All Humanistic in Illinois

Our motto, “Doing Jewish Differently,” applies to our long history of welcoming everyone. We want to celebrate Jewish life with our full and true selves in all our diversities. We embrace the reality of intercultural marriage by fully celebrating everyone’s life partner and their family. Children of intercultural families can be both Jewish and something else, rather than either/or. We actively welcome LGBTQIA+ Read more...

  Our school is open to everyone without the requirement of membership in Beth Chaverim up to fifth grade. This new and unprecedented model is meant to address families’ desire to educate their children but who are not ready for the commitment of membership. Once a student enters middle school, membership is required. Families can enroll their children for Session Read more...

Beth Chaverim is a Humanistic Jewish community. Humanistic Judaism defines Judaism as the collective historic experience of the Jewish people and promotes a community of shared Jewish values, especially for those Jews who cannot intellectually or emotionally embrace a supernatural being, or who are unsure about the existence of such a being and want to express their Judaism in an Read more...

As the leader of Beth Chaverim, Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld is committed to leading by ethical and moral example, listening to the voice of the community and displaying compassion and sensitivity to the community’s needs. As an effective communicator, Rabbi Jodi has a wonderful capacity for instilling a deep knowledge of Judaism, making the knowledge relevant for the community, and fostering Read more...

Rabbi Adam Chalom is a dynamic and illuminating speaker, a clear and inspiring teacher, a warm and welcoming presence at Kol Hadash, and a leading voice in the movement of Humanistic Judaism. Rabbi Chalom has served as the rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation since 2004. Rabbi Chalom earned a B.A. in Judaic Studies from Yale University; a Master’s Degree in Hebrew and Jewish Read more...