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07/28/2011 - 17:57
Education

Our Philosophy

At JRC we...

01/31/2012 - 12:15
Contact Information

 

07/27/2011 - 15:20
Torah Study & D’vrei Torah

Selected Library Resources for Torah Study and
Preparation for Writing D’vrei Torah
November, 2009

To begin:
•Fields, Harvey J. A Torah Commentary for Our Times. 3 volumes...

07/24/2011 - 18:59
Other Library Resources

You may find the following links useful for further research into Judaica:

•The Association of Jewish Libraries will lead you to video interviews with authors, book club bibliographies, and...

07/24/2011 - 19:00
Birthday Book Club

Dear Parents,

A Proud Contributor!

The JRC Library is excited to announce the formation of the Library Birthday Book Club. This is how it works:

•Please complete and send in...

07/24/2011 - 18:50
2010 Youth Summit

On Thursday, July 1, more than twenty JRC members met to discuss youth programming. Many more had RSVP’d regretting that they could not make it that night but sending along ideas and expressing...

07/29/2011 - 13:05
A Note to Parents

How To Get Your Kid Involved
All JRC Bar / Bat Mitzvahs are given a free one year membership gift certificate.

Ask Dan for a list of current No’ar Hadash members. Chances are your...

07/29/2011 - 13:05
Membership Dues Form

Please feel free to contact Tom Samuels, Membership and Program Coordinator with any questions.

07/29/2011 - 13:04
Religious School Images

At JRC Religious School, we strive to create a learning environment where our students have fun learning. Some highlights include: 6th graders working on a Form and Function exercise as relating...

07/29/2011 - 13:02
School Store

 

07/29/2011 - 13:05
Our Commitment

JRC is Judaism in action and nowhere is this more evident than in our commitment to Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World).

Three times a month finds us cooking at soup kitchens in the Evanston...

07/25/2011 - 10:39
Tikkun New Orleans 2010

This Summer: JRC Returns to NOLA!
Sunday, June 20-Thursday, June 24, 2010
For ages 12 and up: this trip is a great opportunity for families wanting to volunteer together, teens looking...

07/25/2011 - 10:41
Fair Trade & Sustainable Development

This task force strives to promote opportunities to put our Jewish values to work through the everyday purchasing decisions we make.

How you can help
•Volunteer to staff our sales...

07/25/2011 - 11:28
Hands of Peace

JRC provides support to Hands of Peace, an innovative program that brings Israeli-Jewish, Israeli-Arab, Palestinian, and American teens together each summer for dialogue and friendship. Each year...

07/25/2011 - 11:25
Human Rights

The Human Rights Task Force disseminates information and facilitates opportunities for learning and advocacy on a variety of issues, including the Darfur Crisis, refugee resettlement, immigration...

07/25/2011 - 11:19
Israel

The Israel Task Force engages congregants in learning about the home to more than one-third of world Jewry whose diverse lives involve a spectrum of religious and secular, traditional and worldly...

07/25/2011 - 11:18
Peace Dialogue

JRC’s Peace Dialogue serves as a resource and catalyst to JRC members in addressing matters of peace and justice.

How you can help
•Attend Peace Dialogue meetings and...

02/16/2012 - 12:29
REACH

JRC 's REACH Initiative works to increase awareness of the ways in which traumatic events such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse destroy the sustaining bonds between individuals and communities...

07/25/2011 - 11:13
Blood Drive

Next Date: Sunday, April 1, 2012

JRC organizes 1-2 Blood Drives each year in conjunction...

02/14/2012 - 12:43
Coat Drive

JRC's annual winter Coat Drive collects coats for a variety of area social service agencies, including The ARK and Sarah's Circle.

How you can help
•Volunteer to help with Blood Drive...

07/25/2011 - 11:10
Transitional Housing Support Group

JRC partners with Connections for the Homeless to host a monthly support group for moms enrolled in the Transitional Housing Program. While the moms meet at JRC, we have a pizza dinner and play...

