A warm, egalitarian, Conservative congregation rooted in tradition, community, music, learning, and meaningful Jewish life.
Founded in 1968 by Rabbi William Frankel and eighteen devoted families, Am Yisrael has always been a congregation shaped by vision, warmth, and thoughtful Jewish tradition. We are proud to be egalitarian, welcoming, and deeply connected to the Conservative Movement while continuing to grow in ways that meet the needs of Jewish life today.
A congregation where all people are included and valued.
Connected to Jewish ritual, learning, prayer, and the Conservative Movement.
A community built around relationships, care, and belonging.
Services enriched by melody, instruments, creativity, and joy.
Am Yisrael was founded by Rabbi William Frankel and a devoted start-up group of eighteen families.
Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin became Am Yisrael’s rabbi, making the congregation one of the first Conservative congregations in the Chicago area to be headed by a woman.
Am Yisrael continues to grow as a progressive, egalitarian, music-filled Conservative congregation.
“We are committed to the Jewish tradition and are affiliated with the Conservative Movement, but we follow the Israeli calendar, ise the triennial approach to Torah reading, and incorporate musical instruments in our prayer services.”
-Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin
Am Yisrael is completely egalitarian and has been since its inception. We strive to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of marital status, family structure, sexual orientation, gender and its expression, age, mental and physical health and ability.
Music has always played an important role in our services and prayers. Cantor Emeritus Stuart Simon helped shape inspirational and joyful services that include musical instruments. Today, Cantor Dara Rosenblatt brings vitality, new melodies, and creative energy to the bimah, continuing Am Yisrael’s tradition of meaningful and joyful prayer.
Our 50th anniversary video honors the people, stories, and vision that shaped Am Yisrael from 1968 to today.
We invite you to attend a program, join us for services, or simply stop in and say hello!