Temple Chai to install new senior rabbi

Temple Chai, the Reform Jewish congregation in Long Grove, will formally install and honor its new Senior Rabbi Ilana G. Baden with a weekend of engaging events.

The celebration begins at 7 p.m. Friday Nov. 30, with a Sabbath service, featuring wonderful music and guest clergy and other honored guests who will lead the worship and perform the installation ceremony for their dedicated friend and colleague, Rabbi Baden.

The celebration continues on Saturday night, Dec. 1, with a dinner and concert by the Chicago singing ensemble Listen Up! A Cappella, singing songs that celebrate Jewish life, Israel and Hanukkah. Then, on Sunday, Dec. 2, the congregation will hold a special Mitzvah Day in which members will volunteer at various social service organizations in honor of Rabbi Baden's installation.

A native of Libertyville, and a rabbi with nearly 20 years of experience, Baden continues the tradition of warm and confident rabbinical leadership at Temple Chai. She comes to Temple Chai after serving communities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Ann Arbor Michigan. She is the current president of the Chicago Association of Reform Rabbis, and is highly regarded throughout the Jewish community for her leadership, teaching acumen, pastoral care and work with people of all ages - from children to seniors.

"I am honored to be able to serve Temple Chai," Rabbi Baden remarked. "My family and I are looking forward to sharing this special weekend with this remarkable community."

Friday night services are open to the community. Tickets for Saturday night's event are available at https://templechai.brownpapertickets.com.

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