07/25/2011 - 11:08
Maot Chitim

Maot Chitim is an all-volunteer organization that packages and delivers more than 5,000 boxes of food to less fortunate Chicago-area Jews twice a year, just before Rosh Hashanah and Passover. JRC...

07/25/2011 - 11:09
JRC Soup Kitchens

JRC members operate three Soup Kitchens in Evanston each month at which groups of JRC volunteers cook a community meal for approximately 90 people in need. Participants are often asked to...

09/09/2011 - 23:26
Why Build Green?

By studying the Jewish principle of Bal Tashchit, which appears in biblical text as well as in later rabbinic interpretation, we can learn about a Jewish environmental ethic which teaches "do not...

03/02/2012 - 02:02
Our Building

To schedule a docent-led tour of the building, please call the JRC Office at 847-328-7678.

Take a virtual tour of the building on our website. Start here....

This virtual tour...

03/02/2012 - 02:42
Announcement: JRC Awarded Platinum-Level LEED Certification

Wednesday, September 24, 2009 / 24 Elul 5768

Dear Haverim,

We are delighted to announce that JRC’s new building has been awarded LEED Certification at the Platinum Level by the US...

03/02/2012 - 02:19
Virtual Tour: Exterior

The Building's Exterior
Construction Facts
Landscaping and Parking...

03/02/2012 - 02:33
Virtual Tour: First Floor

First Floor

The Floor
Display Case
Administrative Offices
•...

03/02/2012 - 02:35
Virtual Tour: Second Floor

Second Floor

Religious School Classrooms and Offices
Youth Lounge
Library...

03/02/2012 - 01:54
Virtual Tour: Third Floor

Third Floor

Entry Foyer to the Sanctuary
Sanctuary and Social Hall
...

03/02/2012 - 01:55
Virtual Tour: Mechanical Systems

Restrooms
Mechanical Rooms
Lighting
 

Restrooms
•Water...

03/02/2012 - 01:59
Project Overview

Scope of Work
•To design and build a high performance building for on-going JRC programming.
•The new building is 31,000 sq. feet; 50% larger than our original building, maximizing...

07/25/2011 - 11:48
How did we do it? A History...

About a decade ago (1998), it became apparent that our then current building desperately needed a facelift and significant repair. So, in 2000, the JRC Board created the Building Task Force to...

03/02/2012 - 02:11
Schedule a Tour

To schedule a docent-led tour of the building, please email us at tour@jrc-...

07/25/2011 - 12:04
Ask Us

What does LEED Rating mean?

  • Our new building is designed to achieve one of the two...
07/25/2011 - 12:06
Resources

LIVING GREEN AT JRC

You will find the following links to pages on our website particularly helpful in understanding how we intend to ""live green"" within our building and community.

...
07/25/2011 - 11:40
Greening Your Simcha

JRC’s Environmentally Preferred Simcha Plan
In consideration of the values-based decision making that led to the LEED certification of our new building, the attached Green Simcha Plan serves...

07/25/2011 - 11:41
Green Building Policies

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
(January 2008)

God showed Adam all the trees in the Garden of Eden and said, ""See my handiwork, my creation, how beautiful and balanced it is....

07/25/2011 - 11:41
Green Procedures Manual

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
(January 2008)

Introduction
This manual is a work in progress. It should always be a work in progress. As we gain experience, as...

07/25/2011 - 11:42
Recommended Readings

Recommended Titles for Further Reading

Many of these titles are available in the JRC Library. If a book is in our collection, at the end of the entry you will see the classification number...

07/24/2011 - 18:53
Awards and Recognition

JRC’s new building awarded LEED Certification at the Platinum Level by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) – the highest level of certification for green architecture.
September 24, 2009...

03/02/2012 - 02:15
Welcome to JRC

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation is a 500-plus household congregation known for its joyful spirituality, intellectual curiosity, inclusivity, and deep...

02/08/2012 - 12:37
Membership

Welcome

JRC is a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant community located just north of the city of Chicago in Evanston, Illinois.

