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The temporary Gaza ceasefire, which enabled the liberation of dozens of Hamas hostages (alive and dead), is over; Israeli bombing has resumed. The ceasefire, which began on January 19th, was never 100% quiet, with both Gazan rockets and Israeli drone strikes occasionally breaking out. Israel also released some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages - some vicious criminals, some administratively detained as leverage for future bargaining. Israel refuses to end the conflict with Hamas in place, and Hamas refuses to surrender all the hostages and leave Gaza or disarm. Thus the failure to negotiate a second stage due to the unbridgeable gap between those two positions
The Israeli government under Netanyahu has chosen its priority: destroying Hamas at the risk of the deaths of the hostages after 500+ days in terrible captivity, not to mention hundreds more Gazans. Israeli protests on streets and highways, and liberated hostages themselves, called for an end to the war (even with Hamas in place) for the chance of saving hostage lives. The global slogan "bring them home" spoke to that priority.
Those who will pay the dearest price are the Gazan civilians caught in the middle and the Israeli hostages and their families. Without a US government willing to push Israel to wage war with humanitarian considerations in mind, that human suffering may be worse than before. We also do not know how this renewed conflict's ripple effects will change American and European Jewish life, both internally as Jewish communal unity fractures and the public experience of Jewish institutions and individuals.
Some claim that renewed war will pressure Hamas to release hostages and surrender, but the fanaticism of true believers is reinforced by suffering, not weakened. And we know the increased risks to the hostages of dying from Israeli bombs or from Hamas bullets. For many months, I have publicly preferred a ceasefire that saves lives to total victory over Hamas at a terrible cost. Sadly, grief returns and hope fades yet again.
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Join us at the Highwood Food Bank as we load groceries into cars. Volunteers must register online in advance. Follow this link to regisWant to volunteer or have questions? Contact Tony at anthbilotti@gmail.com or 312-859-0500.
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Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation and the North Shore Unitarian Church come together on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00am until noon to work on activities to help our community. We’ll make pillow cases for our service people abroad and send notes to let them know we’re thinking of them, and weekend kits for homeless teenage youth. We’ll also have our ever popular fleece tie blankets, letter writing to our politicians, knitters making blankets for project Linus, a clothing drive (details below) and MORE!!
We invite you all to attend our Mitzvah Morning. Reverend Lucus and Rabbi Chalom will lead a short service at 11:30am.
If you would like to lead or have any idea for an activity contact Lynn Miller (847-651-2599) or lgmiller107@gmail.com.
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Do you need a babysitter? We can connect you with several of our KH member teens and young adults (and, they are current and former Sunday School Class Aides). Please contact youthed@KolHadash.com for a list.
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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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Spring Break!
No Sunday School
March 23 & 30
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Join us at Di Pescara’s in Northbrook Court for canasta & lunch at noon. The restaurant requires players to order food for lunch (no minimum required) as compensation for hosting us. Everyone is invited! If interested or would like to be added to the weekly text please let Marlene Tambourine know at 847-476-8887.
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The World Zionist Organization was established in 1897 and connects global Jewry to the state of Israel and its national institutions. It represents diverse Jewish voices from ultra-Orthodox to Secular. Current World Zionist Congress elections (running through May 4, voting open to Diaspora Jewish adults) are being held in challenging times for the very term “Zionist.” Rabbi Chalom will share his thoughts on the process, the controversy, and future possibilities.
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Modern Anti-Semitism
Tuesday, April 1, 7:30pm
on Zoom
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The 19th century saw great Jewish success: new industries and new social and cultural openness provided many doors through which Jews could enter without conversion. But the dislocations and upheavals of industrial and political revolution also created the grounds for blame and suspicion, and – ultimately – hatred.
If you missed our previous sessions, it's not too late to join in -- Follow this link to explore our Adult Learning playlist.
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Our 6th/7th Grade Class created their Shabbat Service based on this year's curriculum: the history of Jews in America and Israel and how this history shaped the modern Jewish experience. Students will lead their service which also includes an interactive family activity.
Follow this link to register to join us at 6:30pm for our Shabbat Family Dinner.
After the Shabbat Service, we’ll join together for an oneg (challah, sweets, fruit, and other snacks).
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The Mitzvah Morning clothing drive this year will benefit the Self Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines. We will be collecting donations of clean, gently used spring items (jackets, windbreakers, lighter weight long sleeve shirts, jeans, sweats and hoodies, etc.) as well as gym shoes, and packages of new men's, women's, and children's socks and underwear. If you plan on donating used clothes, please consider including packages of new underwear and socks. Visit the Self Help Pantry website to see the list of additional items they will accept. Questions? Contact Glynis Hirsch at glynishirsch@gmail.com.
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Join us at Bluegrass Restaurant in Highland Park on the second night of Passover for a meaningful Passover Seder with Rabbi Adam Chalom and enjoy a family-style dinner. Space is limited - so register today! Questions? Contact Jeremy at info@KolHadash.com.
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 7
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