News & Events :: Everything Going On
Welcome!
Established in 1880 by fourteen German and Czech families, Emanuel Congregation is a Reform Jewish Congregation of 400 families, dedicated to learning and celebrating our heritage through worship services, classes, and life-cycle events. Emanuel members value education with 200 students in our religious school and many opportunities for adult education. We offer a welcoming atmosphere, a diverse membership and a warm and caring community.
Shabbat in the Park!
Friday, June 28, 5:30 pm, at Millenium Park
For Shabbat the weekend of June 28th, Emanuel is excited to offer two ways to celebrate. In addition to services at 8 pm at the Synagogue, we will be hosting a casual gathering of Emanuelites at Millennium Park!
We will begin saving space at 5:30 p.m. The concert, which includes the Chicago Children’s Choir, begins at 6:30 p.m. so please join us when you can. Bring a blanket and/or chairs and dinner. Challah will be provided. We will be at the rear of the park on the left as you face the stage. We will have an Emanuel Congregation Shabbat in the Park sign so we will be easy to find.
Please RSVP to Lisa Niser lisa@niser.com or Emily Twarog Miller elbtwarog@gmail.com to ensure we save enough space for our group. Lisa and Emily are also available to answer any questions about the evening.
We look forward to seeing you at the Park or Emanuel for our regular service.
Share-Shabbat Dinner
E
njoy family-oriented services led by Cantor Michelle Drucker Friedman and Ruth Seidner. Listen and sing along with Emanuel’s own ‘Ham-it-Up’ Band! Savor a delicious dinner following family services. Every month, we have different volunteer chefs and groups cook for us.
For dinner we will also provide side dishes, juice, wine and challah. This month our chefs have requested that you please bring a DESSERT to share. Please note: Due to food allergies, side dishes and desserts should not contain nuts or peanut butter. Reservations are required.
You can now reserve online! Please click here to RSVP for our July Share Shabbat: http://tinyurl.com/JulyShareShabbat
or call the Emanuel office at 773-561-5173 by Wednesday, July 10, at 5:00pm. The cost is $7 per person if you bring a dessert for eight, $10 per person without a dessert to share. After 2 pm on Thursday and at the door on Friday, the cost is $15 a person with or without a dessert. Children under age four are always free, but tell us about them so we prepare enough food!
Parking will be available in the Emanuel lot and in the Thorndale “Thumb” (on Emanuel’s south side).
If you are interested in cooking for Share Shabbat, or want to put a group together to do so, please contact Susan Bertocchi at sfbertocchi@yahoo.com.
Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman Video: We Are The Stories We Tell
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a wonderful appearance by Rabbi Schaalman, who recently spoke to a group of Federation staff: www.juf.org/interactive/default.aspx?id=420656
New Biography of Rabbi Schaalman
Ktav Press has just published Emanuel member, Richard Damashek’s biography of Rabbi Schaalman:A Brand Plucked from the Fire: The Life of Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman.
The biography acknowledges his place in the development of twentieth century Reform Judaism. Born in Munich in 1916, he left Germany in 1935 to study at Hebrew Union College, Reform Judaism’s seminary in Cincinnati. Leaving behind the increasingly dangerous situation in Nazi Germany, he went on to become one of the most distinguished rabbis of his generation. Convinced that humankind’s future was related to the ability of people to accept and embrace “difference,” he has devoted his life to promoting interfaith understanding and dialogue. For this work, he has won numerous awards and achieved international recognition.
Ordained in 1941, he went on to serve as rabbi in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Eight years later, he moved to Chicago to take on the job of Midwest Regional Director for the Reform movement’s synagogue organization. A few years later, he became the senior rabbi of Emanuel Congregation. Through his work in educational, civic, and religious organizations, he became one of the most respected rabbis to serve Chicago’s Jewish community.
In the 1980s, he formed a warm friendship with Chicago’s Archbishop, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. So close was their friendship, that when Bernardin was on his deathbed, he asked Schaalman to participate in his funeral. It was the first time in history that a rabbi spoke at the funeral of a Cardinal.
Looking back over a lifetime of service, Schaalman, who is now ninety-seven, says his two most significant achievements are his work in establishing the first youth camp of the Reform movement, and his term as president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
Limited copies of A Brand Plucked from the Fire: The Life of Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman are located in the Emanuel office. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the book, for a suggested donation of $36.00, please contact the office at 773-561-5173, and we can place one aside for you.
Introduction to Judaism
Introduction to Judaism is a 17-week overview of Judaism, providing a more extensive opportunity to learn about Jewish history, traditions, holidays and life cycle ceremonies. Participants will gain comfort and familiarity with the symbols, liturgy, music, traditions and Hebrew blessings that accompany Jewish celebrations in the home and synagogue. Reform rabbis and cantors teach this in-depth course. Introduction to Judaism is designed for individuals and couples wishing to explore Judaism, as well as for those considering becoming Jewish. Partners in interfaith relationships are encouraged to enroll together.
Introduction to Judaism is cosponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism and the Chicago Associate of Reform Rabbis.
Fees: $250 per individual or couple for 17 weeks of classes. (Does NOT include textbooks – a list will be provided before class begins).
For more information on Reform Judaism in Chicago, contact Felicia Ross, Administrative Coordinator for Reform Jewish Chicago, at fross@urj.org or 847.721.2888.
Reform Judaism Blog
Check out RJ.org, the Reform Judaism blog! Browse the newly reconfigured RJ.org blog, and subscribe to feeds to stay current with all the “News and Views of Reform Jews” online! We guarantee you’ll learn something new. Try it!
