When a baby is born, Judaism gives us meaningful rituals to welcome the child into the Jewish community.
Brit Milah (commonly known as a bris) is the ritual of circumcision, typically held on the 8th day of a baby’s life and performed by a mohel. We’re happy to connect you with one of the many skilled mohelim in the area. Our Am Shalom clergy often joins in this special moment, alongside the mohel, and helps bestow a Hebrew name upon your child. This ceremony can take place at the temple or in a location that feels right for you.
Baby Naming is the ceremony in which we welcome a child into the covenant (without brit milah). This can happen during a Shabbat service or at a time and place of your choosing. Our clergy is here to guide you every step of the way – we can help plan the ceremony and support you in choosing a Hebrew name.
To make an appointment with a member of our clergy team to talk about a bris or baby naming, please contact Natalia at ntapia@amshalom.com
Honor the birth of a baby by ***purchasing a brick*** in the Perlmutter Courtyard.
If you walk down the school hallway at Am Shalom, you’ll see the Confirmation class pictures all the way back to Am Shalom’s founding. As a communal rite of passage, Confirmation enhances the learning that begins with elementary school, continues through the Bet Mitzvah process, and expands dramatically in the high school years.
Confirmation is an opportunity to affirm not only each student’s individual Jewish identity, but also to deepen their connection to one another and to the Jewish community through a variety of learning courses for teens.
Check out the videos below of our confirmation students from the class of 5785, as they shared their spiritual autobiographies at our confirmation service.
Questions about Confirmation? Reach out to Rabbi Phyllis at 847.835.4800 or phylliss@amshalom.com for more information.
If you’re curious about Judaism or thinking about conversion, we’re here to help you on your journey. Our clergy will guide you as you explore Jewish learning and worship. We’re proud to partner with other local congregations to offer an Introduction to Judaism course. We’ll be with you as you begin to experience Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions.
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a rabbi or cantor, who will answer your questions, support your learning, and help you find your own path into Jewish life.
Learn more about the Introduction to Judaism course by contacting Cantor Julie Staple at 847.835.4800 or jstaple@amshalom.com.
To make an appointment with a member of our clergy team, please contact Natalia at ntapia@amshalom.com.
Weddings
Getting married is a beautiful way to celebrate your relationship and the life you’re building together. Our clergy are honored to work closely with couples as they prepare for this moment – helping to create a Jewish wedding or commitment ceremony that feels personal, meaningful, and true to you. We also will provide you with premarital counseling and support, which can be helpful as you start your life together.
Weddings can take place in our beautiful sanctuary, intimate chapel, outdoor courtyard, or at a venue of your choosing.
If you’d like to connect with one of our rabbis or cantors to begin the conversation, please reach out to Natalia at ntapia@amshalom.com. We would be glad to be part of your journey.
Death and Mourning Rituals
When a loved one dies, you are not alone. Am Shalom’s clergy and staff are here to support you every step of the way. When a death occurs, please call 847-835-4800 at any time. One of our rabbis or cantors will respond promptly and meet with your family. We will be there to help you navigate mourning rituals, such as the funeral, shiva, minyan services, and unveiling.
To add a name to the Kaddish list, please contact Gia at giam@amshalom.com.
If you would like to be notified when there is a death in the congregation, please contact Dana at dcohen@amshalom.com.
If you are interested in purchasing a memorial plaque or brick in the courtyard, please contact Gia at giam@amshalom.com.
Illness and Healing
During times of illness and healing, our Am Shalom community is here to care for you – through connection, prayer, and practical help, like meals and rides.
Please let us know if you or a loved one is in need of prayers for healing, so we can include them in our Mi Shebeirach list (which is shared at Shabbat services). We’re also happy to arrange a home or hospital visit, if that would be helpful.
To add a name to the Mi Shebeirach list, please contact Rabbi Steve at 847.835.4800 or stevenlow@amshalom.com.
Separation and divorce can be difficult, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Our clergy are here to listen, offer guidance, and provide spiritual support as you navigate this change in your life. We can also help you find rituals to acknowledge this transition and assist you with securing a get (a Jewish divorce document).
To get in touch with our clergy team, please contact Natalia at 847.835.4800 or ntapia@amshalom.com.
A mezuzah is a small case that is placed on doorposts throughout a Jewish home. Inside is a scroll with verses from the Torah, including the Shema and V’ahavta. It is a meaningful way to bring Jewish tradition into everyday life.
If you’re moving into a new home or would like to add mezuzot to your home, our clergy would be glad to help – whether by coming to hang them with you, offering a blessing, or guiding you through how to do it yourself.
To get in touch, please contact Natalia at 847.835.4800 or ntapia@amshalom.com.
