Chai Center offers broad array of programs

Although Temple Chai in Long Grove will undoubtedly be full at the start of the High Holy Days Monday, Rabbi Stephen Hart said he wants to see it that way on a more consistent basis.

That's why the temple is launching the new Chai Center on Monday that will feature year-round programs that seemingly have little to do with Judaism.

The listings for October, for example, promote yoga, weight loss and meditation. The programs all use facets of the religion that can be applied to healthy living for the mind and body.

"It's really an initiative to transform the meaning of what it means to belong to a congregation or a synagogue," Rabbi Stephen Hart said.

He said he and his wife Mendy envisioned the program as a way to connect to a synagogue beyond the "life cycle moments," such as a bar mitzvah.

"We're addressing the issue of Jewish spirituality and a connection of your day-to-day life to that Judaism," Hart said. "We're moving from something that's event oriented to a deeper understanding of what a synagogue is all about."

Hart said the launch of the program is connected to the High Holy Days because the Jewish New Year is a time for personal reflection. The 10 days start at sundown Monday with Rosh Hashana and end with Yom Kippur.

"So we're connecting this idea of renewing yourself," he said. "We're trying to enable people to see the synagogue in a new light."

Programs are free for the first three months to temple membes and cost $10 for non-members. A complete schedule of the Chai Center is available at templechai.org/chaicenter.

For more information, contact the temple, located at 1670 Checker Road in Long Grove, at (847) 537-1771.