About Us

In Hebrew, Makom (Hebrew: מָקוֹם) means “place.” Makom Solel Lakeside is a place to find a warm, participatory and supportive community where we embrace the three pillars that support the congregation: worship, lifelong learning and social justice. 

We are a vibrant, welcoming, Jewish community focused on inclusiveness, innovation and involvement. It is where each person can find a safe place for reflection and a path to community connection.

We are a new reform congregation with historic roots, formed in 2019 as Congregation Solel and Lakeside Congregation for Reform Judaism joined to become Makom Solel Lakeside. Since inception, both congregations have focused on social justice and learning. From hosting the late Dr. Martin Luther King in 1966 in our sanctuary to helping resettle refugee families into their new homes in Chicago, from our Lev Learning school for all children to a broad spectrum of adult education classes, our congregations have been known for providing comfort, community and learning. 

Makom Solel Lakeside, builds on these strengths.In ancient Hebrew, Makom is also a name for God, signifying God’s presence in every place. Our name reflects the nature of our community. We aim to be a place of and gives voice to our collective aspirations to partner with God in tikkun olam (Hebrew: תיקון עולם), repairing the world.