STAR Suburban Thursday Afternoon Retirees

Suburban Thursday Afternoon Retirees, better known as STAR, meets via zoom every Thursday from 1-3 pm, except on Jewish and national holidays.  This vibrant group includes attendees from West Suburban Temple and Oak Park Temple, as well as the broader community.

This joint endeavor of both Temples offers a place for candid discussions on a variety of topics as well as an opportunity to socialize and to support each other.  At STAR's most recent meetings, we have heard from Har Zion Temple's Rabbi Emeritus Mirelman on three pivotal events in Jewish history in 1897, from Betsy Kelly of River Forest Township on their Home Sharing Pilot Program, and from Oak Park Temple member Joyce Porter, an actor, model, and author, discussing her new book Mastering Senior Life: Thriving and Surviving. STAR has longterm partnerships with Rush Oak Park Hospital, Dominican and Concordia Universities, Brookdale, Oak Park and River Forest Townships, Arbor West Neighbors, Jewish Child and Family Services and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. STAR has a limited number of tickets available to four CSO rehearsals beginning in February, 2023, and we'll share details at our meetings.

In  January, 2023, STAR will meet on the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.  

January 19th -- We'll be joined by Laura Valcour representing Oak Park Township Senior Services 

January 26th - We're pleased to be joined by Oak Park Temple member and community leader Judith Alexander.  Recognition of Judith's leadership include Oak Park Temple's Rabbi Leonard Mervis Award for Social Justice and an Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce Titan Award.  Judith will share with us her thoughts and experiences working to revitalize North Avenue.  

We are planning future programming and hope to include a presentation by women in the rabbinate.  Other programs are in the works!  

We are currently meeting via Zoom. If you'd like more information about STAR, contact your Temple office.  We at STAR feel like a small community learning and growing together.  Please join us!