Your JUF update

During unsettling times, it's more important than ever to find moments of positivity to connect to Jewish life and feel good about your community.  You can explore ways to get involved with JUF here, and be sure to check JUF's Facebook page for daily updates.

Mazel Tov to the Class of 2021

Know a graduating high school senior? Springboard would like to honor them! When they share their future plans in this survey, Springboard will send them a gift and possibly feature them on social media. Springboard is a program created with the support of JUF for Jewish teens of all backgrounds looking for ways to get involved with the Chicagoland Jewish community.

10 interesting conclusions about Jews in America

What does the American Jewish community of 2021 look like, worship, experience, and believe? Check out the results of the newly released Pew study from JTA.

A special aliyah for Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal fondly remembers his aliyah in fellow comedian Tiffany Haddish’s bat mitzvah and classic Jewish moments from their friendship in a new interview.

Spielberg sponsors ten exciting Jewish documentaries

Steven Spielberg’s new foundation, Jewish Story Partners, just funded its first ten Jewish documentaries. Get a sneak peek of your next favorite flick here!

A Jewish mother’s reflection on Father’s Day

In preparation for Father’s Day, Jewish TikTok exec Michal Oshman describes how her father helped her as a new mother. 

A moment of reflection with Rabbi Ryan Daniels

“We remember the fish that we ate in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. Now… there is nothing at all! Nothing but manna! (Num. 11:5-6).  

Our biblical ancestors kvetched, nostalgic for Egypt, even if what they complained about was imagined. Focused solely on what they longed for, they were unable to see the nourishing manna that fell from heaven to satisfy them. Their reaction is utterly human: it’s often difficult to recognize the miracles, both big and small, that bless us each day when there is so much destruction, pain and other noise all around. However Jewish tradition compels us to ask, “What is my manna?,” bringing our many blessings into our awareness and inviting us to offer gratitude for them. 

Rabbi Ryan Daniels, North Shore Congregation Israel