Here is a list of the local Jewish organizations in Peoria…
Congregation Agudas Achim is the largest traditional congregation in the state of Illinois outside of the Chicago area. Congregation Agudas Achim has a daily minyan as well as weekly services on Saturday mornings. The synagogue is the only congregation in the state of Illinois, outside the Chicago area, that has a daily minyan, and a kosher kitchen. Both Agudas Achim and Anshei Emeth (below) share the building at 5614 N. University St., Peoria, Ill. 61614. For more information, either call at (309) 692-4848 or email at congaa@sbcglobal.net.
Morning Services:
- Sunday: 8:00 a.m.
- Monday through Friday: 6:50 a.m.
- Saturdays and Yom Tovin: 9:00 a.m.
Congregation Anshai Emeth – is your home for warm, welcoming, egalitarian Judaism in Peoria, IL. Along with our Rabbi, Rabbi Bryna Milkow, we offer a full range of congregational activities, from Tfilla to Torah study; Hebrew School to NFTY Youth Group. We are a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism, and in addition to our adult and family activities, our rabbi is always available for life-cycle events. Founded in 1859, Anshai Emeth was one of the original UAHC (now the URJ) members, and today we continue that legacy as Peoria’s oldest–and largest–Jewish congregation. If you’re new to Peoria we’d love to welcoming you to our vibrant and growing community; just give us a call. For more information, please call (309) 691-3323, email office@anshaiemeth.org, or be directly in touch with Rabbi Milkow at rabbi@anshaiemeth.org. Shalom u’vracha!
Tfillah (prayer) and Talmud Torah:
- Kabbalat Shabbat Friday Night Services: 7:30pm (except for monthly potlucks @ 6pm. Check the calendar!)
- Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study: 10am in the Library at Anshai Emeth
- Talmud Torah (adult study): Tuesdays at 7pm
Bradley University Hillel is a multi-denominational Jewish community serving Bradley’s campus. We have services every Friday night and some Saturday mornings. We also celebrate holidays together when school is in session.Hillel also plans social programs. Our social programs range from BBQs to date parties, to Sunday’s at the arcade. Hillel also tries to incorporate social action into some of its programs. For more information, please contact our Director, Matt Lorch at studentlife@bradleyhillel.org
Chabad of Peoria offers Shabbat services, youth programs, Camp Gan Izzy Summer day camp, adult education courses, Chabad preschool, women’s programs, Monthly Lunch and Learn, community holiday awareness celebrations, hospital, nursing home and shut-in visitations. For more information, please call (309) 692-2250
The Peoria Hebrew Cemetery Association, located at 2807 W. Heading in West Peoria, Ill., is responsible for the management and upkeep of the Peoria Hebrew Cemetery. This cemetery is used by members of the Jewish faith, either by birth or conversion. If you have converted to Judaism you must provide documentation that is certified by a Rabbi. For information on purchasing a lot or burial in the cemetery contact the Cemetery office (309) 691-8064 or contact the Larry Griminger, president of the Cemetery Association at lgriminger6839@comcast.net. For pictures of the Peoria Hebrew Cemetery click here.
Peoria Hebrew Day School (PHDS) is a family community that helps parents create healthy, happy, self-confident, and smart kids that will be productive parts of the Jewish and Secular communities. Our Preschool through 8th grade curriculum offers both a comprehensive General Studies education and a strong Jewish education. The faculty, staff and parents provide an atmosphere in which each child’s gifts are allowed to flourish. We offer affordable tuition, field trips and an amazing teacher student ratio. Call us to arrange a tour and meet the PHDS family at 309-692-2821.
