Shavuot is a celebration of Torah — revelation, enlightenment, growth, creativity, wisdom, knowledge, and…dairy?! Get into the spirit of Shavuot with a dairy-fest full of pizza, ice cream, and lawn games before our outdoor Shabbat service, which will occur just before the holiday of Shavuot. Our pre-shabbos picnic includes cheese pizza and one ticket to […]
Let’s count the Omer together! Join the Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group for a weekly Omer counting and guided reflection. We will analyze the theme for the week through a disability and chronic illness lens and discuss and reflect together. Have a reading, art, music, or other media on one of the Sefirot themes […]
Now that you’ve covered the basics, come celebrate with us! Join R’Steven for a drink of your choice before we head over to Mishkan’s Shavuot celebration together. This holiday is about accepting Torah — and lifts up the voices of people who have taken it upon themselves to join the Jewish people aka converts. If […]
Shavuot is about revelation — both the Torah we receive and the Torah we give to the world. Join us for a rapid-fire round of short sermons from Mishkanites like you sharing what it means to them to be a Jew right now. Afterward, we’ll walk over to Anshe Emet Synagogue together for the Lakeview […]
Join Mishkan Chicago and other Lakeview area Jewish congregations as we celebrate Shavuot by learning together all night long. Stay tuned for more information on the full schedule of programming as learning sessions are finalized. Register — Scroll down to "All Night Learning Session" to help give Anshe Emet a headcount.
We saw you from across the spectrum of sexuality and gender identity, and we really like your vibe — can we buy you a drink? Join other Queer Mishkanites at Begyle Brewing before our Pride Shabbat service for a bev on Mishkan. Afterwards, we'll head over to outdoor services at Northcenter Town Square (.4 miles […]
Every year, Kol Or (the Jews of Color Caucus at JCUA) hosts a Juneteenth celebration for the entire JCUA community. Juneteenth commemorates the official end of slavery in the state of Texas on June 19, 1865 and the enduring struggle for Black freedom in the United States. Kol Or’s Juneteenth Havdalah is always a joyful, […]
How to Holiday: Tisha b’Av + Tu b’Av Essentials: The month of Av brings us a pair of holidays: Tisha b’Av, the saddest day in our calendar, and Tu b’Av, a celebration of love. How do we observe this strange pairing? Join Rabbi Steven to learn about the essential elements of these holidays so that […]
Now that you’ve covered the basics, come get ready with us! Join R’Steven for a pre-fast meal before we join other Mishkanites for the observance of Tisha b’Av. This event is for converts and people considering conversion. Before you attend this meal, join us for our How to Holiday: Tisha ba’Av + Tu b’Av Essentials […]
On Tisha b’Av we remember the most painful moments of our people’s history. While the destruction of the the first and second Temples in Jerusalem are the big headline losses, this holiday has become a container for our collective pain, and an opportunity to examine our own role in causing pain to ourselves and others. […]
Join R’Ari and Rachel Mylan for a two-day workshop to create part of the Mishkan High Holidays experience! The assembled teens will dive deeper into the themes of the High Holidays and use their newfound insights and creativity to design games and activities for our younger Mishkanites. Those activities will become the booths and attractions […]
Join R’Ari and Rachel Mylan for a two-day workshop to create part of the Mishkan High Holidays experience! The assembled teens will dive deeper into the themes of the High Holidays and use their newfound insights and creativity to design games and activities for our younger Mishkanites. Those activities will become the booths and attractions […]
Join R’Ari and Rachel Mylan for a two-day workshop to create part of the Mishkan High Holidays experience! The assembled teens will dive deeper into the themes of the High Holidays and use their newfound insights and creativity to design games and activities for our younger Mishkanites. Those activities will become the booths and attractions […]
Learn to blow shofar! In this workshop, Mishkanite and longtime shofar maven Benji Feldheim will teach you techniques for sounding the great horn of freedom (or wailing, or laughing, or a rallying cry) while Rabbi Lizzi gives some spiritual and religious meaning. BYO shofar! (We can tell you how to get one). Register
A recurring motif of the High Holidays is that we do not know when or how we will die - but instead of giving into despair, we are commanded to "choose life." But how do we do this, when there is so much we don't know or understand about death? Join R'Steven and Catherine Durkin […]
