All posts by Leslie Cook

Caring Community, Social Action, Uncategorized

MCJC-sponsored PADS dinner coming up March 27

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PADS_lgWe are looking forward to just two more MCJC-sponsored PADS dinners for the 2018-2019 winter season: March 27 and April 24.

The dinners are 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1320 Dean Street in Woodstock. Those bringing food should plan to have it there by 6:00 pm. We decided to use paper goods, so servers no longer need to stay on to do dishes.

We appreciate those who help out so regularly with this important community service. If you would like to join the team as a food preparer or server, please contact me, Bruce Weiss, via socialaction@mcjconline.org.

Thanks for your help, and warm regards,
Bruce Weiss,
MCJC Social Action Chairperson

Happenings

Upcoming at MCJC Week of March 19, 2019

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For more information about any of these listings, please visit our website, either the provided links or the MCJC Calendar at mcjconline.org/events.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 
5:00 pm:  Purim Pizza Dinner – RSVP to school@mcjconline.org if you plan to attend.
6:00 pm: Megillah Reading/Purim Shpiel -“Wizard of Oz” theme (wear a costume, and shake, rattle, & roll that gragger!)

Friday, March 22
6:30 pm: Community Shabbat Potluck Dinner – (If you can bring veggie or dairy food to share, please let us know what you’ll bring at kiddush@mcjconline.org)

Saturday, March 23
9:30 am: Grades 4-7 Special Shabbat – Shabbat Morning Services & Kiddush – 4th Grade Consecration
1:00 pm: Extended Kiddush follows the 4th-7th Grades’ Special Shabbat kiddush. It includes light fare, Zemirot, Talmud Torah. We hope you’ll stay for this adult Torah study.

SPRING BREAK IS HERE! Sunday, March 24 through Sunday, March 31. No Religious School, Adult Education, or Lunch and Learn.

Wednesday, March 27
6:00 pm: MCJC-sponsored PADS Dinner at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Woodstock.

Friday, March 29
6:30 pm: Community Shabbat Potluck Dinner – (If you can bring veggie or dairy food to share, please let us know what you’ll bring at kiddush@mcjconline.org)

SAVE THESE APRIL DATES!

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 –MCJC Community Passover Seder 2nd Night.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
MCJC will travel out to Spring Grove on Sunday, April 28, 2019 after Religious School.  Please join our entire synagogue to see McHenry County’s only Holocaust Memorial. Storyteller Jim May will meet us there to share the story of Holocaust survivor Lisa Derman, at the beautiful monument created by Jim and MCJC member Nancy Deborah Wicker, with Hebrew written by Max Gimpel, father of Al Gimpel.

Book Club

MCJC Book Club Meets March 14

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On Thursday, March 14, 2019, our MCJC Book Club will gather to discuss The Cloister by James Carroll. A priest and a Holocaust survivor find their perspectives and senses of identity reshaped by their shared investigation into the classic romance between discredited religious scholar Peter Abelard and his intellectual paramour, Heloise.

Then on Thursday, May 30, the group will discuss My Jewish Year by Abigail Pogrebin. Although she grew up following some holiday rituals, Pogrebin realized how little she knew about their foundational purpose and contemporary relevance. She wanted to understand what had kept these holidays alive and vibrant and chronicles her journey into the spiritual heart of Judaism in this captivating, educational, and inspiring memoir.

All are welcome to participate in the Book Club at any time. Rachel Kamin, director of the cultural and learning center at North Suburban Synagogue Beth-El, facilitates all discussions.

We encourage participants to make a donation of $36 to MCJC to help cover the cost of the facilitator. For more information, contact Rita Janowitz at books@mcjconline.org.

Religious School, Shabbat Morning

Celebrate Shabbat with our 4th-7th Graders

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SHABBAT:  A Special Time

Even More Special on March 23
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
When we share it with our 4 – 7 Graders
MCJC Religious School Students

Please join us for
Shabbat Morning Services & Kiddush

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The Grades 4 – 7 class has worked hard on learning to participate meaningfully as part of MCJC worship. We  extend this invitation for you to come worship alongside our younger members.

