Podcasts

Hallie joined JUF’s TOV MTV program and packed boxes with Maot Chitim this Passover season. Listen in as Hallie explains how she keeps things in perspective and why she wants to spend her time giving back.

Ella Gera, Israeli Women’s Rights Advocate, economist and attorney, came to Chicago in late February to discuss the myths and realities of women’s rights in Israel. The former executive director of the Israel Women’s Network (IWN), the leading feminist organization in Israel advocating for women’s rights  and leading social change for women, still serves IWN as a member of the board and chair of the Friends of the IWN. She is also  a member of the Women’s Budget Forum and was a founding member of the Organization for the Advancement of Women’s Leadership in Israel. In an interview with Stefanie Pervos of JUF News, Gera talks about the misconceptions about women’s role in Israeli society, the challenges they face, and advancements being made through her work with IWN.

David volunteered at The ARK in February through JUF’s TOV MTV programming.  Listen in and hear why he knows it’s not just  about packing boxes, it’s about changing the world.

Is a regional settlement possible to the Israel-Palestinian conflict? Professor Efraim Inbar, director of the Begin-Sadat (BESA) Center for Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University, provides insights into Middle Eastern political dynamics that impact the conflict, and calls for a reassessment of the role of the United States and Arab countries in determining the future map of the region. He also addresses possible scenarios for dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the shifting role of Turkey, and their impact on Israeli national security policy.

Golem is a klezmer band that plays those instruments and songs with a punk attitude and a garage-rock energy. Their new album, Citizen Boris, boasts original songs in this vein, in several languages, often in the same song. They are being brought by Kfar to Martyr’s on February 11.

This January, Josh came out to volunteer through the TOV MTV program and helped at JUF’s Uptown Café. Hear why volunteering is important to him and why he continues to do his part in the community!

TOV MTV Teens came out to raise over $10,000 at JUF in January’s phonothon to make calls and make a difference!  Sarah has her own theory on why volunteering is important. At the JUF in January phonothon she participated with other teens through the TOV MTV program. Hear her message of inspiration on why even the smallest thing can make the biggest difference.

Over 20 teen volunteers visited the grateful residents of CJE SeniorLife's Lieberman Center.  The teens escorted residents to a piano recital and then visited with individuals. They even had a sing-a-long of their own with some residents! Listen in now, as Ilana tells us about her experience volunteering, why she enjoyed this opportunity and who her biggest influence is.

There are times when it’s appropriate to count your blessings, I always say. At a time when so many people are less fortunate, counting your blessings not only helps you appreciate what you have, but also to recognize what you can do to help those who are in need. The gift of a life filled with choice makes one more choice so much more necessary—the choice to give as generously as possible so that others might fare a little better. Please contribute to JUF’s 2009 Annual Campaign before January 15, 2010. Pledge online or call (312) 357-4809.

Hear about it straight from Emily and Lizzy, two of our participants at the December TOV MTV. Teens and their parents helped with holiday themed crafts at our family opportunity. Volunteers assisted children visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo’s, ZooLights with coloring magnets to take home for the holidays and applied temporary tattoos.

Issues surrounding Turkey’s position as an ally of the United States, NATO member, ally of Israel, and aspirant of accession to the European Union have been subjects for speculation in some quarters recently. A Turkish government more orientated to Islam and seeking stronger ties with other Middle Eastern countries, strains in its relationship with Israel, and concerns among Turkey’s small Jewish community about rising anti-Semitism, have triggered debate about the future directions of Turkey’s foreign and domestic policies. This range of issues was the topic for a recent meeting of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council. Speaking were Aaron B. Cohen, executive editor of JUF News who recently visited Turkey with the Niagara Foundation; Consul General of Turkey to Chicago Kenan Ipek; and Marc Grossman, who has served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey.

Neshama Carlebach is one of the leading performers in Jewish music today, with a distinctive voice and vision. She also has what we call in Yiddish “yichus,” a heritage of significance, in that her father is the esteemed, belated Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Neshama’s new album, Higher and Higher, was recorded with a gospel choir, proving again the universality of her music’s sources and themes.

JUF News film critic Jan Lisa Huttner (Tzivi) discusses the legacy of Sholem Aleichem’s novella, Stempenyu, during a presentation for the Chicago YIVO Society’s Summer Festival of Yiddish Culture. Huttner is a member of the YIVO executive board, and curator of the YIVO documentary film program.

