January 30 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Services Kabbalat Shabbat Services Welcome Shabbat with our Kabbalat Shabbat Service! Whether in the Sanctuary or online!
January 31 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am Saturday Morning Shabbat Services with Kahal Kahal Shabbat Morning Service Come together for a special Shabbat morning with Kahal, featuring prayer, Torah reading, and engaging discussions. The service offers a chance to connect spiritually and share in the experience with the community. Whether attending regularly or exploring Shabbat for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy the warmth of the congregation. If ...
February 1 @ 9:00 am - 9:30 am Kochavim Youth Choir Kochavim Youth Choir Sing with the Kochavim (Stars) Youth Choir! Love to sing? Join our Beth Emet youth choir, Kochavim! We’ll meet on a few Sunday mornings during the year to learn fun songs and share music together. No experience needed—just bring your voice and your enthusiasm.
February 1 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Sunday Morning Minyan Sunday Morning Minyan The Sunday Morning Minyan meets in the Beit Midrash at Beth Emet. Join us on Sundays to daven (pray) the weekday Shacharit (morning) service! First-timers are encouraged! Please note, we will continue to Zoom as well for virtual participation. The Minyan offers an intimate opportunity to pray with the Beth Emet community. The service explores ...
February 1 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Beit Sefer Beit Sefer Beit Sefer is an engaging Jewish learning program for learners in Kindergarten through 7th grade. Classes explore Jewish values, holidays, Torah stories, and Hebrew in a supportive and fun environment, fostering curiosity, community, and connection to Jewish life. Learn more about Beit Sefer.
February 1 @ 10:15 am - 11:45 am The Human Scale, A Story of Love and Conflict in the Middle East Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lawrence Wright, author of The Looming Tower, Going Clear, and The Plague Year, will speak to us via Zoom about his newest book, The Human Scale, a murder mystery based in Israel during the weeks preceding the October 7 massacre in this Zoom-only program. It is a riveting read and gives an ...
February 1 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Introduction to Hebrew Conversational Hebrew This class uses an Ulpan-like immersive setting to teach modern conversational Hebrew. Participants will read news articles, discuss life and current events, and other basic conversations in Hebrew. The only prerequisite is basic Hebrew skills.
February 1 @ 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew meets most Sundays, 12:15–1:15 pm when Beit Sefer meets. This beginner class is an opportunity for learners with no or limited Hebrew background to become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet, how to sound out Hebrew words, and begin to develop reading proficiency. You will also acquire some basic Hebrew vocabulary that connects us to Jewish life, ritual, tradition, and Israel. This class meets a requirement for Adult Kabbalat Mitzvah.
February 2 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew with Bluma Stoller Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew If you’d like to participate more meaningfully at services, this class can help you continue to develop your Hebrew skills. Participants will develop Hebrew reading proficiency while exploring the vocabulary, structure, and themes of Shabbat worship services and prayers.
February 3 @ 9:30 am - 10:15 am Jamberry with Nicole Jaworski (Co-Sponsored by JBaby) Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski (Co-Sponsored by jBaby) Join us for joyful, collaborative music-making with Nicole Jaworski and Jamberry Music! In this class, you and your little one will bond with each other and make new friends while we sing, dance, play, pretend, and experiment with instruments. Class is geared to kids 6 months to 2.5 years old, and siblings are welcome to ...
February 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Dayenu Circle Monthly Meeting Dayenu Circle This Month's Dayenu Circle Meeting 7:30 Want to address climate change based on Jewish values through education, sustainability, and advocacy work? Attend the next Zoom meetings at the Dayenu Circle (Beth Emet's green team). Please contact the office if you plan to join virtually for the first time.
February 4 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Soup Kitchen The Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet Every Wednesday evening since 2002, Beth Emet has opened its doors to community members in need of a nutritious dinner. Guests sit at linen-covered tables with fresh flowers and listen to live music while enjoying their meal, and they leave with a sack lunch to enjoy on the following day. The meeting starts in the ...
