Printed fromObshina.com
About
Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (FREE), Inc., has been in existence since 1973. Our mission is to promote Jewish pride, identity and continuity among New American families in the greater Chicagoland area, by providing educational, religious, cultural and social services in a caring non-judgmental environment.

FREE’s programming and services focuses on Jewish family life cycle events and holidays and festivals in the Jewish calendar year. The FREE Hebrew schools, Bar and Bas Mitzvah preparation classes and youth clubs are an integral part of our youth education program. Adult Judaic classes and counseling and Family Shabat Services helps New Americans become proud members of the Jewish community. Our popular Memorial Yizkor and Kaddish programs are important and meaningful avenues that link generations and bridge continents. The widely acclaimed Shalom Magazine, a Russian language publication of FREE, features quality journalism and enjoys avid global readership. All of our programs are provided in the framework of a caring family environment.

At the present time FREE’s primary location is the Bellows Educational and Cultural Center in Chicago with three additional satellites located throughout the Chicago area and in the suburbs.
Learn More
Learning & Inspiration
  • A Vision of PeaceOn the 10th of Kislev, the second Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi DovBer, was liberated from prison. Read More
  • Take the Dinah QuizTest your knowledge of the sister to the 12 Tribes. Read More
  • Jacob vs. IsraelWhat is the significance of Jacob's names? If Israel is so special, why keep Jacob? Read More
  • Did Esau Really Forgive Jacob?The plain reading of the relevant verses suggests this; however, there is debate about what actually... Read More
Shabbat & Holidays
Candle Lighting Times
Chicago, IL
Weekly Torah Portion
Upcoming Holiday
Dec. 25 - Jan. 2
Daily Thought
Do you want to make miracles? It’s not so hard. Let’s say you see someone’s faults and you truly want to help—whether it be a friend, a spouse, your child or even your nemesis. Don’t say a word about what you have found wrong. Instead, find something wondrous about that person, perhaps something that nobody ever mentions. Talk about it—to yourself, and to those who will listen and sympathize. In very little time, you will see such a new person, you...
Latest Photos