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The Edge of Both Hope and Despair
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With relief, we saw a ceasefire in Gaza go into effect. With trepidation, we await progress or failure through what happens next. As it's been said, "success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan."
Many factors led to Hamas and Israel agreeing to stop shooting for the moment; you can decide which you think was more influential. Success on other fronts against Hezbollah in Lebanon, against Iran's missiles and nuclear program, and the collapse of Assad's regime in Syria all enabled Israel to declare victory. International recognition of a hypothetical Palestinian state may have also dramatized to Israel how isolated they had become as the war dragged on. A unified Arab world, particularly after Israel's failed bombing raid in Qatar, convinced Hamas that continuing to hold hostages and extending Israel's military offensive would not succeed. Pressure from the United States on both sides was clearly important to push the deal over the finish line.
Yet there are many reasons for doubt - the power vacuum in Gaza, Hamas' determination to maintain power at the cost of Palestinian lives (which started the whole disaster, Israel's hair trigger and unwillingness to tolerate static nearby threats after the shocking and disastrous Hamas breakout and slaughter two years ago. We are on the brink of both a hopeful future and the return of death and despair.
Last Shabbat, I shared more thoughts on both hope and realism as we enter this new phase in the post-October 7th world. That video is available at https://youtu.be/9JKOtrnDD8I?si=zOFnMdGnNB9bE2qL I am rooting for hope, but the odds are slim.
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It is the best of times, it is the most challenging of times for Jewish community. Conflicts within and about Israel, fears and realities of antisemitism, divisions between denominations. And yet Jews are more free and creative then ever, women are full partners in leading most varieties of Jewish life, and technology has opened new opportunities. How do we take advantage of this moment?
Have you missed a recent Shabbat Service or want to re-watch one you enjoyed? Follow this link to view past programs.
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Development Committee Meeting
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Thursday, October 23, 7:30pm
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This committee plans our annual gala parties and works on fundraising ideas. If you'd like to attend this meeting or have questions, please contact David Hirsch at development@KolHadash.com.
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Registration Deadline: October 25
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This event is the Kol Hadash social event of the year! Plus, it’s a great opportunity for getting to know your fellow Kol Hadashians.
This year the theme is Give My Regards to Broadway. We will start all together at 6pm at the North Shore Unitarian Church for a brief Havdalah service, appetizers and wine. Then we will split up and drive to members' homes for small-group catered dinner parties. Then we will come back together again at the NSUC for dessert and coffee.
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Sunday, October 26
our Sunday School at Deerfield High School
9:00-9:30
B Mitzvah Prep Class
9:30-11:30
Sunday School
9:30-10:30
Adult & Tot Make 'n Take
and Play 'n Schmooze
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Introduce your young child to secular celebrations of Jewish holidays through songs, stories and hands-on activities in our Adult & Tot Make ’n Take class. To celebrate Shabbat, children will make and take home their own Shabbat candlesticks and beeswax candles!
Stay for our Adult & Tot Play ’n Schmooze! Connect with other families with young children in an open-play classroom -- our teacher provides activities for children while parents chat.
Questions to Youth Education Director Ilana Shaffer at youthed@kolhadash.com or 773-209-8266
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Ron Schwartz has advanced kidney disease, and needs a kidney transplant. Learn more here.
Do you have news? We'd love to share it. Engagements, Weddings, Babies, B Mitzvahs, Anniversaries, Graduations, Awards, Nominations, Appointments, Honors, Achievements. Email Jeremy in the office at info@KolHadash.com with YOUR news.
Honor a mitzvah, wedding, a yartzheit, passing, or other special event with a donation. Celebrate a friend or loved one or wish them well in a time of difficulty by making a donation in their honor.
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What is Parents Breakfast Club
*Kol Hadash Sunday School parent community gathering and meeting with breakfast (of course!), coffee and tea.
*Complimentary childcare for younger siblings.
*All meetings are open to all parents. Member parents are required to attend the meeting(s) which includes your child/ren's teacher. No registration is needed; please let us know if you cannot make it.
*Visiting teacher will provide information about the class curriculum, activities, projects, etc and will answer your questions.
*Talk through recent past programs as we use this feedback to shape next year's programs; and, share your thoughts on upcoming programs while they're still in the planning phase. We'll also discuss and get feedback about Sunday School and Congregational concerns.
Please contact our Youth Education Director, Ilana Shaffer, at youthed@KolHadash.com or 773-209-8266 with questions
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Tuesday, November 4, 7:30 online
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For cultural Jews, what could be more important than studying Jewish culture? The music, literature, art and celebrations of life and the seasons are the lived experience of Judaism.
Did you miss a class - follow this link for previous sessions.
Want to get reminders about upcoming Adult Education classes? Email Jeremy at info@KolHadash.com to receive reminders.
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Wednesday, November 5, 7:30 online
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Please join the “Everybody’s Chat Group” on Wednesday, November 5th, at 7:30pm on Zoom. Both men and women are invited. The topic is “Making Connections” from Rabbi Adam Chalom’s “The Ten Days.” The Women’s Chat Group” will meet on Wednesday, December 3rd.
Questions? Please contact Judy Rosenzweig at jwr449@att.net.
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Shop at Vin Chicago (Highland Park or Chicago) that weekend and mention KOL HADASH HUMANISTIC CONGREGATION at checkout, and 10% of your purchases will be donated to us. Everything counts: wine, beer, spirits, event tickets, and gift cards! (Last year we received over $175.) FAQ here.
If you shop online, just write "KOL HADASH HUMANISTIC CONGREGATION" in the order comments at checkout. Thank you in advance for taking advantage of this easy way to support Kol Hadash (while stocking your cellar!).
Store Locations:
1350 Old Skokie Road, Highland Park
1826 N. Elston Ave, Chicago
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Everyone is welcome at Taste of Kol Hadash -- either as a 'recipe taster' or as a 'recipe maker'!
'Recipe tasters' (adults and students) will hear the background of various holiday dishes and enjoy sampling them. It's a delicious way to learn about each other’s traditions! This program is free and open to everyone, and no registration is needed to attend.
Wanted: Recipe Makers! Everyone is invited to bring a memorable family holiday recipe -- from any generation and from any culture -- to share with others! You will briefly explain your dish's origin and significance to your family while 'recipe tasters' (adults and students) enjoy a small portion of your dish. Recipes will be distributed so others have a chance to make it, too.
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