Caring Community
As BJBE’s extended family, Caring Community provides spiritual, emotional, and healing support to our member families in times of joy and in times of need. Our goal is for all members to feel valued, included, and welcome. To become an active part of the Caring Community, contact Erin Rosenberg.
Clergy Support for Members in Need
Clergy Pastoral Care
The Rabbis and Cantors want to know when your family or loved ones experience illness or death so that they can support you in your times of need. Contact the BJBE office at 847-940-7575 ext. 118 to speak with Sarabeth Levine. Be sure to provide all relevant information and how you can be reached.
JCFS Partnership for Safer Synagogues
For more information, click here.
Virtual Food Pantry
In emergency situations when a member has no other source of obtaining food, short-term food assistance can be provided. The clergy handles this concern confidentially. Contact the BJBE office at 847-940-7575 ext. 141 to speak with clergy assistant Hannah Ciechomski.
Volunteer Support for Members in Need
Primary Contact for All Volunteer Services
When we learn that a member is in need, a skilled volunteer will make contact to provide support and to assess that person’s needs confidentially. We invite you to let us know when you or a loved one could use support so that our Caring Community can reach out and provide any of the services listed below.
Contact: Erin Rosenberg
Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick; body, mind, or spirit)
When a member needs emotional support, a phone call and/or visit will be provided at home, hospital, rehab center, or nursing home by a volunteer.
Contact: Erin Rosenberg
Meal Delivery
When we learn that a member would benefit from receiving a prepared meal, volunteers will make all of the arrangements.
Contacts: Erin Rosenberg & Bonnie Koss
Transportation Assistance
When a member requires either a ride to/from BJBE or to/from medical appointments, a volunteer will arrange for transportation.
Contact: Bonnie Litch
Self-Help Guides to Family Issues
There are self-help brochures covering a wide-range of topics available in the Tzedakah Niche in the Village Center for members to take as needed.
Bags of Hope
During the High Holy Days, a bereavement memorial bag is delivered to all members who have lost a loved one during the past year.
Co-Chairs: Renee Busch & Rachel Tzinberg
Volunteer Shiva Minyan Corps
When requested, a volunteer will lead Shiva Minyan for a member who has lost a loved one.
Chairperson: Irwin Goldfine
Caring Note Cards
A personal note is sent to members to provide support and offer condolences during a difficult time.
High Holy Days Calls
During the High Holy Days season, volunteers will call every member of the congregation to wish them a “Shana Tovah” from their BJBE family.
Chairperson: Erin Rosenberg
Medical Lending Closet: Women of BJBE maintain a list of medical supplies available for loan within the congregation.
JCFS Partnership
To help meet the social service and mental health needs of our congregants and community, BJBE partners with Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS) Chicago to provide confidential guidance and appropriate resources to help individuals of all ages in our community navigate life challenges. These difficulties may include family building and parenting; grief and loss; housing, food, and financial insecurity; aging-related concerns; addiction and recovery; and abuse.
BJBE's JCFS Chicago Liaison is Aliza Weiner. Please contact our office by email or call us at (847) 940-7575 if you would like to be connected to Aliza.
Aliza has over a decade of experience working with people with disabilities and has worked at JCFS on the Duman team for the past six years, helping adults with disabilities find employment. In the past, she has met with clients and families on a weekly basis to help them find resources based on their needs. She also works with Clearbrook as a direct support professional in their group homes on weekends. Aliza has bachelor's degree in communications from Northeastern Illinois University.
Seniors and Life Transitions Programs
Senior Health Insurance Program
CJE SeniorLife's resource specialists provide older adults with free information, assistance, and advocacy in the areas of benefits eligibility check-up, health insurance, Medicare, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid. Learn about Medigap insurance, prescription drug programs, and even learn how your employee benefits compare to Medicare. A Senior Health Insurance Counselor at CJE SeniorLife will be available to answer your questions.
For more information, call (773) 508-1100.