A recurring motif of the High Holidays is that we do not know when or how we will die - but instead of giving into despair, we are commanded to "choose life." But how do we do this, when there is so much we don't know or understand about death? Join R'Steven and Catherine Durkin […]
If you love music, singing, or playing, this is a great chance to sing in community with music of the season. Learn Mishkan’s music and technical music skills while meeting new friends, under the expert tutelage of our Music Director Matthew Ellenwood, vocal coach and performance trainer. All music and singing levels welcome! This month […]
There are so many incredible women throughout Jewish text — it’s time to dig deep and learn some more. Join Builder Julia Bellowe to explore some of the underrated Jewish Heroines connected to holidays and traditions throughout our calendar. This drop-in, monthly series is open to all folks regardless of gender. Register
A recurring motif of the High Holidays is that we do not know when or how we will die - but instead of giving into despair, we are commanded to "choose life." But how do we do this, when there is so much we don't know or understand about death? Join R'Steven and Catherine Durkin […]
Have you been meaning to check out Mishkan? Interested in coming to our High Holiday services, but are a little unsure who will be your seat buddies? Join us for this pre-Shabbat happy hour and connect with other Mish-curious folks! We'll gather at Northcenter Town Square where services will be held that evening. BYOC — […]
Join Rabbi Steven for this virtual workshop to explore the who, what, when, why, and how of the High Holidays! Register
In the final days of Elul, the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, it is a tradition to gather to observe havdalah and sing songs called Selichot (Hebrew for “forgiveness”). Kindergarten - 5th Graders and their families are invited to join us for dinner, havdalah, crafts, and music that will offer age-appropriate opportunities to contemplate […]
On the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah it’s an ancient (or, at least, pretty old) custom to sing and listen to music of the season. Think of it as a spiritual warm-up with a picnic blanket, your favorite beverage, and havdalah. Join us for an outdoor service that will be sure to get in the […]
Join us for a virtual Erev Rosh Hashanah service full of singing, prayer, and intention-setting that will prepare you for the High Holidays. A link to this virtual service will be sent out in advance to all Builders and those registered for the Rosh Hashanah day service.
Join us for Get Higher 5785 — four days of joyful prayer, music, and high holy inspiration at The Copernicus Center. Service Schedule: 10:00 am: Registration for the main service opens 10:30 am - 3:00 pm: Rosh Hashanah Service + Torah Service + Musaf (in-person and livestreamed) 3:00 - 3:45 pm: Rosh Hashanah Lunch For […]
Join us for a low-key, down-to-earth celebration as we bring in a sweet new year at Welles Park. The morning will include singing featuring the Davening Team followed by Torah learning and break-out discussions including family programming for all ages. We’ll blast the shofar with selections from Musaf. After, we invite you to bring your […]
Join us for Get Higher 5785 — four days of joyful prayer, music, and high holy inspiration at The Copernicus Center. Our schedule for our Kol Nidre service is as follows: 6:00 pm: Registration Opens 6:30 – 9 pm: Kol Nidre Service (in-person and livestreamed) Register
Join us for Get Higher 5785 — four days of joyful prayer, music, and high holy inspiration at The Copernicus Center. Service Schedule: 10:00 am: Registration for the main service opens 10:30 am - 3:00 pm: Yom Kippur Service + Torah Service (in-person and livestreamed) 3:00 - 3:45 pm: Yizkor (in-person and livestreamed) 3:45 - […]
Join fellow queer Jews by Choice to break the fast, commemorate the end of Yom Kippur, and launch into the rest of 5785 renewed and ready. Start time may change depending on the end of Neilah. So that no one has to worry about cooking, we will be catering/ordering in, so please note any dietary […]
What is Sukkot? What's up with these huts (and what do we do in them)? What is a lulav and why do we shake it? Join R’Steven to cover the basics of Sukkot and learn how to make this holiday your own. This program is intended for Jews-by-Choice, but open to anyone who could use […]
Join other community members in R'Lizzi's sukkah for a special Sukkot edition of Morning Minyan! There will be prayer, Hallel with lulav and etrog, Torah reading and discussion, and coffee. Register
Hang out in the Sukkah with Base Logan Square and Mishkan. Come grab a drink and nosh on some delicious snacks while meeting folks from the Mishkan and Base communities. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served. All are welcome! Address and details provided the evening before the program. Registration for this event has closed. You can […]
