CHICAGO
SINAI
CONGREGATION
WORSHIP | 10
ACT | 11
LEARN | 12
Artwork by Rae Chichilnitsky
APRIL 2017
Volume 63 - Number 7
Rabbi Seth M. Limmer and Rabbi Amanda Greene
Millennial Responsa
The Meaning of Life:
An Intergenerational Literary
Conversation among Max Fitzgerald,
Rabbi Amanda Greene, and Rabbi
Seth Limmer (Chicago Sinai)
Amanda Greene and Seth Limmer
Max Fitzgerald
Growing up, Judaism was the ritual of going to
religious school three times a week and
participating in Shabbat most Friday nights.
Religion was more responsibility woven into
our family's weekly calendar than a spiritual
connection. After graduating from college, I
helped care for an ailing father who ultimately
died when I was twenty-seven. During those
years my connection to Judaism was mostly
appeasing my mom by attending High Holy
Day services with her or being home for the
seders at Passover. While I never lost my belief
in God, my faith was tested upon my dad's
death as I seemed empty and spiritually
aimless. It was only after saying Kaddish at my
dad's first yahrzeit that I realized how important
my community was to me, and suddenly I was
energized to renew my relationship outside of
perceived obligation. While Millennials today
are probably less "religious" by ritualistic
standards, many still want to be part of their
faith communities. Jews have always seemingly
questioned the status quo; heck we wouldn't
have the Talmud without the mentality, so how
can we use this core value to connect with a
generation known for not being satisfied with
explanations at face value? How can modern
Judaism bring back meaning to a world so
connected, yet so impersonal?
CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish
Quarterly, Winter 2017. Copyright C
2017 by Central Conference of
American Robbie. Used by
permission of Central Conference of
American Rabbis. Ail rights
reserved. No part of this article may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, distributed, or be
transmitted without express written
permission from the Central
Conference of American Rabbis.
2
Rabbi Amanda Greene
I have often been criticized for not caring about
religion. Well, not me personally, but my
generation, the infamous Millennials. When the
Pew Research Center in 2014 released their
most recent study on religion, the fear of
religious groups losing contact with Millennials
grew dramatically. Two years later, people still
ask me, "So what is it about your generation
that makes you indifferent to religion?"
Max's experience demonstrates perfectly the
answer I give every single time: Millennials DO
care. They care about spiritual life in general,
and Judaism in particular. They actively seek
meaning in their lives. They strongly yearn for
connection to other Jews and to their religious
community.
The question Max poses is an important one,
although perhaps it represents the reason our
generation gets the reputation for being
disengaged or even worse, simply not caring
about Judaism. Max has accurately depicted
our Jewish tradition as one that continues to
question the status quo. As a Millennial, he also
experiences himself—and this resonance we
would be foolhardy to ignore—as one who
constantly questions the status quo. Max and
his peers are not a generation who simply do
things because they are told to do them or
because a previous generation found them
meaningful. The details of the status quo have
no special priority; it is mostly the privileged
position of challenging the status quo that
makes Judaism so appealing. Thus Max asks
how we can use this very method of
questioning the status quo to engage
Millennials.
Here are a few standard assumptions I continue
to question:
Status Quo: Synagogues want young
professionals to become dues paying
members.
I have found that young professionals are more
willing to meet with me when I share with
them that I am not trying to get them to
become a member or join a synagogue. In
other words, I begin my encounters by being
forthright in questioning the status quo. When I
share this with the young professionals, I tend
to hear a sigh of relief and, often immediately
after that, a willingness to open up and share
their story.
Status Quo: Jewish professionals have to do
all the legwork.
We are no longer dealing with religious school:
parents can't force their adult children to
attend. However, when these same adults plan
the events, they become invested. At my first
leadership team meeting, people talked about
wanting a place to do social action. Two people
on the committee organized an evening of
cooking a meal at a homeless shelter. Within
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
Rabbi Seth M. Limmer and Rabbi Amanda Greene
Millennial Responsa continued
CONTENTS
only a few hours, the sign-up list was full. As the rabbi, I did not need to convince anyone to come. I wasn't
begging my peers to come to Friday Night Services or to a Sunday morning program at the synagogue. They
wanted to volunteer, they planned it, and they showed up. And, in time, they brought their friends, too.