February 5 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Beacon of Light Protest Beacon of Light Protest Contact the office for more information
February 5 @ 4:15 pm - 6:15 pm Beit Sefer Beit Sefer Beit Sefer is an engaging Jewish learning program for students in Kindergarten through 7th grade. Classes explore Jewish values, holidays, Torah stories, and Hebrew in a supportive and fun environment, fostering curiosity, community, and connection to Jewish life. Beit Sefer meets Sundays for Kindergarten-2nd grade learners and Sundays and Thursdays for 3rd-6th grade learners. Thursday ...
February 5 @ 7:15 pm - 11:30 pm Israeli Dancing Israeli Dancing Join Chicago Israeli dancing, led by Phil Moss and Penny Brichta, and learn how to dance like an Israeli every Thursday night! For more information you can refer to chicagoisraelidancing.com The event is held in the Wiener Room and through Zoom.
February 6 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London There are many ways to interpret our Tanach and its nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. Having completed our Close Look at Torah, we turn to N’viim / Prophets, beginning with Joshua. New learners are always welcome. If you are new, please register below and the meeting will take place in the Wiener room. ...
February 6 @ 5:15 pm - 8:00 pm Shir Shabbat & BEYOND! A Celebration of Generations Friday, February 6 5:15 & BEYOND! Dinner and Activities Multigenerational dinner (those who came to our December community retreat are especially encouraged to attend!) Olympics-themed activities for children after dinner Middle school youth group event with activities celebrating the Olympics (RSVP here) 5:45 pm Oneg Sponsored by Create a Jewish Legacy, a part of the Jewish ...
February 7 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am Saturday Morning Shabbat Services with Kahal Kahal Shabbat Morning Service Come together for a special Shabbat morning with Kahal, featuring prayer, Torah reading, and engaging discussions. The service offers a chance to connect spiritually and share in the experience with the community. Whether attending regularly or exploring Shabbat for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy the warmth of the congregation. If ...
February 7 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Kahal Potluck Lunch Kahal Potluck Lunch If you are able to attend on Saturday morning, please consider bringing a vegetarian, nut-free dish or lunch item for all to enjoy. The potluck will take place in the Sanctuary and on LiveControl. Please also take a moment to jot down a list of ingredients that can be displayed with your dish for the ...
February 8 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Sunday Morning Minyan Sunday Morning Minyan The Sunday Morning Minyan meets in the Beit Midrash at Beth Emet. Join us on Sundays to daven (pray) the weekday Shacharit (morning) service! First-timers are encouraged! Please note, we will continue to Zoom as well for virtual participation. The Minyan offers an intimate opportunity to pray with the Beth Emet community. The service explores ...
February 8 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Beit Sefer Beit Sefer Beit Sefer is an engaging Jewish learning program for learners in Kindergarten through 7th grade. Classes explore Jewish values, holidays, Torah stories, and Hebrew in a supportive and fun environment, fostering curiosity, community, and connection to Jewish life. Learn more about Beit Sefer.
February 8 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Tzedakah Fair 6th graders lead a Tzedakah Fair to raise awareness and support for causes that are meaningful to our 6th grade learners. The fair is open to learners and adults, giving everyone a chance to learn, give, and engage with social action.
February 8 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am Art discussion: Out of the Narrows Haggadah Out of the Narrows: The Artists' Haggadah reimagines the Passover experience through the eyes of contemporary artists grappling with the world’s challenges. Created by the Jewish Artists Collective Chicago (JACC), this unique Haggadah combines the traditional steps of the Seder—presented in Hebrew, English, and transliteration—with powerful visual commentary and personal reflections. Artists Carol Neiger and ...
February 8 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Introduction to Hebrew Conversational Hebrew This class uses an Ulpan-like immersive setting to teach modern conversational Hebrew. Participants will read news articles, discuss life and current events, and other basic conversations in Hebrew. The only prerequisite is basic Hebrew skills.
February 8 @ 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew meets most Sundays, 12:15–1:15 pm when Beit Sefer meets. This beginner class is an opportunity for learners with no or limited Hebrew background to become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet, how to sound out Hebrew words, and begin to develop reading proficiency. You will also acquire some basic Hebrew vocabulary that connects us to Jewish life, ritual, tradition, and Israel. This class meets a requirement for Adult Kabbalat Mitzvah.
