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 7:45 PM, in-person events usually include an option for a kosher-style catered Shabbat dinner beforehand.
• Annual Pride Shabbat and Am Keshet awards, where we honor leading members of the LGBTQ+ community, 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

SaturdaySat, 15 OctOctober, 2022

 

 

Or Chadash Havdalah & Yizkor

Shabbat, Oct 15th 6:30p to 7:30pJoin Or Chadash for a special Havdalah and Yizkor service, held at the AIDS Garden Chicago.

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TuesdayTue, 25 OctOctober, 2022

 

 

The Midterm Elections and Reproductive Justice – the Importance and Impact Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Oct 25th 6:00p to 8:00pA panel of experts, facilitated by Rabbi Singer, will share different perspectives on how critical the Nov. 8 elections are for reproductive justice and especially the precarious status for Illinois to remain a “safe state”. Visit the event page for information on the evening, and the panel of experts who will be joining us.

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ThursdayThu, 27 OctOctober, 2022

 

 

Or Chadash Visit to Gerber/Hart Library & Archives

Thursday, Oct 27th 6:30p to 8:30pJoin Or Chadash as we visit Gerber/Hart Library & Archives - the largest LGBTQ+ circulating library and archives in the Midwest. We'll view their latest exhibit, experience a private tour of the archives, and host a panel discussion on how Jewish activists were pivotal to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.

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FridayFri, 4 NovNovember, 2022

 

 

Or Chadash LGBTQ+ Shabbat

Friday, Nov 4th 7:45p to 8:30pTemple 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 community as we come together to celebrate Shabbat.  Registration is no longer required for in person attendance and protocols will continue to be enforced. Please ensure you have read and adhere to these protocols including masking standards and proof of vaccination/negative COVID test. Those attending online are welcome to join the Zoom room at 7:30 PM for a brief schmooze before services begin.

MORE INFO

FridayFri, 2 DecDecember, 2022

 

 

Or Chadash LGBTQ+ Shabbat

Friday, Dec 2nd 7:45p to 8:30pTemple 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 community as we come together to celebrate Shabbat.  Registration is no longer required for in person attendance and protocols will continue to be enforced. Please ensure you have read and adhere to these protocols including masking standards and proof of vaccination/negative COVID test. Those attending online are welcome to join the Zoom room at 7:30 PM for a brief schmooze before services begin.

MORE INFO

FridayFri, 6 JanJanuary, 2023

 

 

Or Chadash LGBTQ+ Shabbat

Friday, Jan 6th 7:45p to 8:30pTemple 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 community as we come together to celebrate Shabbat.  Registration is no longer required for in person attendance and protocols will continue to be enforced. Please ensure you have read and adhere to these protocols including masking standards and proof of vaccination/negative COVID test. Those attending online are welcome to join the Zoom room at 7:30 PM for a brief schmooze before services begin.

MORE INFO

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