Am Shalom Member Spotlight: Carrie Rose and Family
by Ron Krit
When Carrie Rose’s Bernese Mountain Dog, Maverick, escaped from the family’s fenced-in yard on a windy evening, she had no idea how far he’d wandered.
Maverick had made his way down busy Dundee Road, heading toward Am Shalom. Fortunately, Kevin, a member of Am Shalom’s security team, spotted him while driving home from work. Rather than continue on his way, Kevin stopped, secured Maverick, checked his collar, and drove him home.
“I firmly believe that Kevin saved his life,” Carrie shared. “He didn’t need to stop. He had a long day at Am Shalom, and he was on his way home, but he went the extra mile.”
The best part? When Maverick recognized his yard, he apparently tried to sneak back in as though nothing had happened.
For Carrie, Kevin’s actions were more than a good deed. They were a mitzvah and a reflection of the caring community her family has found at Am Shalom.
Finding a Community at Am Shalom
Carrie and her husband, Seth, live in Glencoe with their four children and four dogs. When their children were young, they were looking for a synagogue where their family would feel welcome and their kids would enjoy learning about Judaism.
“We wanted somewhere where the kids would look forward to going to Sunday School, and they could be with their friends in a warm, caring environment that would inspire a love of Judaism,” Carrie explained.
Am Shalom delivered.
Their two sons celebrated their b’nai mitzvah at Am Shalom, their daughter Caroline is preparing for hers, and their youngest daughter is attending Religious School.
Carrie’s connection to Am Shalom extends well beyond her family’s Jewish education. It’s also become a place where friendships turn into opportunities to make a difference.
Turning Community into Action
A few years ago, Carrie read about the challenges facing public safety departments, including staffing shortages, low morale, and the increasing demands placed on officers.
Rather than simply acknowledge the problem, she decided to do something about it.
After conversations with Glencoe’s village manager and other concerned residents, Carrie helped establish the Glencoe Public Safety Foundation, a volunteer-run nonprofit that raises funds for equipment, training, and resources not covered by the village budget.
And here’s where Am Shalom’s community comes full circle: Every member of the foundation’s board is also a member of Am Shalom.
“It wasn’t on purpose,” Carrie laughed. “It just kind of happened like that.”
The foundation has helped purchase upgraded ballistic shields, provided mental health training for officers, and supplied emergency medical equipment, including specialized Israeli bandages, used to stop severe bleeding. One of those bandages was recently used by a Glencoe officer, providing important trauma support before EMS could get there.
Am Shalom has been a supporter of the foundation’s work. Rabbi Steve has helped foster the relationship through financial support and an annual lunch recognizing Glencoe’s public safety officers.
For Carrie, that partnership is especially meaningful. It strengthens relationships between the congregation and the people who help keep the community safe.
“It makes me feel safer taking my family to the holidays, knowing that you have officers there that really truly care about the residents of Glencoe because they know the residents of Glencoe care about them.”
It’s a powerful reminder that community is a two-way street. When we support those around us, we create a stronger, safer, and more connected place for everyone.
A Mitzvah on Dundee Road
Which brings us back to Maverick.
Kevin had no idea that the dog he rescued belonged to an Am Shalom family. He simply saw an animal in danger and chose to help. Carrie was so touched that she contacted Rabbi Steve to share what happened and made a donation to Am Shalom in Kevin’s honor.
“I think it shows how Am Shalom fosters a community of good deeds, in words and in actions,” Carrie reflected.
She recalled a Torah portion her son had studied about the importance of not being indifferent to others. “That was Kevin showing that he wasn’t indifferent. He was going to do that little extra something to make the world a better place.”
For Carrie and her family, Am Shalom is more than a place to worship or celebrate milestones. It’s a community of people who care for one another, support causes that matter and show up when someone needs help. Sometimes that means coming together to support the safety of an entire community. And sometimes it means stopping on Dundee Road to bring a beloved dog home.
That’s the warmth, kindness, and community of Am Shalom.
