Frequently Asked Questions:
Where does Mitziut fit in the spectrum? Is it Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist or Renewal?
Mitziut is an independent Jewish Community not affiliated with any current Jewish movement. We do not require our members to belong to any Jewish movement. We are a community comprised of people with all levels of Jewish backgrounds and experience, be it Secular, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal, Orthodox or another religious affiliation. Our purpose is to find significance and renewal in our tradition. Mitziut is a group of people who bring rich, diverse experiences to our spiritual arena of prayer, meditation and chant. We have fun in the process!
Do I have to become a member in order to attend Mitziut events?
You are not required to become a member to attend our services or events. You are welcome to join us with no pressure or obligation to become a member. We appreciate your interest in Mitziut and encourage you to participate, as you are comfortable, at Mitziut functions.
How is Mitziut different from other Jewish Communities?
Mitziut does not require its members to affiliate with a Jewish movement. We are a community of Jewish people who encourages its members and participants to freely express their Jewish beliefs and identity in a way that is appropriate for their needs. We offer a place to pray, chant, meditate, dance, and chat that is safe and joyful. Our prayer books offer spiritual, modern-day verses of inspiration, along with the Hebrew text. We learn and grow together, always encouraging unity and respect for each individual. Explore your own path and find a positive experience in the process!
Do I have to be Jewish to join Mitziut?
You do not have to be Jewish to join Mitziut. We welcome people from all walks of life and appreciate your attendance. Many interfaith couples attend Mitziut. Some people who are not Jewish, yet have family members who are Jewish, attend Mitziut. We have had non-Jewish people who have Jewish friends, or an interest in Judaism attend Mitziut events and services. All are welcome and encouraged to join us at any time!
How do I become a member of Mitziut?
We do not have membership at this time. All are welcome to all events and your donations are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding Mitziut, please contact Carol Melnick, Mitziut Board President at [email protected]
Is there a membership fee?
We do not want finances to get in the way of spiritual experience, thus we do not have a membership structure at this time. There are many ways we suggest you contribute while being an individual or family member at Mitziut. We accept in-kind, time, and money contributions in lieu of membership fees. Please see "Get involved" located in the left hand corner on the home page, for a detailed explanation of membership. You'll receive an explanation of in-kind, time and money contributions, along with suggested guidelines. Contact Rabbi Menachem Cohen at [email protected] if you wish to discuss your membership needs.
How do I make a donation?
There are several ways you can make a donation. You can either do so via this web site, in person at a Mitziut event, or by sending a check. Donations sustain and support Mitziut.
The easiest and quickest way is to make a donation via this Web site. Go to the bottom of the home pageand click on the "Donate" link. The transaction is then handled by PayPal, a secure online payment system.
If you want to send a check, please make the check out to Mitziut and mail to our treasurer Rachel Dahan.
Mitziut
c/o Rachel Dahan
616 Michigan Avenue Apt. G
Evanston, IL 60202
Do I have to bring kosher food to the potluck events?
At this time, we pray and have events in facilities that do not have a kosher kitchen. We respect kashrut and those who keep kosher; therefore we have a "kosher-style" potluck which is dairy only. Our potlucks are vegetarian, with fish dishes permitted. You do not have to bring kosher food to the potluck events, however, may wish to do so for your own dietary needs or principles. We supply paper goods for our potluck. Our goal is to have everyone partake of our refreshments
Does the Rabbi perform conversions to Judaism?
Yes, the Rabbi does perform conversions. Please contact Rabbi Menachem Cohen to set up an appointment regarding the conversion process.
Is Mitziut friendly towards LGBTQ folks and same sex relationships?
Absolutely! We warmly welcome Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individuals to Mitziut. We do not discriminate based on race, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender.
Mitziut is an independent Jewish Community not affiliated with any current Jewish movement. We do not require our members to belong to any Jewish movement. We are a community comprised of people with all levels of Jewish backgrounds and experience, be it Secular, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal, Orthodox or another religious affiliation. Our purpose is to find significance and renewal in our tradition. Mitziut is a group of people who bring rich, diverse experiences to our spiritual arena of prayer, meditation and chant. We have fun in the process!
Do I have to become a member in order to attend Mitziut events?
You are not required to become a member to attend our services or events. You are welcome to join us with no pressure or obligation to become a member. We appreciate your interest in Mitziut and encourage you to participate, as you are comfortable, at Mitziut functions.
How is Mitziut different from other Jewish Communities?
Mitziut does not require its members to affiliate with a Jewish movement. We are a community of Jewish people who encourages its members and participants to freely express their Jewish beliefs and identity in a way that is appropriate for their needs. We offer a place to pray, chant, meditate, dance, and chat that is safe and joyful. Our prayer books offer spiritual, modern-day verses of inspiration, along with the Hebrew text. We learn and grow together, always encouraging unity and respect for each individual. Explore your own path and find a positive experience in the process!
Do I have to be Jewish to join Mitziut?
You do not have to be Jewish to join Mitziut. We welcome people from all walks of life and appreciate your attendance. Many interfaith couples attend Mitziut. Some people who are not Jewish, yet have family members who are Jewish, attend Mitziut. We have had non-Jewish people who have Jewish friends, or an interest in Judaism attend Mitziut events and services. All are welcome and encouraged to join us at any time!
How do I become a member of Mitziut?
We do not have membership at this time. All are welcome to all events and your donations are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding Mitziut, please contact Carol Melnick, Mitziut Board President at [email protected]
Is there a membership fee?
We do not want finances to get in the way of spiritual experience, thus we do not have a membership structure at this time. There are many ways we suggest you contribute while being an individual or family member at Mitziut. We accept in-kind, time, and money contributions in lieu of membership fees. Please see "Get involved" located in the left hand corner on the home page, for a detailed explanation of membership. You'll receive an explanation of in-kind, time and money contributions, along with suggested guidelines. Contact Rabbi Menachem Cohen at [email protected] if you wish to discuss your membership needs.
How do I make a donation?
There are several ways you can make a donation. You can either do so via this web site, in person at a Mitziut event, or by sending a check. Donations sustain and support Mitziut.
The easiest and quickest way is to make a donation via this Web site. Go to the bottom of the home pageand click on the "Donate" link. The transaction is then handled by PayPal, a secure online payment system.
If you want to send a check, please make the check out to Mitziut and mail to our treasurer Rachel Dahan.
Mitziut
c/o Rachel Dahan
616 Michigan Avenue Apt. G
Evanston, IL 60202
Do I have to bring kosher food to the potluck events?
At this time, we pray and have events in facilities that do not have a kosher kitchen. We respect kashrut and those who keep kosher; therefore we have a "kosher-style" potluck which is dairy only. Our potlucks are vegetarian, with fish dishes permitted. You do not have to bring kosher food to the potluck events, however, may wish to do so for your own dietary needs or principles. We supply paper goods for our potluck. Our goal is to have everyone partake of our refreshments
Does the Rabbi perform conversions to Judaism?
Yes, the Rabbi does perform conversions. Please contact Rabbi Menachem Cohen to set up an appointment regarding the conversion process.
Is Mitziut friendly towards LGBTQ folks and same sex relationships?
Absolutely! We warmly welcome Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individuals to Mitziut. We do not discriminate based on race, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender.