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When I was young, my parents would sometimes take me to Shabbat services at The Birmingham Temple, the founding congregation of Humanistic Judaism. They sometimes received sideways glances from older members, worried that I would make too much noise or complain or otherwise disturb their Shabbat experience or the rabbi's sermon. I was always a good listener and could sit still, so it was never a problem. However, I did hear of an episode when a young attendee was making noise, and Rabbi Sherwin Wine interrupted the Shabbat service to declare, "A child is in distress!"
I mention this because Shabbat services at Kol Hadash are open to anyone. We do have family-focused services for the High Holidays and our Sunday School classes which are aimed at children and their parents. Our "adult" High Holiday services and most Shabbat services are designed for more mature audiences, with more complex readings and ideas, and running longer and later into the evening. But everyone is welcome to attend, and not only virtually!
The tricky part is the spectrum between good listeners and "a child is in distress!" If a parent is confident their child can either pay attention or sit quietly with their own book, great! Parents should also consider whether their child will enjoy (or resent!) the experience, and the balance of building community memories with relevance and accessibility. Our older members should also be welcoming of families attending, giving them the benefit of the doubt and striving to bridge the gap between our school families and our older members.
Many of our long-term members began their connection with Kol Hadash and Humanistic Judaism as Sunday School parents, and they stayed because they became connected with what we offer for adult learning, celebration, and community. Keeping those doors open means welcoming all for Shabbat, and making possible Shabbat for all.
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in-person only
all are welcome
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The culmination of our youth education program is a celebration called Confirmation. Students who have studied with us for many years share their beliefs and values, and we are always impressed and moved by their insight, thoughtfulness, and commitment.
Tonight's oneg is hosted by the families of our Confirmation students.
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Steering Committee Meeting
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Thursday, May 8, 7:30pm - on Zoom
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You are always invited to attend Steering Committee meetings. There is no commitment to join the committee or attend future meetings. Curious? Contact Steering Committee Chair, Laurie Schiller scchair@KolHadash.com.
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Don’t Miss Kol Hadash’s Most Fun Social Event of the Summer!
Reprising their sold-out 2017 performance, the marvelous Maxwell Street Klezmer Band returns, Sunday, June 22, at 7pm, at the North Shore Unitarian Church. Come enjoy the music, sing along, dance, nosh on delicious desserts from award-winning Pear Tree catering, and experience the connection only music can create. The performance will feature singer, actress, and recording artist Lisa Fishman, fresh from a stint in the Off-Broadway hit, “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish!
Follow this link to register!
Music has always been at the center of our Kol Hadash community. We sing with our new voice, Kol Hadash! The sanctuary will be filled with music, laughter, and joy. This is a great event to share with your friends and family.
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Do you need a babysitter? We can connect you with several of our KH member teens and young adults (and, they are current and former Sunday School Class Aides). Please contact youthed@KolHadash.com for a list.
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Cheers and MANY THANKS to all the AMAZING students and parents who helped to make this school year one to remember! Curious about our Sunday School - take a minute to learn all about how we do Sunday School differently at Kol Hadash. Visit us on Instagram to see more pictures from the last day of Sunday School. Happy Summer - see you this fall! <3
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Ron Schwartz has advanced kidney disease, and needs a kidney transplant. Learn more here.
Do you have news? We'd love to share it. Engagements, Weddings, Babies, B Mitzvahs, Anniversaries, Graduations, Awards, Nominations, Appointments, Honors, Achievements. Email Jeremy in the office at info@KolHadash.com with YOUR news.
Honor a mitzvah, wedding, a yartzheit, passing, or other special event with a donation. Celebrate a friend or loved one or wish them well in a time of difficulty by making a donation in their honor.
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Thank you to Theo Agres, Jonah Chalom, Karen Jackson, Lily Jackson, Abbie Kopelman, Asa Levine, Noah Levine, Talia Portnoy, Karlyn Rosenstiel, Gabe Shaffer, and Victoria Stamova for their help with setup and cleanup at Taste of Kol Hadash! And, a special shout-out to Ben and Meida Tolsky for their extra time and attention!
