Temple Chai honors interfaith families April 17

All interfaith families in the area are invited to Temple Chai's annual Shabbat service honoring interfaith families on Friday, April 17. The service begins at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Chai, a Reform Jewish congregation in Long Grove. During the service, Senior Rabbi Stephen Hart, Associate Rabbi Barry Cohen and Cantor Scott Simon will bless all interfaith families.

The service will be preceded at 5:45 p.m. by an informal Oneg or social gathering to integrate temple members and guests alike into a welcoming community before beginning to worship. A casual desert reception concludes the evening. A featured speaker at the service will be Jane Eccleston who recently converted to Judaism. She will explain why she chose Judaism and joined Temple Chai.

"Being Jewish has given me countless moment of joy." said Eccleston. "I've heard my daughter sing the Shabbat blessings. Judaism has also provided quiet times for reflection when I've watched a memorial Yahrzeit candle burn for my mother."

Eccleston said that Judaism has helped her to accept her faults and to laugh at herself.

"I've also learned that life isn't about having answers. It's about asking the right questions and celebrating each day," she said.

Eccleston visited many congregations on her road to conversion. She chose Temple Chai because the temple clergy and lay leaders by their words and actions show that they value all members equally, including converts.

"The temple is an inclusive community. I have always felt at home at Temple chai," she said.

Ecclestion appreciates that the temple blends tradition with innovation and that many temple events are designed for interfaith families. She and her family found "The December Dialogue" and the B'nei Mitzvah sessions for interfaith families particularly helpful. These programs addressed the challenges that confront interfaith families and fostered candid interchanges among families and program moderators.

"My husband and I have been impressed with Temple Chai's Life Long Learning classes," said Eccleston. "The temple prioritizes not only inclusiveness, but also education. There is something for everyone, adults and children of all ages."

Eccleston has enrolled her daughter in Temple Chai's preschool Sunday class, and she frequently attends the temple's Sunday school for Grownups. She is learning Hebrew at the temple's first year Hebrew class and plans to eventually enjoy her Bat Mitzvah.

"I'm part of a two religion home and Temple Chai has embraced my interfaith family."