Now that you’ve covered the basics, come roll your sleeves up and assemble a sukkah with us! Join R’Steven and help put together the Sukkah that will be used for Sukkot Picnic on the Bloomingdale Trail. This event is for converts and people considering conversion. Before you attend this meal, join us for our How […]
Bring in Sukkot with an autumnal, low-key Shabbat hang just off the 606 at Churchill Hill Park in Wicker Park. Rabbi Lizzi will lead us in Shabbat blessings and songs as we shake the lulav and etrog in our sukkah. Bring your own picnic and dinner (we'll provide light snacks of a pumpkin spice variety) […]
Celebrate Sukkot and come shake the lulav and etrog at our sukkah in Winnemac Park! Rachel Mylan and Rabbi Lizzi will lead us in singing and music followed by a Sukkot-themed Rise & Shine. This program is geared toward families with kids 5 and under. This program is made possible in part through a grant […]
R'Lizzi's sukkah is open for the season! Join R'Lizzi and fellow Builders for an evening of drinks, schmoozing, and havdalah. Please note that this program is only open to Mishkan Builders and is intended for adults only. Register
Join BASE Andersonville, Repair the World, Keshet, Temple Sholom, and Mishkan Chicago in the Base ANVL Sukkah for happy hour! Bring clothing and coats with you to donate to Out of the Closet. We will have heavy snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic bevs. Register
Join Mishkan Chicago and Rose Crown Minyan at Anshe Emet Synagogue for a Simchat Torah celebration! No registration is required. 4:30 — 5:30 pm: Families will join with Anshe Emet and others to dance with the Torah and readers of all ages will bring the scroll alive! 6:30 pm — 8:30 pm: No frills service […]
Holidays can be a time for celebrating with loved ones, but for many families there are topics we try not to bring to the table. Coming out of a contentious election cycle, and with tragedy continuing to unfold in Israel and Palestine, this year’s holidays feel especially fraught. How do we reach across our differences, […]
Let’s go nuts for donuts! Join us for a Lakeview dessert crawl with stops at Firecakes, Mochinut, Stan’s Donuts, and XO Marshmallow. Drop-off at Stan’s Donuts at Clark & Diversey at 2 pm and pick-up at the same location at 4 pm. Groups will be divided by age groups for their docent-led dessert crawl. Regester
Get ready for Hanukkah with a special Rise and Shine! We’ll sing Hanukkah songs, explore crafts and activities, and enjoy snacks and sufganiyot (donuts) together. This program is for kids ages 4 and under. Tickets are $36/family and half off for Builders. Register
Join us for a program designed to support kids who sometimes struggle to enjoy large family programs. We will have a broad range of opportunities to engage in the themes of the holiday. This two hour program is drop in and stay as long as it is fun for your family. This clinician supported program […]
This year Hanukah and Christmas overlap which can bring joy and shared family gatherings as well as tons of presents for your children and navigating everyone’s expectations. Join Rabbi Steven and Mishkan parents in interfaith families to share and prepare as we remember our values and priorities over these winter holidays. Register
Join us to get ready for Hanukkah at a matinee performance of Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins starring Mensch Teacher and Mishkan Music Specialist Esther Fishbein! We’ll come together after the show for a special talkback with Esther and Rachel Mylan. Writers Theatre is located in Glencoe and is easily accessible by car or the […]
Join us for a (pre) Hanukkah hang as we gather with other LGBTQ+ Jews and loved ones to celebrate the upcoming holiday. There will be a latke bar and snacks, refreshments, and plenty of time to schmooze. Register
Calling all 20s/30s to the evening of the year! Makom is partnering with Mishkan's 20s/30s community for an unforgettable Hanukkah celebration with festive food, drink, and lights at an enticing offsite venue — Barcocina Lakeview! Come with a friend to let loose, laugh, and light some candles. Register
It’s the first night of Hanukkah, so come hang out with Rabbi Lizzi and fam! We’ll light the menorah, sing some Hanukkah songs, spin a dreidel or two, and enjoy seasonal foods as this holy night calls for. To avoid the tunes getting as stale as eighth-night latkes, we’re looking for more! Please let R’Lizzi […]
Calling all Mishkanites in their 30s & 40s! Tired of spinning the dreidel? Try rolling dice! Join Builders Susan and Yonatan Shamgar for a Hanukkah Board Game Night at their home in Ravenswood. Feel free to bring a game of your choice, a snack, or just bring yourselves! Register
