Etz Chaim Congregation

What secrets lie within these walls? We stand before Congregation Etz Chaim of DuPage County, a beacon of Jewish life in the western suburbs of Chicago. But it wasn’t always here in Lombard. Back in 1960, a small group of eight families came together in Elmhurst with a dream. They called themselves “Tree Towns Congregation,” a name that reflected the verdant communities they called home. Can you imagine, just eight families, laying the groundwork for what would become a vibrant community of over 500 families? In 1970, they changed their name to Etz Chaim, Hebrew for “Tree of Life,” a symbol deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, representing growth, strength, and connection. They moved to their current home in Lombard in 1973, a space with its own unique story. Before Etz Chaim, this very building served as a Methodist church. The legacy of faith and community echoed through the walls, making it an ideal place for Etz Chaim to grow and flourish. Today, Etz Chaim continues to be a place where tradition meets inclusivity, where generations come together to learn, celebrate, and connect with their Jewish heritage. It’s a testament to the enduring power of community and the vision of those eight families who dared to plant a seed that grew into a thriving Tree of Life.