Rachel Wood

Rachel Wood’s greatest joy came from helping others. As Inclusion Coordinator at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, she tirelessly promoted support and opportunity for all. 

A beloved member of the community, Wood died on June 4 at the age of 71. Born in Pontiac, Mich. to Ralph and Elaine Merkovitz on August 7, 1952, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and master’s degree in speech pathology from Indiana University.

Wood had a lifelong passion for working with diverse learners and began her career as a speech pathologist. She went on to work in early intervention programs and focused on inclusion in Jewish education upon retirement.   

“Thanks to Rachel’s persistence, Congregation Etz Chaim is truly on the cutting edge of inclusion,” said Barbara Turner, Wood’s friend and colleague. ”May her inspiration guide us as we continue the work she found so meaningful.”

During her tenure at Congregation Etz Chaim, Wood worked closely with parents to determine their children’s religious school and Hebrew education needs; ensured the synagogue had an amplification system, captioning, American Sign Language interpreters, fidget stations, and large print materials; and created social programs for young adults in the west suburban Jewish community.

“Rachel set up art classes once a month on Sunday afternoons for the special needs community at Etz Chaim,” remembered Daniel Frankel, Wood’s former student. “This gave us a chance to talk, network with each other, do a couple of fun activities, and learn more about the community.”

In her eulogy, Rabbi Andrea Cosnowsky, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim, reflected on her relationship with Wood. “We have grown from saying we were an inclusive community, to showing we are inclusive in every aspect of the DNA of the congregation,” Cosnowsky said. “She truly graced our world, improved it, and enriched it, and left us a legacy of service, an unmatched work ethic, and devotion and commitment to family and the Jewish people. 

Rachel is survived by her husband David Wood, her siblings Karen (Jerry) Adams and Mark (Wendy) Merkovitz, her daughters Laurel (Bhaven) Shah, Stacey (Matt) Heimann, and Anna (Ray) Jess, and her grandchildren Mira, Aryana, Sasha, Chloe, Lilly, Archer, and Micah.   

Donations in Wood’s memory may be made to the Rachel Wood Memorial Inclusion Endowment.

  Jodi Newmark is the Director of Encompass, a JUF initiative that works to expand community-based services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.