CONGREGATION SUKKAT SHALOM in Wilmette Illinois was formed initially from an Outreach Support Group that had been meeting for eight years. Congregation Sukkat Shalom was established with the clear mission of being a congregation of welcome and acceptance to a diverse community.

Since 1995, that original group has grown and has offered group support discussions, a family educational program, holiday and Shabbat observance and guest speakers.

Sukkat Shalom's educational program involves the entire family. Parents and children join together twice a month to explore stories, values and traditions. The primary goal is to establish a model in which the family is the key learning unit. The curriculum is largely text based with the younger children learning the significant Biblical stories and older children exploring values and ethics through the same Bible stories. During this same time, their parents along with other adult members of the community are exposed to serious text study complementary to their children's learning. The goal of the School is to enable the entire family to find stimulation and challenge within Jewish thought.

Worship at Sukkat Shalom is experienced in an intimate setting conducive to meditation, poetry and song. At least once a month the community gathers for a Shabbat meal: with songs, blessings, prayers and food Shabbat as sacred meal is shared. The worship service may include elements of Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox, Hassidic and Renewal traditions. In fact, Sukkat Shalom has just embarked in an exciting new adventure, working in partnership with the First Congregational Church of Wilmette, utilizing their space of the celebration of worship.

There are a variety of opportunities for adult learning at Sukkat Shalom, which include:

Key Turning Points in Judaism and Christianity

For more information regarding Sukkat Shalom, it's mission and programs, contact Rabbi Sam Gordon at samgordon@aol.com or their website at www.sukkatshalom.org.