Elgin's Congregation Kneseth Israel to host open house Aug. 28
On Sunday, Aug. 28, Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St. in Elgin, is hosting a Torah School Open House from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
"Sunday is Rosh Hodesh Elul, the beginning of the Jewish month of preparation leading to the High Holy Days," said Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein. "This is a great way to check out our award-winning Torah School program, hear the sound of the shofar for the first time this season, share a bagel and schmooze with friends."
Congregation Kneseth Israel is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year with many special activities.
Heather Weiser, director of education, commented: "One of the things that makes our Torah School program for our school-aged students special is finding the relevance of Judaism today. Yes, we do study Hebrew and learn about holidays and Bible stories, and don't merely focus on them having their B'nai Mitvah in seventh or eighth grade. Last year, we were part of a national grant entitled 'Scientists in the Synagogue,' linking the exploration of science and Judaism."
"What really makes us shine is we are organic and dynamic," Weiser said. "We are able to be flexible and meet kids and their families where they are. We adapt to changing needs."
She also added: "The kids love to be here on Sunday mornings, while their parents enjoy hanging out in our social hall. Our Hebrew program incorporates individualized coaching where the students study one-on-one with an assigned educator, at a time that adapts to their busy schedules. This was initially part of a national pilot program and research has shown that the kids learn so much more this way and feel even more connected.
Sunday's program will feature the Music of the High Holy Days. Sara Sitzer from the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music on the Fox will play "Kol Nidrei" on the cello. Benyamin Herst will bring his talented guitar and songleading talents and there will be the opportunity to learn some of the traditional music of the High Holy Days.
"It is a great way to celebrate Rosh Hodesh Elul and begin to prepare - whatever age you are."
CKI gives people the opportunity to study, whether they are a young child just beginning to explore their Jewish heritage through "Blocks & Bagels," or a senior learning Hebrew for the first time or having the chance to ask hard questions and discover their own answers. They offer something for everyone.
Upcoming adult study topics include: Adult Hebrew; World Religions ahead of the Coalition of Elgin Religion Leaders' annual Thanksgiving service this year hosted by CKI; and God Concepts of Judaism.
"What drew me to CKI was the adult study and an open house just like this one years ago," said Myrna Rosenbaum, adult study committee chair. "What keeps me here is the community I found and the friends I have made."
"Community is about being connected," said Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein. "Especially coming out of the pandemic, when people want to see their friends again. They want to know that they matter. That their life has meaning. That's part of what we offer at CKI. We create opportunities to gather - and to learn - whether that is in-person or online, in our building, a neighborhood park or a coffee shop."
For more information, contact Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein, (847) 741-5656 or rabbi@ckielgin.org.