Support Resources
North Shore Congregation Israel cares for all of our congregants and members of our community. We are particularly concerned for our most vulnerable NSCI congregants.
Please let us know if you need assistance or to connect with us for support. Additionally, please let us know if you are aware of someone who might benefit from this kind of outreach. By using this LINK, your confidential information will go to the NSCI Clergy and we will follow up when appropriate.
Find Support Through Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS)
Elizabeth Ury, LNHA and JCFS Chicago Director of Jewish Community Engagement is available to talk with you and help individuals who are looking for resources to help with life events such as divorce, aging issues, mental health, and parenting. Please email ElizabethUry@JCFS.org. There is no cost for NSCI members.
Call 855-ASK-JCFS (855-275-5237) or email "ask@jcfs.org" to access their available resources, their on-line grief support groups, counseling and Response Center programs.
Human Services Support Through The Ark
The Ark offers a comprehensive suite of support services for all members of the Jewish community, including Case Management, Financial Counseling and Assistance, Medical, Dental and Psychological Services, Food and Housing Assistance. They have locations in Northbrook and the city, and their services are anonymous and free. Visit www.arkchicago.org or 773-973-1000 for more information.
Faith In Action, is an organization that has volunteers to drive those who need support to appointments, errands, and programs. Interested individuals or families could, could contact them directly to request services. Click here for more information.
Hands of Chesed
“It is always wonderful to know you’re thought of somewhere else beyond your four walls.”
Chesed is Hebrew for kindness. Hands of Chesed is a group of NSCI volunteers who spread kindness. We want to help you during a difficult time. If you’re dealing with illness, divorce, mourning or other challenges, let us drop off dinner or groceries and the warmth of our NSCI community! If we can help you, or if you want to join our team to spread kindness, please tell our volunteers so they can reach out.
Hands of Chesed is led by Leslie Rosen.
Addiction and Recovery Support
North Shore Congregation Israel is a caring community for individuals struggling with addiction and in recovery, as well as for their friends and family.
We also want to make sure that you know about the following online resources for recovery support:
For the calendar of Addiction Recovery Peer Support Meetings in Jewish Communal Locations, updated April 15, 2025, click here.
- Addiction Peer Support Meetings (the AA and FA meetings at North Shore Congregation Israel are now in person)
- Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings - Wednesdays, 6:00 pm at NSCI and on Zoom. To receive the password for Zoom access, you must call Mark prior to the meeting at 847-773-1919. For information on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, contact Mark at 847-738-1919 or mopeters21@gmail.com
- Al-Anon Electronic meetings for adults impacted by a loved one’s addiction
- Families Anonymous Meetings for family members impacted by a loved one’s addiction. Tuesdays, 7:00 pm at NSCI or on Zoom. To receive the password for Zoom access, you must call Mark prior to the meeting at 847-773-1919. For information on Families Anonymous (FA) meetings, contact Margot at 847-738-0306 or mkpeters81@aol.com
- JACS is an acronym for “Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically dependent, and Significant others,” a peer-led support group for Jews in addiction recovery, offering space for all Jews in addiction recovery to come together to support each other in their recovery journey. This virtual program Email JACSChicago@gmail.com to join and receive login information.
- Tikvah Center for Jewish Recovery and Healing the only state licensed and accredited Jewish recovery and healing center in the midwest.
- Veterans and Substance Abuse is an online support resource for veterans dealing with substance abuse. The site includes a 24-hour crisis line as well as other veteran-specific support information.
Caring for loved ones
Find Support for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Through JUF (Jewish United Fund) and Encompass
Meeting the needs of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in the Jewish community is a civil rights issue that compels our community’s unwavering commitment. JUF and Encompass are committed to expanding Jewish community-based services for these adults so that they can live safe, productive and meaningful lives and to enhancing inclusion so that they can fully participate in our Jewish community. At present, agency partners include JCC Chicago, JCFS Chicago (including JVS), Keshet, Libenu and Yachad.
Find events and support information through their website here.
JUF + JCFS Path to Parenthood Program
For many, the journey to parenthood isn’t straightforward. Individuals and couples on their path to parenthood now have a safe, supportive, and informative Jewish space through JUF, in partnership with JCFS. The Path to Parenthood program offers educational webinars, support groups, financial support for medical treatments and adoption expenses, and more. In recognition of National Infertility Awareness Week, Path to Parenthood is happy to announce that its grant cycle for financial support is now open. Learn more here.
Caring for Loved Ones and Ourselves, Now
So many of us are caring for elder family and trying to balance this with self care. It’s not easy. The realities of our pandemic make care of our loved ones and ourselves even more challenging. This panel discussion features Elizabeth Ury, JCFS, Director of Jewish Community Engagement, Julie Fohrman, Gerontologist & Principal of North Shore Geriatric Care Management and Rabbi Lisa Greene, North Shore Congregation Israel.
Click here to watch the recording. Click here for the slide on Self Care from the presentation.
Caring Conversations Training
View a virtual, interactive training for synagogue volunteers who make phone calls or visits to check in with congregants in our synagogue community. This training provides tips and considerations to keep in mind when making calls, examples of topics or concerns that may come up during the calls, and suggestions for supportive responses. Facilitated by Rabbi Joe Ozarowski, and Laurie Garber-Amram, LCSW.