Status Quo: The Synagogue is the center of Jewish life.
The memories of boring Shabbat services, or long High Holy Days, or dreadful Sunday mornings steer young
professionals away from the synagogue. Where does this generation like to go? Yoga, SoulCycle, the local beer
garden, friends' homes, sporting events. So I meet them there. But I bring my Jewish content with me. When
attending a Cubs game, we made sure to buy tickets and sit in the Autism Awareness section. We met the
young adult who brought out the score cards, and he sat with us while he shared his experience with the
organization and expressed his gratitude for our support. We celebrated Shabbat and studied Jewish texts in a
private room at a bar. When people left, they went out for dinner with friends and posted photos on Facebook,
capturing their Friday night out with, "Shabbat Shalom." Recognizing that there are different cohorts of people
in their twenties and thirties, we hosted a Havdalah at the senior rabbi's home for newly married couples. The
evening provided an opportunity for young couples to meet one another, share their stories and experiences
as newlyweds, and reconnect informally with the rabbis who officiated their wedding ceremonies.
2
Millennial Responsa
5
Annual Meeting
6
Committees
Lay Leadership
7
Second Night Seder
8
Kindred Spirits!
Status Quo: Millennials won't step foot inside a synagogue.
When I ran out of options for a location for a challah baking event, I turned our office-like rabbinic suite into
the communal feel of a family room or kitchen. People who had walked by the synagogue hundreds of times
finally walked in the mysterious building they knew was always there. Once in the building they asked when
services were and asked about how to get involved in various areas of congregational life that interested them.
We've hosted a few other events at the synagogue, and I can already see it starting to feel like home—they
know their way around. Because they came on their own terms, they are the ones deciding to make it their
home.
9
Make Yourself More
Tributes
In the Lives
Status Quo: We are talking about outsiders.
No. we are talking about ourselves! I'm a twenty-nine-year-old woman, was in a sorority in college, and grew
up on the North Shore of Chicago. I like deep dish pizza, I like to go to the bar after work for a drink . . . and yes
I'm also a rabbi. I wore jeans to the Cubs game and got messy when we baked challah. I write "Amanda" on my
name tag. I don't keep kosher, and I celebrate Shabbat by having dinner with friends at a restaurant after
services on Friday night. But I'm still a rabbi. Perhaps this is the best example of "questioning the status quo."
I'm not the picture of a "perfect" or "religious" or "super" Jew that so many young professionals have in the
mind when they think "rabbi." I'm a twenty-nine-year-old who connects to Judaism and finds it meaningful and
wants to share that potential for meaning with others.
11
Act
10
Worship
12
Learn
15
April Calendar
What Millennials seek is actually no different from what any generation seeks—connection. Max's second
question asks: how can Judaism bring meaning into a world that on the one hand seems so connected and on
the other, so impersonal?
What brought Max back to Judaism was his experience reciting the Mourner's Kaddish on his father's first
yahrzeit. What Max did not write, but what I am certain did happen that day, was that he recited the Kaddish
amongst a congregation, within a community. He was not alone.
The answer to Max's second question is summed up in a simple Hebrew phrase: panim el panitn. By bringing
Jews together, face to face, they create real relationships that lead to meaningful connections. They help each
other navigate the working world, share insights into wedding planning or purchasing their first homes. I've
quickly learned that it doesn't matter how many people are in the room if no one is talking with one another.
Rather, it is the depth of the relationships, of the rituals, of the experiences that begins to question the status
quo and provide meaning. In a world where we are all so connected by technology or impersonal relationships,
Judaism reminds us that even Millennials, when we encounter another, panim el panim, bring the presence of
the Divine into our world.
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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;
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POSTMASTER: Send address
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Volume 63, Number 7.
3
Rabbi Seth M. Limmer and Rabbi Amanda Greene
Millennial Responsa continued
Rabbi Seth M. Limmer
I love being part of this conversation. And I love
that this conversation is happening publicly. To
me, this is the colloquy we imagine has been
taking place since the very beginnings of our
Jewish story. This discussion started millennia
ago in Mesopotamia:
Haran died in the presence of his father Terah
(Gen. 11:28).
