If your family has ever been part of the Am Shalom JCC Early Childhood community, you know there is something special about this place, the friendships, familiar faces, Jewish traditions, laughter, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than us. Everything you loved about Am Shalom is still here.
My name is Lisa Spewak, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Director at Am Shalom JCC. I recently joined Am Shalom from our Jacob Duman JCC in Lake Zurich, where I served as the Director for 7 years. As a Highland Park resident, I was especially excited about the opportunity to lead a program in my own community and to build on the wonderful partnership between Am Shalom and the Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago.
One of the things that drew me to this opportunity was the chance to deepen the Jewish values, traditions, and experiences woven throughout our early childhood program while creating a place where children and families feel a true sense of belonging.
As I stepped into this role, I have spent a lot of time listening to current families, educators, and, importantly, to feedback from families who have been part of Am Shalom in the past. One theme came through clearly: families want a strong, connected, close-knit community. I couldn’t agree more.
I’ve already begun working with current parents to imagine new ways for families to connect, build friendships, celebrate together, and create the kind of community where everyone feels they belong. And we’re having fun along the way!
Our recent Pizza in the Hut celebration for Sukkot brought together current families, former Am Shalom families, and even some of our retired teachers. There was plenty of pizza, lots of laughter, and the joy of reconnecting with people who have shared a meaningful part of this community. It was a beautiful reminder that the Am Shalom family has roots that run deep.
We would love to welcome you. Whether you are looking for a Jewish early childhood experience for a younger child, considering preschool for the future, or simply want to reconnect with a community that was once an important part of your family’s life, there is a place for you here. We will be opening enrollment for the 27/28 School year on October 29, 2026.
We are planning a special Mix and Mingle evening at Hometown on October 27th at 7:30 p.m., where families can gather, create beautiful flower arrangements, enjoy one another’s company, and get to know some new faces. Most importantly, it will be an opportunity for me to meet more of the wonderful families who have helped make Am Shalom what it is today.
The Am Shalom you remember is still here with the relationships, Jewish traditions, and sense of community that have always made it special. At the same time, there is new energy, new ideas, and a renewed commitment to creating the connected community families are asking for. We would love to see you again.
