This summer, Base in Chicago is expanding from its current two locations to four, serving students and young adults with resonant, meaningful and enriching programs and experiences across the city. With the goal of building community and continuity for a diverse mix of participants, the additional locations mean that more people will be able to access the deep connections they are seeking, especially important following months of isolation during the pandemic.

The unique Base model is a home away from home for young people across the city and the actual home of four Rabbis and their families who open their doors to provide a welcoming, inspirational space for people to gather and experience Judaism together.

“The relationships the Rabbis have built with individuals is what makes Base so special,” said Charles, Cohen, Executive Director of Metro Chicago Hillel. “They are modeling authentic and accessible Jewish living in their homes, while offering thoughtful programming, services, learning cohorts, volunteer opportunities, explorations of social justice issues and more.”

Chicago was previously home to two Base locations: Silverstein Base in Lincoln Park, and a Base in the West Loop. Beginning in August, two additional Base locations will open: Doppelt Base in Andersonville for young adults and a Base in Logan Square to serve students.

Base Andersonville will be run by Rabbi Megan GoldMarche and Paige GoldMarche, while Rabbi Ezra Balser and Laura Elkayam will staff Base West Loop. Meanwhile, Base Lincoln Park will be welcoming Rabbi Sarah Mulhern and Rabbi Will Friedman; Rabbi Jonathan Posner and Hannah Swirnow will open the new Base Logan Square.

“There is something really magical about these inspiring, empathetic, pluralistic, welcoming Rabbis,” Cohen said. “They are comforting, supportive and extraordinarily giving of their time and personal space which offers a powerful transformation for our young adult community. For thousands of years, Jewish life was like this, with the rabbi as the heart and foundation of the community.”

Rabbi Megan said she has felt the backing of the community from the beginning of the Base movement, with phenomenal support from donors and participants. “At this age, people want a sense of home and rootedness,” she said. “People are looking for community and friends. Many are also looking for a source of meaning and feel that Judaism can be that for them.”

Rabbi Ezra agreed: “Our work is to give people the confidence and support to feel comfortable in their Jewish skin,” he said. “Being in our home brings a level of intimacy and vulnerability. My wife, daughter and I are inviting people into our lives. They see how our home works and how we interact with each other. It’s a place where everyone is welcome.”

Chicago’s four Base locations have an exciting array of programming planned for late summer and early fall that includes spiritual preparation for the High Holidays, exploring the intersection of feminism and anti-racism, multi-week cohorts on Jewish adulting, tacos and Torah, a Yom Kippur retreat-and, of course, weekly Shabbat dinners.

Base in Chicago is made possible by the generous support of the Silverstein Family, Judy and Abel Friedman, The Crown Family and an anonymous donor.

Established in New York in 2016, Base has locations in cities worldwide, including New York, Ithaca, Miami and Berlin.

For more information, to join an event or to get involved visit: metrochicagohillel.org/base .