Youth, Junior Choir & School of Jewish Rock Shabbat

Temple Jeremiah honored the members of Junior Choir, School of Jewish Rock and the entire Youth Department and their families at this special Shabbat dinner and Family Shabbat Service led by our young people.

  Erev Shabbat Service & Dedication of New Prayer Book

The temple dedicated its new prayerbook, Mishkan Tefilah, at this special worship program.

  Family Shabbat Service & New Drivers' Blessing

The temple invited new drivers - those with either a driver's permit or a driver's license - and their families to receive a special blessing on this milestone in their lives, accompanied by the travelers' prayer, T'filat Ha-Derech. In addition, a gift was presented in honor of the occasion.

  Erev Shabbat Service and Sermon in Song: "HaTikvah"

Our Adult Choir, under the direction of David Lornson and Cantor Zussman, presented a sermon in song on Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, in honor Israel's 60th birthday. Literally meaning "The Hope," HaTikvah speaks of the Jewish people's undying hope over 2000 years of exile for a land of their own.

  Shabbat Across America

Temple Jeremiah joined 750 other synagogues across the country for a special service, filled with the sharing of traditions and an exploration of Kavannah, the spiritual intent of our prayers. Our program included a catered dinner accompanied by lively table discussions, a worship service and the illustration of Shabbat rituals, such as lighting the candles, followed by a delicious Oneg Shabbat.

  Purim Disney Style

Congregants enjoyed a fun-filled day beginning with the temple's 5th Annual Shushan Shuffle. Proceeds benefited SHALVA, a Jewish agency aimed at preventing domestic violence. Following the Shushan Shuffle, our talented troupe of temple staff and board members presented their own rendition of the Purim story, complete with greggers and a retelling of the Megillah.

Then children and adults alike joined Mickey Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Sleeping Beauty and even Haman for an afternoon of fun and games at our Purim Carnival. We sang Karaoke, bounced on the moonwalk, played games, won prizes and enjoyed lunch and treats.

  Adult Purim Study

Congregants took a closer look at the holiday of Purim as they examined the temple's own scroll of Esther and listened to the distinctive melody as the story of Queen Esther, Mordecai, Haman and King Ahashuerus was chanted.

  African-American & Jewish Shabbat

We shared dinner and worship around the theme of "Expanding Our Knowledge of Each Other's Worship" held in collaboration with Leaders United, the Anti-Defamation League and Chicago Urban League. Our keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Leon Finney, founder and pastor of the Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church and a leader in urban revitalization.

  A Sabbath for Recovery

There is a pervasive myth that alcoholics and addicts are never Jewish. The truth is that chemical dependency is an equal opportunity disease. Denial in the Jewish community about this disease contributes to the shame, guilt and isolation of its victims. If chemical dependency is an issue for your family or friends, powerful unspoken rules may keep you from acknowledging that there is a problem.

In that spirit, Temple Jeremiah and the Jewish Healing Network hosted a Shabbat service to learn more about addiction from a Jewish man in recovery. Alan G's story was designed to help others understand the disease of addiction in a new way. Information was available about Jewish and non-Jewish resources to help people dealing with addiction and their family members. 

  Shavuot Celebration

To celebrate Shavuot, marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, Temple Jeremiah annually hosts a light dairy dinner followed by Tikkun (study). On Erev Shavuot June 8, we viewed and discussed the movie, "Leap of Faith," as a starting point to explore the themes of the Festival of Shavuot. These include revelation, faith, miracles and the power of people to change their lives and the lives of others by encountering God's presence in unexpected ways.

Temple Jeremiah also hosted a morning Shavuot Service on June 9 including Yizkor.