Rav Hiyya said: Terah was a manufacturer of
idols. He once went away somewhere and left
Abraham to sell them in his place. A man came
and wished to buy one. "How old are you?"
Abraham asked him. "Fifty years” was the reply.
"Woe to such a man!" he exclaimed, "You are
fifty years old and would worship a day-old
object!" At this [the old man] became ashamed
and departed.
It remains
remarkably Jewish
for the coming
generation to
upend the
standards of the
status quo.
4
... On another occasion a woman came with a
plateful of flour and requested him, "Take this
and offer it to them." So he took a stick,
shattered them, and put the stick in the hand of
the largest. When his father returned, he
demanded, "What have you done to them?" "I
cannot conceal it from you," he rejoined. "A
woman came with a plateful of fine meal and
requested me to offer it to them. One claimed,
'I must eat first/ while another claimed, I must
eat first/ Thereupon the largest arose, took the
stick, and shattered the rest." "Why do you
make sport of me," he cried out, "Do they have
any knowledge!" "Let your ears listen to what
your mouth is saying!" Abraham retorted.
Immediately Terah seized him and delivered
him to Nimrod.
"Let us worship the fire," [Nimrod] proposed.
"Let us rather worship water, which
extinguishes the fire," [Abraham] replied.
"Then let us worship water!"
"Let us rather worship the clouds which bear
the water."
"Then let us worship the clouds!"
"Let us rather worship the winds which
disperse the clouds."
"Then let us worship the wind!"
"Let us rather worship human beings, who
withstand the wind."
"You are just bandying words," he exclaimed.
"We will worship naught but the fire. Behold, I
will cast you into it, and let your God whom you
adore come and save you from it." Now Haran
was standing there undecided. If Abram is
victorious, [thought he], I will say that I am of
Abram's belief, while if Nim-rod is victorious I
will say that I am on Nimrod's side. When
Abram descended into the fiery furnace and
was saved, he [Nim-rod] asked him, "Of whose
belief are you?" "Of Abram's," he replied.
Thereupon he seized and cast him into the fire;
his inwards were scorched and he died in his
father's presence. Hence it is written: Haran
died in the presence of his father Terah.1
Our Midrash captures the iconoclasm—and
more—embedded in our Millennial dialogue.
But this goes well beyond Abraham literally
smashing his father's idols; the nuances of the
narrative capture so much more. First, the
father makes the mistake of imagining his son
inherited his belief: Terah falsely assumes his
son was as committed to his faith as he was,
equally invested in idolatry. Terah only realizes
his mistake when his son—in a line of dialogue
and fit of exasperation fitting for any comingof-age movie—challenges him with the words,
"Let your ears listen to what your mouth is
saying!" Since the start, Jewish children have
tested the assumptions, the faith, and the
practice of their parents. This is the brilliance of
Rabbi Greene lining up so many of our
assumptions, only to smash them and place
new ideas in their place. It remains remarkably
Jewish for the coming generation to upend the
standards of the status quo.
Beneath the commitment to questioning is the
continuing journey of religious development.
Before smashing any idols, Abraham only
discourages others from placing their faith in
material objects. After arguing with his father,
Abraham enters into more philosophical
speculation in his debate with King Nimrod.
Abraham proceeds from a stage of inquiry—
how could a man your age worship this idol
fabricated yesterday?—through a revolutionary
overturning of inherited systems, and he
ultimately comes to defend the beliefs he
developed through his struggles. This is not so
dissimilar from Max's evolution of his
connection, disconnect, and reconnection with
Jewish thought, practice, and community. The
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
Millennial Responsa continued
assumptions of Max's childhood were challenged, and it took
time for him to arrive at the place where he opted not only to
participate in our congregational life, but also this rather public
discussion. We would do well to remember that even the titans
of our patriarchal past took time to grow into the fullness of their
Jewish commitment.
Then there is Haran. Standing on the side. Uncertain. A simple
sacrifice of our Jewish narrative: with a few words, we dispense
of Haran, his story, his struggle. It literally consumes him. He is
no more part of our Jewish story. The stringency of societal
expectations embodied by Nimrod, the pious assuredness of
Abraham, and the mistaken insistence of Terah all combined to
sideline Haran eternally from our Jewish story. How sadly
reminiscent of all those today who are departing forever from
Jewish life. Sadder still that we do not assume responsibility for
our roles in making the modern-day Haran the accidental
sacrifice of contemporary times. If only we would step up and
save him from the sometimes consuming fires that are perceived
societal and synagogal expectations.
