Kehillah Connection   September 26, 2024         24 Elul 5784

School of Jewish Studies (SJS) Sundays 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. School of Jewish Studies (SJS) Wednesdays 4:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Reminder: No SJS on Wednesday, October 2: Erev Rosh Hashanah

2024-2025 SJS, Families w/Children & USY Calendar (revised 9-19-2024): Click here Please click here to be added to populating Google Calendar.

Invitation to Participate in Neilah Service:  Am Yisrael invites all Am Yisrael youth to join us on the bimah during the Neilah service near the end of Yom Kippur at North Shore Center for a blessing. As usual, this invitation extends to children who are too young to walk onto the bimah themselves.This year, we are inviting all Am Yisrael teens, from post-B’nai Mitzvah through high school, to join together on the bimah as Cantor Rosenblatt leads us in “Acheinu,” meaning “our siblings.”Please click here for a special message from Cantor Rosenblatt, which includes a recording of this beautiful song: Acheinu.  Here is a link to the lyrics in Hebrew, Translation and Transliteration.  Am Yisrael Chai!

Hi everyone, Please remember to bring $1 or more for Tzedakah every Sunday morning and every Wednesday afternoon. So far, we’ve collected a total of $129.59!Last year, our teens chose Pizza4Moms and United Hatzalah Israel as the organizations for our youth community to contribute our Tzedakah.  We will keep you posted on the choices our teens make for this school year.  Thank you in advance!

IMPORTANT: Those participating in Maot Chitim Family Volunteering Mitzvah Opportunity should read this information and meet at our assigned building in Chicago, instead of starting the morning in Northfield.  Please click here to access important details.

Rosh Hashanah Tot, Family & Teen Programming, Babysitting & Magician Show Day 1: Thursday, October 3 Tot Services – 9:15 a.m.-9:55 a.m. – Am Yisrael Sanctuary Tot Services are geared toward young children ages 0-4 years, their parents, grandparents and other family members. These intimate, interactive services feature storytelling, music in both English and Hebrew, and basic prayers. Tot services will be led by Mr. Charlie Sherman and Mr. E. Marc Nevins. Family Services – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Am Yisrael Sanctuary Family Services are geared toward school-aged children and their parents, grandparents and other family members.  Family Services are led by Mr. Charlie Sherman and Mr. E. Marc Nevins.  The services are highly participatory, with Hebrew and English chantings and readings, Torah reading, communal singing and the sounding of the shofar to fill the Sanctuary with the spirit of the High Holidays.  Babysitting and Magic Show – Following Family Services – AY Sanctuary We are very happy to be offering a snack, magician show led by Brian Holt and babysitting at the synagogue following Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Tot & Family Services for anyone who wishes to go to North Shore Center for the main service. In addition, we will have the main service live-streamed in the library for those who wish to watch the main service from Am Yisrael.  If you leaves your child(ren) at the synagogue building must give our babysitters your cell phone number(s) before you leave.  Teen Program  – immediately following Rabbi Newman Kamin’s Sermon at North Shore Center (Skokie) – Upstairs Conference Room The Teen program is geared toward 6th-12th Graders.  The Teen program will be led by Youth Director Sandra Mieli Kamm and the AMUSY Board.  Our Am Yisrael teens have an opportunity to reflect and engage with one another, focused on the themes of the High Holy Day season. Day 2: Friday, October 4 Family Services – 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – Am Yisrael Social Hall We are continuing the tradition that was started last to offer Family Services on the 2nd Day of Rosh Hashanah.  Mr. Sherman will be leading a Family Service on Friday, Oct 4th at 10:00 a.m. with a snack to follow.  It will be a meaningful, spiritual service with take away lessons related to the holiday season for all who attend.

Free Erev Simchat Torah Pizza Dinner – Sign Up Now! Join us for a celebratory pizza dinner for SJS, AMUSY & Day School families before Erev Simchat Torah services. Date: Wed October 23 Time: 6:15 p.m. for pizza, 6:45 p.m. for services Location: Am Yisrael Cost: Free … sign-up is required! Please RSVP at: https://www.amyisrael.org/events/sukkot-and-simchat-torah-5785/

Am Yisrael is excited to announce our second year with the Better Together Grant, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to join us! Here’s a breakdown of some fantastic volunteer opportunities: Adult Cohorts:Cohort #1: Meet with SJS students on Sunday mornings (10:00 AM – 10:40 AM) from September 22nd through November 17th (excluding October 13th). Cohort #2: Join our Intergenerational Choir on Sunday mornings (10:45 AM – 11:15 AM) and share your love of singing! Cohort #3: Become a 1:1 Hebrew tutor for SJS students on flexible Sunday mornings (11:15 AM – 11:55 AM). Cohort #4: Help transport students to SJS on Wednesday afternoons throughout the year. Pick-up is around 3:45 PM, with arrival at SJS by 4:15 PM. You may also have the opportunity to assist with 1:1 Hebrew tutoring on these days. Interested in joining?If any of these cohorts spark your interest, please reach out to Mr. Sherman by phone (847-708-1805) or email (csherman@amyisrael.org). We appreciate your willingness to contribute to our vibrant community!

Families with Young Children (0-4): Link School of Jewish Studies (SJS) Mission Statement, B’Yachad (Havurah) Program and Involvement of Jewish Day School Students: Link Curriculum Overview and Learning Times: Link Featured Family & Intergenerational Programs & Services: Link Family Shabbat Services: Link Audios & Texts for Tefillah Practice: Link AMUSY & CHUSY: Link

For over 60 years, USY has provided Jewish teens with transformative travel experiences, opening their eyes to new places, different ways of life, and some of the world’s most spectacular sights. Please click here for more information abut USY Summer Program 2025 and all things USY.

Please click here for information on Selichot Sunrise Services Please click here for Steak in the Sukkah Please click here for Sit in the Sukkah with Clergy Click click here to register for JUF October 7 Memorial Please click here for information on the Progressive Dinner Please click here for information on No Shame U Craft Group Invitation Calling those interested in learning more about the Craft Group! The Women’s Network of Am Yisrael meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the synagogue alcove. If you’re interested in joining, please text SJS Omanut (Art) Teacher Sheila Serota at 847-712-5532. We hope to see you there!

Please click here for the September/October JCFS Newsletter

PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old.  Many of you already receive PJ Library books for kids 12 and younger.  If you don’t, it will take less than 3 minutes to sign up for these free award winning books, here: https://pjlibrary.org/about-pj-library

!עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי Am Yisrael Chai!  Thank you for your partnership!  !שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם Shabbat Shalom!  Charlie Sherman, MAEd, CJE Head of School Am Yisrael Conservative Congregation 4 N. Happ Road Northfield, IL 60093 847-708-1805 (mobile) csherman@amyisrael.org https://www.AmYisrael.org  *Please note that I will not view and respond to emails on Mondays and over Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Thank you for your understanding.