Arguably the most important Jewish horn player since Joshua picked up a shofar, Frank London is one of the core members of The Klezmatics, the ensemble that spearheaded the klezmer revival. He also is a founder of the bands Hasidic New Wave, the Klezmer Brass Allstars, and the Kelzmer Conservatory Band. The Klezmatics are coming to Skokie on December 19 to perform Chanukah songs written by, among others, Woody Guthrie.

Listen to Becca, Kevin, Ariella and Brianna talk about why they enjoy volunteering for TOV MTV.  The first TOV MTV project of the 2009-2010 year took place on October 25^th at Target, where we shopped for winter items for clients of Jewish Child & Family Services.  Over 20 teens participated and picked out about $3,600 worth of coats, boots, and winter accessories.  This winter gear will be donated by Jewish Child & Family Services to children in need around Chicago so that everyone not only stays warm throughout the winter, but feels cool, too!

Ladino is the language of the Jews of Spain, and Yasmin Levy is one of the foremost performers of Ladino music today. Her style is grounded in Jewish-Spanish tradition, but wanders as far across the world as the Sephardim themselves. She has two new albums— Mano Suave, which just became available in the US, while her more recent one, Sentir, has already been released in Israel and Europe.

A lifelong desire came true yesterday for me in Turkey. Ever since falling in love with Turkish music some 40 years ago I've wanted to travel across the vast Anatolian plateau, a landscape that reminds me of Eastern New Mexico, and let my mind wander to the chiseled rhythms and crisp, descending scales of Anatolian folk music.  Listen to JUF News Executive Editor Aaron Cohen as he reports from an interfaith mission in Turkey

“Israel needs Turkey, and Turkey needs Israel.” At least that's the word on the street, or more precisely, around the dinner table here in the Aegean town of Kusadasi.  Listen to JUF News Executive Editor Aaron Cohen as he reports from an interfaith mission in Turkey

On an interfaith mission to Turkey, JUF News Executive Editor Aaron Cohen reflects on developments in Turkey and its potential to be a bridge for peace amidst rapid and troubling changes.

Rabbi Greg Wall is a sax player with decades of contributions to Jewish music, leading his own band and supporting many of the top acts in the Jewish music world. He is a frequest collaborator with trumpeter Frank London of the Klezmatics, and records for Tzadik, the record label of another great Jewish horn player, John Zorn. Rabbi Wall’s latest album for Tzadik, Ha’Orot, or The Lights, is based on the writings of Israel’s first chief rabbi, Avraham Itzchak Kook.

“My vision builds on the institutional vision of being a national model for the way urban health care is delivered,” says Alan Channing, president and CEO of the Sinai Health System. Channing outlines the successes and challenges of the city’s premier inner-city hospital in an interview with Aaron B. Cohen of JUF News. Sinai Health System, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, has a long and distinguished history serving the needy while presenting a compassionate face of Jewish values to the wider community.

Debbie Friedman’s name is synonymous with American Jewish music. She is one of the foremost artists in the Jewish-music world, having blazed a new genre of Jewish music, bringing American folk and contemporary sounds to traditional texts, a style which now boasts hundreds of performers. She pioneered the movement of Jewish healing services. And, as a liturgical composer, Friedman is more responsible for what is sung in Jewish prayer services than any other woman in history. Her new CD, As You Go On Your Way: Shacharit— The Morning Prayers, continues that lifelong effort.

For mother and son, Roberta and Ari Edelheit, involvement in JUF’s Partnership 2000 region is a shared passion. Roberta, a member of JUF’s P2K Steering Committee, learned of the program as “a gift” from her husband; Ari first visited there on a JUF Birthright Israel trip.

Dr. Robert Bloom, who is retiring as executive director of Jewish Child and Family Services, reflects on his long career serving the needs of children with disabilities, families and caretakers, and the Jewish community.

Two career Israel Defense Forces majors recently in Chicago to meet with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Women’s Brigade, reflect on the responsibilities of protecting Israel while parenting young children in a military family. Aaron Cohen spoke with Oshrat, who will serve in the Field Intelligence Academy as the Department Commander for Female Combat Studies, and Keren, who became the first female operator of unmanned aircraft.

Paul Kossof, a Chicago area college student, describes a day of  the Taglit-Birthright Israel, Chicago Community Trip.

