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.

Don't miss: Chicago COVID-19 relief event

Sweet Home Chicago, a telethon to raise funds for COVID-19 Relief & Recovery, airs this Saturday at 5 p.m. Broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago and streaming live on Facebook and other social channels, proceeds will benefit local organizations on the front lines— including JUF. Hosted by Deon Cole, star of TV’s Blackish, it will feature celebrated Chicago pro athletes, celebrities like Common and the rock band Chicago.

Mensches worth mentioning

There are heroes all around us. The Forward profiles a few of them, from across the country and beyond. Plus, JUF is spotlighting local Chicago difference-makers, too! Check out this week’s Community Hero, a former JUF 36 Under 36 honoree who is matching volunteers with those who need assistance—via the group Helping Hands.

What are your favorite stars gazing at?

Just like us, Hollywood stars are binging on shows during quarantine. Here’s a guide to the programs that are getting a big thumbs up from celebs like Julianna Margulies, Chelsea Handler, Amit Rahav, Beanie Feldstein and others.

Harry Potter reads Harry Potter

Daniel Radcliffe, David Beckham, Eddie Redmayne, Dakota Fanning and other celebrities are lending their voices to weekly readings of the timeless first book in the iconic series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone. Each will read different sections of the bestseller, with its themes of friendship, family, courage and adversity — to families around the world.

Recognizing a rite of passage

Do you know a 13-year-old who had to postpone their bar or bat mitzvah, or take their service virtual due to shelter-in-place restrictions? Springboard would like to recognize teens who have prepared a D’var Torah portion or speech, by accepting submissions for their celebration of Shavuot on May 29. Materials are due by May 20. Note: scroll down on their blog for complete details.

A message of reflection from Rabbi Michael Weinberg

Tradition teaches that it was on Lag B’Omer (the 33rd day of the Omer) that the plague subsided—thus allowing Rabbi Akiva and his remaining disciples to imagine a better time to come.

Today, many people are not only counting the days of the Omer (sefirah), but also counting the days of the pandemic. Perhaps, this week as we celebrate Lag B’Omer, we can allow ourselves to imagine that, if enough of us follow the recommendations of physical distancing, appropriate hand washing, and other measures, that we, too, will see a better time to come. May that time come soon.

Rabbi Michael A. Weinberg, Temple Beth Israel