“Our People, Our Community, Our Synagogue”. Congregation Or Chadash
Let me introduce Congregation Or Chadash with our motto; “Our People, Our Community, Our Synagogue”. Congregation Or Chadash - Congregation of new Light - was founded in 1975 in Chicago. We provide a warm and nurturing environment to all Jews with a special emphasis on serving the GLBT community. Our difference from other synagogues who embrace GLBT members is our programs focus on the needs of the GLBT community as well as the needs of all Jews. Or Chadash is about our people and our community.
We hold Shabbat Services every Friday at 8 PM. We also have Saturday morning services on the first Saturday of the month at 10 AM. Our Purim party we read the Megillah and present a new and original Purim Spiel each year. Our Passover Seder is celebrated as a community on the second night of Passover. Rabbi Edwards, our Rabbi, strives to make study of Torah and Judaism relevant and meaningful to our experiences as GLBT Jews as well as providing excellent explanations and perspectives on the traditional views in Judaism. Or Chadash typically offers two or three classes each Fall and Winter. They are usually held on Sunday morning and taught by the Rabbi or other learned member of the congregation. Throughout the year we get together for other activities such as plays, concerts, baseball games, dinners. We also celebrate traditional Jewish holidays such as our Purim Party, Chanukah Party, and Congregational Seder. The Annual Gala is a great formal event with dinner, dancing, and entertainment.
We are proud to have Rabbi Edwards as our spiritual leader. He is a teacher, a leader and a friend. His divrei Torah are made relevant to our community and our people. His perspective on GLBT issues, Jewish issues, and traditional/modern Jewish thought are a welcome addition to our congregation. He is a respected scholar and a warm and gentle man.
Our melodies are an important part of our services and we are pleased that Judith Golden lends her beautiful voice to our services. She brings traditional and new melodies to our services making them a special event. She also directs our choir on the High Holidays. This special time of year is made all that more significant with melodies of Judith and her choir.
We are located inside Emanuel Congregation at 5959 North Sheridan Road, Chicago. Our services are held in the warm and friendly Stonewall Chapel.
For more information about us Call (773) 271-2148, visit on-line www.OrChadash.org or email Office@OrChadash.org. We are also on Facebook