On Saturday, the children decorated crowns and swung at pinatas in the shape of numbers “7” and “5.” Cantor Young led the community in celebrating Havdalah, ending with “Be the Light.” We ate a delicious dinner cooked by chef Julie Ratowitz, we drank festive drinks, we danced the hora. We grooved to guitarist Casey Nielsen …
What will you add to 75 years of Beth Emet? As we celebrate 75 years of Beth Emet, we invite you to reflect, remember, and share your part in our story. A Memory Scroll is displayed in the lobby. Add a memory, moment, teaching, or thought to any of the five pillars—whatever speaks to your …
In our liturgy we say to God, lador vador nagid godlecha (from generation to generation we will sing Your praises). It’s a statement of gratitude to God that despite hardship and struggle, the Jewish people have not just endured but have thrived. The Shabbat when we celebrate our Kabbalat Torah class (graduating high school seniors) …
Over 300 members of our community filled the sanctuary on Friday, May 9 in a heartfelt show of appreciation for our beloved retiring staff members, Bekki Kaplan, Marci Dickman, and Kathy Kaberon, who joined Rabbi London and Cantor Young on the bima during Kabbalat Shabbat services. Our honorees shared teachings and remarks, and were blessed …
Image: Evanston Roundtable Rabbi Andrea London and Cantor Natalie Young joined JRC Cantor Howard Friedland and representatives from multiple houses of faith at Raymond Park on Sunday, April 27 for a special Earth Day Prayer for the Planet sponsored by Interfaith Action of Evanston. Watch remarks from our Earth Day Shabbat service (Friday, April 18) …
Dear Chicago-area Beth Emet 20s and 30s Folks, I hope this note finds you well in these challenging times. Please know that I’m here for you if you need support. I’d like to invite you to worship, dinner, and conversation at Beth Emet on Friday, May 30. This will be the final event for our …
Our Green Maven blog, edited by Dayenu (climate action and environmental justice) Circle members Chris Wynn and Sharon Smaller, will give you ideas, information, resources, and things you can do to make this world a better place environmentally, tikkun olam. As a community, we can learn from each other, so we welcome your ideas and …
On March 17, I accepted the great honor of becoming the next President of Beth Emet. I’m grateful to serve this congregation where Sarah and I were married and raised our two daughters. It has been our home for more than 30 years. At 75 years young, Beth Emet is strong. We have an outstanding …
If you’d like to view the Annual Meeting presentation, click here. Outgoing President’s Address from Lee Weintraub It’s hard for me to believe that this moment marks the end of my term as President of Beth Emet’s Board of Trustees. Three years have passed quickly, yet they have sometimes felt long—especially during the difficult moments …
Click here to watch Beth Emet’s Purim Shpiel from 2025!
March 2025 10 Tips to Stem the Tide of Plastic By Sharon Smaller Our Green Maven blog, edited by Dayenu (climate action and environmental justice) Circle members Chris Wynn and Sharon Smaller, will give you ideas, information, resources, and things you can do to make this world a better place environmentally, tikkun olam. As a …
We would like to share the news that two valued members of our staff, Bekki Kaplan and Kathy Kaberon, will be retiring on June 30, 2025. For many years, Bekki and Kathy have played essential roles in the life of our synagogue. Bekki Kaplan, in her various roles—including Executive Director until 2022, and now in …
Dor L’Dor from Generation to Generation. Each year, Beth Emet thanks its Dor L’Dor members by honoring them during Kabbalat Shabbat service. This year, we had an opportunity for the participants of the Community Retreat to unveil a Tallit that was made for special occasions. Rabbi London underscores the importance of passing tradition from generation …
Beth Emet Tzedakah Grant: Supporting Justice and Compassion Each year, Beth Emet proudly distributes Tzedakah Grants to organizations that align with our values of justice, equity, and compassion. These grants provide financial support to local, national, and international initiatives that make a tangible impact in the community, advancing social justice and aiding those in need. …
Every year, our Tzedakah (righteous giving) Fund provides grants to social service and social action organizations within the greater community, addressing basic human needs. Mazel tov to our two Tzedakah Grant Fund Award Winners for Fall 2024: The Infant Welfare Society and Literacy Works! Read more information about both organizations below. If you’re interested in applying for a social …