We are grateful to our member volunteers for making and sharing a meaningful family recipe with our Kol Hadash community! Our 2025 Taste of Kol Hadash chefs are: Janet Century, Rabbi Adam Chalom, Karen Jackson, Abbie Kopelman, Mitch Kranitz, Noah Levine, Victoria, Julia, and Harlow Ratnaswamy, Karyn Rosenstiel, Jenny Ross, Elyse Shaffer, Cooper Solomon, and Meida and Ben Tolsky!
A big thank you to Janet Century, Rabbi Adam Chalom, Howard and Cheryl Diamond, Karen Jackson, and Chad and Asher Solomon for all their help cleaning up after our 4th/5th and 6th/7th Grade Class Shabbat Family Dinners!
We appreciate all the help from Simon Apley, Janet Century, Karen Jackson, Lily Jackson, Rich Kleinman, Molly Rosen Kleinman, Abbie Kopelman. Asa Levine, Renee and Noah Levine, Ryan Murphy, Abby Sayegh, Gabe Shaffer, Karlyn Rosenstiel and Chad Solomon, Victoria Stamova, and Meida and Ben Tolsky with setup and cleanup and managing activities during our Purim Family Celebration!
Many thanks to Howard and Cheryl Diamond, Karen Jackson, Clark and Abbie Kopelman, Sam and Katie Milgrom, Ryan Murphy, Chad, Asher, and Cooper Solomon, and, Victoria Stamova for their help setting up (so many components!) and for cleaning up after our Sunday School Passover Family Seder. And, a special shout-out to Ben and Meida Tolsky and Rabbi Adam Chalom for their extra time and attention!
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2024-2025 Youth Education Staff
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We very much appreciate all the time and effort of our fantastic Youth Education staff! They have made this school year both enjoyable and meaningful. A big thank you to our students for their participation and sharing of ideas in class every week. And, a special shout-out to our Sunday School parents for joining our family holiday celebrations and parents meetings, and, for your continued support of our community.
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1st/2nd/3rd Grade Class
Rabbi Adam Chalom
4th/5th Grade Class
Karen Jackson
6th/7th Grade Class
Janet Century
6th/7th B Mitzvah Prep Class
B Mitzvah Tutor
Rabbi Adam Chalom
8th/9th Grade Confirmation Class
Cindy and Michael Marquis Albright
Class Aides
Simon Apley, Jonah Chalom
Childcare
Whitney Race
Adult & Tot Make ‘n Take
Rabbi Adam Chalom + Lynn Miller
Hebrew Tutor
Mara Heichman
Music Instruction
Ellen Apley
Guitar Accompanist
Laura Burk
Photographer
Clark Kopelman
B Mitzvah Coordinator
Leah Sosewitz
Youth Education Director
Ilana Shaffer
Rabbi Adam Chalom
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Join us at Di Pescara’s in Northbrook Court for canasta & lunch at noon. The restaurant requires players to order food for lunch (no minimum required) as compensation for hosting us. Everyone is invited! If interested or would like to be added to the weekly text please let Marlene Tambourine know at 847-476-8887.
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Rabbi Adam Chalom visits the North Shore Senior Center on Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00am and explores the Nextflix series Nobody Wants This and what its reception demonstrates about Jewish identity and loving partnerships beyond religious boundaries. Follow this link to register.
On Thursday, May 22 at 11:00am Rabbi Adam visits Lake Forest Place to explain the basic beliefs, values, and practices of Humanistic Judaism. Follow this link for more information.
Questions? Contact Jeremy at info@KolHadash.com
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Join us as we march in the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade on June 1 to show the LGBTQ+ Community our support! Free t-shirt for each person who registers to march in the parade.
All ages event - follow this link to register.
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American Humanist Association
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National Conference
June 27-29, 2025
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@ Palmer House Hilton, Chicago
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The American Humanist Association’s Annual Conference empowers humanists to lead purpose-driven lives rooted in reason, compassion, and progress. As the birthplace of transformative ideas—from secular education to civil rights—humanists have long pushed the boundaries of possibility to create a more open and humane society. This year, we gather in Chicago, where the original Humanist Manifesto was written 92 years ago, to debate and elevate the next wave of humanist thought. Over three days of dynamic discussions, visionary presentations, and inspiring awards, you’ll be challenged, engaged, and part of shaping the future of humanism.
Registration is open.
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