a decorated military career. Before ordering troops to risk their lives on behalf of the State of Israel and K’lal Yisrael (World Jewry), the PM is able to assess the situation much better having had served in the IDF. While Acharai continues to serve as a mantra for each and every IDF soldier, perhaps the soldier who has best exemplified it was Lt. Col. Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu who led the Israeli commando force on July 4, 1976 that rescued 100 Jews held captive by terrorists in Entebbe. Before asking that his soldiers put themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of K’lal Yisrael, Netanyahu risked his life by leading the charge. Tragically, Yoni Netanyahu was (the only IDF soldier) killed during Operation Thunderbolt. Fittingly, a documentary film about the life of this inspirational military hero is titled Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story. By rescuing both Diaspora and Israeli Jews, the IDF showed then – as they continue to do today – how it practices Areivut (responsibility for all of K’lal Yisrael). Teaching by example and taking responsibility for all Jews, is something that we learn from many Jewish leaders and teachers throughout history (think Nachson ben Aminadav). Ultimately, though, the Acharai and Areivut philosophies are learned first and foremost from the Almighty— Who was the first to teach Areivut—by example. As stated succinctly in the Talmud (Sota 14a) : “Ahmahr Rabi Chama b’Rabi Chanina: Mahy dikhtiv, ‘Acharei Hashem Elokeikhem telekhu?’— Rabbi Chama the son of Rabbi Chanina asked: What is meant by ‘you should follow the L-rd your G-d (Deuteronomy 13:5) ?’ Is it possible for a human being to follow the Divine Presence (Sh’khina)? . . . What it means is to follow the traits (Midot) of the Kadosh Baruch Hu. Just as He dressed the naked (Adam & Eve), . . . you too should provide clothing to the naked. The KB”H visited the sick (Abraham after his Bris), . . . you too should visit the sick . . .” May we be inspired to select more teachers and leaders who teach by example, and may we ourselves become even better teachers by example thus fulfilling the mission of Acharai, utilized by Yoni Netanyahu and Moshe Rabeinu and many other great Jewish leaders. May we work even harder at implementing the philosophy of Areivut, taking responsibility for the plight of all Jews. L’Shalom, Rabbi James M. Gordon, J.D. Assistant Rabbi Page 8 Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation A.G. Beth Israel Presents: Kosher Scotch Tasting At Lincolnwood Wine & Spirits 6929 N. Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood Saturday, January 24, 2015 @ 7:00 PM $25 per person or $40 per couple Walk-ins welcome but space is limited; please RSVP to the Shul office LJCAGBI • 7117 N. Crawford • Lincolnwood • 847-676-0491 • [email protected] NEIHAUS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. GENERAL CONTRACTORS COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL REMODELING SINCE 1981 Tuckpointing & brickwork l Steel beam and lintel replacement l Window replacement l Roofing l Siding & gutters l Room additions l Basement remodeling l Kitchen and baths l Building code violations corrected Complete building renovation! Contact: NATHAN STELZER PHONE: 847-679-7860 FAX: 847-676-1641 4712 GREENWOOD SKOKIE, ILLINOIS 60076 Page 9 Schedule of Services—January 2015 January 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Asara b’tevet 2 S: 7:00 am 3 S: 9:00 am New Year’s Day M/M: 4:10 pm M/M: 3:50 pm Lighting: 4:12 pm Shabbos Ends: 5:14 S: 8:30 am M/M: 3:55 4 S: 8:30 am 5 S: 6:45 am 6 S: 7:00 am 7 S: 7:00 am 8 S: 6:45 am 9 S: 7:00 am 10 S: 9:00 am M/M: 4:10 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M/M: 4:15 pm M/M: 3:55 pm Lighting: 4:19 pm Shabbos Ends: 5:21 11 S: 8:30 am 12 S: 6:45 am 13 S: 7:00 am 14 S: 7:00 am 15 S: 6:45 am 16 S: 7:00 am 17 M/M: 4:15 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M/M: 4:25 pm S: 9:00 am Lighting: 4:27 pm M/M:4:05 pm 22 S: 6:45 am 23 S: 7:00 am 24 S: 9:00 am M: 7:00 pm M/M: 4:30 pm M/M: 4:10 pm Lighting: 4:36 pm Shabbos Ends: 5:38 18 S: 8:30 am 19 S: 6:45 am 20 S: 7:00 am M/M: 4:25 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm 21 ROSH CHODESH SHEVAT S: 6:30 am M: 7:00 pm SHABBOS MEVARCHIM Shabbos Ends: 5:29 25 S: 8:30 am 26 S: 6:45 am 27 S: 7:00 am 28 S: 7:00 am 29 S: 6:45 am 30 S: 7:00 am 31 S: 9:00 am M/M: 4:35 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 