Who needs the city when you've got the suburbs! Save yourself a treacherous winter journey and stay closer to home by joining Builder Fay Bomberg for the Evanston-Skevanston Hanukkah Celebration! There will be a potluck with latkes provided. Register
Join us for a special MLK Jr. Day edition of Morning Minyan! Whether you join us in-person at Mishkan HQ or online, there will be prayer and songs of justice and peace to honor Martin Luther King Jr's legacy and hold our inauguration day feelings. You can also listen to our Wednesday sessions on the […]
Join R'Ari and other Mishkanites for a day of service in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day! This year, we will be volunteering with Cradles to Crayons. Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school […]
Join Rachel Mylan and Nathan for a day of social justice learning and action! We will start the day at Mishkan HQ with an hour of learning, songs, and pizza. Afterwards, please join us in a few blocks north to Sketchpad for a partner program with JUF Tov and Repair the World Chicago from 1-3pm. Register
Welcome to the palace, Queens! Get all dressed up in your costumes and join us at our palace (the Copernicus Center) for a day of family Purim fun including activity stations, performances, and a whole lot of hamantaschen. For grades K-5, doors open at 12:45 pm with an interactive Megillah reading in English and Hebrew […]
Let’s gather to get hyped for a wild night of profound spiritual transcendence—no substances necessary. This is a holiday of flipping things around: rather than discussing how to cope with a holiday known for drunken debauchery, let's get ready to put our sober selves right at the center of the celebration. Join R'Zack Wiener for […]
Thirteen: the age when a Jewish youth becomes a Jewish adult, and the age when your favorite spiritual community has the budget to throw itself a rager! This year Mishkan Chicago turns 13, so of course we’re throwing the raddest, baddest party on Purim to celebrate. Wondering if you’re invited? As if! You are, like, […]
Want to keep this Purim party going? After the fun and shenanigans of the spiel and megillah reading, stay in your costume and bring your favorite beverage to this virtual afterparty! This social space is hosted by Mishkan's Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group, and is open to all — everyone is invited. Register
Turns out the mitzvah to hear megillah applies both in the evening and morning of Purim, so join us for morning minyan in costume or whatever delightful surprise keeps the revelry of the day flowing. You can log in using the regular minyan link or join us in the office in person for coffee, treats, […]
Join Rachel Mylan for strategies for engaging children in your seder! Whether you are hosting a seder for a wide array of ages, or worried about bringing your child to someone else’s table, we will discuss activities and new traditions for children at various developmental stages. Register
Join Rachel Mylan for strategies for engaging children in your seder! Whether you are hosting a seder for a wide array of ages, or worried about bringing your child to someone else’s table, we will discuss activities and new traditions for children at various developmental stages. Register
Maximize the Shabbat vibes in our monthly music jam led by Music Director Matthew Ellenwood, vocal coach and performance trainer. If you love music, singing, or playing, this is a great chance to sing in community with music of the season. Learn Mishkan’s music and technical music skills while meeting new friends. All music and […]
Join us for our fourth annual Learner's Seder! This Seder is designed as a space for our Blueprint students (and alumni) to experience Passover in a supportive learning environment. Register
Let’s count the Omer together! Join the Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group for a weekly Omer counting and guided reflection. We will analyze the theme for the week through a disability and chronic illness lens and discuss and reflect together. Have a reading, art, music, or other media on one of the Sefirot themes […]
Join the Mishkan Local Action Team for a Post-Passover Pizza Party! This will be a great opportunity to connect with other justice minded Mishkanites and be a part of creating change in Chicago. Register
Join Rabbi Lizzi and Builders Robbie Dembo and Rob Don to hear their stories about their family's past in Europe and in the Shoah, and how their research and learning has transformed the way they think about the present. There will be opportunities for self-reflection, discussion, and sharing. Register
Let’s count the Omer together! Join the Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group for a weekly Omer counting and guided reflection. We will analyze the theme for the week through a disability and chronic illness lens and discuss and reflect together. Have a reading, art, music, or other media on one of the Sefirot themes […]
