Am Shalom (Chicago)

Am Shalom (People of Peace) was established as a Reform congregation on June 18, 1972 and held its first formal Sabbath service on August 4, 1972. Sixty families, having in common certain concepts of Jewish worship and living, came together to create and fill the need for a new and vibrant Reform congregation.

Under the 30 year leadership of Rabbi Harold Kudan, who retired in 2002 and new Senior Rabbi Steven S. Lowenstein, Am Shalom has grown from the original sixty families in a small store-front office to a currently capped membership of 850. There is currently a waiting list of close to 200 with the average time to become a member running 3-4 years.

In its historic building at 840 Vernon Avenue in Glencoe, Illinois, Am Shalom recognizes the critical importance of Jewish education in the life of its congregants. From classes offered to children at a very young age to a full program in its Adult Learning Academy, education at Am Shalom remains priority one.

Social Action programming at Am Shalom recognizes not only the needs of the Jewish community but the broader community at large. Through special Social Action programs throughout the year as well as regularly scheduled activities such as Feed the Homeless, Mitzvah Day and clothing drives, Am Shalom truly lives on a daily basis the spirit of Tikkum Olam.

And of course there are Shabbat Services on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, Jewish holiday celebrations, healing services and special community based commemorations all of which are a part of Am Shalom fulfilling its important mission.

History is not static. As Am Shalom creates its long range plan and moves forward with plans to renovate+modernize its building, it is comforting to know that our community is enriched and grows because of the existence of Am Shalom.