...
07/27/2011 - 17:34
Member Resources

As part of the JRC community, a wide variety of opportunities to get involved are available to you, including:

  • Join one of our choirs or house bands.
  • Help raise funds by...
08/12/2011 - 14:05
Bulb Sale

Order Deadline: Wednesday, May 30, 2012

About the Bulb Sale
Every spring, JRC's Landscape Committee holds a bulb and bearded iris sale to raise funds...

03/27/2012 - 17:40
Committees

JRC’s committees provide congregants with opportunities for fulfillment and involvement in synagogue life. Fostering connection and community, committee members work with staff to provide...

05/14/2012 - 16:08
Capital Campaign Photo Mosaic

Dear JRC Capital Campaign Supporter,

It was about 10 years ago...

05/04/2012 - 15:07
Library

Show your love for our Library and become a ...

04/24/2012 - 16:02
Early Childhood Flower Sale

 Early Childhood Flower Sale

Our 3rd annual Spring Flower Sale is on! The JRC Early...

04/19/2012 - 13:49
Join JRC

Interested in learning about becoming a member of JRC? Attend a service and experience our style of worship. Get to know our rabbi, Brant Rosen, in one of his inspiring Torah Study sessions (...

05/17/2012 - 12:46
Services & Events

Our Congregational Life

JRC welcomes everyone who is committed to a serious and deeply satisfying Jewish life within a pluralistic community.

If you are searching...

07/27/2011 - 18:54
JRC and Our Chicago Cubs...A Winning Combination

JRC and Our Chicago Cubs.......

05/03/2012 - 16:19
Worship Services

Join us for a worship service - there’s something for everybody.

Fridays Nights (Erev Shabbat)
Check our calendar for a schedule of Friday night services. At least...

04/30/2012 - 15:08
Erev Shabbat Beach Service

Summertime has arrived! Pack a dairy/vegetarian picnic dinner and welcome in the Shabbat on the beautiful Evanston lakefront. This service is ideal for JRC and non-member families and...

05/07/2012 - 13:44
Family Services

At JRC, we love our family services! We offer a variety of meaningful opportunities to enrich your family’s Jewish experience through integrating Judaism’s ritual...
11/22/2011 - 15:27
A Shabbat Sweet

Experience A Shabbat Sweet, a soaring, spiritual folk-rock Kabbalat Shabbat service from JRC member and composer Billy Kaplan, accompanied by a rotating roster of musicians,...

01/26/2012 - 18:23
General Information

Service Schedule
Click here for a complete schedule of High Holiday services and...

09/16/2011 - 14:11
JRC Traditions

Readings
Each year, Rabbi Rosen selects readings and poems from a wide variety of sources other than our prayerbook in order to deepen and enrich our experience of the High...

10/04/2011 - 10:24
High Holiday Readings

This year, Rabbi Rosen has selected readings and poems from a wide variety of sources other than our prayerbook in order to deepen and enrich our experience of the High Holiday liturgy.

...

09/11/2011 - 16:56
Sermons & Reflections

Each year, in addition to Rabbi Rosen's High Holiday sermons, JRC members are invited to share their personal reflections on a variety of subjects related to their experiences as Jews. Please...

12/14/2011 - 13:28
Downtown Evanston Parking

Whenever possible, we encourage you to walk, ride your bike, take public transportation, or carpool when attending High Holiday services.

Public Transportation
For...

07/27/2011 - 21:38
B'nai Mitzvah

The essence of the B’nai Mitzvah experience is sacred responsibility. As children begin this passage into Jewish adulthood, they officially accept responsibility for the mitzvot, or Jewish...

08/12/2011 - 14:00
Scheduling Your Child's B'nai Mitzvah

If your child was born between September 2000 and August 2001, please complete our online scheduling survey (click here...

09/02/2011 - 13:54
JRC Board Policies Regarding B'nai Mitzvah

Updated 8/10

The B'nai Mitzvah is a congregational event led by the Rabbi and Cantor. The B'nai Mitzvah student participates in this event.

The student is expected to learn...

