Dear Am Yisrael SJS & Day School Families, Students, Madrichim, Teachers, and Staff,

As you may know, our synagogue offers the opportunity to participate in the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot by purchasing gift bags filled with Purim goodies. It’s always fun to receive these packages and notes from fellow congregants!  The first year our synagogue participated, Laura and I sent Mishloach Manot to Amelia’s classmates, and now we proudly send them to all of SJS, & Day School families.

This year, one of the synagogue’s goals is to achieve near 100% SJS & Day School family participation! You can send MishloachManot to your havurah, your child’s classmates, their current and/or past teachers and madrichim, choose specific individuals or groups, or even send to the entire congregation. The first basket is $18, and each subsequent basket is $5.

You should have received a personalized email with a link to participate. If you can’t find it, please contact Nancy Holab Nevins at nhnevins@amyisrael.org, and she’ll resend it.

The deadline to order is February 23rd, so please order soon! We hope you’ll join us in this community-building mitzvah.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Kol HaKavod,

Mr. Charlie Sherman

Purim Carnival Early Bird Pricing Registration through March 2 via this link https://forms.gle/y3nUpYku9gGHh9mm6 or QR code in flyer directly below.

!Megillah Madness!

This year we are looking for you, and your family members, to chant Megillat Esther! Our hope is to have as many people chanting on Purim as possible. It will be an extra special honor as we have a brand new Megillat Esther scroll as well! You can chant one verse, two, or more! We’d love to have you join us for this opportunity on Thursday evening, March 13th. Contact Cantor Rosenblatt and/or Charlie Sherman to participate.

Thank you in advance for supporting Maddy Simon’s Bat Mitzvah project, found directly below: 100% will go directly to the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund.  Please send Venmo to @Michelle-Simon-28. 

Thank you in advance for supporting Evan Bressler’s Bar Mitzvah passion project, found directly below.  Let’s aim to bring in a lot of art supplies.

Help us make a difference this February!

The Israeli Culture/Tikkun Olam chug is collecting plastic bags in ROOM 5 all month long to create plarn (plastic yarn) and weave sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness in the Chicagoland area.

Better Together Family Shabbat

Saturday, February 22 at 10:15 a.m.

Join us for Better Together Family Shabbat! This is a wonderful opportunity for families with children in grades K-12 (and younger siblings), along with other congregants, to connect and celebrate Jewish life through prayer and learning. We warmly invite you, your family, friends, and anyone looking for a family-friendly Shabbat service. The service will feature intergenerational Torah reading, followed by a Kiddush lunch. Please RSVP here [link] if you haven’t already. Family Shabbat is co-sponsored by our Better Together Grant. Please click here to RSVP by February 24th.

SJS Helps Lead Friday Evening Services

We are inviting all SJS families  K- 12th grade to come and help celebrate Shabbat on Friday, February 28th and/or March 7th. We will assign families English readings.  Services are begin at 6:00 p.m. and will end by 6:50 p.m.

 Please click here to RSVP by February 24th.

CHUSY & Ramah Go to…

The Volo Auto Museum and Jurassic Gardens

Open to 2nd-5th Grade

March 2nd, 1:15pm-4:45pm

Join Ramah and CHUSY at the Volo Auto Museum and Jurassic Gardens on March 2nd! Check out classic and iconic cars like the Batmobile, The Mystery Machine, and James Bond’s Aston Martin! Explore the Jurassic Gardens featuring over 45 life-like dinosaurs and play at the Dino-themed arcade. Engage in an Israel-Themed scavenger hunt as you explore the museum! Transportation provided from Congregation Beth Judea. Sign up at CHUSY.org/volo

To RSVP, please visit the JEA’s website.

If you are unable to attend you may donate directly to the JEA or to the SJS fund in honor of the recipients.

Please click here to access our curricular overview, class highlights, regular schedules & photo/video collection for 2024-2025 (revised 2-20-25)

Experience the Ultimate USY Convention in Chicago!

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend! From April 4-6, USYers from across North America are coming together in the Windy City for an incredible convention filled with friendship, fun, and inspiration.

Here’s what’s in store:

 Engaging programs and leadership workshops

 Meaningful Shabbat services and ruach-filled Havdalah

 Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones

 Delicious meals and memories that will last a lifetime

Whether you’re a seasoned USYer or it’s your first convention, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this amazing weekend!

Space is limited, so sign up now to secure your spot! Click here to register

Tzedakah Donations and Tikkun Olam Opportunities for 5785

Please remember to bring $1 or more for Tzedakah every Sunday morning and every Wednesday afternoon. So far, we’ve collected a total of $980.34!

Please click here to order a bracelet to support our Tzedakah initiatives and learn about how we can support Family Promise.

Please click on this link to order a bracelet to support the people of Israel. Thank you to the Gesher Leadership for their continued phenomenal work in supporting our beloved Jewish homeland.

[Link to order bracelet]

Plan Your Most Unforgettable Summer Yet with USY

Winter break may be behind us, but the excitement of planning your summer has just begun! USY Summer Programs offer extraordinary opportunities to explore, connect, and grow with other Jewish teens while experiencing adventure, culture, and service.

Please click here to learn more about USY’s programs and to register for a virtual informational session.

2024-2025 SJS, Families w/Children & USY Calendar (revised 1-20-25): Click here

Please click here to be added to populating Google Calendar.

Purim Carnival: Link

Families with Young Children (0-4): Torah Tots Program: Link

School of Jewish Studies (SJS) Mission Statement, B’Yachad (Havurah) Program and Involvement of Jewish Day School Students: Link

Featured Family & Intergenerational Programs & Services: Link

Family Shabbat Services: Link

Audios/Texts for Chanukah Blessings, Songs & Tefillah Practice: Link

Growing Spotify Playlist of SJS Musical Tefillah: Link

Please click here for information on Mishloach Manot Purim Gift Bags

Please click here for information on Howard Schickler’s new program

Please click here for information on a program by Cantor Emeritus Simon

Please click here for information on a program featuring Rena Magun

Please click here for Save The Date – Rabbi Newman Kamin’s 65th Birthday

Please click here for information on No Shame U