Community Groups

Wherever you are in your life or whatever your interests, we have opportunities to suit your passion! Click on any community group below for more information.
 

People in their 20’s and 30’s. Makom is a place for religious, spiritual, and social connection. They are an inclusive, dynamic home for Jews in their 20s and 30s in Chicago. Learn more about Makom.
 

Families with children in 8th grade and below. Mishpacha means family in Hebrew. And at Temple Sholom, we embrace a family of events once a month when this Community Group, one of the temple’s largest, hosts its monthly Shabbat Service. Learn more about Mishpacha.
 

40s/50s

People 35(ish) to 55(ish). This group is designed for those ages 35-55(ish) as a place for congregants of similar ages to come together and enjoy a variety of fun and social events by creating opportunities to form meaningful connections. Whether you're in a relationship, single, have kids, or no kids, the 40s & 50s group is for you! Learn more about 40s/50s.
 

People 50(ish) and above. It's Our Turn (IOT) is an active group for those 50(ish) and older that brings the community together through social and educational events across Chicago, celebrating holidays together, and sponsoring a monthly morning Minyan.  Learn more about IOT.
 

Mindful Jewish Aging

Spirituality and growing older. Mindful Jewish Aging (MJA) brings together a dedicated group of people who are focused on exploring the spiritual gifts of life after fifty. Learn more about MJA.

Women in the Temple Sholom community. Women of Temple Sholom (WTS) is a dynamic community of women of all ages and stages of life. We have been upholding the mission and values of Temple Sholom since 1903 through social action, spirituality, worship, education, connections and friendships.  With a variety of programs and activities, we are able to support major women’s causes locally and globally to strengthen the influence of progressive Reform Judaism. Learn more about WTS.
 

Men in the Temple Sholom community. Brotherhood is a growing community of Temple Sholom men supporting the mission and values of our congregation by creating opportunities for those of all ages and demographics to connect, socialize and create meaningful relationships.  Learn more about Brotherhood.
 

LGBTQ+ members and allies. Or Chadash, previously named Am Keshet, is Temple Sholom’s community group built to support and embrace the ever-growing community of LGBTQ+ Reform Jews in Chicagoland. Am Keshet grew into its current iteration when Congregation Or Chadash (New Light), founded more than 40 years ago as a Jewish resource for the LGBTQ+ community, combined its membership. Learn more about Or Chadash.
 

Embracing racial and ethnic diversity. Shalem, Temple Sholom of Chicago’s “Embracing Racial and Ethnic Diversity” Working Group, promotes an inclusive environment where a cross-section of racial and ethnic identities can thrive in this Jewish community. Shalem means wholeness in Hebrew, as we seek to welcome our community's whole selves--the intersection of racial, ethnic, and religious identities that help create a whole person. Learn more about Shalem.
 

Jewish War Veterans

Current and past active military. Jewish War Veterans (JWV) is an organization dedicated to being the voice of American Jewry in the veteran community. This group meets on a monthly basis, and you do not need to be a member of Temple Sholom to participate.  Learn more about JWV.
 

Minnie Solomon z"l Book Club

Literature and discussion. This community group, named after its creator Minnie Solomon, beloved Temple Sholom member, is perfect for any book lover. Its members meet on the first Thursday of each month for a lively and thoughtful discussion over current popular titles. Learn more about Minnie Solomon z"l Book Club.
 

Game Lovers (Canasta, Mahjong). A lively and social group that meets weekly for some friendly competition. Join the group each Thursday to play Mah Jongg, Canasta, and other various games.  Learn more about Game Day.
 

Klezmer House Band

Musicians. A talented group of musicians who meet, rehearse and perform at events and holidays to enhance programs and experiences. The group is led by professional musician Alex Koffman of the famed Maxwell Street Klezmer Band.  Learn more about Klezmer.

Social justice group. Tikkun Olam, meaning “repairing the world,” is a cornerstone of Reform Judaism. An integral part of the on-going activities at Temple Sholom, our Sholom Justice projects are constantly expanding, and working on these mitzvot is a wonderful way to meet other Temple members. New participants are always welcome! Learn more about Sholom Justice.
 

Provide support to fellow congregants. Chesed, or caring for one another through life’s challenging moments, is one of our most treasured values at Temple Sholom. No one lived this value more passionately than Juliana Schafer (z"l). This group is named in her honor so that her lifelong legacy of care will live on in our sustained commitment to Chesed. We are a community that shows up enthusiastically for one another. We do this by building a network of support, and that network is stronger with you in it! Learn more about Chesed Circle.

Green initiatives. Eco Chavura (a green community) was originally established to fulfill the requirements necessary to earn a Green Certification from GreenFaith – a national non-profit that created a holistic program to help religious institutions incorporate environmentalism into all components of religious life.  This 2+ year program created opportunities for learning, for changing to more environmentally-friendly practices at Temple, work and home, and for engaging with the broader community.   Learn more about Eco Chavura.
 

Inclusion

Inclusion in the Temple Sholom community. Inclusion is the opportunity for all to participate together in Jewish life. As part of our effort to be a truly inclusive community which embraces, inspires and matters for all, we have spent several years working with the JUF Synagogue Inclusion Education and Engagement Project to update our space to be more accessible. Our Inclusion Committee meets regularly with a grant-funded consultant from Jewish Child & Family Services, and we are working with congregants to listen to their needs and partnering with outside organizations to provide relevant support groups and educational sessions. Learn more about inclusion.