7:00 pm M: 4:40 pm M: 4:20 pm Lighting: 4:44 pm Shabbos Ends: 5:47 Page 10 February 2015 February 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 S: 8:30 AM 2 S: 6:45 AM 3 S: 7:00 AM 4 S: 7:00 AM 5 S: 6:45 AM 6 S: 7:00 AM 7 S: 9:00 AM M/M: 4:45 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M/M: 4:50 PM M/M: 4:30 PM Candle Lighting: 4:54 PM Shabbos Ends: 5:56 PM 8 S: 8:30 AM 9 S: 6:45 AM 10 S: 7:00 AM 11 S: 7:00 AM 12 S: 6:45 AM 13 S: 7:00 AM 14 S: 9:00 AM M/M: 4:55 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M/M: 5:00 PM M/M: 4:40 PM Candle Lighting: 5:02 PM Shabbos Ends: 6:05 PM 21 S: 9:00 AM 15 S: 8:30 AM 16 S: 6:45 AM 17 S: 7:00 AM 18 S: 7:00 AM 19 20 M/M: 5:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM S: 6:30 AM S: 6:30 AM M: 7:00 PM M/M: 5:10 PM ROSH CHODESH ADAR ROSH CHODESH ADAR M/M: 4:50 PM Shabbos Ends: 6:13 PM Candle Lighting: 5:01 PM 22 S: 8:30 AM 23 S: 6:45 AM 24 S: 7:00 AM 25 S: 7:00 AM 26 S: 6:45 AM 27 S: 7:00 AM 28 S: 9:00 AM M/M: 5:10 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M: 7:00 PM M/M: 5:15 PM M/M: 4:55 PM Candle Lighting: 5:20 PM Shabbos Ends: 6:22 PM Page 11 From the Catering Department This is going to be a bit serious. I recently returned from a sudden trip to San Francisco, where I had to make plans for a funeral. My bachelor uncle (my father’s z”l youngest brother) died at the age of 96. Because he never married, it was a good thing his brothers did. Two of us (actually three) went there and made the arrangements. Thank goodness for my daughter (she accompanied me). She did all the running around. We here in the Chicago area don’t realize how lucky we are. We have Jewish organizations to take care of so many important things. They have a chevra kadisha that’s a funeral parlor and all they do is keep running a tab. My uncle was a much decorated W.W.II Marine and the last of a very small group of survivors of Guadalcanal. Fortunately the Marine Corps took care of the service (we had Jewish men to say the kaddish). So my advice on this serious note is PLEASE everyone, get your affairs in order & live to 120 years. And if you know of any single young people, work on a shidduch. Nieces and nephews should not have to do these things. Now, Chanukah will be here soon. Are you ready to make latkes and sufganyot (donuts)? Here’s a nice easy recipe for drop donuts. 2 eggs, 1/4 C. sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 2 Tbl. oil, 1-1/2 C. flour, 4 tsp. baking powder, 1/3 C. milk. Beat eggs until light. Add sugar, salt, and oil. Combine flour and baking powder and add to the mixture. Put oil in a deep pan & when it gets hot drop Tbls. of batter into pot. Fry till brown on all sides, then remove with a slotted spoon & drain on paper towels. With a cookie press, poke into the donut & add some jam. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Yum yum. I know everyone has their favorite latke recipe. I think mine is the easiest. To 5#’s grated potatoes; add 2 onions. I use one egg per pound of potatoes (that’s what makes them crispy). Fry in hot oil deep enough so the pancakes can float (and not absorb the oil). Turn only once. My family likes them thin & crispy, as they say - only outsides, no insides. Before frying try to drain off the excess liquid. They should be perfect. Keep the oil clean. Serve with sour cream (my preference) or applesauce. Just so you now, it’s a known fact that heat makes things expand. Thank goodness I don’t have a weight problem, I’m just Hot. Bon Appetit, Shirley Derdiger SNOWBIRDS—PLEASE NOTIFY THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICE IF YOU WILL BE AWAY THIS WINTER Name(s)______________________________________________________________ Vacation Address______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Vacation Phone Number______________________ Departure Date_____________________ Return Date________________________ SISTERHOOD HELPS BUILD Do you have a personal announcement, simcha, thanks, congratulations or yahrtziet that you would like to share with your Shul family? Consider putting your words to work with Sisterhood Helps Build. Contact the Shul office or drop your message in the Sisterhood folder in the Shul office. Donations are $5 for your personal message. { Thank you so much to everyone in the Shul for all the cards, phone calls and visits during my recent hospital stay. A special thanks to the Thalls for making sure I got food for Pesach and to Rabbi Lehrfield