Home

Socially distant but spiritually close.

We happily welcome our members and guests to participate in any of our programs and services.  In order to avoid "Zoom Bombing" however, you will need to log in if you are a member, or contact our Executive Director if you are a guest.  Click here to send an email to the Executive Director.

Services

-Shabbat services Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Mourners Kaddish will be recited.

-Shabbat mornings at 9:30 a.m. Mourners Kaddish will be recited.

-Shavuot services - Sat. May 30 at 9:30 a.m. Services will include Yizkor and some of our students will chant Torah verses.

May Programs

-Shavuot Study Session - Thurs. May 28 at 8:00 p.m.
The RA's first ever livestreamed Tikkun Leil Shavuot, a Movement-wide event across North America, Thursday, May 28, 8 PM local time – Friday, May 29, 8 AM local time, held in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. They will feature keynotes, panels, discussions, and music from master teachers across the continent. They will also provide a library of pre-recorded sessions and study guides that will be available in advance of Shavuot. Session topics and teacher details, as well as information for viewing the event, will be forthcoming. 

-Film Discussion "Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive" led by Dan Kamin and Judi Zeal - Sat. May 30 at 8:00 p.m. followed by Havdalah at 9:00 p.m.
 This is a feature film about a young man who lives in Jerusalem and gives guided tours of the sites where terrorist bombings have taken place. You can watch this film and many other great offerings by going to Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema. 

June Programs

-Schmooze with the Rabbi - Mon. June 1 at 8:00 p.m.
Rabbi Newman Kamin will meet with our college age young adults to check in and discuss various topics.

-Stress Management Session for Parents During COVID-19 Pandemic led by Beth Irwin -- Tuesday June 2 at 7:00 p.m. 

-Good and Good For You - Wed. June 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Our very own Women's Network members, Judi Zeal and Lois Glick will demonstrate a healthy new twist on sweet potatoes and an easy, delicious homemade toffee.

-Immigration Program presented by Neil Adelman - Mon. June 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Neil’s talk will cover the 350-plus year history of Jewish immigration to the United States – from refugees fleeing Portuguese Brazil in 1654 to Soviet Jews in the 1970s and 80s.  If we didn’t do it ourselves, and some of us did, our parents, grandparents and great grandparents made this journey.  Why and how did they do so?  In addition to exploring our heritage, it may shed light on the immigration issue today.    

-Annual Meeting - Wed. June 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Our President, Jeff Bleiweis will report on this unprecedented year.

-Tefilah with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky in Honor of Charlie Sherman's Tenth Anniversary at Am Yisrael - Sun. June 14 starting at 9:30 a.m.
This promises to be especially lively and meaningful as we enjoy Rabbi Warshawsky's incredible talents and honor our own Head of School, Charlie Sherman.  We hope to have an in person anniversary celebration at some point, but we cannot let this happy occasion go unrecognized.  Please join us. Learn more about Rabbi Warshawsky and listen to some of his melodies by clicking here.

Ongoing Programs

-SJS and Youth Programming beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and 4:15 p.m. on Wednesdays

-David Lerner - Adult Ed - World of Jewish Learning Sundays at 10:00 a.m. This week: The Book of Ruth Continued.  Newcomers welcome.

-Rabbi's Torah Class - Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. 
Rabbi Newman Kamin will be offering a weekly Torah class on the Book of Devarim( Deuteronomy). The Book of Deuteronomy addresses  many important topics as it focuses on how to create a just society. Many of the themes are unbelievably relevant for the times we are living through today. While not required homework for the class here is an amazing lecture from Rabbi Shai Held on Devarim which will give an overview of the importance of this fifth book of the Torah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX7X1GkMBHI

-Ballet Exercise - E. Marc Nevins - Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. 

-Coffee with the Rabbi - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. 
Grab your favorite beverage and spend some time chatting with Rabbi Newman Kamin about anything at all. No appointment necessary, no agenda necessary.  Just pop in to say hello, ask a question, recommend a book or program.  This is designed for anyone and everyone to visit with the Rabbi.

-Cantor's Current Events Class - Thursdays at noon 
Cantor Simon offers his weekly Current Events Class to the entire congregation.  Traditionally, this group has enjoyed a little bit of adult beverage while solving the world's problems.  During the quarantine, it's BYO, but by all means, feel free to grab your favorite beverage and join this lively group.

-Women's Network Book Group - Fridays at 10:00 a.m. 
The book is "After Abel and Other Stories", by Michal Lemberger and is available in paperback on Amazon and other booksellers' websites as well as from various local public libraries through electronic lending.   There is no "homework" -- we read the book together out loud at each meeting and there's no need to read anything ahead of time.  The book is a collection of short stories, so it's no problem if someone misses some of the book group meetings.

"The Power of Inclusion"
Click here to see a moving video featuring Am Yisrael.