Congregational Announcements

Dear Temple Sholom Community:

As we all continue to process and grieve yesterday's tragic event in Highland Park, we are writing to share a variety of critical resources and information about programs for you, your family and friends, neighbors and others you know who are in need of support at this difficult time.

Whether you need someone to talk to, a place to gather in community, or guidance on how to support friends and family, please know that you are not alone and that your temple community is here for you. 

Many people have asked whether there will be opportunities for the Chicagoland Jewish Community to come together in support and healing.  This evening at 7:00 PM North Shore Congregation Israel will hold a Service of Comfort & Consolation, which will be livestreamed.

And please know that your Temple Sholom Clergy are here to support you as well.  You can reach out to them through their individual email addresses, which we have linked below:

Rabbi Shoshanah Conover
Cantor Sheera Ben-David
Rabbi Scott Gellman
Rabbi Rena Singer
 

Our liaison at Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS), Andrea Jacobs, is also available as a resource and can provide referrals for support services in the community. Andrea can be reached via the email address linked below:

Andrea Jacobs 

We also want to share some additional programs & services available through JCFS (the first of which will be held this evening):

Guidance for Talking with Children After a Traumatic Event
Tuesday, July 5 at 7:30 PM via Zoom

Adults have a crucial role in restoring safety and normalcy for children after they experience a traumatic event like the shooting in Highland Park. Tonight at 7:30 PM, JCFS clinicians will present developmentally appropriate guidance and tools for healthy communication during stressful circumstances.

An Evening of Support for the Community
Wednesday, July 6 at 7:00 PM via Zoom

Led by trauma informed experts, JCFS Chicago will be offering an evening of support on Wednesday, July 6 at 7:00 PM.  All are welcome to attend this virtual event focused on healing through words of comfort, conversation, and music.

And the JCFS Chicago Warm Line phone connection is available to provide assistance for anyone affected by the Highland Park shooting who does not have an urgent need and is looking for a support professional to speak with about their emotional distress. 

JCFS Warm Line: (855) 275-5237
Monday - Thursday - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Please find two additional articles for more information about effective ways of dealing with traumatic stress and helping children through tragedy:

How to Cope with Traumatic Stress

How We Can Help Our Littlest Learners in the Wake of Tragedy

Please know that we will say Kaddish for the victims as part of our service this Friday night which you can join in person or online. We continue to turn towards one another in this time of grief. Even in this dark moment we do not despair, we will support one another and continue to build a world of chesed (care and kindness). 

L'sholom,

Rabbi Shoshanah Conover
Cantor Sheera Ben-David
Rabbi Scott Gellman
Rabbi Rena Singer
Sherry Weil, Temple President
Jeremy Perlin, Executive Director