Suburban Alliance for Jewish Education (SAJE) Welcomes Back The Traveling Chassidim at Saturday Night's Second Annual Buffalo Grove Event
The Traveling Chassidim, a New York based group of Chassidic families who travel the country inspiring and unifying Jewish families from all walks of life, have a special relationship with Buffalo Grove, IL. Last year's first annual, local Shabbat of Unity program and Saturday night community-wide "Havdalah" service with the Chassidim drew enthusiastic reactions and a desire to welcome the group back as soon as possible. Jews of all backgrounds on the North Shore enjoyed their talents and warmth at the uplifting "Havdalah" service filled with music, singing, dancing, storytelling and an after-Shabbat buffet. This Saturday night, SAJE is bringing The Traveling Chassidim back to Buffalo Grove for their second annual Saturday night "Havdalah" service in hopes of sharing this unique experience with more Jewish families around Chicagoland.
The Traveling Chassidim, in their own words, unify and bring joy to all who take part in their events. They captivate with their warm blend of contemporary Jewish songs, traditional Yiddish classics and heartwarming Chassidic storytelling. Regardless of background, barriers between people fall away as arms are linked in inspirational song and spirited dance. Their events result in long-lasting bonds of friendship both between attendees and the Chassidim and within the local community.
T.F., an attendee of last year's Shabbat (Sabbath) of Unity and Saturday night "Havdalah" service wrote SAJE saying, "This week I had one of the greatest Shabbats of my life. Incredibly, it occurred not in the bubble of an isolated Jewish institution, or in one of the great European cities surrounded by gilded architecture, but rather in Buffalo Grove, IL, a suburb of Chicago, which is home to my in laws and much of my wife's childhood. What then made the events of the weekend so special? Simple, The Traveling Chassidim. For those uninitiated (I was until this past week), The Traveling Chassidim are a group of remarkable Jews who travel to different communities across the country, every week, free of charge. They ask only that their travel expenses be covered, nothing more. The least judgmental people I have ever met, these altruistic individuals seem to have only one objective in mind: to spiritually touch and imbue a positive Jewish experience in each and every community they visit. I have to say, these people get it right. Each a full time employee during the week, they spend their Shabbats giving to others, spreading their positive messages of unity and joy. They embrace everyone with a smile, regardless of religious affiliation, learn everyone's names and focus on singing and dancing rather than religious discipline. Jewish outreach, to me, has never been so attractive, especially considering the bad reputation Chassidim often receive for being insular and exclusive. I must say, these men and their families put that reputation to shame. Now, whether or not these amazing individuals are representative of (Belzer) Chassidus as a whole, I do not know. What I can tell you, however, is that I have never encountered a group of people about whom it can more aptly be said, "to live is divine." I truly tip my hat to them and their incredible work. May God bless them and their families for years to come."
SAJE invites the community to this special Jewish Unity event, Saturday evening November 9th, 2013 at 7:30 pm at Ivy Hall Elementary School - 1072 Ivy Hall Lane in Buffalo Grove. The special "Havdalah" service will feature live music, lively dancing and an after Shabbat buffet. Experience Jewish joy, unity and spirit for the whole family. Donation suggested. This program is a project of the Suburban Alliance for Jewish Education. Email SAJEwisheducation@gmail.com for more information or call224-534-9613.
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