Lastly, there is longing. In keeping with the search for
community both Max and Rabbi Greene capture, the deep
despondency of our ancient midrash is that son longs to
connect with father, father with son, brother with brother,
neighbor with neighbor, each with a community that
understands them. Our midrash preaches precisely what Rabbi
Greene and Max explain: we will only be able to build
interconnected communities of meaning when we allow our
assumptions to be challenged. Max wants to question the face
value of inherited assumption and is seeking connection in a
world often impersonal. Rabbi Greene reminds us of the primacy
of panim-el-panim interpersonal relationships but also knows
that we need to recast the settings where those connections are
forged. Just as she concludes her essay with the import of
bringing the Divine Presence into our world, so too do our
stories—from Max to the midrash—remind us of our obligation
to create places for Millennials to be present in vibrant Jewish
life.
Note
1. Midrash B'reishit Rabbah 38:13. Translation is my own.
156th
ANNUAL
MEETING
June 2, 2017
Immediately
following our
6:15 p.m.
Shabbat Eve service
Agenda
President’s Report
President’s Award
Report of the
Nominating Committee
Election
Installation of Officers
and Board Members
Incoming President’s
Address
Reception to follow
in the Social Hall
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
5
CHICAGO SINAI CONGREGATION
Committees
ART & JUDAICA
Vicki Samuels 312.664.7160
[email protected]
Ellen Schor 773.975.7227
[email protected]
CARE
Henry Nussbaum 312.337.4177
[email protected]
FINANCE
Bruce Simons 312.401.7615
[email protected]
HOUSE
Grant Peters 773.248.8768
[email protected]
INTERFAITH
Peter Rubnitz 773.832.1777
[email protected]
MUSIC COMMITTEE
Howard Sulkin 312.654.1413
[email protected]
PLANNED GIVING
Peter B. Bensinger, Jr.
773.929.5927
[email protected]
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Liz Darke 312.642.2240
[email protected]
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Rabbi Amanda Greene
312.867.7000
[email protected]
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEES
David Ginsburg 847.831.4468
[email protected]
ADVOCACY
Merle Tresser 312.420.0550
[email protected]
Thomas Tresser 312.804.3230
[email protected]
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
Heidi Wagman 773.929.5927
[email protected]
ENVIRONMENT
Norm Kraviz 616.540.7491
[email protected]
HEALTHCARE
Ellyn Daniels 312.944.9950
[email protected]
MITZVAH WEEKEND
Carol Yanowitz 773.782.8277
[email protected]
REFUGEE ONE
Ann Fox 312.669.1726
[email protected]
Lay Leadership
Executive Committee Board of Trustees
Bruce Miller, President
Liz Darke, Vice President
Jessica Diamond, Vice President
Susan Lucas, Vice President
Larry Schor, Vice President
Norman Hirsch, Secretary
Bruce Simons, Treasurer
Michael Mannis,
Immediate Past President
Life Trustee
Kate T. Kestnbaum
Past Presidents
Donna Barrows
Peter B. Bensinger, Jr.
Henry Freund
Alec Harris
Stanley Jarrow
Michael Mannis
Victoria Woolner Samuels
Mark Segal
Bruce Stern
Errol Stone
Howard Sulkin
Jack D. Tovin
SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
Jill Peters 773.248.8768
[email protected]
SINAI SCHOOLS INITIATIVE
Heidi Wagman 773.929.5927
[email protected]
TEEN LIVING PROGRAMS
Dale Ginsburg 847.831.4468
[email protected]
@ChicagoSinai
Facebook.com/ChicagoSinaiCongregation
6
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
Philip Auerbach
Beryl Byman
Ellyn Daniels
Liz Darke
Jessica Diamond
Merilee Elliott
Ross Emmerman
Martin Farkas
David Garfield
David Ginsburg
Norman Hirsch
Barbara Jacobs
Ashley Jonas
Neal Kulick
Susan Leis
Susan Lucas
Josh Mangoubi
Kathleen Marks
Benjamin Meisner
Steven Meyers
Bruce Miller
Lucy Herman Moog
Elaine Moss
Ted Naron
Grant Peters
Jill Peters
Marvin Pollack
Peter Rubnitz
Sarah Samuels
Larry Schor
Midge Perlman Shafton
Bruce Simons
Jan Stone
Howard Tanzman
Blair Mannis,
Youth Representative
SINAI
Second Night Seder
A
Different
Night
Tuesday, April 11
6:00 p.m.