for his encouraging phone calls. Thank you to Rabbi Gordon for visiting me so often and making sure I had a steady stream of visitors. Mort Zelickman { On behalf of my nephew, brother-in-law and myself, I sincerely thank the members of our Shul for your condolence cards and compassionate and comforting thoughts on the loss of my beloved sister. I am proud to be a member of this wonderful LJCAGBI family. You are the best! Howard Warshawsky { Thank you to all my friends at LJCAGBI for all the letters and cards of good wishes for our son-inlaw. Alan’s recovery. Miriam Chaplik & Family { In memory of Ludwig Freund, a kind dear man. Carol Gottlieb { Many thanks for all the good health wishes. A donation has been made in honor of everyone at LJCAGBI who came to visit me. Thank you especially to Rabbi Lehrfield, Rabbi Gordon, Marilyn Klein & Ceil Klein. Elizabeth Katz { Dear Friends, Thank you very much for your wishes during the past weeks since my shoulder surgery. Your calls, cards, dinners & more are truly appreciated! I am so fortunate to have you as good friends in our Congregation “family.” Love, Joyce Sklar { In loving memory of our fathers, Harry Futterman and Myron Schaffer, on their yahrzeit. You are always in our heart. Marla and Lester Schaaffer RUMMAGE SALE THANKS! Every Sisterhood project takes cooperation from many people. Rummage is no exception. My sincere thanks go to: Sol Goldman, Carolyn Greenstein, Ciel Klein, Sarah, Marcia & Paul Kramer, Steve Kramer, Estelle Kriv, Edie & Jeff Light, Nicole & Joel Mazur, Larry Miller, Paulette Rafalson, and Harriet Snyder. Of course, I have to give extra special thanks to Richard and Yadviga for all their wonderful help. I would also like to thank Judy Goodman for her help in raising our profits. Thanks to everyone! Jocelyn Verson Rummage Chairman Page 13 Current and on-going classes at LJCAGBI* LJCAGBI classes have “Open Enrollment”—feel free to attend any class at any time. The more often you attend, the more wisdom you will gain. (1) Rabbi Lehrfield’s Talmud Class Class (Sunday 9:45-10:45 am—immediately after Minyan) (2) Rabbi Lehrfield’s Chumash Class (Sunday 10:45-11:45 am) (3) Rabbi Lehrfield’s Women’s Study Group (Monday 9:30 am) (4) Rabbi Lehrfield’s Shabbat afternoon Talmud Class (Masekhet B’rakhot); taught 30 minutes before Mincha (5) Hebrew Level II (Mondays, 7:30-8:15 pm*); Instructor: Rabbi Gordon For those with a basic level of competency in Hebrew reading who would like to feel more comfortable davening (reading/understanding) from the Siddur. Before each holiday, we study the relevant liturgy. (6) Parashat HaShavua (Monday-Thursday @ 7:00 pm, followed by Maariv); Instructors: Rabbis Lehrfield & Gordon Gain insights on the weekly Torah portion & other Jewish texts. *Please call the Shul office as these times may be subject to change. Page 14 January/February Calendar 2015 Monday, Dec. 31 New Years Eve Tuesday, Jan. 1 New Year’s Day, OFFICE CLOSED Saturday, Jan. 3 Wolves Hockey Game Saturday, Jan. 10 Winter movie night (TBA) Monday, Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Day, OFFICE CLOSED Wed., Jan. 21 Rosh Chodesh Shevat Shul Board Meeting Saturday, Jan. 24 Kosher Scotch tasting Saturday, Jan. 31 Tu B’Shvat Seder Wed., Feb. 4 Tu B’Shvat Saturday, Feb. 14 Winter Movie Night (TBA) Monday, Feb. 16 Presidents Day, OFFICE CLOSED Thursday, Feb. 19 Rosh Chodesh Adar Friday, Feb. 20 Rosh Chodesh Adar Wed., March 4 Fast of Ester Purim Celebration begins (evening) Thursday, March 5 Purim Friday, March 13 Shabbat Across America Page 15 Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation 7117 N. Crawford Avenue Lincolnwood, IL 60712 FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Skokie, Illinois Permit No. 189 POSTMASTER: Dated Material Please deliver by December 29 Please get your articles in for the Shul Bulletin If you have a program, announcement or event, please get your information to the Shul Bulletin so everyone will know about it! Please send your electronic submissions to the editor at marciakramer@sbcglobal. net or submit a hard copy to the Shul office before the deadline (March-April issue—Friday, February 6, 2015—Please don’t be late—this will be a very FULL Bulletin!!!). All material is subject to approval by the Shul office and may be edited for space or content. Inserts must also be approved by the Shul office before inclusion in the Bulletin. Please call the Shul office at 847-676-0491 for further details.