09/02/2011 - 14:08
Preparing for Your B'nai Mitzvah

Cantor Friedland has recorded some of the blessings and the tropes that you will need to learn for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Click on the links below to listen or download them in mp3 format.

...
08/16/2011 - 13:57
Classes and Lectures

Here's our list of upcoming Adult Education lecture series, starting this Fall. Outlines for the series as well as bios of the teachers will be...

12/22/2011 - 15:54
Ongoing Groups

Play Bridge!
All levels welcome
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 7 pm

Refuat Hanefesh Depression & Bipolar Support...

03/13/2012 - 16:56
Our Philosophy

At JRC we believe that Jewish education is a lifelong process in which the mind, heart and soul are always reaching for deeper understandings. We believe that learning is a continuous process,...

07/26/2011 - 22:26
Early Childhood Center

Early Childhood Sandbox

Upcoming Events:...

04/26/2012 - 13:51
Early Childhood Center Calendar

Early Childhood Log Rolling

Click ...

04/26/2012 - 13:53
Healthy Food Fundraiser

Eat Healthy and Support the Early Childhood Center!

Help the Early Childhood Center earn money to support its Jewish programming and build an eco-friendly, state-of-the-art playground. It's...

07/26/2011 - 23:03
Board Nominations 2012-2013

JRC Board of Directors & Officers Nominations 2012-2013
The Nominating Committee, consisting of Susan Witz (Chair), Ann Kaplan-Perkins, Steven Fox, Sara Polonsky, Barbara...

05/03/2012 - 13:13
Religious School

Rabbi Rosen shows Kindergarteners the torah

When you visit JRC’s Religious School, you’ll...

04/29/2012 - 10:13
Meet the Religious School Staff

Here is where we will update you on your child's teachers. Throughout the year, we will...

04/29/2012 - 10:06
Member Gatherings

Getting together face-to-face is integral to JRC's mission of building a strong, diverse and pluralistic community. Towards this, JRC’s board and committees have planned numerous opportunities...

04/02/2012 - 16:01
High Schoolers at JRC

JRC offers two exciting programs for our High School students -- Dinner and Discussion with Rabbi Rosen and Teen Svara. All High School students can attend...

03/23/2012 - 11:41
Gesher, for Eighth Graders

The Gesher program meets Tuesdays during the school year from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

...

04/19/2012 - 16:33
Religious School Calendar

Upcoming Events in May:

  • Tuesday, May 8 & Thursday, May...
04/26/2012 - 17:03
Adult Learning

JRC is a bustling environment where learning in a variety of forms is constantly taking place. Our adult learning mission is to offer a variety of classes, lectures, scholars, events and...

08/12/2011 - 14:02
Adult B'nai Mitzvah

Introducing our new Adult B'nai Mitzvah Program - begins September, 2011

It's often said that youth is wasted on the young. That's why it's with great pleasure that we...

08/31/2011 - 18:46
Tikkun Olam

Our Commitment

JRC is Judaism in action and nowhere is this more evident than in our commitment to Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World).

Three times a month finds us...

07/27/2011 - 18:27
A Message From Our Rabbi

What kind of congregations does the world need now?

  • In a world of increasing individualism and isolation, we need congregations that value human connection.
  • In a world that...
07/27/2011 - 01:08
Rescued Holocaust Torah

JRC is privileged to be the caretakers of a Torah rescued from the Holocaust. This special Torah represents a link between our past and the continuing story of Jewish life unfolding.

...

07/27/2011 - 01:13
Task Forces & Projects

Reflecting the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World), the JRC community is committed to the healing of the world around us through congregational education, activism, advocacy, and...

07/27/2011 - 18:20
Resources
Blood Drive
LifeSource Blood Services: LifeSource, a non-profit corporation serving the...
07/27/2011 - 01:46
Religious School Forms

Registration for the 2012-13 Religious School year is underway. 

...

04/26/2012 - 17:04
Our Clergy

Rabbi Brant Rosen

Rabbi Brant Rosen has been JRC’s spiritual leader since 1998. A long-time activist...

