COVID-19 Response

Dear Friends,

One of Am Shalom's core values is to engage our members in ways that build a sense of community. We do this through gathering together, especially in the face of uncertainty and crisis. Yet, there is no Jewish value more important than Pikuach Nefesh (to save a life). And so we have made the difficult decision to suspend almost all physical gathering and to nurture our connections only through virtual platforms.

We are writing with new information. These changes reflect our intent to “flatten the curve” and to be responsible for one another, our neighbors, and our fellow citizens. It is our goal, as our sages teach, to go lifnim m’shurat ha-din (beyond the requirements), and to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Our actions are based on social distancing, restricting gatherings where the virus may be shared. 

NEW PRACTICES:

-We will continue to livestream Shabbat services on FRIDAY evenings at 6:30pm on our website and our Facebook page. Additionally, we will gather for Oneg Shabbat on Friday evenings at 6:10pm via Zoom. Please grab a nosh, then join us in our Zoom Room to connect with the congregation. 

- We will livestream SATURDAY morning Shabbat services at 9:00am on our website and our Facebook page. Following the Saturday morning service, grab a bagel and then gather with us via Zoom at 10:00am for Torah Study Minyan. 

- "Almost Daily" Minyan will meet MONDAY through THURSDAY at 5:45pm via Zoom. 

- Rabbi Phyllis will lead our Current Events class on TUESDAY mornings at 10:00am via Zoom.

- Our complete Zoom and livestream schedule, along with instructions for joining the gatherings, can be found here.

- You can find a digital Mishkan T'filah prayer book here. It is also on our livestream page, along with a link to this week's yahrzeit list.

GETTING IN TOUCH:

We are here for you. You'll find the cell phone numbers for our staff below. We've also created a non-emergency contact form on our website, if you'd like to reach us that way. 

Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein - 847-630-6108 - stevenlow@amshalom.com
Rabbi Phyllis Sommer - 224-619-6807 - phylliss@amshalom.com
Rabbi Pam Mandel - 561-886-8186 - pmandel@amshalom.com
Cantor Andrea Rae Markowicz - 917-841-8385 - amarkowicz@amshalom.com
Cantor Julie Staple - 317-418-4644 - jstaple@amshalom.com
Laura Horn, Director of Operations - 847-772-8822 - laurah@amshalom.com
Alyssa Latala, Director of Engagement - 847-606-5168 - alatala@amshalom.com
Zoe Sherman, Director of Financial Management - 224-805-9400 - zoes@amshalom.com

We will be in touch as things continue to evolve, and with some new, creative ways for us to stay connected as we all do our best to stay safe and healthy. In the meantime, here's a song of healing and hope to begin the week.

HEAL US NOW (music & English lyrics by Leon Sher)
with Cantor Julie Staple, Soul Children of Chicago, & Music at Am Shalom
We pray for healing of the body
We pray for healing of the soul
For strength of flesh and mind and spirit
We pray to once again be whole.
El Na R’fana… Oh, please, heal us now

In good health,

Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein
Rabbi Phyllis Sommer
Rabbi Pam Mandel
Cantor Andrea Rae Markowicz
Cantor Julie Staple
Laura Horn, Alyssa Latala and Zoe Sherman, Executive Team