The History of Skokie Community Kollel/Kollel Toras Chesed

Kollel Toras Chesed was started in 1985 by Rabbi Dovid Siegel and Rabbi Yaakov Homnick, and began its days within the walls of Congregation Adas Bnei Israel through the courtesy of its Mora D'Asra, Rabbi Yaakov Nayman.

The Kollel became a popular fixture in the Chicago neighborhood of Peterson Park, and soon had to find a larger facility. In 1987 the Kollel moved to 3555 Peterson Avenue, where it expanded its programs and its outreach. By 1991, Kollel publications mentioned that the Kollel was involved with the Skokie community, and testimonials from Skokie residents were printed in the Kollel's outreach publications.

Sensing the growing needs of the Skokie Jewish Comunity, the Kollel extended its services beyond the Chicago area and began its acclaimed Father & Son Program in Congregation Or Torah of Skokie. This modest beginning quickly revealed the hidden thirst of the Skokie Jewish Community for the presence of a Torah institution within its borders. After a few meetings with key leaders of Skokie, the Kollel relocated to Or Torah in 1991. Participation grew quickly, and the Kollel -- now known as Kollel Toras Chesed of Skokie -- had moved to a small storefront adjacent to Or Torah by January 1992.

Before very long, the Kollel was plagued with a special recurring problem: it was running out of space! So two adjoining storefronts were purchased, and during 1997 and 1998 the mammoth project of remodeling and expanding the Kollel facilities was undertaken. Dedication ceremonies and a Hachnossas Sefer Torah for the new Kollel Toras Chesed Bernice Fagan Torah Center were held on October 18, 1998.

Kollel Toras Chesed is today primarily known as the Skokie Community Kollel, and its vibrant presence continues not only in the Skokie community, but also in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Learning opportunities, community gatherings, and insightful lectures and presentations on major Jewish holy days help maintain a precious rapport between the Kollel and the community.

Please take some time to browse our online presence, and avail yourself of the many Kollel publications we have made available via the web. Feel free to email us with any questions you have, and you are certainly welcome to visit the Kollel if you are ever in the area.