Scott and Ellen talk to Rabbi David Chapman of Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, who discussed his journey from theater director to rabbi, influenced by his rediscovery of Judaism and involvement with Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City.

Chapman reported an increase in congregation involvement and membership since the October 7, 2022 Hamas-led attack on Israel. 

"The reality is that people have have realized how important it is to be in community, and so we've seen people show up, we've seen people come and we've seen people engage maybe for the first time in their life," he told WCPT. 

Chapman said he looks at Jewish texts and Jewish traditions "through the lens of what we call kevod ha-briyot, or human dignity" and aims to foster a supportive and inclusive community.

He also drew parallels between the story of Purim and modern-day challenges.

"It's a reminder that things can become good again, and that's something that we hope for and pray for," he said. "So I really try to give people a sense of hope, a sense of strength, a sense of community, a sense of positive identification and a sense that the richness of our tradition can be a source of strength and support, especially in these times."

Catch “Out Chicago” Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/out-chicago).

Scott and Ellen talk to Rabbi David Chapman of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bethshalomnb.org/welcome/who-we-are/clergy/">Congregation Beth Shalom</a> in Northbrook, who discussed his journey from theater director to rabbi, influenced by his rediscovery of Judaism and involvement with Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City.
Chapman reported an increase in congregation involvement and membership since the October 7, 2022 Hamas-led attack on Israel.&nbsp;
"The reality is that people have have realized how important it is to be in community, and so we've seen people show up, we've seen people come and we've seen people engage maybe for the first time in their life," he told WCPT.&nbsp;
Chapman said he looks at Jewish texts and Jewish traditions "through the lens of what we call kevod ha-briyot, or&nbsp;human dignity" and aims to foster a supportive and inclusive community.
He also drew parallels between the story of Purim and modern-day challenges.
"It's a reminder that things can become good again, and that's something that we hope for and pray for," he said. "So I really try to give people a sense of hope, a sense of strength, a sense of community, a sense of positive identification and a sense that the richness of our tradition can be a source of strength and support, especially in these times."
Catch &ldquo;Out Chicago&rdquo; Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/out-chicago).

Here are full episodes from "Out Chicago" (Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago). Scott Duff and Ellen Miller invite you to spend Sunday brunch with your gay best friends! Each week on "Out Chicago" they tackle today’s headlines from a queer perspective and focus on the accomplishments of the vibrant LGBTQ community in Chicago and across the globe

Scott Duff is an OUT AND PROUD comic, actor and activist who performs throughout Chicagoland and around the country. 

Ellen Miller is an OUT AND PROUD accomplished musician who has had successful careers in the fields of radio advertising, and real estate.

"Out Chicago" is Chicago's only live broadcast for the LGBTQ community!

Here are full episodes from "Out Chicago" (Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>). Scott Duff and Ellen Miller invite you to spend Sunday brunch with your gay best friends! Each week on "Out Chicago" they tackle today’s headlines from a queer perspective and focus on the accomplishments of the vibrant LGBTQ community in Chicago and across the globe
Scott Duff is an OUT AND PROUD comic, actor and activist who performs throughout Chicagoland and around the country. 
Ellen Miller is an OUT AND PROUD accomplished musician who has had successful careers in the fields of radio advertising, and real estate.
"Out Chicago" is Chicago's only live broadcast for the LGBTQ community!

Out Chicago (Full Episodes)

Scott Duff and Ellen Miller invite you to spend Sunday brunch with your gay best friends! Each week on "Out Chicago" (Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on WCPT) they tackle today’s headlines from a queer perspective and focus on the accomplishments of the vibrant LGBTQ community in Chicago and across the globe.

Scott Duff is an OUT AND PROUD comic, actor and activist who performs throughout Chicagoland and around the country. 

Ellen Miller is an OUT AND PROUD accomplished musician who has had successful careers in the fields of radio advertising, and real estate.

"Out Chicago" is Chicago's only live broadcast for the LGBTQ community!

Scott Duff and Ellen Miller invite you to spend Sunday brunch with your gay best friends! Each week on "Out Chicago" (Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT</a>) they tackle today’s headlines from a queer perspective and focus on the accomplishments of the vibrant LGBTQ community in Chicago and across the globe.
Scott Duff is an OUT AND PROUD comic, actor and activist who performs throughout Chicagoland and around the country. 
Ellen Miller is an OUT AND PROUD accomplished musician who has had successful careers in the fields of radio advertising, and real estate.
"Out Chicago" is Chicago's only live broadcast for the LGBTQ community!

Advertisement