Parasha I Worship Services I Rabbi Bob's Writings I Rabbi Cosnowsky's Writings

Message from Rabbi Bob

Yesterday Gilad came home. On June 25, 2006 Palestinians kidnapped Gildad Shallit from Israel in a cross-border raid from Gaza. Hamas has held Gilad hostage since that time, nearly 2,000 days. Read more here.

Simchat Torah- TONIGHT Wednesday, October 19th

The conclusion and renewal of the annual Torah reading cycle will be celebrated at services on Wednesday,October 19th at 7:00 PM. The service will include the traditional Hafakot with Torah scrolls, accompanied by singing, dancing and waving flags. Read more here.

High Holiday Sermons 

Read Rabbi Bob's Kol Nidre sermon here. Read Rabbi Cosnowsky's Yom Kippur sermon here. 

Adult & Family Activities

Brotherhood I Sisterhood I Adult Ed I Seniors I Social Action 

Artist In Residence- November 4 & 5, 2011

Join Us Saturday, November 5th at 7:30 PM for Congregation Etz Chaim's Artist in Residence Program Concert featuring Vocolot in its Chicagoland debut. Read more here.

PADS Adopt-An-Apartment

Adult Education Presents- Three Synagogues - One Special Program 

On Sunday, November 20th, at 2:00 PM, Congregation Etz Chaim of Du Page County  will host two experts on Middle East affairs, speaking on the topic "Israel and Her Neighbors: Opportunities and Challenges." The program will be held at 1710 S. Highland Avenue, Lombard. There is no charge for admission. Read more here.

Congregation Etz Chaim Blood Drive

The fall blood drive, sponsored by the Social Action Committee, will be held on Sunday, October 30th from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM in the Stoller-Soreff Social Hall. Read more here.

School & Youth Activities

Religious School I Homework I Youth Groups 

Message from Our Educator

I went to hear Dr. Wendy Mogel last night and was inspired by her words. Judaism is a very important part of her life and her work. In speaking to a mostly non Jewish crowd she spoke of the importance of Jewish values in child rearing. Read more here.

 

Shabbat Chaverim

Our next "Shabbat Chaverim" will be Friday morning, October 28th at 10:00 AM. This program is for young children and a parent/guardian. Read more here. 

Tot Shabbat Plus

Enroll Your Child in SKIP Now

The SEND-A-KID-TO-ISRAEL PARTNERSHIP (SKIP) program is a special savings plan that helps Chicago-area youngsters 3rd -9th grade visit Israel as an integral part of their Jewish education. Enrollment packets were mailed out the middle of September. Please contact Rachel Wood if you have not received your packet. Read more here.

Enrollment packets need to be received no later than November 15, 2011.

Opportunities for High School Students

SYG has been changed to reflect the fact that high school students face a number of time pressures that conflict with leading a student-run organization like SYG. In response to these conflicting notions opportunities have been created for socializing, as well as a few social action projects throughout the year. Read more here.

Congregational Life

Congratulations I Condolences I Kaddish List I Donations

Adult Israel Israel- March 2012 

Rabbi Bob will lead and adult trip in March 2012. The guide for our trip will be Guy Leibovitz, who led our Youth Israel Trip this past December. We will be working with Omega Travels and Tours of The Woodlands, Texas who specialize in Israel travel.

Family Israel Trip- June 2012

A family trip has been planned for families to travel together to Israel. This twelve day trip will be an adventure of a lifetime for those that participate. We will see the country from the Golan Heights down to the Negev. Each day will be packed with fun activities that will be enjoyed by all. We will ride camels, go for jeep rides, repel in the Ramon Crater, float in the Dead Sea, climb Masada at sunrise and many other exciting activities.

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Stein.

JUF J-Help Discretionary Funds 

Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is providing additional funds to rabbis to assist community members in need. Read more here.

Did You Know...

Manna

The next Manna is November 13th. The Manna Gift Card program provides an easy, no cost way to raise funds for our congregation while receiving 100% value for every dollar you spend. Find out more about Manna or click here for an order form. 

Indiana University's Jewish Studies is now accepting aplications for scholarships for incoming freshmen for 2012-2013 - up to $20,000 - $5,000 for 4 years. Read more here.