COVID-19 Response

TWO MINUTES OF TORAH

Here's Rabbi Steve's two minute take on this week's Torah portion. Read more about Ki Tisa.

MAZEL TOV...

...to David Lusardi, child of Emily and Matthew Lusardi, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 6.

...to Jake Gray, child of Aimee and James Gray, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 6.

...to Lily Evans, child of Jennifer and Matthew Evans, on becoming a Bat Mitzvah on Thursday, March 11.

MUSEUM SERIES - MANDELA: STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

We're re-visiting the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center for a docent-led virtual tour of their newest exhibition on Friday, March 5 at 12:00pm. Mandela: Struggle for Freedom traces the history of the fight against apartheid in South Africa, with Nelson Mandela as one of its central figures. With immersive environments, Mandela promotes human rights with a clear message: all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. ZOOM in here (Meeting ID: 847 1110 8623, Passcode: 020549).

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

Make new friends, or catch up with old ones, at Dinner with Friends! This group gathers after the Shabbat service for conversation and connection (and hopefully one day soon, for dinner together). Join us on Friday, March 5 at 8:00pm via ZOOM.

MUSIC MONDAYS WITH AM SHALOM

Start your week off on a high note! ZOOM in on Monday, March 8 at 12:30pm, for a lunchtime musical treat with Sean Harkness (guitar).

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS: DAVID AXELROD

We are thrilled to welcome David Axelrod, CNN Senior Political Commentator, and former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama, for the first installment of our new Courageous Conversations lecture series on Thursday, March 11 at 7:00pm. Join us for an up close and personal look at our national political scene, from Mr. Axelrod’s experience in the White House and on the campaign trail, to his thoughts on what’s to come in 2022 and beyond. Registration is required.

CALLING ALL CANASTA PLAYERS

We're putting together a group of Canasta players who would like to play online with fellow members of Am Shalom. We'll use an app called Canasta Junction to play, and we'll video chat during the games. If you're interested in playing, please contact Alyssa Latala for details.

TOGETHER AT HOME: CARING FOR OUR AGING PARENTS AND LOVED ONES

We are still in an era of physical distancing, visiting restrictions mean that staying socially connected and providing emotional support is very challenging. This group will provide you with an opportunity to share personal experiences, feelings, and coping strategies as they relate to taking care of yourself while also caring for parents and loved ones. Our next meeting, led by Cantor Julie Staple and Dawn Levin, Jewish Community Liaison, Jewish Child & Family Services, takes place on Sunday, March 14 at 12:00pm. Please register here.

CRAFTING FOR GROWN-UPS: SHIBORI DYE

Shibori is an ancient Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth and then binding it to create incredible patterns. Lisa Zaslavsky, founder of DIPPED and an Am Shalom member, will show us how to create Shibori dyed matzah covers for Passover on Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00pm. Each participant will make two covers. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required. All supplies will be provided, more info coming soon!

VIRTUAL GATHERINGS 

*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.

CREATE A JEWISH LEGACY

What’s your Jewish legacy? Learn more about Am Shalom’s endowment, and the many ways to support our beloved synagogue now and for generations to come. Through the Create a Jewish Legacy program, there are many ways to make a meaningful gift that will provide a steady and potentially growing stream of funding. For more information, please click here and/or contact: Zoe Sherman, Director of Financial Management - 224.805.9400, Randi Brill, Am Shalom President – randi@amshalom.com, or Steve Doblin, Chair, Create a Jewish Legacy Committee and Am Shalom President Elect – steved@amshalom.com.

SUPPORT AM SHALOM WHEN YOU SHOP ON AMAZON

Click here to support Am Shalom when you shop on Amazon. When you shop, always start at smile.amazon.com to make sure a portion of your purchase is donated to Am Shalom. There is no cost to you, and you can even shop Amazon Smile from the app (here are the instructions for that). These every day purchases can really add up - thank you!

GOOD & WELFARE NOTICES

If you would like to be notified via email when there is a death in the congregation, please contact Gia Master at giam@amshalom.com.

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