Our Grade 4 class will also participate in their consecration ceremony.

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There’s more! On the second and fourth Shabbatot of the month, Extended Kiddush follows the morning service. It includes light fare, Zemirot, Talmud Torah. Please plan to stay on for adult Torah study.

Passover

Join in on this 3-part learning series with Rabbi Tom at Panera in Crystal Lake

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MCJC’s Special Jewish Learning Program

PASSOVER:
From Slavery to Freedom

Join Rabbi Tom Samuels for a three-part series exploring the foundational story of the Jewish people.

All sessions will be held in the meeting room at: Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

  • Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

We look forward to learning with you in these free pre-Passover sessions. Non-members welcome. RSVP requested.

Happenings, Uncategorized

Upcoming at MCJC Week of March 12, 2019

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For more information about any of these listings, please visit our website, either the provided links or the MCJC Calendar at mcjconline.org/events.

SHOWING NOW THROUGH MARCH 17 AT A THEATER NEAR YOU
The Chicago Jewish Film Festival

Wednesday, March 13
1:00 pm: Lunch and Learn – Dedicated to the memory of Ken Bailenson, z”l, son of MCJC founding member, Stew Bailenson. 
4:30 pm: Religious School
6:00 pm: Ritual Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 14
7:00 pm: MCJC Book Club – Discussing The Cloister by James Carroll

Friday, March 15
6:30 pm: Community Shabbat Potluck Dinner – CANCELLED

Saturday, March 16
9:30 am: Shabbat Morning Services & Torah Discussion

SUNDAY, MARCH 17
Religious School Purim Program – including our one-and-only MCJC Purim Carnival

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 
5:00 pm:  Purim Dinner
6:00 pm: Megillah Reading/Purim Shpiel -“Wizard of Oz” theme (wear a costume, and shake, rattle, & roll that gragger)

Friday, March 22
6:30 pm: Community Shabbat Potluck Dinner – (If you can bring veggie or dairy food to share, please let us know what you’ll bring at kiddush@mcjconline.org)

Saturday, March 23
9:30 am: Grades 4-7 Special Shabbat – Shabbat Morning Services & Kiddush – 4th Grade Consecration
1:00 pm: Extended Kiddush follows the 4th-7th Grades’ Special Shabbat kiddush. It includes light fare, Zemirot, Talmud Torah (If you can bring veggie or dairy food to share, please let us know what you’ll bring via kiddush@mcjconline.org). We hope you’ll stay on for adult Torah study.

SPRING BREAK IS COMING! Sunday, March 24 through Sunday, March 31. No Religious School, Adult Education or Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Tom March 24, 27, or 31.

SAVE THESE APRIL DATES!

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 – MCJC Passover Seder (details to follow)

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
MCJC will travel out to Spring Grove on Sunday, April 28, 2019 after Religious School.  Please join our entire synagogue to see McHenry County’s only Holocaust Memorial. Storyteller Jim May will meet us there to share the story of Holocaust survivor Lisa Derman, at the beautiful monument created by Jim and MCJC member Nancy Deborah Wicker, with Hebrew written by Max Gimpel, father of Al Gimpel.

Religious School, Uncategorized

Religious School News Week of March 12, 2019

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SPRING BREAK IS COMING! Sunday, March 24 through Sunday, March 31. Stated another way, no Religious School March 24, 27, or 31.

In the Classroom: The K-1 and 2-3 classes welcomed special guests Ilene Kaye and Paula Eskoz, who taught Purim songs. The students’ singing and dancing were great! Grades 4 – 7 worked on their Jewish values film. Hebrew studies continued for all.

This week: Wednesday, March 13 – Religious school for grades 3 – 7.

Upcoming Special Events

PURIM 2019
Costumes are encouraged both days!

