In the Torah, our ancestors built a sacred spiritual space together, using all of their diverse talents, life experiences, and resources, joyfully bringing their whole selves to something greater than themselves. That space was called The Mishkan. Drawing from that tradition, Buildership at Mishkan Chicago is our collaborative form of synagogue membership, a way of intentionally contributing to our inspired, down-to-earth Jewish community. Together, we are breathing new life into Judaism.
Read below to understand more of the benefits our Builders receive from intentionally joining us in this way, to see if becoming a Builder is the right next step for you on your journey:
Be a Part of Something Larger Than Yourself
Many of our Builders note that the biggest benefit to joining is knowing they are truly a stakeholder in Mishkan, one of the most vibrant and creative Jewish communities in the country. And it’s true! Your contribution directly and meaningfully supports our work (~35% of our operating budget), enabling us to be here for you, both in spiritual practice as well as during life’s most important moments.
Lifecycle Services & Rabbinic Support
- Access to our rabbis’ holistic services (planning, support, and officiation) for your most meaningful lifecycle events (weddings, naming ceremonies, funeral & shiva officiation, BMitzvah, new home dedications, etc.).
- Meet 1:1 with rabbis for spiritual guidance and support throughout the year. Our rabbis are always thinking about our Builders and regularly reach out, for example on your birthday.
Families & Kids
- Mensch Academy Program (religious school) for 3-11 year olds. We have competitive pricing for tuition, including sliding scale options.
- Holistic multi-year BMitzvah preparation for families and their preteens through our Cohen Kadima Program, and continued teen programming throughout high school.
- Builder-only drop-off programming for kids at High Holiday services.
Builder-Only Opportunities
- Invitations to special Builder-only events & receive monthly Builder newsletter, communications about weddings, funerals, births, celebrations and memorials of other Builders, monthly introductions to new Builders and gratitude for the way our Builders are stepping up as leaders.
- Being a Builder means you can lead a Small Group, creating your own micro-community within the larger Mishkan family.
- Personalized 1:1 support in onboarding to the community and building connections with other Builders through ongoing support and check-ins from our Builder Experience Manager.
- Access to our Builder Directory so that you can begin building your Mishkan mishpucha and networking with others in the community.