The CJC Newsletter

Community Updates

As the calendar turns to February, we are emerging from winter with chances to connect with community. Tu B’Shevat (the 15^th day of the Jewish month of Shevat) is known as the New Year of the Trees, and this year it is celebrated on Sunday evening, February 5, through Monday, February 6. As we mark this holiday, take the opportunity to taste the fruit of the trees!

Knitters, crocheters, needlework fans or those that are interested in learning, come join our group on February 1, at 1:30pm at Shir Tikvah. On Monday, February 13, National Council of Jewish Women, South Cook Section invites you to Tea and a discussion on their, "Love Affair with Aunt Martha's." Jamie Dornfeld, Executive Vice President Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness will provide an update on access to healthcare around the Southland. To participate in the program, email Peggy Butler.

Want to learn more about the Jewish connection to science fiction? Join Shir Tikvah for a mini-grant program on February 19, at 11am, as we learn about Jewish influences in Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, DC, Marvel, and so many more! Register Here for the zoom link.

JUF's Mitzvah Mania is back! On Thursday, February 16, from 1-4:30pm, the Jewish community across Chicago will be coming together in acts of service. Here in the South, we are looking for volunteers to help in the food pantry at Respond Now. If you are interested, please sign up at www.juf.org/mitzvahmania

Violins of Hope, a project of concerts based on a private collection of violins, violas and cellos all collected since the end of World War 2, will be in our community this spring. Interested in being a docent? Training will be provided and volunteer shifts will be in our community. Contact Ilene Uhlmann or me for more information.

Shalom over 50 meets on Tuesdays from 11-2:15, at Shir Tikvah. Join us for a lively current events discussion, lunch and a program. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. New to the group or looking to meet some new friends? Contact Ilene Uhlmann to sign up. Upcoming programs are listed below.

If you're in need of a ride, Shalom Transportation has you covered! Older adults in the South Suburban community are eligible for 10 highly subsidized rides a month. Supported by the Albert and Lucille Delighter and Marcella Winston Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, each ride is only $5 and enables you to travel up to 25 miles, with a maximum of 10 rides per month. To learn how the program works and/or register, please contact Amy

Purim is coming! Watch your emails for more information on community programs. If you, your family members or friends are in need of resources or information, I'm always happy to help make connections.

Amy

amybloomberg@juf.org or 708-249-6086

Synagogue Updates

Joliet Jewish Congregation

Shabbat Services: Friday evenings at 7:00 pm & Saturday mornings at 9:30 pm. All services are in-person and can be live-streamed, For the link, see our website and click the link.

Mah Jong in person on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm

Lunch & Learn on zoom with Rabbi Rubovits, Emeritus- Tuesdays 11:30 AM-12:30 pm. For zoom link, call the office, 815-741-4600

Kulam- for teens! Upcoming programs : STRESSED OUT? TUNE IN! Sunday January 29, 1-2:30pm at Joliet Jewish Congregation and SAVING THE WORLD WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND, Sunday February 19, 1-2:30pm at Joliet Jewish Congregation. To register email Rabbi Jenny

Any questions, call the office 815-741-4600

Shir Tikvah

Please join us in person! Services are on Friday nights at 7:30 pm and on Shabbat morning at 9:45 am (unless otherwise indicated.) Call the office @ 708-799-4110 for details or zoom links.

The Shir Tikvah Shabbat Services are now on a four-week rotation. Week 1: Conservative Service, Week 2: Reform Service, Week 3: Conservative Service, Week 4: Combined Reform and Conservative Service. For security purposes, we are asking non-members to please call the office (at least a few days before) to let us know that you will be attending one of our services. 708-799-4110.

Shir Tikvah will hold their monthly board meeting for the Women of Shir Tikvah on Monday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m. Our regular ZOOM Board Meeting for all officers will be held the same day, Monday, February 13 at 8:00 pm

On Saturday, February 18 at 9:45 am., students from our Sunday School will be participating in the Conservative Shabbat services.

