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Passover is a powerful demonstration of the complexity of life.
In one event, we remember Jewish oppression through the centuries and celebrate Jewish freedom today. We acknowledge Egyptian suffering from plagues while marking a mythical Jewish victory. Some recall the Warsaw Ghetto rebellion starting on the first night of Passover, which is both triumph and tragedy. Symbols of inclusion like oranges for the LGBTQ, Miriam's cup for women, or artichokes for interfaith families implicitly highlight the exclusion that made them necessary. From the allegorial song "Chad Gadya" [one kid goat] evoking destruction after destruction to emphasizing the human power to free ourselves and grow from limitation to independence, Passover includes both extremes of joy and sorrow.
This year's Passover is no different. Many seders added a lemon to their plate to remember the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, and others added olives hoping for Middle East peace. War also rages in Ukraine, and tariff wars threaten to upend the global economy. Our politics seem more threatening and unpredictable than ever, which makes celebrating anything a challenge - can we forget, even for a few hours, what is happening outside that door we open for Elijah for a few moments?
I do not have a perfect solution to this conundrum. Sometimes life IS complicated, messy, complex and contradictory. Jewish life is a lesson in laughing through tears, finding joy despite sorrow. Indeed, we need to embrace both to be full people, sometimes at the same moment.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Passover season!
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Intended for adults and children 6th grade and older
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Leviticus commands that a person should “love your neighbor as yourself.” But who counts as our neighbor, and what behavior by them would reduce or forfeit our consideration for their welfare? In a world where conflicts have few boundaries and every difference becomes a zero sum contest where you are either all right or all wrong, our circle of concern grows ever smaller. What is the right balance of caring for “us” vs “them” and their basic humanity?
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Join us for the 11th annual March Madness bracketed wine tournament at the home of Andrea & Mark Friedlander in Deerfield. Each “game” consists of a blind tasting by the group, who vote on which wine advances to the next round. We keep tasting and voting until we crown a winner.
You do NOT need to enter the tournament or drink wine to attend! All are welcome for the fun and camaraderie.
If you are entering the tournament, bring a bottle of RED wine that you think can win. Please leave the price tag on your wine or put a sticker indicating what you paid for the bottle so that we can “seed” the wines in the brackets.
If you wish, wear clothes that show your team spirit for your favorite sports team or winery. Please sign up to bring a "sports bar" favorite food to share with the group. (Dessert will be provided.)
RSVP to winers@KolHadash.com by April 13 and be sure to let us know what food you will bring. Hope to see you there!
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Steering Committee
Meeting Recap
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As a follow up to our recent Steering Committee Meeting held on April 3 we want to share the minutes from our March meeting. Follow this link to view the minutes. If you have any questions or comments on the minutes from the meeting or would like to attend the next Steering Committee meeting please contact Jeremy at info@KolHadash.com.
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We had a full house at our Community Seder at Bluegrass Restaurant on Sunday! So good to welcome new and old friends and share the Passover story. It's always so great when we get to celebrate together. Thank you to Jim Lederer and everyone at Bluegrass Restaurant in Highland Park for making our seder a smashing success! Visit us on Instagram to see more pictures form the night.
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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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No Sunday School
April 20
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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.
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Development Committee Meeting
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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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Holocaust
Tuesday, April 22, 7:30pm
on Zoom
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No event in Jewish history was more transformative demographically, culturally or theologically than the Holocaust. The loss of one-third of the world’s Jews, and the decimation of the Yiddish heartland in Eastern Europe, still echoes through our own experience. What can we understand, and what must be witnessed in silence?
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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*Kol Hadash Sunday School parent community gathering with breakfast (of course!), coffee and tea.
*Complimentary childcare for younger siblings.
*All member parents need to attend this meeting as we'll be planning family events for next year.
*Talk through recent past family holiday programs as we use this feedback to shape next year's programs; and, share your thoughts on upcoming family holiday programs while they're still in the planning phase.
Questions? Contact Ilana Shaffer, at youthed@KolHadash.com or 773-209-8266.
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Looking to see how We Do Jewish Differently? Join us for our SUNDAY SCHOOL TRY OUT event!
Bring your kids and try out our Sunday School for a day by visiting their grade's classes. Parents can get their questions answered and kids can meet other Sunday School students.
 Sunday, April 27, 9:30-11:30am
Sunday, May 4, 9:30-11:30am
@ Deerfield High School
Non-members are very welcome to join us to see if we are a fit for their family. There is no expectation of a commitment.
Learn more: https://shorturl.at/CEyiO
Questions and for more information to Youth Education Director Ilana Shaffer at youthed@kolhadash.com or 773-209-8266
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EmpoweRUN 5K for A Safe Place
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Join us as we march in the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade on June 1 to show the LGBTQ+ Community our support! Free t-shirt for each person who registers to march in the parade.
All ages event - follow this link to register.
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