General Information & FAQs
What are the COVID protocols this year?
• The Am Shalom COVID Task Force continues to be committed to community-level prevention strategies as recommended by state and local authorities. Our masking policy is tied to county transmission rates. At this time, with moderate transmission levels, please note that masks are recommended.
• All services will take place indoors, at full capacity.
• Everyone must be prepared to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours.
How will pass requests work this year?
• Please note, online registration is closed. Please call the Am Shalom office at 847.835.4800 if you need to request passes.
• You must indicate ALL services you plan to attend, and specify how many will be attending each service. Each member of your family will need a pass for each service you select.
• Members must log into the Am Shalom website to complete the Pass Request Form. If you need assistance logging in or completing the form, please contact our office at 847.835.4800 and one of our staff members will assist you.
• All pass requests must be received by Thursday, September 1.
Who is eligible for passes?
• Members and their children, ages 25 and under, are entitled to request passes as part of their membership. Single members are entitled to request two passes for each service.
• Please indicate on the Pass Request Form which services you plan to attend, and how many family members will be there. Every individual will need a pass to enter the temple.
• Passes will be provided to all members in good standing. This means that you have returned your Membership Commitment Form, as well as fulfilled, or arranged to fulfill, financial obligations to the congregation by August 15.
• If you would like to set up a payment plan, please contact Zoe Sherman at 847.835.4800 x 204 or zoes@amshalom.com.
Are extra passes available for purchase?
• Members wishing to purchase extra passes for extended family may do so for $200/pass.
• There is no charge for passes for the Tots, Step-Up or Yizkor Services.
• We will accept reciprocity requests for extended family members from out of town who are members of other participating congregations.
• If you will be worshiping out of town, we will be happy to arrange reciprocal passes on your behalf at participating congregations. Please contact Leslie Nathan at 847.835.4800 x 203 or leslien@amshalom.com to make those arrangements.
How will this work if I/we want to worship via livestream only?
• Livestream worshipers must complete the Pass Request Form to indicate your preference to livestream only.
• Prayer books may be borrowed for those exclusively livestreaming services.
What do I need to know about prayer books?
• Am Shalom provides the High Holy Days prayer book, Mishkan HaNefesh, as well as other special service booklets, at all services.
• Large print prayer books will be available as you enter the building. Please indicate on the Pass Request Form your need for a large print prayer book.
How are special needs accommodated?
• Special Needs Seating must be requested in advance for a maximum of five (5) chairs for any service.
• Special Needs Parking will be available in designated Am Shalom parking areas. The religious school North Lot will be reserved only for Special Needs Parking and will be overseen by attendants. State-issued parking permits will be honored in our Special Needs Parking areas.
• Please indicate on the Pass Request Form your need for any/all of the above accommodations.
How is Am Shalom handling security this year?
• As always, we are taking steps to help ensure the safety and security of those attending High Holy Days Services. Am Shalom Security, the Cook County Sheriff's Office and Glencoe Public Safety will be on the premises.
• No one will be permitted to enter the building with briefcases, backpacks or any oversized bags, etc. Purses, diaper bags and other small bags will be subject to random search.
• Strollers will not be permitted in the building.
Am Shalom is proud to be a member of the Union for Reform Judaism.