09/03/2011 - 21:26
Our Staff

Sharon Díaz, Executive Director
Sharon Díaz comes to JRC with extensive experience in houses of worship and...

12/29/2011 - 12:00
Early Childhood Center Forms

Registration Now Open for JRC's Early Childhood Families for 2012-...

04/26/2012 - 13:53
Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of JRC. The Board is composed of an Executive Committee and a General Board. It’s members meet monthly to discuss...

12/29/2011 - 16:28
JRC Quarterly Newsletter
Since Fall, 2010, JRC's Quarterly Newsletter has been paperless. In keeping with our value of Bal Tashchit (Do Not Waste), we post our newsletter in an easy-to-download...
03/13/2012 - 11:33
Make a Donation

Tzedakah Opportunities

Tzedakah (Bringing Justice to People through Giving) is a central mitzvah of Judaism. JRC’s tzedakah funds give JRC members, their families and their...

09/06/2011 - 17:03
About Reconstructionism
Reconstructionists define Judaism as more than a religion. For us, it is an ever-evolving way of life, encompassing history, literature, art and music, land and language.
 ...
08/08/2011 - 12:59
Maps & Directions

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
303 Dodge Ave.
...

05/10/2012 - 12:54
Environmental Concerns

JRC's Environmental Concerns Task Force seeks to educate and be a resource for the JRC community to create a "greener" congregation and a more sustainable environment.

How you can...

07/29/2011 - 14:25
About JRC

Our Mission & History

The mission of Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) is to create an engaged Jewish Community that practices a Judaism responsive to the...

07/29/2011 - 15:20
Contact Us ...

JRC Staff List
Our phone number is 847-328-7678.

03/05/2012 - 11:26
Holy of Holies

Log in page for JRC webmasters only.

07/30/2011 - 01:15
Do Not Delete This Page

This is the "back up" page to content/holy-holies, the webmaster log-in page.

DO NOT DELETE THIS PAGE, unless the user login box has restored to appear on all pages.

Jim Ridker
...

07/30/2011 - 19:14
Performing Arts at JRC

Click below for information on each of these delightful opportunities to make beautiful music together at JRC:

Adult Choir
...

12/01/2011 - 12:04
JRC's Family Kallah

Kallah 2012 is full and registration is now closed. If you are interested in participating in Kallah 2013, please contact us at...

03/26/2012 - 11:22
Purim, JRC Style

We know what you're thinking: If only I had been warned in advance, I'd have gotten the heck out of Shushan!

At JRC, we're hardcore when it comes to Purim! Over 90 JRC...

03/06/2012 - 17:48
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 5770

Faith and Faithfulness: A Sermon for Erev Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 5770

Every Friday morning, in the...

08/08/2011 - 15:28
Rosh Hashanah, 5770

Judaism as Nonviolence? A Sermon for Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Rosh Hashanah, 5770

Is there a place in Judaism for pacifism? Is...

08/08/2011 - 15:30
Kol Nidre, 5770

Feeding the God of Compassion: A Sermon for Kol Nidre
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Kol Nidre, 5770

Those who come to Torah...

08/08/2011 - 15:31
Yom Kippur, 5770

The Road to Yavneh: A Sermon for Yom Kippur
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Yom Kippur, 5770

In my Yom Kippur sermon I...

08/08/2011 - 15:31
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 5769

The Season of Our Sustenance: A Sermon for Erev Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 5769

I’ve...

08/08/2011 - 15:32
Rosh Hashanah, 5769

The End of Empire: A Sermon for Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Rosh Hashanah, 5769

Before I begin my remarks...

08/08/2011 - 15:33
Kol Nidre, 5769

The Reconciliation of Civilizations: A Sermon for Kol Nidre
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Kol Nidre, 5769

I want to begin...

08/08/2011 - 15:34
Yom Kippur, 5769

Understanding Iran, Facing Our Fears: A Sermon for Yom Kippur
Rabbi Brant Rosen
Yom Kippur, 5769

When I became...

08/08/2011 - 15:34
Erev Rosh Hashanah 5770 - Joshua Karsh

Presidential Address
Joshua Karsh, JRC Board President
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 5770

Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita mi ritrovai per...

