A Multicultural Community Gathering
Don't Be a Stranger
Everyone is welcome
Sponsored by the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council
Sunday, September 27, 2026
12:30–8:30 PM
Shir Hadash Synagogue
200 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling, Illinois
Free admission. Dinner and snacks are included. Suggested donations help defray event costs and support future gatherings: $20 for adults and $10 for kids and students.
Come as neighbors
A day of deep listening and shared understanding
We will open our hearts to one another and speak honestly about our challenges and dreams—a chance to meet across difference, discover what we share, and learn what it means to love the stranger.
Bring your friends, your family, and your curiosity. All ages, identities, cultures, and faith backgrounds are welcome.
Everyone belongs here. Come for the whole day or join when you can.
Something for everyone
Gather, listen, create, and celebrate
Dance
Playshops & Workshops
Community Meal
Deep Listening & More
Don't Be a Stranger
Schedule
Sunday, September 27
Arrival: “Welcome Home”
Opening Circle
Featuring Father Corey Brost and others. Father Corey is Executive Director and co-founder of Viator House of Hospitality, a community-based program that provides a safe home, legal resources and support services for young immigrant men seeking asylum.
Facilitated Listening Circles
Workshops & Playshops
Featuring “The Stranger in Sacred Scriptures” presented by the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, as well as Women’s Freedom Songs, Thai Ecstatic Dance and more.
Blessing & Vegetarian Meal
Interbeing Planting Ceremony
Musical & Artistic Program
Celebrating musical expression from across the Chicagoland area. Featuring Farnaz Khosh-Sirat (Persian folk songs on voice and setar), Nurr Band (Thai music with contemporary electronic dance beats), ShaZah (songs and stories from the African-American folk tradition) and Zimrat Miryam (Jewish music and prayer rooted in healing and collective liberation).
*Times may vary slightly.
No Seas un Desconocido
Horario
Domingo 27 de septiembre
Llegada: “Bienvenidos a casa”
Círculo de apertura
Con la participación del padre Corey Brost y otros invitados. El padre Corey es director ejecutivo y cofundador de Viator House of Hospitality, un programa comunitario que ofrece un hogar seguro, recursos legales y servicios de apoyo a jóvenes inmigrantes que solicitan asilo.
Círculos de escucha facilitados
Talleres y espacios de juego
Con “El extranjero en las Sagradas Escrituras”, presentado por el Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, además de Canciones de libertad de las mujeres, danza extática tailandesa y más.
Bendición y comida vegetariana compartida
Ceremonia de plantación de interconexión
Programa musical y artístico
Celebrando la expresión musical de toda el área de Chicago. Con Farnaz Khosh-Sirat (canciones folclóricas persas con voz y setar), Nurr Band (música tailandesa con ritmos contemporáneos de danza electrónica), ShaZah (canciones e historias de la tradición folclórica afroamericana) y Zimrat Miryam (música y plegaria judías arraigadas en la sanación y la liberación colectiva).
*Los horarios pueden variar ligeramente.
Plan your visit
Event details
Registration is free and helps us prepare food, seating, and an accessible, welcoming experience.
- Sunday, September 27, 202612:30–8:30 PM
- Shir Hadash Synagogue200 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling, IL
- Free admissionSuggested donation: $20 adults · $10 kids and students
- Dinner and snacks includedPlease share dietary needs when registering
Everyone is welcome
Reserve your free spot
Registration helps us plan a welcoming day for everyone, including the community meal and accessibility needs.
- Register yourself, your family, or your group.
- Share dietary or accessibility needs so we can prepare.
- Please reserve by Wednesday, September 23—four days before the gathering.
Suggested donation
$20 for adults and $10 for kids and students. Donations defray event costs and support accessibility, musicians, food, and future gatherings.
Donate at Shir Hadash →Event registration
Sunday, September 27, 2026 · Wheeling, Illinois
Please register by Wednesday, September 23, 2026—at least four days in advance.