President’s Message
Northwest Suburban Jewish
Seniors
I am eager to attend the URJ Biennial in San Diego. My first experience at
Biennial was in 2009 when it was held in Toronto. Before that trip, I had
heard wonderful stories from others who had attended Biennial, but until I
went myself I could not fully appreciate the
source of their passion. The URJ Biennial
Website says it best: Biennial is where
Jews gather to learn, pray, share ideas,
dance and sing, hear from inspiring guest
speakers, reunite with old friends, make
new connections, and re-imagine Jewish
Life.
There are moments of my Biennial
experience that will live with me forever.
I cherish the opportunity to once again
spend long hours in learning sessions, in
worship and over meals with leaders of our
movement. Lay leaders and professionals,
youth, congregants, and clergy – gathering together to be energized,
inspired and uplifted. I am even more excited about this year’s Biennial
because for the first time, the event is open to those outside the Reform
Movement. Registration will be open to anyone, not just to members of
Reform synagogues. These cross-denominational interactions promise to
point all of us forward, working together to assure our common goal of
enhancing the Jewish experience in our synagogues and increasing affiliation
in our own communities.
At Biennial, there is the opportunity to network with leaders and thinkers
from all over the Jewish world. It is thrilling to be intellectually challenged
by high level scholars and Jewish thinkers. Learning the best practices and
visions of those who share our stories, our challenges and our successes. I
have brought back several ideas from my Biennial experience that we have
successfully implemented at Temple Chai.
Finally, there is Shabbat. The poignancy and power of worshipping alongside
5,000 other Jews is unmatched. The kahal (community) is transformed by an
emotional-spiritual high as all of us recite prayers and sing familiar songs with
one voice . . . a deeply moving experience.
I am looking forward to spending 5 days with 5,000+ committed Jews. I
know that I will come back to Temple Chai rejuvenated, inspired by what I
have learned and eager to share my experience with all of you.
Loren Elliot, President
Our group meets once a month on a SUNDAY
evening at Temple Chai. Come join us; we would
love to see new faces. We offer a wonderful
evening of socializing, great entertainment and
refreshments. For more information, please
contact our President, David Shapiro
847-419-1621.
PFLAG -- Deerfield Chapter
(Parents, Family, and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays)
Congregation B’nai Jehoshua
Beth Elohim
1201 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: 630-415-0622 • Office: 630