We are delighted to share that Ellen Doppelt and Mindy Gordon will give the Kol Nidre Appeal at the Field Family Sanctuary this year, while Melany Gurtman and Lois Lourie will deliver it at the Highland Park High School service. Read more about their backgrounds and please consider giving to the Appeal today.
Ellen Doppelt and her husband, Bob, have been members of Beth El for more than 30 years, where they raised their three children, Matthew, Erin, and Dani, and where Ellen currently serves on the Board of Directors. After beginning her career in advertising and spending many years deeply involved in volunteer leadership, Ellen turned her passion for community service into a second career in the nonprofit world. She recently retired as Executive Director of the Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago, where she worked to strengthen and support Chicago’s Jewish community and its surrounding neighborhoods. Ellen is a past President of the Metropolitan Chicago Region of ORT America and currently serves on the Advisory Council. Ellen and Bob are especially grateful that today, Beth El continues to be a meaningful part of their family’s life across generations.
Mindy Block Gordon has been a lifelong member of Beth El since her parents, Abby and Larry Block joined in 1965. Her husband Jeff became a member when they were married here in 1985 and their children Matthew, Hannah and Jonathan followed. With Jon and his wife Erin and children Eden and Rami now members in their own right. She considers herself a product of the Conservative Movement having participated in USY including USY Israel Pilgrimage and was a camper, staff member and board member at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. She has now worked for United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism for the last 15 years. She practiced law for many years before concentrating on raising their three children. During that time, she served as the President of the Metropolitan Chicago Region of ORT America and on the ORT America National Board.
Our Kol Nidre Appeal is an important annual fundraising effort that supplements the revenue that Beth El receives from dues, which does not fully cover our operating budget. The appeal helps to ensure that Beth El remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community for all of our members.
Why is it important?
It is vital for sustaining our operations and initiatives. It ensures that we can operate at our highest level and that everyone can be a member of our community, regardless of their financial situation. It also enables us to offer a range of spiritual, educational, and social programs in all of our spaces, including:
maintenance and improvement of our facilities,
educational programs for both children and adults,
community services and outreach programs,
ritual and spiritual activities,
and more.
YES! Every contribution, no matter the size, shows that Beth El matters to you and your family, and helps bridge the gap left by membership dues. This year, our goal is to increase participation from 50% to 100%, and we welcome donations of any size. We simply ask that you make a donation that is meaningful to you.
If I am a Bonim Benefactor, do I also contribute to the Kol Nidre Appeal?
Contributions at the Bonim level of $6,500 and above are considered a once-a-year gift, and include a gift to our Kol Nidre Appeal, so no additional contribution to the Kol Nidre appeal is necessary. For more information on Bonim Benefactor levels, please contact Jacob Markey, Development Director, at [email protected].
How can I make a donation?
You can make a donation in several ways:
Online using this LINK or QR code
Mail a check to Beth El
In person at the synagogue office during business hours
Yes, all donations to Beth El are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You will receive a receipt for your donation that can be used for tax purposes.
While general donations give us the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed, we also welcome designated donations. If you have a specific purpose in mind, please contact the synagogue office to discuss your wishes.
We understand that not everyone may be in a position to contribute financially. Your presence and participation in our community are invaluable. There are many other ways to support Beth El, including volunteering your time and skills.
We welcome and encourage active participation in our community. You can get involved by joining a committee, volunteering for events, attending services, and participating in educational programs. To learn more about ways to get involved, please reach out to Hillary Wenk, Engagement Director, at [email protected].
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any further questions or need more information about the Kol Nidre Appeal, please contact Jacob Markey, Development Director at [email protected].
Thank you for your support and for being a vital part of the Beth El community. Together, we make Beth El stronger.
1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 | (847) 432-8900 | [email protected] |
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Website designed by Addicott Web.
