Support at Maggie’s Place

Mishkan is here for you. We are not only a place for prayer, music, and learning, but we are also a community to turn to in times of need. From offering support groups with other Mishkanites to one-on-one meetings with our Rabbis, we are committed to walking with you through life’s challenges.

 

Established in Maggie Miretzky’s memory by her family, Maggie’s Place creates new ways to find connection and receive support for all people regardless of background, affiliation, or ability to pay. So far in 2025, we’ve run 50 programs that served over 300 unique individuals and made dozens of referrals to ongoing support. Our programs include:

  • Pastoral meetings online or in person. If you would like to schedule a pastoral meeting with one of our rabbis, please contact our rabbinic assistant.
  • Referrals for social services, counseling, and more. Contact Rabbi Steven for more information. 
  • In-house and partner-run social and support groups. See the dropdowns below for more information on our support group programming.

 

Pregnancy & New Parents
  • Build Your Village: Build your community with other new parents of babies (12 months and under)! Build Your Village will be co-led by Music Specialist Rachel Mylan and Leah Whiteman, a couple and family therapist who is also a full spectrum doula​. Contact: Rachel Mylan
  • Baby and Beyond: Are you a soon to be first-time parent expecting a new little one? Join us for this four-part interactive workshop designed to help you prepare for this next chapter: the transition into parenthood. This class is led by Leah Whiteman, a couple and family therapist who is also a full spectrum doula. Contact: Rachel Mylan
  • Contemplating Single Parenting by Choice: This group is for folks contemplating single parenting by choice, on the road to becoming a single parent, or who are single parents who would like support. Contact Rachel Mylan or Leah Whiteman for more information.
  • Fertility Journey: Join others seeking a space to process their fertility journeys. This program is sponsored by Maggie’s Place in partnership with JCFS. Contact: Rachel Mylan
  • Loss and Grief in Pregnancy: Open to all seeking support after experiencing loss in pregnancy. Contact Leah Whiteman for more information or registration.
LGBTQ+ Support Groups

Join other LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18 for activities at Mishkan HQ and adventures in Chicagoland! Our Queer Youth Group is an affinity space for tweens and teens to explore the intersection of their Jewish and Queer identities while building community through fun events and activities. It’s also drop-in, so any LGBTQ+ youth are welcome to attend without obligation to join us for every event. Want to find out more? Contact Ilana Abusch.

Grief Groups

In partnership with JCFS, Mishkan offers a variety of support groups centering different types of grieving. Contact Rabbi Steven for more information on these groups. 

  • Young adults (20s and 30s) who have experienced a close loss within the last two years.
  • Navigating the world after the loss of a loved one to suicide
  • Those 55 and younger who are grieving the death of their spouse or partner within the past two years.
  • Older adults who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner within the last two years.
  • Mourning the death of an adult child
Recovery and Sobriety
  • Ometz is a new, confidential peer support group for Jews seeking a self-directed path to manage or change addictive behaviors. Facilitated by longtime Mishkan community member Tim “Amichai” Graves, this non-12 Step gathering focuses on personal empowerment, self-management, and growth, drawing strength from Jewish values. If you are looking for community and healing, join us bi-weekly at Mishkan HQ. Contact Rabbi Steven for more information.
A Heart of Many Rooms: Israel & Palestine Discussion Group

As conflict continues to impact Israelis, Palestinians, and all those who call that part of the world home, sometimes it can feel like we are living in two different realities. Join other Mishkanites to share what is on our hearts and minds in this moment, as we explore our relationship to that land and its peoples. This is a facilitated discussion space led by Rabbi Steven, to create a community of care amidst complexity.

Disability & Chronic Illness Support Group

In this clinician-led support group, adults (18+) experiencing disability or chronic illness can find a safe and supportive space to discuss their struggles and successes with like-minded peers.

Neurodivergent Adult Social Group

Come hang out at Mishkan HQ with other Neurodivergent adults! There will be games, light snacks, and opportunities to connect with one another. This program is clinician-led.

Women's Groups

Rosh Chodesh Circles: Mishkan’s Rosh Chodesh Circle Small Groups are restorative and regenerative spaces for all women — both cisgender and transgender — to reflect, connect, and learn. Drawing upon the beautiful curriculum from At The Well, lay leaders of each circle convene monthly meetings with support from Mishkan staff. Contact: Michael Palmer​

Healthy Relationships
  • Intention: A Workshop on Healthy Relationships: Are you in the early years of a committed relationship? Led by Rabbi Steven and staff at SHALVA, this cohort-based experiential workshop utilizes SHALVA’s Seven Circles curriculum to help you to strengthen your communication skills around expectations, healthy conflict, and meeting needs. This workshop occurs annually in the spring. Contact Rabbi Steven for more information.
Support Our Work

All services are free of charge. Your donation ensures we can continue providing these essential services.

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Upcoming Maggie’s Place Programs

See our full calendar of upcoming Maggie’s Place support groups here.

Get Connected

Find support groups, experts, resources, and connections with other people who share your story.

Community Resources

Making a Difference — Testimonials

“I was impressed with the energetic yet fairly laid back and approachable rabbis. Never before have I seen a social space for neurodivergent Jewish adults.”

“When I was experiencing a particularly bad depressive period, Maggie’s Place staff regularly checked in to see how I was doing.  It was such a comfort to know that there was an entire community surrounding me and holding me up.”

“The Mishkan community is already a spiritual, psychologically and emotionally supportive place. With more resources and focus on mental health and wellness support, thousands of Jews in Chicago can continue to learn and grow from this community.”

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From Sharon, Alan, and Molly

We can hardly believe how much Maggie’s Place has accomplished since its launch in 2017. With your support, we’re excited to continue building on this success! We’re so grateful for our partners at Mishkan Chicago for helping get Maggie’s Place off the ground and helping us to build something that honors Maggie’s legacy of helping others. Thank you for helping make Maggie’s Place possible and for continuing to support this important work.

 

About Maggie

Maggie Miretzky was a beautiful and kind daughter, sister, cousin and friend.

She would bend over backwards to help out her family and friends, and to make brighter the lives of those who knew her. She was at the top of her class at Walter Payton High School, attended Northwestern University, and was a practicing doula–a quintessential service profession that perfectly captured Maggie’s generous spirit. She also loved tennis and softball, took pride in all things Jewish, could recite the dialogue from “Friends” from memory, and was known amongst family and friends for her quick wit and classic ‘Maggie-isms.’ Maggie’s Place is our way of paying tribute to Maggie’s memory, establishing her legacy and continuing her life’s work of helping others.

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