Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation was founded by 100 families in July 2001 in Deerfield, Illinois. Most of our founding members had been involved with Humanistic Judaism for many years, but we soon found that our message appealed to new families who had never heard of Humanistic Judaism before. Our first few years saw us determine how we run, begin our Sunday School, and create our first High Holiday and Shabbat programs. That early spirit of volunteer leadership and ownership, of open governance and a “can-do congregation,” still animates our community.

One of the founders of the Humanistic Judaism movement, Rabbi Daniel Friedman led High Holiday services and life cycle events beginning in 2002 and assumed Rabbi Emeritus status in 2004.

In 2004, Kol Hadash hired Rabbi Adam Chalom as our full-time cultural and philosophic guide. Rabbi Chalom immediately used his energy, talents and good humor to move our congregation forward into our second stage. We completed our first Strategic Plan, expanded our High Holiday and Shabbat services for families and adults, began regular Adult Education programs, and improved our Sunday School and Hebrew programs with Rabbi Chalom’s active participation.

In May 2006, we opened our first permanent office in Lincolnshire, where we hold committee meetings and most Adult Education programs. Other recent innovations include Family Education, a congregational second-night Passover seder, and the rebirth of the North Shore Treasure Hunt. Kol Hadash is an affiliate of the Society for Humanistic Judaism.