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.

Celebrate exceptional teens in our community

Mazel Tov to this year’s impressive group of 18 Under 18 Honorees! Learn more about these incredible teen leaders who are being featured on Springboard's Facebook & Instagram pages. Additionally, join Springboard on April 25th to celebrate the dynamic Chicago area Jewish youth community. 

Stay informed about Phase 4 and the COVID vaccine rollout

Here is helpful information about signing up for vaccinations—as well as an update on Phase 4 reopening guidelines for most of the state.

Dive into discourse about Judaism, race, and more

Discover thirteen trendsetting Jews of color to follow on social media during Black History Month and beyond.

Sitcom star Mayim Bialik takes on Jeopardy!

Neuroscientist and TV star Mayim Bialik will put her knowledge to the test as a guest host of Jeopardy! during the search for a new permanent host. Stay tuned to find her upcoming episodes!

23 trendy Jewish baby names for 2021

Are you looking for a good baby name, or interested in the meaning of a friend or family member’s name? Check out this list from Kveller with Jewish baby names expected to be popular in 2021.  

A moment of reflection with Rabbi Michael S. Siegel

“Never once in my life did I ask God for success or wisdom or power or fame. I asked for wonder, and God gave it to me.” 

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel offers us an important lesson which speaks directly to this challenging moment. The wonders that surround us, those things that inspire us, are not in God’s hands alone. We must be willing to seek them out. 

In the midst of this pandemic, let us choose to see the wonder of human kindness, the stunning beauty of our world; and to embrace a spirit of gratitude today and every day. 

Rabbi Michael S. Siegel 

The Anshe Emet Synagogue