Sunday, March 17 – PURIM FUN
9:30 am – 12:00 pm – Please join us for a Family Purim Celebration. We will make Hamantaschen, put together blessing bags, make graggers, and have a great time with carnival games and hot dogs at our one-and-only MCJC Purim Carnival.  Parents: Please plan to attend, especially for grades K-3. Carnival tickets are $1.00/10 tickets and lunch is free (donations always welcome).

Wednesday, March 20 – Megillah Shpiel Night. The fun starts at 5:00 pm.

The MCJC Purim Shpiel is back by popular demand.  We come together to enjoy a pizza dinner from 5:00 – 6:00 pm followed by a “Wizard of Oz” Shpiel.  This will be in place of Religious School.

Important Request: If you plan to attend the pizza dinner from 5:00 – 6:00 pm and/or can bring some Hamantaschen, please RSVP to school@mcjconline.org and let us know your plan. Hope to see you there!

Snacks:  We are running low on snacks! Please send in peanut free/nut free snacks. Snacks can be bulk, or if you prefer, cash donations are acceptable.

Absence:  Last but not least, if your child will be absent, please email school@mcjconline.org or text 847-373-3186.

Torah Study

Torah: Moses Models Humility

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VAYIKRA

Please join us on Saturday morning at 9:30 for Shabbat worship and Torah study.

Moses Models Humility

Moses models Humility: לֹא קָם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל כְּמֹשֶה עוֹד, Lo kam b’Yisrael, k’Moshe od. No other human being, before or since, could match the closeness of Moses to the Divine, by virtue alone of his trait of humility.

Torah: Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 – Click here.
Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21 – 44:23 – Click here.

Torah Study

Torah: A Leadership of Empathy

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PEKUDEI

Please join us on Saturday morning at 9:30 for Shabbat worship and Torah study.

A Leadership of Empathy

Aaron, the High Priest, carries the burden of responsibility for his charges. He is to “bear the(ir) names … upon his heart … continually.”  He is to care for them:  to inscribe their fears, concerns, scars, hopes, and dreams upon his heart – continually. 

Torah: Exodus 38:21 – 40:38 – Click here.
Haftarah: I Kings 7:51 – 8:21 – Click here.

Religious School

Religious School News Week of March 5, 2019

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We’re getting ready for Purim even as we continue our classroom learning. Have you decided on your costume for this Wizard of Oz extravaganza yet?!

In the Classroom: The K-1 and 2-3 classes welcomed special guests Ilene Kaye and Paula Eskoz, who taught Purim songs. The students’ singing and dancing were great! Grades 4-7 worked on their Jewish values film. Hebrew studies continued for all.

This week: Wednesday, March 6 – Religious School for grades 3-7.  Sunday, March 10 – Religious School for all grades.

Upcoming Special Events

PURIM 2019
Costumes are encouraged both days!

Sunday, March 17 – PURIM FUN
9:30 am – 12:00 pm – Please join us for a Family Purim Celebration. We will make Hamantaschen, put together blessing bags, make graggers, and have a great time with carnival games and hot dogs at our one-and-only MCJC Purim Carnival.  Parents: plan to attend, especially for grades K-3.

Wednesday, March 20 – Megillah Shpiel Night. The fun starts at 5:00 pm.

The MCJC Purim Shpiel is back by popular demand.  We come together to enjoy a pizza dinner from 5:00 – 6:00 pm followed by a “Wizard of Oz” Shpiel.  This will be in place of Religious School.

Important Request: If you plan to attend the pizza dinner from 5:00 – 6:00 pm and/or can bring some Hamantaschen, please RSVP to school@mcjconline.org and let us know your plan. Hope to see you there!

Snacks:  We are running low on snacks! Please send in peanut free/nut free snacks. Snacks can be bulk, or if you prefer, cash donations are acceptable.

Absence:  Last but not least, if your child will be absent, please email school@mcjconline.org or text 847-373-3186.