Supporting Our Communities


Celebrating the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana – September 15


 

Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year” in Hebrew and is the two-day celebration of the Jewish New Year. It marks the beginning of a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates with Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement. This year, Rosh Hashanah, begins on the evening of Friday, September 15, and ends on sundown the evening of Sunday, September 17, and Yom Kippur, begins at sunset on Sunday, September 24, and ends at sunset on Monday, September 25. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are commonly referred to as the High Holy Days in the Jewish religion.

Rosh Hashanah is an introspective and meaningful time for looking forward to a new year with anticipation while reflecting on the past year to improve oneself for the next. It is about addressing things in your life so that you can start the new year with a clean slate. Yom Kippur is about apologizing, forgiving and receiving forgiveness. Yom Kippur is traditionally observed with intense prayer and an all-day fast. During the holiday’s religious services, it is customary to listen to the melodic blowing of the Shofar, the ram’s horn. The intense and varied notes are meant to wake up worshipers to do better in the year to come.

Rosh Hashanah is a time for worship, but also a festive time when family and friends gather together for communal meals. Apples dipped in honey are symbolic of the hope that all will be blessed with a sweet new year. It is customary to wish family and friends “L’Shanah Tovah,” It’s Hebrew for have a good year. “Shanah” in Hebrew is year; “tovah” is good. Or, just say Happy New Year.

And so, we wish everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous and fulfilling new year.

Chuhak & Tecson proudly recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month


 

Beginning Sept. 15, and through October 15, Chuhak & Tecson recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, a month that celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans to the United States. The theme for 2022 is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”

Under President Lyndon Johnson, the observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. This month-long event honors the day of independence for various Latin American counties, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days during this month — on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Chuhak & Tecson invites you to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the diverse culture and history of Hispanic and Latin Americans. Attend workshops, view documentaries or participate in one of the many events honoring this important month. Visit https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/special-events/how-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-in-chicago/ for a wide variety of events in the Chicagoland area. 

glenhagen farm retreat, an education and spiritual retreat


  

Chuhak & Tecson principal Andy Tecson and his wife, Nancy Hagen, established the not for profit glenhagen farm retreat to provide youth from all walks of life with the opportunity to experience the extraordinary wonders of the ecosystems. The farm, which offers educational and worship opportunities related to the arts, religion, ecosystems, astronomy and sustainable agriculture, welcomes schools, colleges, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other houses of worship, and also not for profit corporations, which seek a place to grow, experience and explore the wonders of God’s creation.

Amenities added since the farm’s opening — a volleyball court, raised garden bed, fire pit for campfires and stone paths. All are well-used by campers who have visited, such as Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Harmony Community Church, Kingsley School’s Girl Scouts, League of United Latin American Citizens, Project Exploration, Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge, and West Town Bikes.

In August 2021, the farm returned to hosting. Thirteen high school students and three of their teachers from Christo Rey Jesuit High School spent several days immersed in the farm’s 200 acres of pristine natural beauty. “A life changing experience,” wrote one of the students upon reflecting on his visit.

For many of these students, it was their first opportunity to enjoy pastoral and natural surroundings. The beautiful, tree-lined paths throughout the farm are a stark contrast to the concrete, bustling streets of their community. The students come from underserved families from various neighborhoods in Chicago and exploring glenhagen farm is like “stepping into another world.” There was a discussion on the life cycle of sweet corn, a tour of the cattle farm and a presentation by a Sierra Club spokesperson on environmental justice and stewardship, climate change and advocacy. The farm looks forward to hosting many more groups, continuing its mission of providing youth with a safe place to experience the wonders of nature.

Also, this past fall, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Michael Bellmont performed two concerts benefitting glenhagen farm at the home of Nancy Hagen and Andy Tecson. The programs offered a wonderful mix of musical styles and an informative conversation about the life-changing experiences offered by the camp.

For more information on glenhagen farm retreat or to learn how to get involved, contact glenhagenfarm@gmail.com.

 

Joseph A. Tecson Scholarship Fund




The scholarship is administered by DePaul and is open to any first-year law student both in good academic standing and with proven financial need, with a preference for those who have performed community service. It provides support to one or two students each year with books and supplies and is renewable for those students who remain in good academic standing. Deadlines for applications are on a rolling basis.

Click here to learn more about the scholarship fund.

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