More than 40 people attended our Membership Open House, ate, and schmoozed. Guest comments included: “It feels so comfortable here.” “I could learn more about Judaism here.” and “The food was great.”

Todah rabbah to Ellen and Dale Morton for everything, Lois Shartiag for arranging the food, Dara Turnball for acting as Treasurer, Rabbi Tom for being so accessible, and the Communications team for working with us.

I am so thankful to so many current members of MCJC who came to the Open House and helped with membership efforts, in addition to teaching, and serving on other MCJC committees. There were even members who couldn’t be there who dropped off food for everyone to enjoy! If I had to use specific names, you’d be reading most of the membership directory.

Yiddishkeit is the only term that I can use to describe the attitude and atmosphere at MCJC.

“I thankfully acknowledge you, HaShem, for all the many gifts you provide.” Baruch atah Hashem shetovotecha rabim meod.

The next membership committee meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 at 6:30 pm, at Panera on Randall Rd. in Algonguin. It is open to any MCJC ambassador including membership committee members. We’ll review the Open House and begin our new buddy membership process to grow our MCJC community.

B’shalom, Linda Blatchford

Todah Rabbah to Membership Chair Linda Blatchford, Co-presidents Andy Purvin, Dara Turnball, and Karen Koenig, and Board Members Brian Horn, Iza Celewicz, and Jonah Markowitz for attending and supporting MCJC’s Open House and Religious School Opening Day. We appreciate all of your work for this event, Linda, and the help the Board provided to meet and greet new members.

Happy 5779-5780, MCJC teachers and assistants!

Sunday, August 25, 2019
9:30 am to 12:30 pm

The McHenry County Jewish Congregation (MCJC) Membership Committee invites you to an Open House and Community Picnic in conjunction with the Opening Day of the MCJC Religious School 2019/2020.

The event is Sunday, August 25, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, at 8617 Ridgefield Rd. in unincorporated Crystal Lake.  It is accessible from Route 14.

View our Religious School in action, tour the building, and meet members, teachers, and Rabbi Tom Samuels. A Community Picnic starts at 11:30 am, with kosher hot dogs and veggie/pareve foods prepared by congregants.

RSVPs are required by August 20 at  https://mcjconline.org/event/mchenry-county-jewish-congregation-open-house/

MCJC is the heart of Jewish life in the greater McHenry County area. We offer

• a full schedule of weekly worship services
• holiday services (the High Holy Days begin this year September 29 and include children’s services)
• Friday evening potluck dinners
• social events
• social action programs
• a Religious School and Hebrew program that meets one weekday afternoon and Sunday mornings
• a growing library of educational videos from Rabbi Tom for Torah study, Shabbat celebrations, songs, and more

If you would like to find out more about membership in our vibrant MCJC community, please email membership@mcjconline.org.

We welcome you to visit MCJC to see if our Jewish community is right for you.  Get a taste of Religious School at 9:15 a.m., tour the building at 11:00 a.m., and meet members, teachers, and Rabbi Tom. The community picnic starts at 11:30. Hot dogs and veggie/pareve food selections will be served.

We’ve had a great response to this event. It promises to be a wonderful day and an opportunity to meet with and experience what a special place our MCJC community is.

If you’re among those who have already RSVP’d, thank you! If you haven’t yet let us know you’ll be there, please RSVP today at https://mcjconline.org/event/new-member-brunch/