CONGREGATION MAKOM SHALOM is a Jewish Renewal Congregation begun by Rabbi Allen Secher in 1991 as an outgrowth of his working with interfaith families. Located at 637 S. Dearborn in the Printer's Row neighborhood of Chicago's South Loop, the congregation takes its name from the Hebrew Grace Place,

also the name of their building! Rabbi Secher has recently retired to Montana, and the congregation is privileged to announce that Rabbi Chava Bahle is their new spiritual leader.

The Congregation's philosophy and mission is the following: "Ours is a search for a common ground of spirituality. And so Makom Shalom offers shared, dynamic participation in a Jewish Renewal Community. Jewish renewal reaches back to the spiritual essence of Judaism that has sustained our people for thousands of years.

It creates a vital, relevant religious framework in which to experience a sense of personal intimacy and meaning...our task is clear: to present the opportunity to fulfill each member's spiritual potential. We open ourselves to fellow congregants and to the plurality of the world in which we live."

Makom Shalom has created a Family School for religious education, seeking to support interfaith families who have sought out a meaningful way to give their children an education in Jewish culture, tradition, and philosophy. The school meets on the third Friday of the month from 6:00 till 8 pm, with children directed by teachers; the adults learning from the Rabbi.

Makom Shalom also offers worship services for Shabbat the first, second and last Friday of the month at 8pm.

For more information on Congregation Makom Shalom, please call 312 913-9030, or visit their website at www.makomshalom.com.