| TUES, FEB 25, 2025 | 27 SHEVAT 5785 | | | This newsletter contains flyers and information about the following topics:
Government and Legal
- Skokie residents can order mail ballots for the critical upcoming municipal election beginning tomorrow!
Halacha and Torah
- There will be Shaimos drop off this Sunday, March 2nd.
Family and Children
- Yahalom Mother's Spa Event
- Important Library Notices
- Month of March from the Agudath Israel Family Calendar
Youth Programming and Camps
- Kesher Mentors Get Together
| | TAKE ACTION - Oppose Government Overreach and New Unfunded Mandates for Our Schools | | Recently, a bill was filed in Springfield that primarily focuses on requirements and regulations for homeschoolers, but also puts additional mandates on private schools. Among other things, the bill allows the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and/or the respective Regional Office of Education (ROE) to request student names, birthdates, and the address of at least one parent from any nonpublic school. This increase in oversight of our schools carries the potential for even greater regulatory pressure on our nonpublic schools in Illinois, and is another unfunded mandate. As noted in the stated summary, HB 2827 also "makes conforming and other changes in the Freedom of Information Act, the School Code, and the Illinois School Student Records Act, including requiring (rather than allowing) nonpublic schools to register with the State Board of Education." The bill seems to be gaining momentum with a variety of sponsors, including elected officials that represent our community.
Agudath Israel of Illinois, along with the Associated Talmud Torahs, the Illinois Coalition of Nonpublic Schools (ICNS), and others are opposed to HB 2827. We believe that the bill would unnecessarily increase regulation in all nonpublic schools and that this is an example of government overreach, and the path toward a slippery slope. Legislation regarding nonpublic schools is proposed in basically every session in Springfield…and rarely with input or collaboration on the front end. As many other states increase their commitment to school choice, we have unfortunately regressed into a more hostile environment for school choice initiatives and protecting the autonomy of our educational system. Please take a moment to contact your representatives in both the House and the Senate. Let them know that you are opposed to this bill by following the prompts in this ACTION ALERT. Your voice makes a difference! | | Skokie Residents Can Order Mail Ballots for the Critical Upcoming Municipal Election Beginning Tomorrow! | | Agudath Israel's Voter Concierge Service is here to assist Skokie residents with ordering mail ballots for the critical upcoming municipal election. Beginning tomorrow, February 26, registered voters can order mail ballots online to be delivered to their home or any other address in the country (e.g. students attending school out-of-state, snowbirds, etc.). Simply click here to order your ballot, or contact us for assistance. Upon request, our Voter Concierge Service can provide secure ballot pick up and delivery as well.
Please note, if you order a mail ballot, you can still choose to vote in-person at early voting locations beginning March 17, or at your polling place on April 1, as long as you bring the mail ballot with you, or sign an affidavit that you lost/destroyed the mail ballot.
It's a great way to vote from the comfort of your home, as well as a way to ensure you cast a ballot if unanticipated circumstances make it difficult to get to the polls.
For all your voting needs and questions, reach out to Zahava Weldler, GOTV Coordinator via email or phone at vote@agudahil.org or 773.318.6011.
Agudath Israel of Illinois is a 501 (c) (3) and does not endorse political parties or candidates. | | Shaimos Drop Off This Sunday, March 2nd | | Yahalom Mother's Spa Event | | | Last week, Yahalom Chicago hosted a spa event for mothers of children with special needs in the new Agudah Community Center. The evening gave the mothers an opportunity to hear words of inspiration by Rabbanit Kochava Yitzhak, enjoy a delicious dinner and be indulged by various spa vendors while enjoying, connecting and learning from one another.
In the words of a mother who attended, "Thank you to everyone involved. Tonight was rejuvenating in so many ways. And above all, it was wonderful to spend time with others who get it." A second mother expressed, "Thank you for creating such a beautiful evening. Between the divrei chizuk, like minded women, pampering and delicious food, it was just what I needed."
Mrs. Fiona Kark, Director of Yahalom Chicago shares, "One of Yahalom's main goals is to create a community of support where families can share and learn from each other's experiences. The spa evening was an event where women had an opportunity to relax, share and meet other women facing similar challenges. It was gratifying to continue growing our community in such an enjoyable setting." | | | Over 200 Bnosers helped make this year's Bnos Song Spectacular live up to its name with wonderful song and dance presentations for their appreciative peers. We had a beautiful pizza Melava Malka with the 4th-6th graders on Motzei Shabbos, enhanced by the girl's performances, a dance performance by high school girls, and amazing prizes. On Sunday, the 1st-3rd grade Bnosers enjoyed watching each other's unique, geshmak, and talented songs and dances, followed by a pizza lunch, snacks and prizes! Thanks to our hard working Bnos leaders for putting all your kochos into making Song Spectacular the success that it was!
Here is some feedback we received:
"My daughter couldn't stop talking about the Song Spectacular! She had such a great time! Thanks to you!!"
"My car-full of girls had such a great time tonight. Thank you!"
"Thank you so much for such a beautiful event, my daughter had so much fun!!!"
"Thank you so much for giving Aviva an amazing time today!!! She absolutely loved it!" | | Kesher Mentors Get Together | Last night, our Kesher mentors came together for a well-deserved and enjoyable evening. After some light refreshments were served, Mrs. Toby Matzliach gave a hands-on demonstration of how to make sourdough. Each mentor was able to make her own sourdough and also took home a starter. Baruch Hashem, the mentors had a great time. | | Important Library Notices | - Please help us by cleaning up after your children use the coloring table. If they spill the crayons on the floor, please ensure that they are picked up and returned to the crayon bin.
- The library does not accept any donations of seforim or magazines. All other donations are accepted on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the librarian. Please do not put any book donations through the drop slot.
- Lost and Found: A child's black winter coat, a pair of children's plastic glasses, and a baby hat were left in the library. Please let us know if any of these belong to you.
Thank you! | | Agudath Israel Family Calendar - Month of March | | | | |
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