COVID-19 Response

TWO MINUTES OF TORAH

Here's Rabbi Steve's two minute take on the weekly Torah portion. Read more about Sh'lach L'cha.

MAZEL TOV...

...to Max Mendoza, child of Carrie and Myles Mendoza, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 20.

BACKPACK PROJECT 

For some parents, the need to purchase new school supplies for their children can pose a huge burden on already-stretched resources. This year, faced with additional economic hardships due to COVID-19, many of The ARK's clients are finding it all the more difficult to prepare for the coming school year.

You can make a difference! The ARK's Backpack Project provides children with backpacks and age-appropriate school supplies. Learn more and make a donation here.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 

Please keep an eye out for your membership renewal packet - they went out by mail earlier this week. You may renew online, or fill out and mail back the printed commitment form. We recognize that the pandemic has impacted our community in every way, and want to reiterate that no one will ever be denied membership because of an inability to meet the standard dues commitment. If your financial situation has changed, or if you would like to confirm a continued dues assistance plan for the coming year, please contact Zoe Sherman at 224.805.9400 or zoes@amshalom.com. Membership commitment forms are due by August 1.

MASK AND FOOD DRIVE

Thank you for continuing to drop off food for Lakeview Food Pantry - the need is as great as ever, and we are still collecting unopened, unexpired non-perishables. You'll also find a separate collection bin for masks, which will be delivered to our friends at Bethlehem Healing Temple. Donation bins can be found near the main temple entrance. 

MAZEL TOV!
BOARD INSTALLATION AND JIM GOODMAN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Mazel tov to the new Am Shalom Board of Trustees, and to our new Board President, Randi Brill. The new board was installed at our Shabbat service last Friday evening.  We also presented the Jim Goodman Volunteer of the Year Award to Zena Ronner, who has given countless hours as a member of the board, a library volunteer, a Glencoe Community Gardener, and so much more. Thank you, Zena!

WHAT'S JEWISH ABOUT BEING A GRANDPARENT (IN QUARANTINE)?

Save the date! All grandparents are invited to join us for Coffee with the Clergy on Sunday, June 28 at 11:00am. Grab a cup of coffee (or your Sunday morning beverage of choice), then ZOOM in to talk with our clergy about shared experiences - the good and the challenging - of grandparenting while in quarantine. https://zoom.us/j/81584341152

Coffee with the Clergy will be an ongoing summer conversation with different groups every Sunday. On Sunday, July 12, parents of children with special needs are invited to join us. Zoom details coming soon!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Here's an oldy but goody for all the dads out there.

VIRTUAL GATHERINGS 
For Youth information, please click here.

*Need help connecting to Am Shalom's Livestream or Zoom calls? 
Please contact Alyssa Latala at alatala@amshalom.com or 847.606.5168.

*Would you like a hard copy of Mishkan T'filah Prayer Book or Torah Commentary? Please fill out this form.

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. Click here for the weekly Torah portion. Our complete Zoom and livestream schedule, along with instructions for joining the gatherings, can be found here.

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. 

If this crisis has caused you economic hardship, and you'd like to talk about your Am Shalom membership commitment, please contact Zoe Sherman at zoes@amshalom.com or 224-805-9400.

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