Our Mission
The mission of Mah Tovu Chicago is to provide a spiritual home for its congregants; focusing on worship, study, and social support.
Our Values
Egalitarianism – Mah Tovu values egalitarianism in that all Jews, regardless of gender, may participate equally, as skill and desire allow, in leading services and all other activities of the congregation.
Inclusion – Mah Tovu values inclusion of all, no matter their race, age, ability, ethnicity, or gender or sexual identity. The Mah Tovu building is fully accessible and has gender neutral bathrooms.
Lay Leadership – Mah Tovu values lay leadership and has no paid clergy, though there are clergy among our membership.
Sustainability – Mah Tovu strives to be earth-friendly by having all-electric heat and AC and we are currently working on installing solar panels
Learning
Throughout the year, we have many opportunities to attend lectures and learning groups. Some of our learning experiences are annual activities while others are created as special events. At times we bring in outside speakers and other times members create and present their own study sessions. These are self-taught groups, organized around specific topics, texts or skills. In addition, any member who wishes to acquire particular synagogue skills can be paired up with members who can teach that skill. Mah Tovu’s annual Shabbaton combines learning with traditional Shabbat songs and meals.
Participation
Members take turns coordinating services by recruiting people to lead the service and read Torah. Each member coordinates about two times a year. New members are not expected to coordinate services in their first year of membership.
Members are encouraged to periodically participate in the service as their skill level permits, but at no time is this required. This can range from opening the ark or taking an aliyah to reading Torah, Haftarah, leading Davening, or giving a D’var Torah. There are members who are can teach these skills to those who wish to learn. The Minyan is unique in the amount of participation it allows its members. This participatory element gives members a wonderful sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. But of course, active participation is not required. Many of our members prefer to just attend the service and enjoy the variety they experience of those who do lead services.
Kiddush
Each Shabbat and on most holidays Mah Tovu has Kiddush. Members bring the food for the Kiddush on a rotating basis. Each family brings Kiddush approximately once to twice a year. Singles or families who wish can sponsor Kiddush together with another member.
Organizational Structure
Mah Tovu is run by a board of directors of five members. All meetings are open to Minyan members.
The board positions are:
Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Program, and House. Elections are held each spring and any member can run for a position. Members can also become involved in a number of sub-committees.
Kashrut
We maintain a kosher kitchen at our building. All Minyan activities held at the Shul are strictly kosher. Periodically, dairy pot-luck events are held at member’s homes.