Manny’s Delicatessen
1141 S. Jefferson Street
Chicago
Join us for this very
different Passover
experience that will
include newer ways for
probing Passover’s themes.
Adults: $75
Children 12 and under: $45
Space is limited so please RSVP
no later than March 30, 2017, at
[email protected] or
call the Temple office at
312.867.7000.
Artwork by
Rae Chichilnitsky
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
7
KINDRED SPIRITS! Gala!!!
Enjoy a night of fabulous food, fellowship and
friendship with our congregation while bidding
on great auction prizes such as:
C
n
inai Congre
oS
ga
g
tio
ca
hi
• Dinner for six guests at Split Rail Restaurant
(The soon to be opened restaurant of
congregant Zoe Schor) hosted by Seth
and Molly Limmer
• A canal barge cruise for two in Burgundy,
France – Paris hotel, too!
Our raffle prizes announced that night include:
• New York City hotel and a Broadway play
(Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812)
49
th A n n u al G a
la
• A role on the television show, “Check Please”
• Great restaurant - plus wine to enjoy at home
• Sports tickets package - including 4 seats to a
Cubs-Sox “cross town classic”
Saturday | May 6 | 2017
6:30 pm
The Sofitel Hotel on
Chicago's Magnificent Mile
Cocktails followed by dinner and dancing
Kindred Spirits! The theme of our Gala references so much of what
our congregation stands for and why it has become even more
necessary both in our own lives and those lives we touch in the wider
community. As Sinai’s most important fundraiser, the Gala is
instrumental in supporting our outreach to help:
• Feed the homeless
• Students at Jenner School
• Our recent affiliation with Refugee One,
• Homeless teens and youth
• Mental Health
Sinai has also welcomed religious institution partners into our
community, uniting on the basis of common values and causes.
Guests representing social service and religious partners will be
introduced at Gala.
Sinai Gala shows that we have a lot to celebrate – but a lot to
accomplish, too!
Please join us at the Gala!
8
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
MAKE YOURSELF MORE
Come join us on Sundays.
We always begin with breakfast at
Café Sinai at 10:00 a.m.
Our Make Yourself More sessions begin
at 10:30 a.m.
MAKE YOURSELF MORE AWARE
APRIL 9
Make Yourself More Aware through exploring the
Power of Music in Worship.
Come to understand the role our wonderful musicians and
instruments play in our Sinai rituals.
The program will be led by Scott Kumer, Sinai’s Director of
Music.
APRIL 23
Make Yourself More Aware of Jewish teachings regarding the
Holocaust, and then commemorate the holy day of Yom
HaShoah [Holocaust Memorial Day] together in our sanctuary.
MAKE YOURSELF MORE CONNECTED
APRIL 2
APRIL 30
Make Yourself More Connected through
Mindfulness and Meditation.
Jewish mindfulness practice is an approach to living that
affirms our capacity to grow as human beings. We grow
through intentionally training in how we engage in our lived
experience. The sessions will be led by Rabbi Jordan BendatAppell, Program Director and teacher of Jewish mindfulness
for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, and David Gottlieb who
is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the History of Judaism at the
University of Chicago Divinity School.
