The Big Picture:
What's your mission statement?
Windy City Minyan aims to offer independent, egalitarian, and energetic Jewish religious experiences for young adults in Chicago.
Who comes to Windy City Minyan?
Windy City Minyan is intended for young adults (21- 40ish). Our attendees tend to be post-college to pre-family.
What's a minyan?
A "minyan" is the quorum of 10 adult Jews required for prayer. It's also a way to refer to a prayer community.
What's an independent minyan?
Traditional Jewish synagogues and prayer communities have some form of a rabbi, a cantor, a permanent space, and an official denomination. As an independent minyan, we have none of those. Without a rabbi or cantor, our participants are the ones to lead services and give divrei torah (sermons). Without a permanent space, we can move around to various parts of the Chicago area (mostly in the Lakeview neighborhood). Without a denomination, we are free to design a service that fits our participants' needs. As an independent minyan, we are empowered to create a unique community of our own. Windy City Minyan is one of dozens of independent minyanim around the United States. For more information on the independent minyan movement, read what Wikipedia has to say.
No denomination, huh?
Nope, not officially. Many of our participants grew up at Camp Ramah and in USY, but many also come from other backgrounds. Most of our participants use Siddur Sim Shalom. We are fully egalitarian (men and women are equal in the service) and we have no mechitza (divider). Our services are always filled with lots of singing and ruach (spirit).
Windy City Minyan aims to offer independent, egalitarian, and energetic Jewish religious experiences for young adults in Chicago.
Who comes to Windy City Minyan?
Windy City Minyan is intended for young adults (21- 40ish). Our attendees tend to be post-college to pre-family.
What's a minyan?
A "minyan" is the quorum of 10 adult Jews required for prayer. It's also a way to refer to a prayer community.
What's an independent minyan?
Traditional Jewish synagogues and prayer communities have some form of a rabbi, a cantor, a permanent space, and an official denomination. As an independent minyan, we have none of those. Without a rabbi or cantor, our participants are the ones to lead services and give divrei torah (sermons). Without a permanent space, we can move around to various parts of the Chicago area (mostly in the Lakeview neighborhood). Without a denomination, we are free to design a service that fits our participants' needs. As an independent minyan, we are empowered to create a unique community of our own. Windy City Minyan is one of dozens of independent minyanim around the United States. For more information on the independent minyan movement, read what Wikipedia has to say.
No denomination, huh?
Nope, not officially. Many of our participants grew up at Camp Ramah and in USY, but many also come from other backgrounds. Most of our participants use Siddur Sim Shalom. We are fully egalitarian (men and women are equal in the service) and we have no mechitza (divider). Our services are always filled with lots of singing and ruach (spirit).
The Details:
When do you meet?
We meet on the third Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Click here for a list of upcoming dates.
Where do you meet?
We tend to meet in the Lakeview neighborhood. We move around to various apartments, apartment building party rooms, patios, art galleries, and other spaces. We are always looking for new places to meet - so if you have any leads, please contact us at windycityminyan (AT) gmail (DOT) com.
Where should we park?
As we most often meet in the Lakeview area, parking is usually a challenge. We recommend walking or taking public transportation.
Did you say something about food?
We always have an oneg (reception) after services filled with a potluck of dairy or parve desserts and appetizers. Some people have chosen to bring dairy main dishes as well, and if you're so inclined, we encourage you to do so. Twice a year (in April and October), we hold full potluck dinners.
What's the siddur (prayer book) situation?
There is no "standard" siddur. It's either BYOB (bring your own book) or borrow from our collection of Sim Shalom Siddurim.
We meet on the third Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Click here for a list of upcoming dates.
Where do you meet?
We tend to meet in the Lakeview neighborhood. We move around to various apartments, apartment building party rooms, patios, art galleries, and other spaces. We are always looking for new places to meet - so if you have any leads, please contact us at windycityminyan (AT) gmail (DOT) com.
Where should we park?
As we most often meet in the Lakeview area, parking is usually a challenge. We recommend walking or taking public transportation.
Did you say something about food?
We always have an oneg (reception) after services filled with a potluck of dairy or parve desserts and appetizers. Some people have chosen to bring dairy main dishes as well, and if you're so inclined, we encourage you to do so. Twice a year (in April and October), we hold full potluck dinners.
What's the siddur (prayer book) situation?
There is no "standard" siddur. It's either BYOB (bring your own book) or borrow from our collection of Sim Shalom Siddurim.
Learning More:
Can I "like" WCM on Facebook and also join your e-mail list?
Of course! Like us here and e-mail us at [email protected] to get on our e-mail list.
How can I get involved?
Learn more about getting involved here.
Of course! Like us here and e-mail us at [email protected] to get on our e-mail list.
How can I get involved?
Learn more about getting involved here.