Abby, Bari and Monica, Chicago area college students, describe the first day of  their Taglit-Birthright Israel, Chicago Community Trip

Arguably America’s best-known attorney, Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz also may be this country’s highest-profile Israel advocate. Dershowitz will speak Wednesday, May 27, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel for JUF’s Financial Services, Marketing & Media, Real Estate & Building Trades Divisions. Register online, email, or call (312) 357-4961.

Beth Schafer, an Orlando-based singer-songwriter, will perform music from her new album, Build That Bridge, for Israel Solidarity Day on May 3^rd as part of the Northwest Suburban Walk With Israel. Beth will appear at the Twin Groves Junior High School in Buffalo Grove at 10:00 a.m., before the Walk. In 2006, Beth won the American Idol national online competition for faith-based music. More recently, she performed at a campaign rally for Barack Obama.

Kol Sasson is a Chicago-based folk trio featuring the musical talents of Rob Weinberg, Susie Fox Lorge, and Michael Heimlich. The band perform for Israel Solidarity Day on May 3^rd as part of the South Suburban Walk With Israel. Kol Sasson, whose name means "Joyful Voice," will appear at the Parker Junior High School in Flossmoor  at 9:30, before the Walk. The band has been performing together for decades, bringing American and Israeli Jewish music to congregations, community centers, camps, schools and festivals throughout the Midwest. Their live album, eclectricity, captlures the variety of their melodies and the energy of their harmonies.

Scott Leader will appear for Israel Solidarity Day on May 3rd as part of the Oak Park/River Forest Walk With Israel. The concert will be at Scoville Park, at 800 Lake Street in Oak Park, at 9:30 am before the Walk. Scott performs Jewish rock as a solo act and Jewish folk as part of the supergroup Sababa.

The Josh Nelson Project will perform for Israel Solidarity Day on May 3^rd as part of the North Surban Walk With Israel. The band will appear at the Highland Park High School at 11:15, following the Walk. Josh Nelson is a Boston native, a brand new father, and a former member of another Jewish rock band, Yom Hadash. The Josh Nelson Project’s debut CD, “Lift,” fulfills its title with uplifting Jewish messages propelled by pure rock-n-roll … and Nelson promises even more energy live.

A conversation with Rabbi Ron Kronish about Jewish-Arab coexistence in Israel. Kronish, director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel, works to build positive relationships among Israeli Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and believes peace is achievable between Israel and the Palestinians. Hear why in a conversation with Aaron B. Cohen of JUF News. Also read an interview with Kronish.

Once a Catholic high school student awed by a visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and now a doctoral student of history and an archivist at that museum, Rebecca Erbelding tells an amazing tale of loss and discovery. “Auschwitz through the lens of the SS: Photos of Nazi leadership at the camp” is a riveting exhibit, whose strange tale is told by a brilliant young woman who makes history alive and personal.

Prof. Elie Rekhess, one of Israel’s leading experts on Arab affairs, assesses the nature of Israel’s relationship with Hamas and the Palestinian Authority in light of the recent Gaza conflict. Rekhess, who is Visiting Crown Chair in Middle East Studies at Northwestern University, examines the roots of Hamas’s efforts to “Islamize” the Israel-Arab conflict and considers the chances for a return to a secular concept of Israeli-Palestinian relations. Rekhess is introduced by Kenneth Seeskin, the Northwestern’s Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence in the Department of Philosophy.

Ruby Harris has made is musical mark in many genres. He is one of the original members of the Diaspora Yesiva Band, the group that first merged Jewish music with rock’n’roll. Since then, he has been part of bluegrass and Irish bands, and he has played alongside musical legends and before royalty. Today, he is a founder of Chicago’s Jazmer, which merges jazz and klezmer, and the Ruby Harris Electric Violin Blues Band, in which he plays the blues on an electrified antique violin. He also plays mandolin and guitar, but his first instrument was the harmonica.  Ruby will play a set from his Disaspora days at 8:30pm on Feburary 14, at the Young Israel of West Rogers Park, 2706 W. Touhy Ave.

The Ideas Cafe is a unique, exciting and stimulating adventure in adult Jewish learning at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook. Each month, a "big thinker" from Chicago's Jewish community engages in lively discussion with journalist Carl Schrag, and audience members pose their own questions.

