Groups
Groups are special-interest and/or more social organizations.
BTC Jr (Families with Young Children)
What is BTC Jr?
Beth Tikvah Congregation Jr is fun Jewish programming aimed specifically at families with young children to get them involved in Jewish life.
How do you define young children?
Beth Tikvah Congregation Jr participation will be defined by you – the family. Much like Disney Junior and Nick Jr., there isn’t a specific cut-off age.
Rabbi Rabbi@beth-tikvah.org
Book Club
The Beth Tikvah Book Club, sponsored by Adult Education, meets each month, adjusted for holidays. We have for a lively discussion of a book we’ve selected and read. The chosen books have a connection to Judaism, and may be historical, cultural, fictional, or non-fiction.
Book Club Guru, BookClub@beth-tikvah.org
Israel-Palestine Study Group
The Israel-Palestine Study Group has been meeting since February 2024 in order to take a deep dive into both the history and current events that continue to swirl around this region. The group actively strives to create a safe space for full exploration and freedom of expression. The group meets generally 2 Sundays per month, however the schedule is designed or revised by participants together every few months. For more information please contact Canmtorial Leader Ilana Axel at ilana.axel@beth-tikvah.org.
Men's Club
The purpose of the Men's Club is to serve in cooperation with Beth Tikvah Congregation in stimulating Jewish religious activities; to foster cultural and educational advancement amongst its membership, the Congregation and the Jewish people at large; to promote through social activities the spirit of comradeship within its midst; to advance the work of Men's Club through affiliation with the The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs Inc. and the National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods.
The Men's Club is not solely focused on service to the Temple. At monthly activities, members are able to socialize, cultivate friendships, relax and have fun.
Music Groups
Cantorial Leader,
- Grades 1-6 - Kolan, children's choir
- Grades 7-12 - Kol Shirah, songleaders
- Ages 13+ - Kol Tikvah, adult choir
- Ages 13+ - K'lei Tikvah, adult instrumentalists
- Ages 13+ - Purim Chorale, adult Purim hilarity
- Ages 13+ - T'filah Group, adults who want to learn shabbat melodies
Learn about our Music programs here
Rosh Hodesh
Rosh Hodesh (New Moon) – the start of each Hebrew month - has been observed by Jewish women for centuries. Our Rosh Hodesh group at Beth Tikvah offers a unique opportunity to engage spiritually with all who carry any female identity, age 18 years and over, exploring the journeys of our lives as reflected through the rich treasury of Jewish stories, texts, and traditions.
- You can expect:
- Some low-key “new month” welcoming ritual
- A little learning that expands into shared & confidential discussion
- A fun or reflective activity; sometimes Jewish meditation
- Light noshing & heavy schmoozing (BYO treats to share, there is no
- obligation to bring nor formal sign up)
Updated details will be emailed privately to all new and past registrants. Only new registrants need to register on-line (no fee).
Please note! Most events at Beth Tikvah welcome all who come. Due to the uniquely confidential nature of Rosh Hodesh Gathering, prospective members and guests are gently invited to become a member of either Beth Tikvah Congregation or Beth Tikvah Sisterhood before registering for this group. Thank you for understanding.
For more information contact Ilana Axel at ilana.axel@beth-tikvah.org.
Sisterhood
Be a part of this vibrant community of women at Beth Tikvah Congregation!
Find out about Sisterhood here
Youth Groups
Youth Group Advisor, YouthLeader@beth-tikvah.org
Youth Chair YouthChair@beth-tikvah.org
Our Youth groups are broken into two groups. The 6th-8th grade group is called "TWEENs" and the 9th-12th grade group is called "BeTTY" (Beth Tikvah Temple Youth). The two groups sometimes come together for programming or events.
Our youth groups join together for fun, food, great friendships, social action service to the community, and the right mix of song and spiritual connection.
Learn more about our Youth Groups!
OSRUI Summer Camp
Many of our youth attend OSRUI Summer Camp. Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) camp in Oconomowoc, WI. This special piece of geography with incredible summer and winter retreat memories for young and old, alike, provides a unique connection to friends, faith, and the greater Jewish community, at large. Some scholarships are available.
Birthright Israel
Tell them to forget the excuses - it’s time to #JustGo! Registration for Birthright Israel with Shorashim is open, and spots are filling up FAST, so don't wait and let your friends and family miss out!
Spread the word that all eligible participants can apply now @ israelwithisraelis.com/go. They can take that first step in their once-in-a-lifetime adventure today - it only takes about 10 minutes AND they can fly from Chicago- so let them know that #AdventureAwaits! If you have questions, just get in touch with Shorashim at registration@shorashim.org or (312) 267-0677.
Post High School
At Beth Tikvah Congregation, we like to stay in touch with our graduating seniors in the immediate years following High School. Whether you (or your child) are currently in college, the military, and/or if you still live in the area, we at BTC would still like to be a part of your lives and be there for you as needed.
Please feel free to contact Rabbi Tachman if you are in need of advice, direction, help with a paper on religion, a note to get out of that exam scheduled on Yom Kippur, or if would like to share news of any kind. You can contact Rabbi through email or on Facebook.
Come back to visit
Be sure to come back to Beth Tikvah Congregation each year for our annual “Blue Jeans” Shabbat, which always takes place the Friday evening after Thanksgiving. Of course, please be sure to come home whenever you can sneak away, and particularly if you can reconnect for the High Holidays or any holidays, for that matter.
College Boxes
Sign-up for Beth Tikvah Sisterhood's Young Adult Integration program to keep in touch with your Jewish roots and Religious School friends.
You will receive:
- Free goody bags on Jewish holidays
- A directory of Beth Tikvah friends' school contact information
- Invitations to reunion events at Beth Tikvah
Complete this registration form to receive College Boxes.
Post-High School – Useful Links
College Links
Jewish Fun & Learning
Other Sites