Shalom Dear Friends,

As we reflect on the past 50 years, we are filled with profound gratitude for the journey we shared as a community at Temple Chai. It all began with a small group of local Jewish families who came together to create an inclusive place to inspire Jewish journeys, nurture community, and share their passion for lifelong learning, music, acts of loving kindness, and a love of Israel.

This letter serves one purpose: to express our deepest gratitude to each one of you. Your unwavering support, whether through your time, talent, or financial contributions, has been the lifeblood of Temple Chai. You built and sustained a vibrant and beautiful synagogue, and a sanctuary filled with light and compassion that embodied the highest ideals of Reform Jewish life. Temple Chai became a beacon of Jewish light in the northwest suburbs and a leading voice in our broader community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for choosing to make Temple Chai your spiritual home. We have been a true family navigating the joys and challenges of life together. We are grateful for those moments of human connection and for the abundant blessings and holiness that echoed through our sanctuary, filling it with song and spirit. We embraced the wisdom of our people and shared it here; living Jewish values and exemplifying them together. We are honored by your strength and the many ways you proudly modeled those Jewish values to our neighbors, guests, and friends.

There are countless memories that we each hold dear, such as the friendships we forged and the many milestones we observed together. We have been a warm and purpose-driven community where families blended, and new connections flourished. We passionately supported one another and committed ourselves to the prophetic imperative of Tikkun Olam, tirelessly working to repair and improve the world around us. Temple Chai became a haven of Jewish life, a harmonious blend of the familiar shtetl and the boundary-pushing avant-garde, always ready to respond to the ever-evolving landscapes of America, Israel, and the Jewish people. Temple Chai’s contribution was unique and inspiring.

As we face the closure of our physical building and the formal conclusion of our congregation, let us remember that our Temple Chai spirit will forever live on within each of us. Our recent challenges have been painful, but we should take pride in the way we navigated the situation with intention and integrity. Let us channel the resilience and soulfulness that define Temple Chai and look toward a future where each of us continues to play an active role in Jewish life and community.

While endings are often challenging, they also mark the beginning of new chapters. As we embark on a new journey, let us never forget the precious time we spent together. We are fortunate to have been a part of this extraordinary place. It helped shape us into the people we have become. We know that the memories of the moments we shared together will be etched in our hearts forever. Our Temple Chai community will continue to thrive within us; for having stood together for 50 years, we understand the true essence of Hineni: “We are here.”

With profound gratitude and a deep sense of community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for letting us be a part of all of your lives. It has been an honor and a gift to share in the life of this congregation with you.

B’Shalom,

Ilana G. Baden, Senior Rabbi
Stephen A. Hart, Rabbi Emeritus
Scott D. Simon, Cantor
Noam Alon, President

How many of our members are going to Temple Beth-El? We are thrilled to have a strong partnership with the warm and welcoming congregation at Temple Beth-El and we know our members are too–so far over 140 households have shared with us that they plan to join (or in some cases, already have). Many more have told us they are still finalizing their decision but that Temple Beth-El is high on their list knowing that they will see many familiar faces as Laura Perpinyal begins her new position and Cantor Simon and Alison Lewin lend their support to the transition. Temple Beth-El will also be home to so many of our precious items, including our Torah scrolls, stained glass, etc.

Does Temple Chai need to know my future plans? If so, how should I share them with you?
Please click here to complete this brief survey to inform us of your future plans regarding synagogue affiliation. This will enable us to customize the information we share with you during the wind down of Temple Chai. Note: This survey is for informational purposes only. Submitting this survey does NOT function as a request for any financial transaction to be made. Instructions for requesting financial disbursements from Temple Chai to other 501c3 nonprofit organizations, including the congregation(s) where our members will be affiliating, will be sent later this summer.

I’ve decided to join Temple Beth-El or another congregation. How can I claim the $500 donation that is part of the distribution plan?
Instructions for requesting financial disbursements from Temple Chai to other 501c3 nonprofit organizations, including the congregation(s) where our members will be affiliating, will be sent later this summer.

Is there a recording of the closing Havdalah that I would be able to view?
It was wonderful to share this weekend’s Shabbat service and Havdalah ceremony with so many of our members—thank you for sharing your love of Temple Chai with all of us. Please click here to view and/or download recordings of our final events.

When and how can I pick-up my Yahrzeit Plaque(s), Tree of Life Leaf(s), and/or Memorial Bricks? Precious item pick-up will take place on Wednesday June 21 and Thursday June 22 between 4pm-7pm at the Temple Chai building at 1670 Checker Rd. in Long Grove. Pick-up is ONLY available to those who indicated a desire to do so on their transition form.

Will I receive a Temple Chai tax statement for 2023?
Temple Chai sent tax statements for January 1-June 19, 2023. These were mailed on June 19 to each members primary address. Members will be responsible for saving this information to use for tax preparation. Temple Chai will NOT send tax statements in January of 2024.

Who will be managing Temple Chai’s affairs during the wind down?
At our annual meeting, we extended the terms of all current board members. They will manage the congregation’s affairs during the wind down period with the support of Executive Director Alison Lewin.

Can I still come by and visit the Sanctuary? When will the sale of the building be final?
The Temple Chai building is now closed as we finalize preparations for the sale, which is expected to close as planned on June 30, 2023.

What are the details for Shabbat services during the rest of June?
Please join us for a shared Shabbat experience on June 23, when Cantor Simon will join the Temple Beth-El clergy for Shabbat Under the Stars at 6:00pm at Wood Oaks Green Park, Picnic Area 1, 1150 Sanders Rd. in Northbrook. Then on June 30, we invite you to join Cantor Simon for Shabbat in the Park at 6:30pm at Bob Lewandowski Park at 536 S. Prairie St. in Mundelein.

My loved one’s yahrzeit is approaching. Will their name be read at services?
All Temple Chai Yahrzeit names will be read as planned during Shabbat worship on June 23 and June 30. Temple Chai has provided all July names to Temple Beth-El.