February 8 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tikkun Middot through the Senses Tikkun Middot through the Senses Tikkun Middot through the Senses will explore the power of creativity as a tool for our own personal renewal and spiritual connection. Using writing, image making, music, movement and prayer, we will explore how the obstacles and opportunities present in each moment of our lives impact our choices and actions. No prior experience is necessary – just a willing heart and an openness to new avenues of expression. If you’ve thought about embracing your inner muse with a stance of curiosity, then this va’ad (group) is for you.
February 9 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew with Bluma Stoller Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew If you’d like to participate more meaningfully at services, this class can help you continue to develop your Hebrew skills. Participants will develop Hebrew reading proficiency while exploring the vocabulary, structure, and themes of Shabbat worship services and prayers.
February 10 @ 9:30 am - 10:15 am Jamberry with Nicole Jaworski (Co-Sponsored by JBaby) Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski (Co-Sponsored by jBaby) Join us for joyful, collaborative music-making with Nicole Jaworski and Jamberry Music! In this class, you and your little one will bond with each other and make new friends while we sing, dance, play, pretend, and experiment with instruments. Class is geared to kids 6 months to 2.5 years old, and siblings are welcome to ...
February 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm The Ethiopian Jewish Experience Beza Abebe will share Ethiopian Jewish history, including lifestyle and Jewish practices in Ethiopia; the experience of aliyah to Israel; the Sigd holiday —its history and practice today — and her personal journey. A question and answer session will follow. Beza Abebe is a human rights advocate, research fellow, and speaker at Be’chol Lashon, where ...
February 11 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Soup Kitchen The Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet Every Wednesday evening since 2002, Beth Emet has opened its doors to community members in need of a nutritious dinner. Guests sit at linen-covered tables with fresh flowers and listen to live music while enjoying their meal, and they leave with a sack lunch to enjoy on the following day. The meeting starts in the ...
February 11 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Kabbalat Torah Kabbalat Torah Our 12th graders participate in Kabbalat Torah with Rabbi London. In addition to action, students who participate in our teen classes develop a love for and commitment to Judaism, a strong sense of self and community, and the ability to speak thoughtfully on questions of God, Torah and Israel. This special seminar-style class meets in the spring semester and includes a weekend trip to New York City with Rabbi London.
February 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter’s Beinart’s 2025 Book Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter Beinart’s 2025 Book (3 part series: February 11, 18, 25) Beinart’s book presents the October 7 attacks and the ensuing war as a profound turning point in modern Jewish history. In this three‑session course, Beth Emet members Hannah Graham and Danny London will use Beinart’s text as a springboard for exploring how traditional narratives have shaped Jewish identity and how contemporary Jewish perspectives—particularly views on Israel—are shifting in response to the events of the war. Together, we will examine the tensions, questions, and emerging frameworks that are redefining Jewish self‑understanding in this moment of upheaval.
February 12 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Beacon of Light Protest Beacon of Light Protest Contact the office for more information
February 12 @ 4:15 pm - 6:15 pm Beit Sefer Beit Sefer Beit Sefer is an engaging Jewish learning program for students in Kindergarten through 7th grade. Classes explore Jewish values, holidays, Torah stories, and Hebrew in a supportive and fun environment, fostering curiosity, community, and connection to Jewish life. Beit Sefer meets Sundays for Kindergarten-2nd grade learners and Sundays and Thursdays for 3rd-6th grade learners. Thursday ...
February 12 @ 7:15 pm - 11:30 pm Israeli Dancing Israeli Dancing Join Chicago Israeli dancing, led by Phil Moss and Penny Brichta, and learn how to dance like an Israeli every Thursday night! For more information you can refer to chicagoisraelidancing.com The event is held in the Wiener Room and through Zoom.
February 13 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Services Kabbalat Shabbat Services Welcome Shabbat with our Kabbalat Shabbat Service! Whether in the Sanctuary or online!
February 14 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am Saturday Morning Shabbat Services with Kahal Kahal Shabbat Morning Service Come together for a special Shabbat morning with Kahal, featuring prayer, Torah reading, and engaging discussions. The service offers a chance to connect spiritually and share in the experience with the community. Whether attending regularly or exploring Shabbat for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy the warmth of the congregation. If ...