TRIBUTES
In the Lives
Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund
In honor of the naming of our daughter and granddaughter,
Charley Mae Grossman
Robin & Allen Berg
Lauren and Sam Grossman
In Memory of Paula Bilton
Dean Bilton, Aaron(Amy) Bilton and Ben (Katie) Bilton
In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Jack Butcher
Heidi Picard & Jon Butcher
Rabbi Limmer’s Discretionary Fund
In memory of Jan Markowitz
Myron Markowitz
Music Fund
In Memory of Margie, dear sister of Mr. & Mrs. Martin Becker
Gail Gold
In memory of Bobbi, dear mother of Mr.& Mrs. Dave Sprauer
Gail Gold
Temple Fund
In memory of Gerard and Selma Naron
Ted and Angie Naron
Blessings in a Backpack Fund
In memory of Irene Citron
Ferle Terry
Religious School Fund
In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Alec Engelstein
Kim Kamin
Social Action Fund
In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Jack Butcher
Heidi Picard & Jon Butcher
Congratulations to
Hailey Laumann
daughter of Sandra and Eric Laumann
on becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Oneg
The Laumann Family
in honor of Hailey Laumann
on becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Pulpit Flowers
The Laumann Family
in honor of Hailey Laumann
on becoming a Bat Mitzvah
We Record with Sorrow the Death of Our Members
Paula Louise Bilton, Wife of Dean, Mother of Aaron (Amy)
and Ben (Katie) Bilton
Doris Gershon
Welcome to the World!
Clare Riordan Elsner
Daughter of Kate and Evan Elsner
Richard Kohn, husband of Victoria Kohn
Janelle F. Markovitz, wife of Myron Markovitz
Condolences to the Family and Friends of
Amy Krouse Rosenthal, daughter-in-law of Jo and Todd Lief
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
9
W
WORSHIP
In April
Friday, April 7
6:15 p.m.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
Rabbi Greene will lead the service and
deliver the sermon.
Friday, April 14
6:15 p.m.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
Rabbi Greene will lead the service and
Rabbi Limmer will deliver the sermon.
Every Friday evening
throughout the year, Shabbat
Eve Services are held with
Kiddush and Oneg
immediately following
services. Our choir provides
beautiful music drawn from a
wide variety of composers.
Members and visitors who
reside in or are visiting
Chicago find this Shabbat Eve
Service to be an uplifting and
spiritual experience.
Friday, April 21
6:15 p.m.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
Rabbis Limmer and Rabbi Greene will
lead the service and Pastor Chris Harris
of Bright Star Church will deliver the
sermon.
Friday, April 28
6:15 p.m.
SHABBAT EVE SERVICE
Rabbi Limmer will lead the service and
Rabbi Greene will deliver the sermon.
Shabbat Morning Prayer
and Torah Study
Every Saturday, 9:30 am
Rain or shine—holiday, Holy Day, or
weekly Shabbat—members gather
in the library to learn the many
lessons of the weekly Torah portion.
From one Fall to the next, we make
our way, portion by portion, from
Genesis through Deuteronomy. Over
the year, not only will we understand
the many nuances of our Torah saga,
but we will also connect more
deeply with the forms of communal
study through which Jews have
always explored the many meanings
of Torah.
Family Services
One Sunday morning each
month is devoted to family
worship. Service begin at 11 am
and concludes by 12 pm.
Children of all ages join their
families and the entire Sinai
congregation for a warm and
informal experience of
communal worship. Each family
service is based on a special
theme taken from Jewish and
societal events. Join us on the
last day of Religious School,
May 21 at 11 a.m., for our Family
Service, Teacher Appreciation
Day, and Picnic.
W
10
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
A
ACT
Social Action at Sinai
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
NATIONAL REBUILDING DAY
Saturday, April 29 | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Over 4000 volunteers come together for this amazing annual event
to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes. This year,
Chicago Sinai has adopted a lovely 80-year-old homeowner, who
spent 34 years working in an auto factory and now enjoys her
retirement by attending monthly senior meetings and playing
Bingo. Her home is in the Austin neighborhood, and needs
painting, repairs, and minor landscaping. The projects are easy and
the area is safe, as there are many police and many volunteers in the
area. Twenty volunteers are needed for the entire day. No special
skills are required. This activity is for ages 14 and older.
Please contact Jill Peters [email protected] or Andrea
Moonsammy [email protected], if you would like more
information or to sign up.
Get with the Environment
2016 was the warmest year on record. We
endured catastrophic storms, floods, and
pollution And now environmental regulations
in our country are being threatened or
eliminated.
For those who are overwhelmed and
bewildered about how we as individuals can
respond to climate change, please join our
conversation on how you, your family,
community and Sinai congregation can take
action to reduce our carbon footprint.
Speakers from Faith in Place and Moms Clean
Air Force will share stories of how individuals,
groups, and other congregations have taken
meaningful actions to empower and inspire
us to protect our air, water, and ecosystems.
