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http://www.suntimes.com/output/religion/cst-nws-sacredground02.html
Name of congregation: Bene Shalom, 4435 Oakton
Religious affiliation: Judaism (reform).
Neighborhood/community: Skokie/North Shore.
Size of congregation:240 families.
Pastor or spiritual leader: Douglas Goldhamer; senior rabbi: Shari Chen, assistant rabbi.
Services: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. Saturdays.
What makes synagogue special: Services are conducted in American Sign Language, Hebrew and English. Rabbis communicate the prayers in sign language. The synagogue is based on the premise that when you pray, your prayers are already answered.
Biggest turnout: 425 during High Holy Days.
Biggest wish-list item: Adding on a new healing chapel and meditation rooms for prayer.
Most memorable service: The Shabbat service after Rabbi Goldhamer became an American citizen two years ago. After Sept. 11, he decided to become a U.S. citizen.
Proudest moment: When zoning was changed to allow the congregation at the present location. Another proud moment was when the small group of deaf congregants moved to the present location. The transition has not been without criticism. People in the '70s were fearful that the deaf would pose a traffic hazard on Oakton Street.
Biggest help: For almost 32 years, the congregation has received financial support from an auxiliary group called the "Friends of Congregation Bene Shalom," under the leadership of Alan Crane and Bob Fridstein. They have been instrumental in maintaining financial stability.
Biggest issue: Integrating the synagogue so that deaf and hearing are equally comfortable and letting people who don't attend know that it serves both populations.
Name of congregation: Bene Shalom, 4435 Oakton
Religious affiliation: Judaism (reform).
Neighborhood/community: Skokie/North Shore.
Size of congregation:240 families.
Pastor or spiritual leader: Douglas Goldhamer; senior rabbi: Shari Chen, assistant rabbi.
Services: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. Saturdays.
What makes synagogue special: Services are conducted in American Sign Language, Hebrew and English. Rabbis communicate the prayers in sign language. The synagogue is based on the premise that when you pray, your prayers are already answered.
Biggest turnout: 425 during High Holy Days.
Biggest wish-list item: Adding on a new healing chapel and meditation rooms for prayer.
Most memorable service: The Shabbat service after Rabbi Goldhamer became an American citizen two years ago. After Sept. 11, he decided to become a U.S. citizen.
Proudest moment: When zoning was changed to allow the congregation at the present location. Another proud moment was when the small group of deaf congregants moved to the present location. The transition has not been without criticism. People in the '70s were fearful that the deaf would pose a traffic hazard on Oakton Street.
Biggest help: For almost 32 years, the congregation has received financial support from an auxiliary group called the "Friends of Congregation Bene Shalom," under the leadership of Alan Crane and Bob Fridstein. They have been instrumental in maintaining financial stability.
Biggest issue: Integrating the synagogue so that deaf and hearing are equally comfortable and letting people who don't attend know that it serves both populations.