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Harvest time Rabbi builds congregation from scratch
By Steve Zalusky Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted November 17, 2003

From a small seed, Rabbi Yerachmiel Pickholtz is beginning to harvest a strong congregation. Pickholtz is the leader of BAY Shul, which stands for Bais Ahavas Yisroel, or house (that promotes) love of your fellow Jews. Located at 302 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove's Town Center shopping area, BAY Shul is an outgrowth of Project Seed, an adult education program serving Jews in the Northwest suburbs that also operated out of the Town Center. Project Seed offered services such as courses in Hebrew. Its success of Project Seed led to the need for a full-service synagogue. BAY Shul officially began in July and now has about 55 member units, Pickholtz said.
"The main goal is to create a community of Jews who are interested in growing, in terms of their knowledge of Judaism and their observance of Judaism and their commitment to being Jews," said Pickholtz, an Orthodox rabbi who studied at Hebrew Theological College in Skokie and ultimately became attached to Project Seed in the Town Center.
Although Pickholtz is Orthodox, he has described the theology of BAY Shul as Torah Judaism. In its mission statement, the synagogue says it is devoted to reaching all Jews, through ongoing community outreach programs. It also promises to focus on personal growth through Torah and commitment to Jewish values. BAY Shul particularly caters to families from diverse Jewish backgrounds, Pickholtz said.
"It is very sensitive to families that do not necessarily have a strong background in education or religious observance," he said. "We have people who have joined the shul within the last few months that were unaffiliated before. They don't necessarily know how to read Hebrew, they don't necessarily know a lot about the holidays or religious observances, but they want to know more.
"Our goal is to help people connect in Judaism and to feel a growth in Judaism."
Vernon Hills resident Jan Shuman, administrative vice president, said she became involved with Rabbi Pickholtz through Project Seed. "They never made you feel intimidated or out of place," she said.
BAY Shul offers both synagogue services and classes. One of its programs, which targets children ages 6 to 8, is called J.E.W.E.L. ."It's like a preparatory Hebrew school," Pickholtz said.
On Sunday, the synagogue hosted Rabbi Hanoch Teller, a lecturer, author, producer and storyteller. And from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7, it is hosting its first "Chanukah Boutique," which will feature such things personalized stationery, no-stain tablecloths, games, books, jewelry, a raffle and even wine tasting.
With the attempt by Pickholtz to make the congregation into a family, it is only natural that some events are held in the Pickholtz family home in Buffalo Grove. Arlen Simon, BAY Shul treasurer and Buffalo Grove resident, said the younger Pickholtz children will run up and greet the guests, wishing them a good Shabbos. "He and his wife (Rivkie) make you feel very comfortable," he said. That warmth, he said, reflects how the rabbi handles the congregation as a whole. "He makes you part of the congregation," Simon said.

Bais Ahavas Yisroel - House that promotes love of your fellow Jews!