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Hello and welcome to Am Yisrael!
We want to take a few minutes to tell you a little about our community, and invite you to explore our website to learn more.
Founded in 1968 by Rabbi William Frankel, Am Yisrael is dedicated to being the liberal voice of the Conservative movement. When Rabbi Frankel retired in 1994, the congregation chose Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin, who was serving as Associate Rabbi, as the new rabbi. Am Yisrael was the first Conservative congregation in the Chicago metropolitan area to be headed by a woman, and, at that time, the largest Conservative congregation in the country to have that privilege.
What makes Am Yisrael different? You need only come into our building to see. Both our founding and current Rabbi have been true visionaries. Rabbi Frankel created a congregation in 1968 that resonates with values and ideals that are relevant today. Rabbi Newman Kamin has added her own stamp to his vision, making Am Yisrael uniquely her own.
In Rabbi Newman Kamin’s words, “I would describe us as progressive traditionalists. We are committed to the Jewish tradition and are affiliated with the Conservative movement, but we follow the Israeli calendar. We have adopted the triennial approach to Torah reading, and we use musical instruments in our prayer services. Our services are focused and run for a reasonable length of time…All this enhances the beauty and attractiveness of our services and synagogue life in general.”
At Am Yisrael you will find
- A down-to-earth, unassuming atmosphere that attracts members with those same values.
- An intimate, warm sanctuary in which to pray and learn.
- Clergy and staff who are accessible, easy to talk to and willing to do whatever it takes.
- Unique and stimulating programming which includes Friday Night Live Services (featuring an in-house band that plays the liturgy), Synaplex (a day long celebration of Shabbat which has included programs with Aaron Freeman, Steve Dolinsky, Ron Huberman, the Lego Lady, Rope Warrior and Scales and Tales Traveling Zoo), provocative political programs as well as fun social activities (Steaks, Scotch and Monday Night Football in the Sukkah).
- An outstanding Religious School, headed by Charlie Sherman, that provides the best possible religious education for your children, and includes cutting edge technology, such as Smart Boards, iPads and a Wiki site.
- A strong commitment to Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) and to Israel.
We hope you’ll explore our website and contact the staff directly if you have questions or want to learn more. We encourage you to attend any of our programs that interest you, or just stop in our building to say hello and get to know us.
B’shalom.