From the American Friends of Combatants for Peace: The Joint Memorial Day Ceremony, organized by Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle Families Forum, is one of the largest Israeli-Palestinian jointly organized peace events in history. The Joint Memorial Ceremony provides a unique opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians to grieve together and stand strong in […]
After Minyan on Wednesday, April 30th, we'll be joined by leaders in the Standing Together movement, whose mission is to bring equality, political and climate justice to all citizens of Israel, and peaceful coexistence with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. On the Eve of Yom HaAtzma'ut, which celebrates 77 years of Israeli independence, […]
Let’s count the Omer together! Join the Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group for a weekly Omer counting and guided reflection. We will analyze the theme for the week through a disability and chronic illness lens and discuss and reflect together. Have a reading, art, music, or other media on one of the Sefirot themes […]
Let’s count the Omer together! Join the Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group for a weekly Omer counting and guided reflection. We will analyze the theme for the week through a disability and chronic illness lens and discuss and reflect together. Have a reading, art, music, or other media on one of the Sefirot themes […]
Tonight! Join Rabbi Lizzi at 6:30 pm for a fascinating Virtual Shabbat featuring special guest Rabbi Adi Romem, one of the first female rabbis ordained by the Hartman Institute for Israeli rabbis. She gives motivational speeches, does alternative B'Mitzvahs, leads a teen philanthropy program, and has a longstanding partnership with a community in Ghana. Tonight, […]
Let’s count the Omer together! Join the Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group for a weekly Omer counting and guided reflection. We will analyze the theme for the week through a disability and chronic illness lens and discuss and reflect together. Have a reading, art, music, or other media on one of the Sefirot themes […]
Let’s count the Omer together! Join the Disability and Chronic Illness Small Group for a weekly Omer counting and guided reflection. We will analyze the theme for the week through a disability and chronic illness lens and discuss and reflect together. Have a reading, art, music, or other media on one of the Sefirot themes […]
Due to extreme weather conditions, our Shavuot Shabbat service will now be held at Second Unitarian. Shavuot is a celebration of Torah — revelation, enlightenment, growth, creativity, wisdom, knowledge, and…dairy?! At 5:30 pm, get into the spirit of Shavuot with our Pizza Picnic, a dairy-fest full of pizza, ice cream, and games before our Shabbat […]
Revelation on Sinai was transcendent; revelation in real life can be messy. As Rebbe Yoda said, “The greatest teacher, failure is.” Come for a night of celebrating Revelation through getting it wrong on the road to getting it right, with a rapid-fire round of personal stories from Mishkanites. Afterward, we’ll walk over to Anshe Emet […]
Join Mishkan Chicago and other Lakeview area Jewish congregations as we celebrate Shavuot by learning together all night long. Stay tuned for more information on the full schedule of programming as learning sessions are finalized. Register — Scroll down to "Community Tikkun L'eil Shavuot" to help give Anshe Emet a headcount.
Whether you stayed up all night to study or got a good night’s sleep, Shavuot continues the following day with Morning Minyan. You can log in using the regular minyan link or join us in-person for coffee. We will keep celebrating the gift of Torah, our tradition, and each other. Register
Maximize the Shabbat vibes in our monthly music jam led by Music Director Matthew Ellenwood, vocal coach and performance trainer. If you love music, singing, or playing, this is a great chance to sing in community with music of the season. Learn Mishkan’s music and technical music skills while meeting new friends. All music and […]
The Justice Journey Alliance, Leadership Foundation of Chicago (JJALFOC), invites you to the inaugural Imagine Justice Juneteenth Commemorative Walk on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This 2.5-mile walk begins at 31st Street Beach, proceeds north to 18th Street, and returns via the Lakefront Trail. The distance honors the 2.5-year delay in freedom reaching the last enslaved […]
We saw you from across the spectrum of sexuality and gender identity, and we really like your vibe — can we buy you a drink? Join Rabbi Steven and other Queer Mishkanites at KOVAL before our Pride Shabbat service for a bev on Mishkan. Afterwards we'll head over to outdoor services at NorthCenter Town Square […]
