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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.
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Learning & Inspiration
  • Expecting Moshiach TodayThe Previous Rebbe was once approached with the following dilemma: You profess to expect Moshiach’s... Read More
  • What Is Wrong With Heaven?A discussion on Techiyat Hametim, the resurrection of the dead in the era of Redemption. Read More
  • Printable Program for Your Moshiach's Meal (PDF)With suggested readings for each of the four cups Read More
Shabbat & Holidays
Candle Lighting Times
Chicago, IL
Light Shabbat / Holiday Candles at
Light Holiday Candles after
Weekly Torah Portion
Upcoming Holiday
Apr. 12 - Apr. 20
Daily Thought
Abraham was free. He heard the divine symphony and danced to its tune, unfettered by the chains of time and space. We, too, can dance to the same song. Not because our limbs resonate with the heavens. But because we were handed the score at Sinai and connected to its Composer. And so, at any moment, any of us can let go of our chains. Any...
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