Your weekly JUF update

During these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to come 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.

Rabbis who rally

Last week, five area rabbis joined thousands of other Chicagoans in an interfaith demonstration to protest the killing of George Floyd and systemic racism in the United States. Read about their experience marching alongside protest organizer Pastor Chris Harris, and what they believe the Jewish community should do now.

Jewish celebs speak out against racism

A number of Jewish celebrities have spoken up to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Check out the moving videos and statements from Trevor Noah, Tracee Ellis Ross, Seth Rogan, Pink—and even Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

Great reads to get you through summer

Despite social distancing, you can still curl up with a good book. Here are some new releases—everything from romances, mysteries and memoirs to comic novels, tragic novels and climate change dystopias.

How to hug during a pandemic

Experiencing hug withdrawal? The New York Times asked scientists who study airborne viruses to teach us some safe ways to embrace our loved ones during COVID-19.

Career and employment assistance

Have you been furloughed or laid off from your job? JVS Career & Employment can be a resource for help and support as you navigate your next steps. Check out their job search strategy tips and unemployment resource guide—along with other helpful information.

A message of reflection from Rabbi Reni Dickman

This week’s Torah portion begins with a description of the seven branched menorah that was to stand in the mishkan, the traveling tabernacle that accompanied the Israelites on their desert journey. The Torah describes how: “…it was hammered work of gold, hammered from base to petal. According to the pattern that the Lord had shown Moses…” (Numbers 8:4). In other words, it took a lot of work to create something that would illuminate the mishkan, which is often understood as a microcosm of the entire world. 

Creating instruments of light in a darkened world is a long and detailed process, and it is that much harder when we do not have clear instructions. Let us affirm that each of us is an instrument of light in process, hammering out our next steps, trying to uncover how we might shed light on this world one small step at a time. 

Rabbi Reni Dickman is Executive Vice President of the Chicago Board of Rabbis and Senior Jewish Educator at JUF.