Ami Institute for Jewish Life

10/06/2026

Join Ami for an evening with Peter Paltchik, one of Israel’s most celebrated athletes and a two-time Olympic medalist. His story doesn’t stop at the podium.

Through his personal journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and his experience representing Israel during one of the most difficult periods in its history, Peter will explore resilience, identity, and what it means to carry the Israeli flag.

Come curious. Bring a friend. You don’t need to know judo to want a seat at this conversation.
Admission is $18 and includes your first drink.

Friends and allies are warmly welcome. We hope to bring together people from across Chicago’s Jewish community for this evening.

Cost should never stand between you and community. If admission is a barrier, email [email protected] to join. All requests will be kept strictly confidential.
https://amijewishlife.org/event/an-evening-with-olympic-medalist-peter-paltchik

09/22/2026

It's time for Sukkot... and you’re invited!

Join us Wednesday, September 30, for an evening of kosher food, good company, and Jewish joy in Andersonville. Come catch up with friends, meet someone new, and celebrate together.

We’re taking inspiration from Simchat Beit Hashoevah, the Sukkot festivities that brought people together to celebrate into the night in Temple times. Rooted in Torah, the seasons, and the land, Sukkot connects us to Israel and to one another. Let’s celebrate those connections together.

09/20/2026

Yom Kippur asks us to stand honestly before Hashem and before ourselves. To see ourselves as we truly are, carrying all that has shaped us, all that remains unfinished, and all that we still hope to become. And it reminds us that wherever our lives may have taken us, the path of return, to Hashem, to one another, and to a deeper Jewish life, is always open to us.

We are grateful for a community that continues to grow together, and that can serve as a bridge to deeper Jewish life, belonging, and connection for each of us.

גמר חתימה טובה

May we be sealed for a year of meaning, connection, and Jewish joy.

08/30/2026

Shabbat ends. The light stays with us.

Havdalah on the lake. W**e, besamim, flame, friends, and a dramatic Chicago sky.

We made the brachot, sang together, and marked the line between kodesh and chol, carrying a little of Shabbat into the week ahead.

This is Jewish life, without compromise.
This is Ami.

שבוע טוב
🌕🍷🌿🕯️

08/16/2026

08/14/2026

Elul gives us space to reflect, to deepen our connection to Jewish life, and to keep growing into who we are called to be.

Chodesh Elul Tov from Ami.
חודש אלול טוב

08/14/2026

08/11/2026

What an evening welcoming Shabbat and Pride Weekend together at Ami’s inaugural Pride Shabbat!

We are grateful for our community in Chicago that is proudly Jewish, deeply connected to Israel, and committed to creating a place where LGBT Jews and our allies can celebrate, learn, and build lasting connections.

This is the Jewish community we believe in. One rooted in tradition, belonging, and love for one another.

At a time when so many people feel they have to choose between different parts of who they are, we believe no one should ever have to choose between being proudly Jewish and proudly LGBT.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this evening so meaningful. Your presence helped create something truly special. This was only the beginning.

A special thank you to the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest and StandWithUs Midwest for their generous support in helping make this unforgettable evening possible.

Pride Sameach! 🌈💙

📸:

08/11/2026

Ami begins with a simple premise: we are Jews first.

We’re a community where 🌈 Jews can find friendship, tradition, learning, celebration, and a deeper connection to Jewish life and Israel, without having to choose between who they are and the Jewish life they want to live.

This is Ami. Come find your people.