With nearly 1,200 member households, our large congregation is warm, welcoming and very heimish (a Yiddish word for cozy).
Everyone is welcome at Am Shalom—individuals, couples and families, students and seniors and in between, native Chicagoans and transplants, widows and widowers, single parents and blended families, Cubs fans and Sox fans, interfaith families, LGBTQ Jews, and Jews of all hues! We even welcome people who like ketchup on their hot dogs.
Am Shalom provides a safe and beautiful place to explore your own beliefs, to discuss difficult theological questions, and to find spiritual uplift. However you seek God, however you seek Jewish enrichment in your life, we hope to help you find what you’re looking for.
For Am Shalom families, membership includes you, your spouse or partner, and your children under 26.
I’m interested in learning more
I’m ready to join now!
Membership Benefits
Here are some ways are members participate in synagogue life and connect with our clergy:
Pastoral Care & Life Cycles
High Holy Days Worship
As Rabbi Paul Kipnes writes,
“We live in a world that speaks of consumer values: ‘What do I get if I pay?’ Judaism is a people/religion/nation/culture/ethnicity/more that transcends that question, asking instead, ‘What will being part of a community do for our world, for all people, for our people, for our community?’”
Raising Jewish Children
Programs and Travel
Communication
Please contact Alyssa Latala, our Chief Experience Officer, to set up a time for a tour and/or to talk more about joining the congregation.
— Ruthie and David
“I belong because of the sense of community that exists at Am Shalom. It is a welcoming, safe and spiritual environment that offers broad programming to serve a diverse congregation.”
— David Bercu
Am Shalom speaks directly to my heart and my spirit. Nothing fills me up quite like a beautiful summer Shabbat service in the courtyard.
The inspiring music, the fresh air, the kind words and smiling faces of friends and community…pure JOY!
— Kellie Klein
“Am Shalom is special to us because it feels like a family that loves and cares for one another. ”
— Nettie Isenberg
“Am Shalom is my “Cheers” where everyone knows your name or is friendly enough to make you feel at home.”
— Zena Ronner
The community comes together has a lot of fun and makes a difference! Passing out the lunches and seeing first-hand how much these lunches matter that truly inspires me to do more!”
— Erica Feinberg
My highlight this year was all of our outdoor Shabbat services in the courtyard, and the new member Shabbat and food trucks event – it was so wonderful to be in such a green open environment ushering in each Shabbat, and to see so many new faces at the new member event makes me so proud!
— Suzie Wilhelmsen
Start a new Jewish journey with us!
Thank you for your interest in Am Shalom. This year’s Standard Membership Commitment is $3,650 per household, which encompasses all family members who live with you (including children under 26). We also ask that each household provide a $3,000 commitment to our Building Fund over 3-5 years (see further details below). If you’re able to give generously above and beyond the standard membership commitment, we invite you to join as a special donor.
Bonim (Builders)
$4,300
Gedolim (Guarantors)
$6,000
Parnassim (Sustainers)
$10,000
Chalutzim (Pioneers)
$18,000
Special donor contributions enable Am Shalom to provide high-quality learning opportunities, rich musical offerings, and enhanced security systems in addition to ensuring that everyone who wants to join the temple is able to do so, regardless of their financial ability.
We believe finances should never be a barrier to belonging. If you would like to have a confidential conversation about an adjusted membership rate, please contact Zoe Sherman at 847.835.4800 or zoes@amshalom.com.
I’m interested in learning more
I’m ready to join now!
Building Fund
Welcome! We’re thrilled you found your way here. If you’re exploring the possibility of coming by for a service or event, we encourage you to read on, then come and check us out in person! We love meeting new people and we’re happy to show you around.
GETTING HERE
There is a small parking lot on the north/Dundee side of the building, and there is plenty of street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Everyone is welcome at Am Shalom. Individuals, couples and families, students and seniors and in between, native Chicagoans and transplants, widows and widowers, single parents and blended families, Cubs fans and Sox fans, interfaith families, LGBTQ Jews, and Jews of all hues! We even welcome people who like ketchup on their hot dogs.
We think so! More than 20% of our families are interfaith families, and all are welcome to fully participate in everything that we do on and off the bimah (the raised platform in the sanctuary where services are led). Family members of another religious background participate to the fullest extent that they are comfortable.
ACCESS
Our main entrance is wheelchair accessible. If you’re coming by car, pull into our circle drive off of Vernon Avenue for the closest access. Our sanctuary has a wheelchair ramp for access to the bimah.
We offer assisted hearing devices for the hearing impaired. They are available near the sanctuary door; please inquire with the staff member stationed nearby.
We are pleased to livestream Shabbat services, High Holy Days services and other special events for those unable to attend in person. Livestreaming is available here.
Large print prayer books are available at the entrance to the sanctuary. Please inquire with our staff if you’d like a large print prayer book.
The library is open during services for anyone desiring a smaller or quieter environment.
We strive to make membership accessible to all who wish to participate. If the standard membership commitment is not doable for you, please reach out to Zoe Sherman, our Director of Financial Management, at 847.835.4800 x 204. Your conversation will be confidential.
Our Religious School meets on Sunday mornings throughout the school year. We also offer a once-a-month Pre-K class on Sunday mornings.
Hebrew School is offered in two modalities – online 1:1 and in person. Our in person program is on Wednesday afternoons.
Yes! Our Shabbat services and most holiday services are open to the community. Passes are required only for certain High Holy Days services.
Friday nights aren’t a fashion show, but many people choose to dress nicely for services. Come in jeans, or come dressed to the nines – however you’re comfortable, just come!
Our Saturday morning Torah Study Minyan is a more casual approach to prayer around the library table. There might be a little more Hebrew than Friday night, or a discussion about the prayers as we offer them. After a brief Shabbat morning prayer service, we spend about half an hour studying the Torah portion of the week. The conversation is always lively and enthusiastic, and no prior experience is necessary. Dress on Saturday mornings is casual, and there are bagels!
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL & HEBREW SCHOOL
Our Religious School meets on Sunday mornings throughout the school year. We also offer a once-a-month Pre-K class on Sunday mornings.
Hebrew School is offered in two modalities – online 1:1 and in person. Our in person program is on Wednesday afternoons.
Yes, we believe that our religious school is an integral part of the whole fabric of our community. We offer so many opportunities beyond the classroom for our families and students! The one exception to this is our Pre-K program, which is open to the community and a perfect Sunday morning drop-off program to get your little one ready for Religious School.
SIGN ME UP
Please click here to fill out a membership interest form, or reach out to Alyssa Latala, Chief Experience Officer, at 847.835.4800 or alatala@amshalom.com.
