Your weekly JUF update

During these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to stick together as a community. With this weekly email, we hope to provide you with resources, moral support and other ways to adjust to this temporary “new normal.”  

We’ve created a JUF Coronavirus Community Resource Page where you’ll find links to more resources, info on JUF initiatives and ways to help or donate. And be sure to check JUF's Facebook page for daily updates.

Know someone making a difference during Covid?

YLD and OY!Chicago are accepting nominations for the annual “Double Chai in the Chi: Chicago’s Jewish 36 Under 36 List.”  They’re seeking young professionals who stand out as changemakers, including those going above and beyond to fight the coronavirus — working on the front lines, creating community and ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities.

Got tweens & teens? Ask the parenting coach!

How do you parent housebound teens & tweens right about now? Attend Parenting Through COVID-19: A Conversation with Parenting Coach Dana Hirt. She'll discuss best practices and answer your questions. Register now for this live session on Thursday April 24th, at 4 p.m.

Get your good news right here!

John Krasinski’s “Some Good News” is a happy antidote for covid-overload. This weekly web series is dedicated to heartwarming, inspiring and uplifting stories from around the world. You never know what celebrities might show up, like Brad Pitt doing the weather and a group number with the original cast of Hamilton! 

Bring the zoo to you!

Check out these live animal webcams for a soothing diversion at any hour. Watch an eagle feed her young in Iowa or a mellow elephant chillax in Africa. And hungry sports fans can get their fill of cubs, hawks, bulls and of course...da bears. 

Yom HaAtzmaut: Celebrate Israel Independence Day!

Join the worldwide celebration of Israel's 72nd birthday during this star-studded one-hour Facebook Live event at 1 p.m. on April 29th. Jewish leaders from around the world will join Ben Platt and his brothers, Matisyahu and other performers, including film star Joshua Malina who will showcase Israeli doctors and scientists on the front lines battling COVID-19.

A moment of reflection with Rabbi Nate Crane

Rabbi Dr. Simon Greenberg (1901-1993) taught, “Our challenge in life is to see the world through God’s eyes, as God in creation surveyed each day and saw ‘It was good.'"

This is far from a perfect world right now, but our tradition implores us to consider this as a good world. Our calling is to participate in the repair of the brokenness as we too heal, and to find the light of hope hidden in the darkness.

As we face this moment, let us remember that we have the power to hear messages of hope, to craft our evolving identity, to see goodness in the world, and the ability to receive and serve as blessings.

Rabbi Nate Crane, Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah