Or Shalom offers winter programming for all ages
Congregation Or Shalom in Vernon Hills offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages.
For those who want to further explore the prayers that are included in services and the connections they have to life today, Rabbi Ari Margolis will offer the "Journey of Prayer" Thursday mornings and evenings.
He will discuss the nature of prayer, its function and the narrative rabbis had in mind for participants while putting together a prayer service.
The classes, $18 for nonmembers, are offered from 10-11:15 a.m. or 7-8:15 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 11, March 17, April 7 and May 12. The first seminar was Jan. 7. To register, call (847) 362-1948.
For a way to introduce children and grandchildren to worship, meet other young families, and enjoy a story with the rabbi, as well as schmooze and nosh at the oneg, plan to attend the Young Children's Services Fridays, Jan. 20 and Feb. 19, starting at 6 p.m. Children are encouraged to attend, especially during their birthday month, and bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate to a child in need.
In cooperation with jBaby Chicago, Or Shalom will offer two classes for young children, starting with Tots & Tunes, a musical morning with songs and instruments from 10-11 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, and March 4.
In addition, a "Baby Boogie" class, best for children ages 3-12 months, is a musical morning of songs and instruments from 11:15 a.m. to noon Fridays, Jan. 29, Feb. 12, 19 and 26, and March 4.
Snacks will be included and children in these classes will take home a mini challah each week. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver, and the fee for each of these classes is $50 for the six-week session (add an additional $25 per sibling). For more information, contact Nancy at (847) 362-1948.
The Job Search Networking Group resumes its meetings, starting with "Evaluating the State of the Job Market and Using Social Media to Rev up Your Job Search," from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27. Speakers will be Howard Schwedel and Michael Yublosky.
On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the topic will be, "Frustrated with the Job Search? Consider Starting Your Own Business and Learn How to Do It." Subsequent sessions will cover "How to Get a Job Before You Graduate from College" March 30 and "Take Control of Your Job Search: How to Build and Maximize your Network" April 27. This last session will include one-on-one skill building.
The group is open to anyone who is under- or unemployed. Topic and speaker suggestions are always welcome. Reservations are requested; contact jobnetwork@orshalomlc.org.
Anyone with a desire for an intimate, challenging journey of self-discovery and growth is invited to attend "Discovering Mussar: It's Not All About Me or You - It's About Us and How We Treat Each Other" with Rabbi Nina Mizrahi.
Mussar is a tradition through which practices such as study, chanting, meditation and journaling and is detailed in the book "Everyday Holiness" by Alan Morinis, founder of the Mussar Institute. Two videos can be found at www.letitripple.org: "The Science of Character" and "The Making of a Mensch" from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 18, March 10, April 14 and May 19. The fee for nonmembers is $65.
For those who like to do things to help others, join the fun and make quilts for adults and children. No quilting or sewing experience is necessary, but is helpful. The fee is $68 for nonmembers. Sessions are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 11, Feb. 22, March 7, April 11 and May 2.
For those interested in current events, bring any topic or article to the Current Events group in the Or Shalom Library at 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 3 and April 13. These discussions are free.
Or Shalom's 55+ Social Club will host a discussion of the book "Remembering Chicago's Jews" by Jim Finn at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. The book is a comprehensive reference work that details the lives of Chicago's well-known Jews, their contributions to Chicago's early history and the ways prominent Jews shaped the course of the city's first century, chronicling the years from 1832 to 1920.
Each person's life is documented with a chronological narrative that includes the sources used to reconstruct the major events in their lives. Signed copies will be available for purchase during the evening. The group is open to both temple and non-temple members; dues are $18 for the year. For more information, contact Bill at 55plus@orshalomlc.org.
Learn about "Jewish Magic" with Rabbi Amit Adler from 7:15-8:45 p.m. Tuesdays, April 5, 12 and 19. In this three-part class, the fundamental texts of Tanakh, Talmud and Kabbalah that deal with magic will be examined, as well as items and texts discovered at archaeological digs.
Also, examine how Jews have consistently used and embraced various kinds of magic throughout history and discover a strange, surprising side of Jewish tradition often overlooked or unknown today. The fee for nonmembers is $50 for the three sessions.
Located at 21 Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills, Congregation Or Shalom's mission is to meet the diverse spiritual, educational and cultural needs of its congregants and the local Jewish community and welcomes interfaith families in all facets of temple life.