Baby Naming - A child is our blessing. What better gift to give a child than to give the child a Hebrew name before family, friends and with the blessing of the Rabbi. It is the hope that the name, memory and admired traits of a loved one who has since passed will continue to live on in the heart of the child.

Upon publicly acknowledging the wonderful traits connected to the name given, it is appropriate that the Rabbi makes it official. In the Bible, God commands the Priests to bless the Children of Israel. With palms down and fingers spread over the head of the child, our Rabbi bestows this priestly blessing upon the child. In so doing, it is the desire that God is always peeking through the cracks in the wall from above to protect the child we love.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look kindly upon you and give you peace."
 
Arrangements can be made to honor your child at any temple service or in the home.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah - One of our greatest joys as parents is the process of watching our children grow over time and become the adults they will inevitably become. It is a joy for those of Am Echod to witness the growth of these children with respect to their journey of and commitment to Jewish Education and the Jewish way of life.  As written in Jewish law, a child automatically is considered Bar/Bat Mitzvah at the age of 13 using the Jewish date of birth. Participation in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is an exciting honor for one who is crossing over from childhood to adolescence and a memory of joy for the family, friends and those of Am Echod.

After 4 or more years of devoted formal study of Judaism the child has attained proficiency in Hebrew. With the help of a Hebrew instructor and the Rabbi, the child is ready to take on the final and most difficult task of reading directly from the Torah, a task which is not as simple as it might sound. Yet, the result is heartwarming as the Bar/Bat Mitzvah beautifully, courageously and faithfully stands before the congregation and chants the Maftir and the Haftorah.

There is much opportunity for Bar/Bat Mitzvah who are capable and desire to do more. One of the most popular tasks is leading of the Friday night and Shabbat morning service under the direction of the Rabbi. 

The Bar/Bat Mitzah service is filled with many other touching moments. At Am Echod, our Rabbi invites the congregation to view the open Torah scroll prior to its reading. Those who view immediately have a new found respect for the effort necessary of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to read directly from the Torah.

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah students have created a strong bond. One can witness the group of former Bar/Bat Mitzvah being called to the Torah for an aliyah. One can listen to the most recent Bar/ Bat Mitzvah presents the Certificate of Bar/Bat Mitzvah on behalf of the Am Echod community.

Students preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvah are raised with the understanding of the importance of Tikkun Olam, social action, mitzvot – an individual’s responsibility to participate in making this a better world for all and done for unselfish reasons. Under the guidance of Dr. Sherry Blumberg, education director, it is the Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s gift to the world to find a special project which will improve the lives of others. Whether being a tutor, a big brother or sister, raising or donating time to a homeless shelter, collecting food for the hungry, sharing special moments with seniors at a senior facility or raising funds for Dahfur, the options are endless and personal. The satisfaction gained is invaluable.

Weddings or Renewal of Vows - Although a wedding can be performed where ever there is a chupah, there is an added significance when the ceremony is performed in a house of worship. For a wedding ceremony or a ceremony to renew the vows taken, Congregation Am Echod is eager to make the life cycle event most meaningful and enjoyable.

On a Saturday evening and upon reaching 35 years of marriage, Jerry and Sandy Reizner gathered family and friends as witness to their renewal of their marriage vows. While standing under the hand made chupah, designed and created by member Melissa Slater, they reaffirmed their love and devotion towards one another. This joyous occasion was followed by a wonderful catered affair where family and friends came together in conversation and dance to enjoy this magical moment.

Funeral - At this moment of darkness and loss, it is comforting to know that our Rabbi is available to officiate at the service. Whether done in the synagogue, off site or graveside, our Rabbi’s presence will be a comfort to the family. If asked to officiate, he will capture the essence of the life of the deceased in a personalized and meaningful eulogy. He will witness that the burial has been properly done according to the laws of our faith. Afterward, our Rabbi is available to visit the house of mourning and lead the minyan in prayer if so desired.

Time will pass quickly. It would be an honor for our Rabbi to return to the grave site and to officiate at a dedication ceremony for a loved one.

Am Echod Cemetery - The Am Echod cemetery is located in Waukegan on Grand Avenue just east of Greenbay Road. The history of the cemetery dates back to Mayer Kubelsky, founder of Am Echod and father of Jack Benny. A visit to the Am Echod cemetery will show that it is easily accessible and well maintained. It is a beautiful setting for a final resting place for one we love.

Am Echod Social Hall and Kitchen - Our Social Hall when joined with the Sanctuary can accommodate a sizeable social gathering. Stage, dance floor and sound system are always available. All seating is flexible and any arrangement can be customized to the theme of the social life cycle event.

The Am Echod Kosher style professional kitchen is state of the art and can easily handle any afternoon or night time function. Kosher style meals can be served either at the table or buffet style. The permanent buffet is a wonderful place to serve an Oneg or set up a delicious sweet table.