Highland Park’s Two Reform Jewish Synagogues Consider Combining

Highland Park’s Two Reform Jewish Synagogues Consider Combining Congregations

Proposal would join 650 families from Lakeside and Solel, combining best of two vibrant houses of worship

Highland Park, IL...January 23, 2018: The Boards of Directors of two Highland Park Reform Jewish synagogues voted this week to ask their members to consider combining the two into a single congregation. A vote in late April would bring together the clergy and memberships of Congregation Solel and Lakeside Congregation for Reform Judaism.

“We are fortunate to have two vital, highly compatible, like-minded congregations,” said Rabbi Ike Serotta of Lakeside. “The joining of two congregations is an opportunity to combine the best of each to create a dynamic and enduring Reform synagogue that will serve its current members and generations to come.”

“We are blessed by a unique fit between our cultures,” added Rabbi Evan Moffic of Solel. “Rabbi Serotta and I have a deep respect for each other and work well together. Having a deeper professional staff working together, along with the scale of membership, offers an opportunity to do more innovative programming and personal engagement while maintaining the familiarity and warmth we have always valued as congregations.”

Under the proposal, which will be voted on by members of each congregation in late April, the synagogues would be fully combined in the Summer of 2019 using the 1301 Clavey Rd. location that currently houses Solel. Professional staff from both congregations would come together as one team, including Rabbi Serotta, Rabbi Moffic, Cantor Jay O’Brien, and educators Vanessa Ehrlich and Ashley Plotnick.

“With a membership of around 650 families and a combined clergy and education team, the proposed combined congregation will have the warmth and familiarity we have always valued while providing the scale to offer more worship, learning, social justice and community programming to better meet the varied needs of our community now and in the future,” said Holly Krakow, Solel’s president.

“Our common paths and history make the relationship an even better match,” said Rob Lindner, Lakeside’s president. “Both founded over 60 years ago, our two congregations have a history of successful collaborations around music, worship and other activities. Our buildings are just a mile apart in Highland Park, our children attend the same schools and many of our members know each other well through the community.”

Prior to the congregations meeting to take separate votes on the proposal in late April, each will hold informational meetings where members can discuss the merits and ask questions about the anticipated process for integrating two congregations if they decide to combine.

Rabbi Serotta and Rabbi Moffic said the idea came about as the two congregations talked about more shared programming and realized the lines of shared values and opportunity ran deeper and farther. A small working group was established to look into the feasibility of the combined congregations. The two Boards approved a resolution that will allow the synagogues to further explore the possibility and vote on a proposal in April.

About Lakeside Congregation

Lakeside Congregation for Reform Judaism was founded in Highland Park, Illinois over 60 years ago as a thoughtful, vibrant Reform congregation. As a supportive community of around 275 households, we embrace individual beliefs and customs, and foster personal and spiritual growth.

About Congregation Solel

Congregation Solel is a vibrant and growing Reform Jewish congregation of pathfinders committed to sacred worship, social justice and lifelong learning. We welcome and embrace interfaith families and all who seek a spiritual home in our synagogue.