ABOUT US
The Northern Lights Kollel is a center of Torah-learning and Jewish-outreach in Buffalo Grove and the Northern Suburbs of Chicago . Thank G-d, our community has been growing, since its establishment. The Northern Lights Kollel serves as an educational resource for the synagogues and Jewish institutions in the Northern suburbs.
OUR VISION
The Northern Lights Kollel aspires to strengthen Torah observance and Jewish community life in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. We envision a future where every Jew in the Northern Suburbs will take pride in reconnecting to the timeless Torah and feel their unique value as a member of a thriving Jewish community.
WHAT WE DO
We offer community-wide Torah classes, one-on-one learning, bnei mitzvah education, teen events, young professional programs, and more. Through community-wide learning projects, Shabbat hospitality, and popular community dinners, we aim to continue building our community through imbuing a joy for Jewish learning.
OUR COMMUNITY
No matter one's age, denomination, life-stage or background, our kollel encourages all Jews to explore their Jewish heritage at within a warm environment and at a comfortable pace. Come experience our welcoing environment of friendly, upbeat and dynamic rabbis who have the understanding neded to able to impart the Torah’s ever-increasing relevance in others.
RABBI SHOLOM FRANCIS
Rosh Kollel, Northern Lights Kollel
Sholom Francis is a native Chicagoan. He grew up in the Community Kollel environment as the son of Rabbi Moshe Francis, one of the founders of the highly successful Chicago Community Kollel.
In his youth, Sholom attended the Veitzener Cheder in Chicago and then went on to the world renowned Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia under the leadership of Rav Elya Svei, zt”l and yblch”t, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky, shlit”a.
Following yeshiva high school graduation, Sholom Francis went to study in Eretz Yisroel under Horav Nechemiah Kaplan in Yerushalyim. And, following his marriage, he learned for four years at Kollel La’Asukei Sh’matesah.
In addition, Rabbi Sholom Francis completed the 2 year Ner L’elef program affiliated with Aish HaTorah of Yerushalayim. Rabbi Francis has also volunteered as a staff member at Camp Nageelah Midwest, a summer camp for Jewish children from unaffiliated backgrounds.
Sholom and his wife, Esther Sora, are the proud parents of three children.