Temple Chai offers spring programs for young families
Temple Chai of Long Grove has several upcoming opportunities for families to experience Judaism with the congregation's clergy and staff this spring.
The synagogue is holding a public Tot Shabbat program Fridays, April 22 and May 20, as well as a hands-on Religious School Open House Sunday, April 24. Reservations are required in advance at bit.ly/2022TCOpenHouse.
Beginning June 3, Temple Chai is partnering with jBaby Chicago to offer a five week, in-person Zubmini class for caregivers and their kids ages 24 months and younger. Reserve your spot through jBaby Chicago at www.juf.org/jbabychicago/j_class.aspx?cid=645.
With a thriving pre-K through high school program that has adapted to meet the challenges of the pandemic, Temple Chai offers the premier religious school program in Chicago's Northwest suburbs. Depending on their ages, students meet in a combination of in-person and virtual settings weekly, learning about Jewish culture, holidays, life cycles, rituals and Hebrew language.
Temple Chai's Religious School, led by Director of Congregational Learning Laura Perpinyal, has seen tremendous success in the last few years. The school earned a prestigious accreditation from the Association of Reform Jewish Educators in 2018 under Perpinyal's leadership.
Temple Chai has also introduced many innovative programs to help the students learn and connect to Judaism, such as Hebrew Through Movement, a dynamic curriculum that teaches students how to "live" the Hebrew language.
"Hebrew Through Movement makes Hebrew learning fun and tangible. It teaches students to experience the language rather than just reading it," Perpinyal said.
Even beyond the school year, the Temple Chai students and families continue to connect to their faith, heritage, and community. This summer, 25 students from the congregation will be attending Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute, the Reform Jewish overnight camp in southern Wisconsin, and many more will be attending other Jewish camps in the region. Perpinyal will spend her 10th summer at Olin Sang Ruby as a faculty member.
"Immersive experiences are some of the most powerful and impactful learning experiences," Perpinyal said. "We get to live in Jewish time at camp in ways that most of us aren't able to throughout the year. Sharing these moments with our Temple Chai students and making memories that last a lifetime are unique to the special connections we have with OSRUI."
Temple Chai is excited to finish the school year on a strong note and continue the momentum into the 2022-2023 school year. Contact the Temple office at (847) 537-1771 to learn more about the upcoming Tot Shabbat and School Open House, as well as membership inquiries.