Lakefront Shabbat Service at Noah’s Playground and Commemorating Juneteenth with Rabbi Rachel Weiss and Cantor Howard Friedland

Please note tonight’s different location: Noah’s Playground. Noah’s Playground for Everyone is a fully accessible space where anyone can learn and play regardless of abilities, located in Lawson Park at Sheridan Road and Clinton Place, just north of the Evanston Art Center and the Grosse Point Lighthouse. Noah’s Playground was dedicated in memory of Noah Cutter, son of JRC Members Julie and David Cutter, who was born with neurological conditions and who passed away when he was two years old.

Featured in this Shabbat service, as part of JRC’s ongoing commitment to Racial Equity, we include readings and teachings to observe Juneteenth (June 19, 1865), which commemorates the date in the aftermath of the Civil War, in which enslaved people were declared free under the terms the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation had declared two years earlier.

All summer long, JRC moves our sanctuary to the Evanston lakefront, with outdoor services surrounded by nature and the beauty of Lake Michigan. This spiritually uplifting (and child and dog-friendly) service feels a bit like summer camp, a bit like Ravinia, and entirely like JRC. Bring your family and friends. Lakefront Shabbat is a wonderful opportunity to learn about JRC. Services will be livestreamed on the JRC Facebook Page for those preferring to join us virtually. Click here to access our digital Lakefront Shabbat Siddur.

We meet Fridays at Elliot Park with a few exceptions. Check our our evolving Lakefront Shabbat calendar. We’ll be adding details about musical accompanists and member d’var givers throughout the summer.

6:00 pm | Bring Your Own Picnic
7:00 pm | Service

In the case of inclement weather, check this calendar listing after 4pm on the day of Lakefront Shabbat for updated information.