Your JUF update

During these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to come together as a community. With this 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.

Positive pandemic news!

According to Joseph Allen of the Harvard School of Public Health, there are now many reasons to be optimistic amid COVID-19. Real progress is being made in treatments and testing — and successful vaccine trials may allow drug makers to deliver doses as early as October.

18 fun Jewish facts about Dirty Dancing

The iconic movie about retro summer fun in the Catskills is also quintessentially Jewish. From the actors and producers to the music and the authentic resort setting, Dirty Dancing has lots of interesting Jewish connections — including the famous actress who didn’t get the part of Baby!

NFL star tackles his first challah

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Zach Banner recently posted tweets and videos embracing the Jewish community in response to antisemitic remarks made by another NFL player. Zach received an outpouring of love, including the delivery of loaves of challah.

Summer fun has not been canceled

Things may be different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some fun in the sun. Here are 30 ways you can still make the most of summer in Chicago.

Tips to help kids wear masks

It just may be the challenge of 2020: getting kids to wear face coverings. The CDC recommends that all kids over the age of 2 wear face masks to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Here are some creative tips and strategies from doctors, psychologists and parents to help get little ones to comply.

A moment of reflection with Rabbi Yona Reiss

Tomorrow we begin the day of mourning of Tisha B’av, when we recite the Book of Lamentations (Eichah), which bemoans the desolation of the Jewish people following the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Commentators note the similarity in Hebrew letters between the word “Eichah" and the word “Ayekah” (Genesis 3:9) when G-d inquires of Adam “where are you?” 

We must now ask ourselves “where are we” in terms of taking the necessary steps during these challenging times to rebuild what we lost, through love and caring about all people, and embracing our timeless Torah traditions. 

Let us pave the way for redemption by living redeeming lives, with a spirit of compassion toward each other, and emulate G-d by lifting up the vulnerable—and all people. 

Rabbi Yona Reiss, Av Beth Din of the Chicago Rabbinical Council