And we can start right now.
For further information or to get involved,
please contact our environment committee
chair, Norm Kravitz, at
[email protected].
Sinai and Civil Rights Service Trip
April 6 - 9, 2017
Rebuilding near Charleston, SC
After Hurricane Matthew
This year Chicago Sinai’s service trip will change
course and for the first time travel to Charleston,
S.C., to rebuild communities that were damaged by
Hurricane Matthew on October 6, 2016. Many
towns in the low county of South Carolina were
damaged from floods and high winds, and are in
need of volunteers to remove debris and begin the
rebuilding process.
We will immerse ourselves in learning about slave
and civil rights history in Charleston, with
educational tours of the Old Slave Mart and
McLeod Plantation. We will also take a civil rights
tours of the area. Charleston is home to one of the
first Reform Jewish Temples in America,
Congregation Kahal Kodesh, Beth Elohim (KKBE),
where we will attend Friday night services on April
7. On Sunday, April 9 we will worship at Mother
Emanuel AME, which is Charleston’s oldest black
church, whose founder organized a major slave
uprising in 1822. The church was the victim of a
violent racial attack, when nine members of the
church were killed during a bible study class.
Since 2008, Sinai members have made deep and
lasting connections to survivors in New Orleans,
Louisiana, Birmingham, Alabama and Union Beach,
New Jersey. The projects we undertake do not
require special skills as there is work for all ages
from 12 and up. In the evenings, we have fun
eating great southern cooking and taking in the
local culture.
Please join us this year as we combine service,
worship, learning and fun, and support these
devastated Southeastern communities, while at
the same time create deep and permanent bonds
of friendship among our volunteers and those we
serve. Please contact [email protected] for trip
details, scholarships, and to register for the trip.
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
11
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LEARN
Sinai Preschool, Fern Katz
Purim Celebration
Upcoming Preschool
Events
April 4
11 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
Preschool Seder 2-DAY CLASS
April 5
10:45 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
Preschool Seder 3-Day and 5-Day
Classes
April 10 - 17
Spring Break - Temple Closed
No Preschool or Classes
April 18
Classes resume
May 1- 2
Parent/Teacher Conferences
No Preschool or Classes
May 2
5:00 p.m.
Teacher Appreciation Event
May 12
5:30 p.m to 7 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
May 24
LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL
FOR STUDENTS
Accredited by NAEYC’s National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
12
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
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LEARN
Religious Education, Heidi Kon
Our third grade
students and families
enjoy the wedding of
Sarah Samuels and
Jason Taylor. Students
made the Ketubah and
chuppah and stood
with Chatan and Kallah
under the chuppah.
Upcoming Religious
School Events
April 9
All School Passover Happening
Second Sunday Lunch Day
April 16
No School
April 23
First Grade Parents’ Day
April 29
Youth Group Scavenger Hunt at
Millenium Park
April 30
Fourth Grade Parents Day
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
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In April
Tuesday
April 4
12 pm to 1 pm
Wednesday
April 5, 12, 19 and 26
11 am in the Chapel
Thursday
April 6, 13, 20 and 27
11 am in the Chapel
LEARNING
IN THE LOOP
WEDNESDAYS WITH
RABBI LIMMER:
THURSDAYS WITH
RABBI GREENE:
Tackles the Mishnah
The Rabbinic Art of
Reading
What's God Got
to Do With It?
Rabbi Limmer helps us explore the
earliest Rabbinic commentary to the
biblical book of Exodus: The Mekhilta
of Rabbi Ishmael. This formative work
of Midrash--the Jewish method of
demanding additional meaning from
Scripture--proceeds line by line
through the biblical narrative and
connects our core texts to religious
thoughts and trends that emerged in
antiquity. Through a study of the
Mekhilta's many legends, lore and
legal discourses into we will see how
our Sages of old helped understand
the Torah in their time, and provided
us a road map for comprehending the
unfurling evolution of biblical
interpretation.
Join Rabbi Greene for a look at Modern
Jewish thought. We will explore the
writings of Hermann Cohen, Leo Baeck,
Franz Rosenzweig, Martin Buber,
Abraham Joshua Heschel and more!
How did the events of World War I, World
War II, and the creation of the State of
Israel influence these thinkers’
understanding and conception of God?
