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.”  

Visit our 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.

Camp fun for everyone

JCC Chicago offers Apachi Family Days at their camp locations in Northbrook or Lake Zurich. Families can swim in their pools and enjoy all of their athletic fields and courts—with lots of social distancing measures and safety precautions in place. Register for morning and afternoon slots Thursdays through Sundays until August 30th.

Emmy nominations are out—lots of Jewish stars made it in

Dozens of Jewish actors and creators are on this year’s Emmy Nominee list. Shows include: UnOrthodox, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Tiffany Hadish’s Black Mitzvah, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Schitt’s Creek and others. Check out the full list, and don’t miss the virtual ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on September 20th.

Lenny Kravitz's Tiny Desk Concert

NPR’s popular Tiny Desk Concerts are now being broadcast from the artists’ home studios. Listen to this intimate concert from rock icon Lenny Kravitz’s tropical paradise in the Bahamas—where he sings about the power of unity and oneness during this historic time. 

Take a hike: Chicagoland hiking spots

Looking for gorgeous spots to go hiking around Illinois? Check out these urban adventures, nearby state parks and more.

Minding your manners amid a pandemic

Here’s some great advice on navigating those tricky, new social dilemmas from an expert on COVID-19 etiquette. Everything from handling interactions with the unmasked—to where to put your mask while eating.

A moment of reflection with Rabbi Alex Freedman

This penultimate month of Av will yield to Elul next week, so we will soon reencounter the ultimate sounds of the Shofar. What should we think about when we hear those blaring blasts? 

Visualize the walls tumbling down. Recall that Joshua led the Israelites to victory against the solidly walled city of Jericho. With a final Shofar blast and a raucous shout, those thick walls crumbled. 

What “walls” stand between you and others? You and your best self? You and G-d? Last year’s challenges and a better year ahead? Every time you hear the Shofar, picture those walls cracking. 

Rabbi Alex Freedman, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El