February 15 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Sunday Morning Minyan Sunday Morning Minyan The Sunday Morning Minyan meets in the Beit Midrash at Beth Emet. Join us on Sundays to daven (pray) the weekday Shacharit (morning) service! First-timers are encouraged! Please note, we will continue to Zoom as well for virtual participation. The Minyan offers an intimate opportunity to pray with the Beth Emet community. The service explores ...
February 16 Presidents’ Day- Building Closed Presidents’ Day- Office Closed Should you need to contact someone at Beth Emet during this time, please call the main number (847-869-4230), and press 4. The Clergy are available in case of an emergency. We look forward to connecting with you when the offices reopen on Tuesday.
February 16 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew with Bluma Stoller Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew If you’d like to participate more meaningfully at services, this class can help you continue to develop your Hebrew skills. Participants will develop Hebrew reading proficiency while exploring the vocabulary, structure, and themes of Shabbat worship services and prayers.
February 17 @ 9:30 am - 10:15 am Jamberry with Nicole Jaworski (Co-Sponsored by JBaby) Jamberry Music with Nicole Jaworski (Co-Sponsored by jBaby) Join us for joyful, collaborative music-making with Nicole Jaworski and Jamberry Music! In this class, you and your little one will bond with each other and make new friends while we sing, dance, play, pretend, and experiment with instruments. Class is geared to kids 6 months to 2.5 years old, and siblings are welcome to ...
February 18 @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Inclusion Committee Meeting Inclusion Committee Meeting The Inclusion Committee is meeting Dec 10 4:30-5:30, at the Beit Midrash and through Zoom.
February 18 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Soup Kitchen The Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet Every Wednesday evening since 2002, Beth Emet has opened its doors to community members in need of a nutritious dinner. Guests sit at linen-covered tables with fresh flowers and listen to live music while enjoying their meal, and they leave with a sack lunch to enjoy on the following day. The meeting starts in the ...
February 18 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Kabbalat Torah Kabbalat Torah Our 12th graders participate in Kabbalat Torah with Rabbi London. In addition to action, students who participate in our teen classes develop a love for and commitment to Judaism, a strong sense of self and community, and the ability to speak thoughtfully on questions of God, Torah and Israel. This special seminar-style class meets in the spring semester and includes a weekend trip to New York City with Rabbi London.
February 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter’s Beinart’s 2025 Book Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter Beinart’s 2025 Book (3 part series: February 11, 18, 25) Beinart’s book presents the October 7 attacks and the ensuing war as a profound turning point in modern Jewish history. In this three‑session course, Beth Emet members Hannah Graham and Danny London will use Beinart’s text as a springboard for exploring how traditional narratives have shaped Jewish identity and how contemporary Jewish perspectives—particularly views on Israel—are shifting in response to the events of the war. Together, we will examine the tensions, questions, and emerging frameworks that are redefining Jewish self‑understanding in this moment of upheaval.
February 19 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Beacon of Light Protest Beacon of Light Protest Contact the office for more information
February 19 @ 4:15 pm - 6:15 pm Beit Sefer Beit Sefer Beit Sefer is an engaging Jewish learning program for students in Kindergarten through 7th grade. Classes explore Jewish values, holidays, Torah stories, and Hebrew in a supportive and fun environment, fostering curiosity, community, and connection to Jewish life. Beit Sefer meets Sundays for Kindergarten-2nd grade learners and Sundays and Thursdays for 3rd-6th grade learners. Thursday ...
February 19 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Israeli Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment The Israel Committee presents a program to discuss outstanding research by Israeli oncologists and scientists that has led to groundbreaking advances for the prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of cancer, including enhanced understanding of our genes, new drugs, novel bone marrow transplants and more. The Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) has provided more than $100,000,000 for these medical advances. Our speaker is Dr. David Hakimian, an oncologist, hematologist, President of Illinois Cancer Specialists, and a member of the Chicago ICRF Board.
February 19 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Soul Stitchers- Virtual Knitting Circle Soul Stitchers- Knitting Circle in person! Know how to knit and/or crochet? As a tribute to Nikki Zarefsky z”l, join us for an hour (on Zoom) of knitting and connecting as we create shawls to warm people during services and/or healing shawls that will bring warmth to those in need in a hospital, home or other settings. Newcomers are welcome and ...