Tuesday
April 18
2 pm
Saturday
April 1, 8, 15 22, and 29
9:30 am in the Chapel
Thursday
April 6
7 pm
SINAI
BOOK
GROUP
SHABBAT
MORNING
TORAH STUDY
FILM
REVIEW
YEAR TWO...
“It makes sense that, since we meet at a
law firm, we’d study Jewish legal
literature.”
About 15 regulars attend the second
Tuesday of the month sessions held at
Jenner & Block offices (courtesy of
Norm Hirsch). Participants bring their
lunch; the firm adds a dessert and
drinks. RSVP to Dee Dee Dukes
([email protected]) at the
temple office to ensure that the
building’s security will be notified.
Join fellow congregants for an
exploration of both fiction and nonfiction books of Jewish interest on
the second Tuesday of each month at
2 pm in the Sinai Chapel. On April 18,
we will discuss Hot Milk by Deborah
Levy.
14
LEARN
Come study the weekly Torah portion
together in an open and inquisitive
atmosphere!
Join us as Zbigniew Banas, a former
movie critic for The Reader, leads a
discussion of a current film on April 6.
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.
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
APRIL
sun
mon
tues
2017
wed
W
thurs
fri
A
L
sat
1
9:30am Torah Study
2
3
4
5
10am RS
10am Café Sinai
10:30am Make
Yourself More:
Meditation
12:15pm Hebrew Club
12:30pm Confirmation
10am CJE at Sinai
5:30pm Board of
Trustees
12pm Learning in the
Loop
6 pm Open Hearts and
Open Door
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
9
10
11
SERVICE TRIP
EREV PASSOVER
TEMPLE CLOSED
NO CJE at Sinai
16
6
7
8
SERVICE TRIP
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah
7pm Film Review
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
4:30 pm Ronald
McDonald
12
13
14
15
TEMPLE CLOSED
6pm Second Night
Seder at Manny’s Deli
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
NO CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
17
18
19
20
21
22
NO RS
NO Café Sinai
NO Make
Yourself More
NO Hebrew Club
NO Confirmation
2 pm Sunday Supper at
Fourth Church
TEMPLE CLOSED
NO CJE at Sinai
2pm Book Group:
Hot Milk
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
NO CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
9:30am Torah Study
10:30am Hailey
Laumann Bat Mitzvah
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
10am RS
10am Café Sinai
10:30am Make Yourself More:
Yom HaShoah
12:15pm Hebrew Club
12:30pm Confirmation
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Limmer
10am CJE at Sinai
11am Adult Ed with
Rabbi Greene
6pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah
6:15pm Shabbat
Eve/Oneg
8am-4pm National
Rebuilding Day
9:30am Torah Study
Lunch Program:
Bring Bag Lunches
10am RS
10am Café Sinai
10:30am Make
Yourself More: Music
12:15pm Hebrew Club
12:30pm Confirmation
30
10am RS
10am Café Sinai
10:30am Make Yourself More:
Meditation
12:15pm Hebrew Club
12:30pm Confirmation
www.chicagosinai.org APRIL 2017 Temple Office 312.867.7000
15
CHICAGO
SINAI
CONGREGATION
Periodical
U.S. Postage Paid
Chicago, IL.
Return service requested.
15 W. Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60610-3306
Seth M. Limmer Senior Rabbi
Amanda Greene Assistant Rabbi
Howard A. Berman Rabbi Emeritus
Bruce Miller President
Susan Solomon Executive Director
Rebecca Frazin Engagement Director
Fern Katz Early Childhood Director
Heidi Kon Education Director
Scott Kumer Music Director
Susan Solomon Bulletin Editor
@ChicagoSinai
Facebook.com/ChicagoSinaiCongregation
SINAI
Save the Date!
Please join the Sinai Preschool and Temple Families
Tot Shabbat!
Friday, May 12, 2017
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
This music filled service will be conducted in
our Chapel by one of our Rabbis and is ideal
for children under the ages of 5 years.
Jeremy Raskin, singer, songwriter and
children's entertainer, will be sharing his
music and songs.
Dinner and entertainment in the social hall
will immediately follow service.
$40 per family
Call the Temple office at 312.867.7000 to RSVP.