Long Grove's Temple Chai kicks off yearlong anniversary celebration

Posted August 02, 2022 11:00 pm

Submitted by Scott Goode, assistant director, Temple Chai

Temple Chai's 50th anniversary celebration kick off included birthday cake and a Shabbat Under the Stars event. Courtesy of Temple Chai

Temple Chai of Long Grove is proud to be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

On Friday, July 22, Temple Chai kicked off this momentous milestone with a special Shabbat Under the Stars service that featured the synagogue's band, the Chai and Mighty Players, who played top hits from the when the congregation was just forming in the 1970s.

Members of Temple Chai enjoyed a "Ravinia-style" picnic before services and came together in prayer and celebration during the evening.

Highlights from the kick off also included a special 50th birthday cake, 50th anniversary Temple swag, and the installation of the incoming 2022-2023 Temple Chai board.

Reflecting on the upcoming year, Rabbi Ilana G. Baden, senior rabbi at Temple Chai, said, "Whether it is for a person or for an institution, a 50th birthday celebration is an opportunity to take stock of where one has been, to reflect upon how far one has come, and to be intentional about planning where one wants to go from here."

Shabbat Under the Stars kicked off the year of celebrations, which will continue with exciting programming, including a congregational weekend retreat, a scholar-in-residence weekend and concert in April featuring Nefesh Mountain.

"Over the past 50 years, Temple Chai has grown to be the phenomenal congregation we all know and love due to the efforts of our past and present clergy and leadership, and the commitment, dedication and engagement of our members," said Jim Elliot, Temple Chai's president.

"I look forward to celebrating a full year's worth of special events with something for all ages and interests."

Temple Chai is excited to continue the celebrations into the 2022-2023 year. Contact the Temple office at (847) 537-1771 to learn more about membership and how to be part of this thriving congregation.

Balloons mark the beginning of Temple Chai's 50th anniversary celebration. The yearlong celebration began July 22 on the temple's lawn in Long Grove. Courtesy of Temple Chai

Cantor Simon and the Chai & Mighty Players Temple Band help celebrate the start of Temple Chai's 50th anniversary celebration on July 22 in Long Grove. Courtesy of Temple Chai

Temple Chai congregants enjoying the pre-service picnic and music on the lawn of the Long Grove temple. Courtesy of Temple Chai

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