A Little More About Us

MCJC is made up of more than 100 families from the greater McHenry County area. Many live in Crystal Lake and Woodstock, while others come from the surrounding towns of Marengo, Cary, Algonquin, and Spring Grove. Some come from as far away as the northwestern suburbs of Chicago.

Conservative affliation, interfaith families welcome

Though Conservative in affiliation, MCJC draws people with a variety of interests and experiences - including many without a Conservative Jewish upbringing. A significant percentage of the congregation are part of interfaith marriages. Many have parents of mixed faiths. While some of our members have maintained a close bond with their heritage since childhood, others are returning to their faith after many years away.

Egalitarian worship services, English & Hebrew prayers

Newcomers and long-time congregants alike find MCJC’s religious services to be warm, approachable and egalitarian, with a combination of traditional prayer and modern-day interpretation to accommodate the diversity of our backgrounds. And because children are so important to the congregation, worship and events are always designed with their needs in mind.

Warm, family atmosphere

With a full-time rabbi, MCJC is big enough to provide all the services and programs usually found only at much larger synagogues, but small enough to retain a “family” atmosphere. This warm, caring culture is what makes people feel so welcome at MCJC.

For more information about MCJC, please contact us or call 815.455.1810.