Click here to view the recording.
Loving Those with Memory Loss
On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Rabbi Lisa S. Greene spoke with Sarah Cohen, Dementia Care Specialist of CJE SeniorLife, in a conversation about normal vs not normal aging. They discussed signs that suggest that your dear one may need more assistance and consider your role in their care.
Click here to view the recording.
Support and resources for Israel
In response to the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, please find resources below to learn more and support Israel during this difficult time.
Let us cultivate strength in our own hearts and souls and offer it freely to one another, in the fervent hope and prayer that the One who makes peace in the high heavens will bring peace to us, to Israel, and to all the world.
Click here for more information and an updated list of resources.
Community Conversations
Grieving the Death of a Loved One: An Evening of Support (virtual; for congregants) Wednesday, May 28 7:00-8:30 pm CST
This program is designed for those who have experienced a death within the past two years, though it is open to all. It includes music and poetry for healing, reflections on the grieving process, and a personal grief journey that highlights paths to healing. After the structured program, participants will have the opportunity to share in smaller groups.
To register, click here. For more information, contact LeahShefsky@JCFS.org or call 847-745-5404.
JVS Career and Employment Workshops
(virtual; for congregants)
Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Thursday, May 15, 2:00-3:30pm
Expand Your Reach Through Networking: Monday, May 19, 2:00-3:30pm
Winning the Interview: Wednesday, June 4, 2:00-3:30pm
LinkedIn 101: Monday, June 9, 2025
JVS Careers provides a variety of services for job seekers. Learn more about upcoming workshops and register here.
Specifically for Older Adults
The CJE offers easy to access programs, videos and resources for older adults. Click here to access the resources.
Is This The Fast I Desire?
A Conversation About Community, Mental Health, and Hope
Rabbi Ryan Daniels and Alexa James, MS, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer of NAMI Chicago lead this important discussion. Click here to view the recording from Sept. 16, 2021 and here for the handout.
Healthcare Professionals on the Frontlines: A Conversation of Affirmation, Information & Support -YouTube
With Rabbi Lisa Greene & Ken Moses, PhD, an expert on crisis, trauma, loss & grief. (recorded Sunday, April 26). If you are interested in further conversations on this topic, please email Rabbi Greene:
For Parents
We welcomed the Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics for a webinar featuring Genetic Counselor Scott M. Weissman and moderated by Rabbi Lisa Greene. Scott delved into the fundamentals of genetics, highlighting the significance of various genetic disorders that are more prevalent in the Jewish population, and emphasizing the importance of testing for these "Jewish genetic diseases" by all who are planning to have children, whether both parents are Jewish or not. Scott outlined the simple process of getting screened from the comfort of home and the pivotal role the Jewish community plays in the world of genetics.
Click here to view the webinar. If you'd like to speak with a member of the NSCI clergy team about the Sarnoff Center & the possibilities for genetic testing prior to having children, please call the synagogue office, 847.825.0724.
The Tough Stuff: How to Talk to Children About Cancer - Jenna Ben Shersher, Founder and CEO of Twist Out Cancer shares a breadth of information on this challenging topic.
Click here to read the article.
JUF's Path to Parenthood
JUF's Jewish Resources for Families on Fertility & Grants for Family Building
Click here to explore resources.
Reflections in Recovery: What Adoptees Can Teach Us
(virtual; for congregants with a connection to adoption)
Thursday, July 17th, 7:00-8:30pm
Early separation and identity disruption can increase the vulnerability of many adoptees to hyper-vigilance, unhealthy coping behaviors, and addiction. This workshop will address the brain science behind early loss, addiction, and strategies for support, including setting healthy boundaries that promote healing and trust.
Register here. For more information, contact AndreaJacobs@JCFS.org.
This program is funded by the Rubens Family Foundation
Journey to Build a Family
(virtual; for congregants)
Monday, July 21st, August 18th, and September 15th from 7:30-8:30pm
Join our monthly virtual drop-in space for anyone facing challenges in building or expanding their family, including infertility, pregnancy loss, grief, and the emotional toll of it all.
For more information, contact AndreaJacobs@JCFS.org.
Anxiety in Our Children: How Do I respond?
In this video, a panel of mental health professionals discusses anxiety in children, answering: What is typical & what is not? They offer resources can we turn to when we need guidance, information and support.
This panel features: Jennifer Welbel,, MA, LCPC, Founder of North Suburban Center for Anxiety Lisa Ehrlich, M.Ed, Manager, Outreach and Education, Response for Teens, JCFS Chicago Alicia Guy, LCSW, Social Worker New Trier High School and Rabbi Lisa S. Green, moderator, North Shore Congregation Israel. Recorded February 23, 2022.
Click here to view the recording.
Pandemic Parenting: Looking Ahead
Click here for a recording of the May 11 conversation with two experts on children, families and anxiety, Ellen Sachs Alter, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist, and Jennifer Welbel, LCPC, owner of the North Suburban Center for Anxiety. Rabbi Greene hosted this program in which our speakers offered NSCI parents responses to the question: How do we support & respond to our children right now & looking ahead beyond the school year?
Resources For Parents
Click HERE for resources from the The Child Mind Institute on managing your own anxiety and supporting your kids and their concerns.
Local Transportation Options for Seniors and People with Disabilities
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