The Shir Tikvah offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, in honor of Presidents’ Day.

For links or other information, call the office, 708-799-4110

Temple Anshe Sholom/ Temple Beth El

February 3, Potluck Dinner at 6:15 pm Followed by Shabbat Shira Service at 7:30 pm.

Journeys Through Torah Adult Education, February 5, February 19 and March 5 at 9:15 am

Torah Study on Zoom, February 11 and February 25 at 10:00 am

February 11, Havdalah at the home of Jeffrey & Gloria Lippert, 7pm

March 4, Adult Purim Celebration, 7pm

March 5, Family Purim Program at 11:30am

For more information or zoom links, call the office: 708-748-6010

JUF Leadership Israel

You have a million questions about your life after high school, we have a million answers. From making friends, to doing Jewish things, being a changemaker, to what is up with antisemitism, you are invited to spend one day with other college-curious students and experts in the field. Have some snacks, make some friends, and most of all get an idea of what your Jewish future can be in college! Launchpad is open to high school juniors and seniors and will take place Sunday, March 19th. Optional parent/guardian session available to help the whole family understand what to expect from Jewish life on campus. To learn more and register, click here.

Camp counselors needed in Israel June 20-July 23, 2023

“Kef” means fun in Hebrew and Kefiada is JUF’s English-immersion, American style day camp in Kiryat Gat-Lachish-Shafir, Israel. There is no program cost, plus free room and board and $1200 flight stipends for all counselors. Kefiada campers are 4^th-6^th graders and the counselors are college students from Chicago or go to school in Illinois, incoming freshmen through graduating seniors. Kefiada serves as a bridge over the summer for Israeli students to retain the English that they have learned during the school year and expand on it. Kefiada is a great way for college students to get back to Israel, really become part of Israeli life and help Israelis in a meaningful way. The application and FAQ can be found at www.juf.org/kefiada

JUF Teens Presents: Intergenerational Volunteer Pop Up At Park Plaza

Are you looking for a way to spend quality time with your teen? Do you want to give back to the community in a laid back, recreational environment? Join us on February 26^th from 2:45-4:45 for an afternoon of volunteering with your teen at Park Plaza! At this one-time volunteer event, we invite teens and parents to spend the afternoon playing games with, and providing company to, residents at Park Plaza. Please fill out this registration form if you're interested in joining us, and reach out to Kori Miner at koriminer@juf.org should you have any questions.

Save the date for the Community Celebration: Featuring the 18 Under 18 Honorees on Tuesday, March 21st from 6:45-9:15PM at Pinstripes Northbrook. Join Springboard, Chicago's hub for Jewish teen programs, and be part of an exciting evening highlighting exceptional teen leaders, teen-serving organizations, educators, and the vibrant Chicagoland Jewish community. Registration opens soon so keep an eye out for more information here.

Additionally, you’re invited to help recognize outstanding youth professional and adult volunteer LEADers (Leader, Educator, Advisor, Dugma/Example) in our community who have made a difference in your life through their work supporting teens here before February 22^nd. Email RachelAlter@juf.org with any questions.

Keshet - For LGBTQ equality in Jewish life

In 2023, Keshet is excited to host two Shabbatonim for LGBTQ+ Jewish teens in grades 7-12. The Shabbatonim are an opportunity for LGBTQ+ Jewish teens to spend Shabbat together and to explore and celebrate living at the intersections of their Jewish and LGBTQ+ identities in a supportive, restful, and joyful environment. They are created by teens for their peers and bring together LGBTQ+ Jewish teens from all parts of the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. Registration is on a sliding scale beginning at $54, with generous travel scholarships available to help cover the cost of transportation. Keshet's Midwest Shabbaton is April 28-30 in the Chicago area. For more information, please email youth@keshetonline.org or visit www.keshetonline.org/shabbaton.