Emanuel Congregation

The synagogue does not live up to its marketing materials at all. After fours years as members, we got tired of waiting for the welcome, diversity, open-​mindedness, adult-​education opportunities, or validation of any other type of Jew beyond young families with children that the board and leadership constantly claimed publicly to actually be reflected in the everyday reality of the congregation. More a bar mitzvah factory or social club than anything else. If you remember what the next to last rabbi at Highland Park’s B’nai Torah said before that synagogue closed in 2014 – that leadership had come to view the shul as an economic problem instead of a community of caring – then you’ll understand Emanuel perfectly. If you don’t offer the promise of several years of family membership and religious school dues, it is as if you don’t exist. There are better Reform congregations in Chicago that are honest about who and what they are. (Speaking of honest, several recent reviews appear to be from board members of Emanuel, which is essentially the synagogue reviewing itself and against Unilocal terms of service.) We eventually chose Temple Sholom, three miles down the lakefront. Keep shul shopping.

Well it is four years later. Services are still solid with a balance of Hebrew and English to suite most. Down to earth feeling. People do not put on airs.
I chose to not compare to other locations but invite anyone to do their own side by side and pick what suits. HHHMM speaking of suits — I may yet (maybe this Yom Kippur) put on a suit. Nahh — not likely.
Judaism has been around a few thousand years and this Temple (Congregation? Shul? Synagogue? Place of Worship? Community ?) has gone through a few sets of tires itself.
After 130 years plus it keeps its flavor (Taam) .
Shanah Tovah (a good wish any time of the year)

If you’re looking for a warm forward thinking Jewish community check out Emanuel Congregation. My wife and two kids have been members at Emanuel since 2010. We were members another synagogue in the city, but couldn’t find any connection to the spirit or people there. Then we met the rabbi at Emanuel heard his sermons at Rosh Hashanah, realized some of our friends were members and the rest is history. The synagogue was founded in 1880 (yes 18), our building on Sheridan Road was built in the 1950’s and the history is alive there. The board leadership of Emanuel is passionate and considerate, the Rabbis (both Senior and Emeritus) are inspiring and wonderful. Emanuel has a special relationship with camp OSRUI (
) in Wisconsin and many functions are held there. Check out the website (
) to see pictures of the facility, the people, the lake, and of course what is offered at Emanuel.

This has been my temple all my life.
I had my bar mitzvah here, went to religious and sunday school here, shabbat services, confirmation, all the high holidays, and so much more.
The current rabbi, Rabbi Zedek is a great rabbi and person. He is knowledgeable, funny, understanding, and a great speaker. He loves to help out and be socially active.
The congregation has many mitzvah opportunities from food for the homeless to holiday packages, to cleaning the chicago river. There’s something for everyone and it’s very easy to get involved.
If you are looking for a temple on the far north side feel free to drop in on a friday night for shabbat services or sunday around noon for sunday services.

I have been a member of this congregation for three years and it is wonderful! Low key services with lots of participation, a terrific rabbi who is great with the kids.
The former reviewer must have been visiting another shul. There a tons of kids in the religious school and the number is growing. This is an old congregation which is definitely on the rebound. Many families from my school have joined and participate in services and community activities.
If you are looking for architecture, join Sinai. If you want a friendly community that is completely NOT a scene, join Emanuel!

Attended Shabbat services at this temple recently. I am currently not a member of any temple but am possibly looking to join one after a couple year hiatus. When I lived in Lakeview I attended Temple Sholom where I really liked the Rabbis and the temple itself was beautiful. To be sure it was a bit of a «scene» on the high holidays but that is to be expected these days and I am certainly not one to talk as I, for the most part, am a «High Holiday Jew» as well. That said, I’ve been thinking about attending Shabbat services more often and have been looking for something within walking distance in Rogers Park that is not Orthodox.
Services began at 8pm. Unfortunately the head Rabbi was not there so the service was led by the President of the congregation and the cantor. The cantor had a very deep, raspy voice. She could carry a tune but it definitely sounded a bit rough at times. Given most of the congregants attending that evening were over 50 and not the best singers, we didn’t give her much help. :)
The synagogue was clearly remodeled recently and looked very modern, with an absolutely gorgeous stained glass display above the arc, comfortable seating, and good acoustics. Unfortunately the rest of the building seems to not have had the attention the synagogue has been given but I wasn’t there to critique interior design so this is pretty inconsequential.
Overall I got a good vibe about the place. Everyone was friendly, the oneg after the service was very nice, and the lake being directly behind the building is a nice bonus. As I mentioned earlier, most attendees were older: couples in their 50’s and 60’s, groups of old women, and 4 or 5 people in their twenties/​thirties. Absolutely no kids.
I definitely think I will go back for a few more services and really try to get a feel for the place. If you’re a non-​member and/​or just looking for someplace to go on a Friday night or other holidays, this should certainly fit the bill.