Am Shalom

Am Shalom (People of Peace), a Reform congregation, was established on June 18, 1972. It's first formal Shabbat Service was held on August 4, 1972. Am Shalom began with sixty families who shared in certain common concepts of Jewish worship and living, and came together to create a new and vibrant Reform congregation. Under the leadership of Founding Rabbi Harold L. Kudan, who retired in 2002 after 30 years of service, and current Senior Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein, Am Shalom has grown from its original sixty families to its current membership of 950 families. In its beginnings, the congregation's offices were in a small store-front. Today, the synagogue makes its home in the newly renovated historic building at 840 Vernon Avenue in Glencoe, Illinois. Am Shalom's mission, as a Reform congregation, is to engage, enlighten, embrace and educate our members in ways that build a sense of community, while respecting individual forms of expression and belief. We seek to explore our Jewish roots, awareness and values, and enrich the spiritual lives of our members, while serving humanity through social action. We strive to offer educational and spiritual opportunities that will connect with congregants of all ages and diverse interests.