A new rabbi, a sneak preview of Matthias Merges new Hyde Park bistro and the new Harper Theater are all part of an exciting evening planned for Congregation KAM Isaiah Israel’s annual fundraiser. This special evening will take place at the congregation, Saturday evening, April 27th at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $125 per person.
Congregation KAM Isaiah Israel’s new rabbi Frederick Reeves will be in attendance and will be participating in services that weekend. Rabbi Reeves comes to the congregation from Atlanta where he served as associate rabbi at The Temple. His wife Lauren is a native of Chicago.
“This is going to be a tremendous evening where we get to recognize all that is coming to our community. On a personal note, I want to thank Rabbi Batsheva Appel for her service and that it is an honor to welcome Rabbi Reeves and his family. His intellect and leadership will serve the congregation well,” stated President Dan Mass.
Merges, whose restaurants Yusho and Billy Sunday have drawn raves from the national and local culinary media, will be opening two new restaurants in Hyde Park. One will be a smaller version of Yusho and the other will be a bistro, whose cuisine will be served at this event. Then, the attendees will go to Hyde Park’s newly restored Harper Theater for a screening of the movie about Jackie Robinson titled “42”.
Prior to the movie, Jonathan Eig, the author of Opening Day, The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First Season, will give a talk and answer questions. Eig has won many writing awards and is recognized as one of the nation’s pre-eminent sports historians.
Those attending the fundraiser will get to buy tickets to a raffle that will include items from Hyatt Place Hyde Park, Kilwin’s, Supreme Jewelers, The Harper Theater, CorePower Yoga and restaurants Promontory, Park Tavern Hyde Park as well as the Merges restaurant to be named later. Revolution Brewing, one of Chicago’s best craft breweries, has donated several cases for the event.
As the oldest Jewish congregation in the Midwest, Congregation KAM Isaiah Israel has been known throughout our history for our commitment to authentic and innovative Jewish music, quality education for adults and children, and social justice both at home and around the world. Today, we are also known as the beautiful Byzantine-inspired synagogue at Greenwood Avenue and Hyde Park Boulevard across the street from President Obama's Chicago home.