February 19 @ 7:15 pm - 11:30 pm Israeli Dancing Israeli Dancing Join Chicago Israeli dancing, led by Phil Moss and Penny Brichta, and learn how to dance like an Israeli every Thursday night! For more information you can refer to chicagoisraelidancing.com The event is held in the Wiener Room and through Zoom.
February 20 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London There are many ways to interpret our Tanach and its nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. Having completed our Close Look at Torah, we turn to N’viim / Prophets, beginning with Joshua. New learners are always welcome. If you are new, please register below and the meeting will take place in the Wiener room. ...
February 20 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Soul Spark Shabbat Soul Spark Shabbat Virtual Event Step into a transcendent Shabbat service unlike any other! Immerse yourself in an extraordinary fusion of spirituality and melody, as our esteemed clergy, talented musicians, and captivating singers lead you through an enchanting tapestry of soul-stirring music, profound meditations, and illuminating teachings. Soul Spark is an extraordinary opportunity to enrich your soul and deepen your ...
February 20 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Services Kabbalat Shabbat Services Welcome Shabbat with our Kabbalat Shabbat Service! Whether in the Sanctuary or online!
February 21 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am Saturday Morning Shabbat Services with Kahal Kahal Shabbat Morning Service Come together for a special Shabbat morning with Kahal, featuring prayer, Torah reading, and engaging discussions. The service offers a chance to connect spiritually and share in the experience with the community. Whether attending regularly or exploring Shabbat for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy the warmth of the congregation. If ...
February 21 @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Winter Olympics fun We’re excited to invite families with young children to a Winter Olympics–themed afternoon of play and movement at Beth Emet, with preschool-friendly versions of classic Olympic sports designed for indoor fun. With a focus on joyful movement and imagination, this will be an active and welcoming way for young children to experience the excitement of the Olympics.
February 22 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Sunday Morning Minyan Sunday Morning Minyan The Sunday Morning Minyan meets in the Beit Midrash at Beth Emet. Join us on Sundays to daven (pray) the weekday Shacharit (morning) service! First-timers are encouraged! Please note, we will continue to Zoom as well for virtual participation. The Minyan offers an intimate opportunity to pray with the Beth Emet community. The service explores ...
February 22 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Beit Sefer Beit Sefer Beit Sefer is an engaging Jewish learning program for learners in Kindergarten through 7th grade. Classes explore Jewish values, holidays, Torah stories, and Hebrew in a supportive and fun environment, fostering curiosity, community, and connection to Jewish life. Learn more about Beit Sefer.
February 22 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Author visit in honor of Jewish disability & inclusion month K–3rd grade learners will participate in a special author visit and read-aloud of I Get Around in My Own Special Way, a story that gently introduces themes of disability, difference, and inclusion through a child-centered lens. The program invites learners to notice, ask questions, and celebrate the many ways people move through the world. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are encouraged to stay after the read-aloud for casual conversation about how to talk with children about disabilities. This time will offer space to normalize differences, model respectful interactions, and support empathy, kindness, and inclusion—both at school and at home.
February 22 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Introduction to Hebrew Conversational Hebrew This class uses an Ulpan-like immersive setting to teach modern conversational Hebrew. Participants will read news articles, discuss life and current events, and other basic conversations in Hebrew. The only prerequisite is basic Hebrew skills.
February 22 @ 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew meets most Sundays, 12:15–1:15 pm when Beit Sefer meets. This beginner class is an opportunity for learners with no or limited Hebrew background to become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet, how to sound out Hebrew words, and begin to develop reading proficiency. You will also acquire some basic Hebrew vocabulary that connects us to Jewish life, ritual, tradition, and Israel. This class meets a requirement for Adult Kabbalat Mitzvah.
February 22 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Consecration We invite you to be with our young learners for a very special event marking the start of a child’s formal Jewish learning. Our Consecration program honors kindergarten learners and new 1st and 2nd grade learners as they take an important step into Beit Sefer and into a lifelong relationship with Jewish learning, community, and ...