Or Chadash

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 with Temple Sholom. 
 
As a distinct congregation, Or Chadash was known as a vibrant community providing a full calendar of religious services, observance of life cycle events, education programs, and social activities. In 2006 it was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. Upon its merger with Temple Sholom and Am Keshet in 2016, Or Chadash brought a legacy and energy to the Temple Sholom community that upholds deep inclusivity and pride for our Jewish LGBTQ+ community.
 
As one of Temple Sholom’s community groups, Or Chadash creates a space for the LBGTQ+ community of both Temple Sholom and the greater Chicagoland area to worship, learn, and socialize. It is an inclusive, intergenerational space where all people can find their chavurah and develop bonds of friendship. Or Chadash serves as both our community of people and our community of practice, as Temple Sholom, with the help of Keshet, continues to commit ourselves to reinforcing inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in all our synagogue spaces and practices.  

Join Or Chadash for

• Collaborative services between Temple Sholom clergy and Or Chadash lay leadership on the 1st Friday of every month beginning at 7:15 PM. Join us before services at 6:30 PM for Happy Hour!
• Annual Pride Shabbat, coinciding with Chicago’s Pride Parade
• Annual programs in partnership with other area synagogues and institutions, honoring historic markers for the LGBTQ+ community (like marching in the Pride Parade!)
• Social events where new friends and old have the opportunity to spend time together

Upcoming Events

ThursdayThu, 29 MayMay, 2025

 

 

Or Chadash Queer Shavuot Learning Night

Thursday, May 29th 7:30p to 9:00pJoin Temple Sholom, Base Andersonville, Repair the World, and Keshet for some inspiring learning about queer voices in the Jewish tradition and what it means for us to have all been at Sinai! We will also be collecting food items for Brave Space Alliance. Food and Cheesecake will be served!

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FridayFri, 30 MayMay, 2025

 

 

Congregational Pride Shabbat

Friday, May 30th 6:15p to 7:30pJoin the Temple Sholom community to welcome in a special Pride Shabbat! This Shabbat is led by Or Chadash, open to all, and will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

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FridayFri, 6 JunJune, 2025

 

 

Or Chadash LGBTQ+ Shabbat

Friday, Jun 6th 6:30p to 9:00pTemple Sholom Clergy, in partnership with Or Chadash lay leaders, have collaborated to create a service that blends the longstanding traditions of Or Chadash and Temple Sholom. Join our amazing LGBTQ+ community and allies as we come together to celebrate Shabbat. Everyone is welcome! We invite those who have attended before and those new to the community.

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