COVID-19 Response

TWO MINUTES OF TORAH

Here's Rabbi Steve's two minute take on this week's Torah portion. Read more about Vayak'heil-P'kudei.

MAZEL TOV...

...to Margo Lewis, child of Sara and Brian Lewis, on becoming a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 13.

...to Parker Gross, child of Katie and Jimmy Gross, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 13.

...to Joey Eisenberg, child of Barbra and Andy Eisenberg, on becoming a Bat Mitzvah on Thursday, March 18.

AM SHALOM PLAYERS RETURN!

We are "casting" yet another holiday production, just in time for Passover! Actors of all ages are needed for an abbreviated retelling of the Passover story. Each participant will receive a short script to record and submit. Sign up now!

MUSEUM SERIES: JEWS IN SPACE

From ancient astronomers to today’s space scientists and astronauts, Jewish people have been interested in “looking up.” Outer space has also inspired Jewish artists, writers, comedians, and thinkers, both religious and secular, to boldly imagine realms beyond our Earth. Join us as we travel to the Jewish Museum of Maryland on Thursday, March 18 at 12:00pm for this special exhibit. "Space" is limited; registration is required.

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.

JEWISH MUSIC HERITAGE LEARNING SERIES

The Jewish Music Heritage Learning Series endeavors to study the ever-evolving modes of worship and musical expression within the Jewish prayer experience. ZOOM in with our cantors and special guest/composer Rabbi Josh Warshawsky on Thursday, March 18 at 7:00pm to explore L'cha Dodi.

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 Monday, March 15 at 7:00pm. Register for the ZOOM link.

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