AM Yisrael Conservative

Story

Founded in 1968 by Rabbi William Frankel, Am Yisrael is dedicated to being the liberal voice of the Conservative movement. This movement respects traditional Judaism but seeks to make the Jewish tradition relevant and meaningful in light of deepened intellectual, moral and spiritual awareness and understanding.

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 congregation in the Chicago metropolitan area that was headed by a woman, and, at that time, the largest Conservative congregation in the country to enjoy that privilege.

In the words of Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin,

“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.”

Rabbi Newman Kamin provides keen intellectual and spiritual guidance to the congregation and, of course, continues the tradition of counting men and women equally in all religious observances. Her openness to new ideas, enthusiasm, and warmth bring an array of exciting opportunities to the membership and create an atmosphere that is down-to-earth, friendly and welcoming.

Am Yisrael is committed to gender egalitarianism. Women are counted in a minyan, called to the Torah and take part in a number of bnot mitzvah ceremonies. The congregation also, from the start, accepts gay couples or singles as members.

Shabbat morning services, led by Rabbi Newman Kamin and Cantor Stuart Simon are noteworthy. Rabbi Newman Kamin presents an insightful dvar Torah on the weekly reading and then engages the congregation in a lively interactive discussion. Cantor Simon, a truly gifted vocalist and musician, has been leading prayers for more than twenty years. He is an exciting and compelling presence on the bimah.

Am Yisrael has always recognized that music is a most important component of worship. Music can stir the soul, intensify emotions and revivify centuries old prayers. Cantor Stuart Simon provides this vital musical component to worship, helping to lift prayers of praise, gratitude,

petition and penitence to God and singing
of the beauty and harmony of Creation. On the High Holidays, he is accompanied by an outstanding choir. Cantor Simon and the Shabbatones, our Friday Night Live Band, have provided a wonderful musical dimension to monthly Friday evening services, which enhances the worship experiences of participants. The stringed, wind and percussion instruments used by the Shabbatones reflect the use of these three genres of instruments in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Am Yisrael is fortunate to have Cantor Simon as part of its staff. In addition to his own involvement throughout the years as Cantor and as a highly skilled Torah reader, Cantor Simon is a teacher in our Religious School, and is recognized in the community as a popular song leader and an accomplished entertainer. He works with our Bnai Mitzvah students, providing them with outstanding training as well as a deeply meaningful experience.

Our Religious School is headed by Charlie Sherman. Mr. Sherman is extremely qualified, having received his Master's degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary.. He has ten years experience as a teacher and director of Jewish programming at the Rodeph Sholom School and served as Educational Director at Congregation Or Zarua, both in New York. Mr. Sherman’s most recent post was as Jewish Studies Principal at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School and he is a 2005 recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education as a teacher, mentor and leader. His gentle demeanor and vast Jewish knowledge are truly an asset to our children’s Religious School experience.

The Am Yisrael Religious School offers comprehensive Hebraic and Judaic instruction to students ranging from kindergarten through tenth grade. A highly qualified, vibrant teaching staff has been assembled to provide exceptional Jewish education opportunities. There is a wide range of social, educational and religious out-of-school programs and activities designed to create a strong bond between the students and the congregation, and deepen their appreciation of the wisdom and joy of Judaism. Technology plays an important role in our school. We video-conference with various communities in Israel, utilize a Smart Board, have iPads in the classrooms, and host our own Wiki intranet website.

For thirty years, our Religious School was led by Dr. Elliot Lefkovitz who currently serves as Education Consultant. In that role, Dr. Lefkovitz is integrally involved in our adult education programs and is an active participant in school programs. Dr. Lefkovitz’ many years of dedication to the congregation combined with his great passion for Jewish education makes him a vital part of our family.

Religious School classes meet in our recently constructed building, the Rabbi William and Toby Frankel Religious Education Center. This beautiful ten-classroom building is connected to our synagogue building via a glass-enclosed hallway that overlooks a charming brick courtyard where classes, services and other activities are often held.

In order to provide a social outlet, Am Yisrael has organized various havurot. A havurah is a group of congregation members who meet at one another’s homes, usually on a monthly basis. The meetings focus on Jewish themes and socializing. Events have included kosher wine tasting, an evening of Jewish humor, film screenings, book reviews and visits to museums and the theatre to name a few. The congregation has a vibrant Women’s Mitzvah Group that is involved in social action activities as well as helping the congregation in various ways. There is also a Men’s Emeritus Group that meets monthly for lunch and conversation.

The list of adult programming, Shabbat and festival services and observances is varied and innovative. Of special note is our Friday Night Live music provided by Cantor Simon and the Shabbatones, a band of musicians. Followed by dinner, this is one of our most popular events. In addition, each winter we have a Synaplex Shabbat. On that Shabbat, we host programs, speakers, special services and lots of food all day long culminating with Havdalah. Programs are offered for every age group and usually follow a theme. We encourage potential members to join us at Friday Night Live or Synaplex, or any of our programs and experience firsthand the spirit of Am Yisrael.