What is Mitziut?
From the website: Something positive and incredible is happening in East Rogers Park. Mitziut is a non-denominational Jewish spiritual community creating an amazing Jewish spiritual experience.Pronounced "mit-see-oot," the name Mitziut comes from the Hebrew word for "reality." Comprised not only of people from the neighborhood, participants come from Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Oak Park, Lakeview, Edgewater, Ravenswood, Albany Park, and the Gold Coast as well as Hyde Park, Indiana and Dekalb. People from all Jewish backgrounds and friends from different spiritual paths are coming and finding a welcoming, participatory community. The non-denominational services are inclusive, participatory, joyous, relaxed and feature wonderful music, sacred Hebrew chant, prayerful experience, meaningful Torah teachings and are infused with traditional kavanah ("intention") and ancient spirituality. Various activities such as a meditation drop-in group and a Jewish drum circle allow individuals to deepen their individual Jewish spiritual explorations within a group experience.

Beginnings?
We started almost 2 years ago. I graduated from Hebrew Seminary for the Deaf in Skokie in June of 03. I've always been one of those stubborn pioneer types. I like to start things. I decided the headaches of starting something from scratch were much more attractive then the headaches of joining an established institution. I had some friends who were looking for a similar Jewish experience. After graduation I decided to organize High Holy Days in Rogers Park.

Why build a Jewish community in East Rogers Park?
Over the years I've spent a lot of times in Rogers Park and lived in the neighborhood. I used to be a regular at The In One Ear poetry reading at the No Exit and at the Heartland. Where I was part of a trio that was dubbed the Holy Trinity of Poetry for a couple of years. I love this neighborhood. It's vibrant and alive. Lots of great people walking around with their dogs. Once I decided to have services here I needed a location. The first place I went was Rogers Park Presbyterian Church on Greenleaf and Greenview. Right off Pastor Fred welcomed us to use the space. Then for graduation instead of gifts I asked for donations to several organization, one of them being Mitziut. That was the seed money to start our Jewish community. We put an add in the Reader and Rogers Park Paper and I sent invites to my entire email list.Well over a hundred people came to the first four services for The High Holy Days in 03. After the holidays we added Shabbos serivces. We started with10-15 people and now we 25 average on Friday nights.

What excites you about Mitziut?
My dream of a Jewish Community in East Rogers Park is coming true. The community is making it happen. Also when I see someone make an advance in their personal or spiritual life that excites me.

What are some challenges?
Financial challenges. I don't have a salary yet. Mitziut has people with all different levels of experience. Some know Hebrew, some don't, some know all the prayers, some haven't prayed in a synagogue ever. So meeting the needs of these different community members is a challenge. How do we hold up our ideals as we evolve.

What are these values you want to uphold?
As we evolve and grow as a community I want to maintain that community feel. I want services to feel like we are in someone's living room. I want people to feel comfortable and welcomed. At Mitziut we openly talk about our belief in the Divine. Exploring and accessing our spiritual lives is a main value. And I want to do this through teraditional study and alternative experiential ways.

When did you know you wanted to be a Rabbi?
As a ten year old kid I talked about being a Rabbi. At my Bar Mitzvah I was ready for magic. I wanted god to come down and plunk me on the head and give me a transcendent experience. However my Bar mitzvah was a flop. The magic didn't happen I wandered away from Judaism for a few years. Later I went to Beloit College in Wisconsin. Twenty percent of students there were Jewish. I celebrated holidays with Jewish groups. I lived in Minnesota for awhile where I got involved with a new havura. In 1994 I moved back to Chicago. I was learning sign language I thought I'd be a sign language interpreter. Friends told me about a synagogue in Skokie that conducted services in sign. I went and loved it. Rabbi Goldhamer, the rabbi there became a mentor. Lo and behold ad started a seminary. It all just came together. My calling re-emerged.

What are some on-going activities at Mitziut?
SHABBOS Joyful, song filled services are held at Rogers Park Presbyterian Church, located at 7059 N. Greenview. Typically, we meet on the 1st and 3rd Friday night @ 7.30 p.m. and Saturday morning @ 10 a.m.Please feel free to bring a drum, shaker, or rhythm toy if you wish. A milchic (dairy-fish okay) pot luck usually follows afterward. Please bring a dish or kosher drink to share. Mitziut Meditation Drop-in Group The Mitziut Meditation Drop-in Group typically meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the BEHIV 6926 N. Glenwood. No experience needed and if you have a meditation to share, please contact Menachem. Mitziut Jewish Drum Circle The Mitziut Jewish Drum Circle typically takes place on the second Sunday of the month from 2-4pm at the BEHIV at 6926 N Glenwood, Chicago. No experience needed and a drum will be provided if you don't have one!