Discussion Topics for Yom Kippur Afternoon

We look forward to seeing you at Yom Kippur services tonight and tomorrow.  As you know, we always have discussion groups on Yom Kippur afternoon, for those who would like to hang out at OLB, talk about some interesting Jewish topics, and not think about food.  This year, we have some very special programs, and we hope that you will join us. 


From 2 pm to 3 pm, we will have a discussion of this topic: “Is Democracy a Jewish Idea?”  There was a recent discussion of this issue in Moment magazine, with short pieces from a number of Jewish thinkers.  We will review those pieces and, of course, lay out our own views.  Copies of the Moment article will be available tonight, but here’s a link too:  http://www.momentmag.com/moment/issues/2012/10/Symposium.html . 


From 3 pm to 4 pm, we will have a discussion of this topic: “Can the Jewish people exist without Israel?”  There have been several articles on this topic lately, from a variety of perspectives.  We will review those pieces, and discuss our own views on that issue.  Copies will be available, and here are some links as well: http://israelstreet.blogspot.com/2012/08/can-judaism-survive-without-israel.html

http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/109429/no-jewish-people-without-israel

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2010/jun/10/failure-american-jewish-establishment/?pagination=false


Finally, if you want to hang around with us for the afternoon but don’t really want to talk about Israel, we will have another program at 3 pm, with a different topic: “Can Science and Religion Co-Exist?”. 


Again - best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

This Friday Night - Shabbat Shuvah!

We hope that you all enjoyed the Rosh Hashanah services, and look forward to seeing you next week for Yom Kippur.  In the meantime, we just want to remind you that during the Days of Awe, we do take time out to celebrate Shabbat.  In fact, the Shabbat that falls during this time period - Shabbat Shuvah, or the Shabbat of Return or the Shabbat of Repentance - is a very special Shabbat, which is thought of by some Jewish authorities as the holiest day of the year.  (Shabbat is the holiest day of the week, and since this Shabbat is during the Days of Awe...)  So, we will gather for Shabbat Shuvah this Friday night, September 21, at 7:30 pm, at our regular Friday night location - Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit (LCHS).  See you then - don’t forget to bring a little something for oneg.  And - best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

High Holidays Schedule and Forms

The High Holidays are just a week away! We look forward to seeing you all there.  Just so you have all of the details handy, we have attached our initial letter about the High Holidays, which includes the full schedule of services.


We have also attached the High Holidays registration form.  If you have not already sent this in, please fill it out now and return - it really helps us plan to know how many are attending and when.  Volunteers are still needed, so please fill out that part of the form and let us know how you can help.


The registration form for children’s programming is also attached.  If you would like your child or children to attend those programs during the morning services, please fill out and return that form (unless, of course, you have already done so).  


If you have any questions about the services, or any other aspect of High Holidays, please feel free to call the office or Fred Andes (fandes@btlaw.com or 773-354-3100).  Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

Saturday Night - Selichot & Presentation of "100 Voices"

This Saturday night (Sept. 8), we start the High Holidays season with a very special Selichot service.  That will be at 7:30 at our High Holiday home, Our Lady of the Brook, at 3700 Dundee Road in Northbrook.

During the Selichot service, we will view "100 Voices: A Journey Home."  This is a wonderful Jewish documentary, which fits well into our efforts this year, at Shir Hadash, to explore our Jewish roots.  In June 2009, an assembly of the world's finest cantors - the largest group of cantors to return to Poland since the Holocaust - came together in Poland on an historic mission of reconciliation.  Their travel culminates in an emotional memorial at the gates of Auschwitz.  The firm celebrates the resilience of Jewish tradition and the ability of music to heal hearts.  

We will have a brief service as well, and after the movie, we'll (of course) have a discussion.  Plus, food - so don't forget to bring something for oneg!  See you there...