Congregation Shir Ami of Oak Park

Are there really Jews in Oak Park?

It ain’t Brooklyn, but we are one of four Jewish congregations in the area. They comprise secular, reform, conservative, and us. According to a 2000 study by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, about 10% of Cook County folks say they’re Jewish. So there may be around five thousand Jews in Oak Park. According to the 1990 National Jewish Population Survey, about 40% of them are likely to be affiliated with a synagogue.

The ASARB study also showed that whereas the number of congregations in Cook County declined by 23%, the number of Jews increased by 12% between 1990 and 2000.

How is a havurah different from a synagogue?

The Hebrew root of havurah is haver, “friend”. The main difference is that we have no permanent rabbi, nor a paid staff, nor standing committees. Anything that needs to be done must be done by the haverim ourselves. Athough this sometimes increases one’s workload, we think it is a more authentic Jewish experience. Also, we come as we are; no uncomfortable duds are allowed.

What are services like?

They are “traditional”, mostly in Hebrew, although the Torah discussion is in English. Whereas someone volunteers to lead each service, everyone can participate in the discussion.

What texts are used?

We mostly use the Birnbaum prayer book and the Hertz translation of the Torah. There are other versions, such as the Art Scroll prayer book and the Soncino Torah, in our library, for those familiar with them. All of these texts include standard English translations on opposite pages.

We also have the Metsudah interlinear translation of the prayerbook, which includes line-by-line translations. This is excellent for following the service.

Do you have a Sefer Torah?

Yes, we have a Sefer Torah and a portable ark. We chant the Torah on High Holy Days, bar- and bat-mitzvahs, and several times a year during Shabbat services. We also have a modest library of Torah, Talmud, and prayer study resources.

A number of our members and their bar- and bat-mitzvah-aged children learned the “trope” so that we are self-sufficient for using the chant.

How do you educate your children?

Children are welcome in the services, which is one way for them to learn. We also have a separate children’s room with informal learning activities. We used to have a much larger educational program, but most of our kids have grown up and moved out. The new generation have just begun to arrive and aren’t ready for school yet.

What is the status of women?

We have found that women make very good congregational presidents, prayer leaders, Torah readers, aliyah honorees, and educators. You can even sit next to one during services, if you wish.

How do you deal with life cycle events?

The community supports its members in life and death through attendance in force. Some parents train their own bar- and bat-mitzvahs, others make arrangements with knowledgeable members and friends. We observe communal Jewish traditions, but with more individuality.

How could I fit in, given my knowledge?

Whatever you know, you will fit in just fine. If you don’t yet read Hebrew, you can use the interlinear translated prayer book. The freewheeling Torah discussion is entirely English. Over time, the largely musical liturgy becomes second-nature. Plus, you can try the weekly Torah study group, which has been examining Genesis for a number of years (but we hope to get to Exodus soon!).

Does everybody have to participate?

That’s completely up to you. There’s no pressure at all. The essence of the havurah is to learn and, over time, increase your participation.

What are the financial obligations of membership?

There are no obligations—only suggestions. If you decide to make Shir Ami your havurah, we suggest a yearly level of support up to $500.

Can I obtain kosher food in Oak Park?

The major supermarket chains in Oak Park and River Forest have been careful to stock dry and frozen kosher-certified products. The most-often seen hechshers are the O-U and the C-R-C. You can even obtain glatt-kosher meat here.