08/08/2011 - 15:24
Rosh Hashanah 5770 - Sammy Marks

Personal Reflection
Sammy Marks
Rosh Hashanah (Second Day), 5770

Shanah Tovah.

A few weeks back, I asked the Rabbi if I could...

08/08/2011 - 15:25
Rosh Hashanah 5769 - Arnie Kanter

Personal Reflection
Arnie Kanter
Rosh Hashanah, 5769

Shanah Tovah.

Having toiled for the past twenty-four years in the...

08/08/2011 - 15:26
Yom Kippur, 5769 - Hannah Gelder

Personal Reflection
Hannah Gelder
Yom Kippur, 5769

Good Yom Tov.

Several months ago, as we sat in a bus, bouncing along a road...

08/08/2011 - 15:26
Early Childhood Center Pledge Drive

We are excited to announce our 2012-13 Pledge Drive that is being launched...

05/01/2012 - 10:36
Membership Renewal

This past year included JRC's wonderful oldies-but-goldies Simchat Torah festivities (and Brant’s rendition of 54 parshiot in 60 seconds), Friday night beach picnic services, Saturday morning...

05/17/2012 - 12:53
MP3 Test

This node is an example of using the Insert/Edit Link button to create a hyperlink to a mp3 file in your directory on our server.

 

...

08/16/2011 - 10:59
High Holidays Discussion Groups

Rosh Hashanah 2011/5772

A Difficult Journey: Depression and the Family
Depression directly...

09/27/2011 - 13:52
High Holiday Service Schedule

Location
Unless otherwise specified below, our High Holiday services are held at First United Methodist Church of Evanston (...

09/12/2011 - 18:20
Birthday Book Club

Dear Parents,

A Proud Contributor!

The JRC Library is excited to announce the formation of the Library Birthday Book Club. This is how it works:

  • Please complete and send...
09/08/2011 - 10:42
Links to Other Library Resources

You may find the following links useful for further research into Judaica:

  • The...
09/08/2011 - 10:51
Resources for Torah Study and D’vrei Torah

Selected Library Resources for Torah Study and Preparation for Writing D’vrei Torah November, 2009 To begin: 

  • Fields, Harvey J. A Torah Commentary for...
09/08/2011 - 11:10
JRC Soup Kitchens

JRC members operate three Soup Kitchens in Evanston each month at which groups of JRC volunteers cook a community meal for approximately 90 people in need. Participants are often asked to...

01/30/2012 - 12:14
Tzedakah Opportunities

Kids Who Read Succeed / Book Worm Angels

-- Bring books to JRC by Friday, September 23

Every year JRC participates in a children’s book...

09/13/2011 - 12:40
For Kids & Teens

Family Services

  • First day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, 3:00 p.m.
    We will have a community-wide afternoon service for children and families on both the...
09/28/2011 - 12:13
Early Childhood's Hanukkah Silent Auction

JRC's Preschool is holding its annual Hanukkah Silent Auction Fundraiser on Sunday, November 13, from 9 am to 2 pm.

This auction is the preschool’s most successful fundraiser, thanks...

11/01/2011 - 12:33
Building and Enjoying Our Play Yard

We're so excited that our cool, new state-of-the-art play yard is finally becoming a reality! Check out the construction photos below.

...

02/28/2012 - 12:58
Gam Yachad Phonathon

Get ready for this year's Gam Yachad Phonathon, beginning Monday, December 5, 2011!

Can't wait to be called? ...

11/22/2011 - 11:47
Circle of Chai

Share your commitment to your congregation with other JRC members

About Circle of Chai
JRC's Circle of Chai is a group of JRC members who are...

11/17/2011 - 12:33
JRSea Fundraiser Gala

Click here for JRSea raffle tickets, buy-in parties and to view our live...

03/13/2012 - 17:30
Youth Group

Check out JRC's Youth Group! Great activities for students in 5th through 12th grade -- a...

03/25/2012 - 11:45