Happenings
Congregratin Etz Chaim has a broad range of programs, events, worship services. Our wonderful calendar is built by our various committees and communities that make our our congregation. We organize our calendar with select categories so you can easy and find what you are looking for.
Adult Social Groups - West Suburban Chaverim, Wise Aging, Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Bridge, Mah Jong, ROMEOs, Ladies who lunch, TTT (Formerly Jewish Young Professionals), Partner Bridge, QiGong, Mid-life Adventures
General - AA and Al-Anon Meetings, private rentals,
Holidays -
Jewish Holidays
Life-long Learning
Meetings & Rehearsals
Office
Programs & Engagement
Secular Holidays
Shabbat Services/Holidays
Social Action
Youth Education and Engagement
Bagel Breakfast
Sunday, May 12th 9:30a to 10:30a
Yom HaZikaron: Perspectives from an Oct. 7 Survivor from Kibbutz Be'eri
Sunday, May 12th 10:30a to 11:30a
Lunch 'n Learn: The Soldiers Fell Like Autumn Leaves by Rick Schoenfield
Wednesday, May 15th 12:30p to 2:00p
West Suburban Chaverim
Wednesday, May 15th 6:00p to 7:30p
Beginning to Think About End of Life Decisions
Wednesday, May 15th 7:00p to 8:00p
Shabbat Services (Yom HaZikaron)
Friday, May 10th 7:30p to 8:30p
Torah Study
Shabbat, May 11th 9:00a to 10:00a
Shabbat Services (Andie Watts B'nai Mitzvah)
Shabbat, May 11th 10:30a to 12:00p
Shabbat Services (Camp Shabbat)
Friday, May 17th 7:30p to 8:30p
Torah Study
Shabbat, May 18th 9:00a to 10:00a
Congregational Retreat
One weekend every spring we travel to the Olin-Sang-Ruby-Union Institute (OSRUI) located in Oconomowoc, WI for a retreat. We offer multiple programs for all ages. For instance, some programs are discussion groups, others are hands-on, and some take place outside. The retreat is for adults and children alike. School-age children sleep in a camp cabin under the supervision of college-age counselors. Adults have rooms in another building and most have a private bathroom. Younger children stay with their parents. And don’t worry, we build in plenty of time for connection and bonding with our programs and over meals. No child is too young and no adult is too old. All are welcome to learn, pray, eat, relax, sing, and just enjoy Shabbat for an entire weekend!
Our 2024 Congregational Retreat is April 12-14 at OSRUI. Registration is open through 3/20. Nourish your body and spirit. We will eat, sing, reflect, learn, and connect as a community. Celebrate Shabbat, have fun, and participate in Jewish learning with other members of our congregational family.
Summer Camp
Not only is the OSRUI home to our annual retreat, many of our kids participate in a summer sleepaway camp at the site.
The camp offers several sessions to meet the needs and interests of campers from 3rd grade through high school.
These sessions can be anywhere from five days to seven weeks. During that time, campers stay in cabins or tents all while learning about Jewish life. Plus, nothing beats the Shabbat songfest and Israeli dancing! Lifelong friendships develop and each child’s connection to Judaism is strengthened at OSRUI.
Etz Chaim is proud to regularly send the largest contingent of campers to OSRUI from a mid-size congregation, and one of the largest contingents from a congregation of any size!
Our congregation has set the bar for being a community whose members generously share themselves with others since its inception. Learn more about Tikkun Olam here.
