Welcome to Temple Judea Mizpah. Since 1954, we have served the needs of Reform Jews in Skokie and the surrounding communities of Chicago's North Shore, as well as Chicago itself, through meaningful worship, lifelong learning opportunities, and social action programs throughout the year. Our congregation has long enjoyed a reputation as a warm and welcoming place to pray, study and live Jewishly; to meet other spiritual seekers of diverse ages and backgrounds; to participate in community activism; to celebrate life-cycle events; and to give and receive religious and emotional support in times of need.

You are welcome any time to attend our Shabbat and festival worship, to tour our facility, and to meet our wonderful clergy and professional staff.

Enjoy your tour of Temple Judea Mizpah via this web site, and feel free to contact us directly at templejm@aol.com or via telephone at (847) 676-1566.

Our Mission Statement:

Temple Judea Mizpah is a welcoming and sacred faith community supporting its members and families in their celebration of Jewish life and in their commitment to Judaism.

We seek to fulfill the b'rit, the covenant between God and Israel, and to infuse our lives with joy and sacred purpose through:

• Avodah - Worship
• Chavurah - Community
• Talmud Torah - Lifelong learning
• Tikkun Olam - Social justice
• Ahavat Yisrael - Commitment to the People Israel and the State of Israel

In May 1954, a small group of very dedicated people met to discuss the formation of a Reform Synagogue in Niles Township. Sy and Florence Mandel, Al and Roe Dunn and Ted and Idelle Horan were committed to facing head on, the issues they would have to deal with in order to create this synagogue. Reform Jewish leaders in the community, Rabbi Herman Schaalman and Rabbi Louis Binstock, came forward to help this fledgling group. 

In shouldering his responsibilities as president of the new congregation, Mr. Mandel is quoted as saying this, “It is our earnest hope that Temple Judea will continue to develop as a model democratic congregation in which members will continue as participating active members. It is also our hope that our congregation will continue to maintain its belief in a never-ending brotherhood with other congregations of all faiths in this wonderful community.”

Build a synagogue and they will come. And indeed they did. Within only a few years, membership at the congregation topped 800 families and there were over 1000 students in our religious school. It was a time of growth for both Skokie and for our families. We cannot begin to find a way to say thanks to these pioneering families who created what we are today.

Temple Judea Mizpah has remained true to its values for over 50 years. As we celebrate our heritage, we look ahead to many challenges including changing demographics, changing family styles and ever daunting financial issues that affect every synagogue will not sway our path. We have built a home, deeply rooted in the Village of Skokie. We are here to stay.

To remain vibrant, Temple Judea Mizpah needs continued growth. Our membership is deeply committed to making our wonderful Temple an essential part of the Jewish community of Chicago. Every day of the week, our doors are open to provide families with programming, worship, education and counsel. What we off is a touch of everything, most importantly, friendship and warmth in a place that many of us consider a home away from home. Join us as we journey together into tomorrow.

B'shalom,

David Kessler, President