In January, Rabbi Asher Lopatin, spiritual leader of Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation, was the guest in a program entitled "The Power of Pluralism – In American Judaism, in Israel and Across the Israel-Diaspora Divide"

The Ideas Cafe is open to the entire community. For more information, including upcoming guests and topics, please contact Leann Blue, Director of Jewish Life and Learning, at LBlue@BethShalomNB.org

The Ideas Cafe is an adventure in adult Jewish learning at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook. Each month, a "big thinker" from Chicago's Jewish community engages in lively discussion with journalist, teacher and Middle East analyst Carl Schrag, and audience members pose their own questions. In December Schrag himself was the guest in a program entitled "How Do We Look At Israel—and Why?"

The Ideas Cafe is open to the entire community. For more information, including upcoming guests and topics, please contact Leann Blue, Director of Jewish Life and Learning, at LBlue@BethShalomNB.org

The Real Estate and Building Trades Division and the Young Real Estate Group (YREG) of the Jewish United Fund hosted an evening of networking with guest speaker Diane Swonk, senior managing director and chief economist at Mesirow Financial Jan. 20 at the James Hotel. As the Obama administration comes into office, Swonk gave the group an economic forecast for the year ahead. “The best we can do is throw pillows under the plane when it crashes, but we will come back,” she said. “We are a nation of survivors. It is in our DNA. We are survivors, and we will survive this as well.”

Judaism’s three main streams face different, though related, challenges. JUF’s Rabbinic Action Committee brought together about 60 rabbis from congregations in the Chicago area to hear scholars from each stream provide perspective. Listen to Rabbi Saul Berman of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, Dr. Mark Washofsky of Hebrew Union College, and Dr. Jack Wertheimer of Jewish Theological Seminary, with an introduction by Dr. Steven B. Nasatir, president of JUF/JF.

Sam Glaser is one of the most prolific composers and performers of Jewish music working today, with some 20 albums in as many years. Sam plays piano and sings solo, with a band, with  full orchestras, and with children, bringing both his tremendous musical skill and sheer love of Judaism to audiences worldwide. His latest CD is called Hallel, and it takes the listener through that holiday prayer and through a spectrum of styles from ancient to contemporary.

Linda Epstein, director of JUF’s Israel Office, went to the war zone today to visit friends.

Linda Epstein, director of JUF's Israel Office, took a brief personal solidarity tour of areas under fire.

Linda Epstein, director of JUF's Israel office, reporting on day four of Operation Cast Lead.

Once again Israel is trying to bring an end to the rain of missiles that have terrorized its civilian population for years, says Linda Epstein, director of JUF's Israel office, reporting from JUF's Partnership 2000 region, now in the target zone of Hamas.

David Chevan and his ensemble, The Afro-Semitic Experience, are playing several concerts at congregations throughout the Chicago area in January.  The band is a combo specializing in jazz versions of Jewish and African-American spiritual song. Their latest CD is called “Yizkor.  In this interview, Chevan gives the details about each very different appearance, the genesis of his band, and is thoughts on diversity and unity.

One of the most distinctive performers in popular music today, Matisyahu mixes the energetic sounds of reggae and rap with the energizing messages of Torah, mitzvot, and Jewish spirituality. His 2006 album entitled Youth went gold and reached #4 on the pop charts. Matisyahu will be appearing for JUF’s Young Leadership Division’s “Big Event” on Saturday, December 13, at 7:30 pm at the Westin Chicago.

Craig Taubman is one of the leading lights in today’s contemporary Jewish music scene. You might know his name from the Friday Night Live service he composed, but has been making Jewish music for more than 30 years as a solo artist. His latest CD is Inscribed, and he also has a series of electronica recordings in his Lounge series based on the tunes of Jewish holidays. But he also has shone the spotlight on dozens of other Jewish musicians through his Celebrate series of themed anthologies. Craig now brings this community spirit to his Chanukah special, which in Chicago will air on PBS, on Sunday, December 21, at 11AM. If you’d like to see Craig in person, he is leading Shabbat morning services at the Anshe Emet congregation on December 6, but if you are listening to this after that date, don’t worry, because he’ll be back soon.

There’s a newly elected president from Chicago…other than Barack Obama.

David Chack—a faculty member from in Northwestern University’s Theatre and Jewish Studies Department and a Chicago-based Jewish theater director and culture critic—was named this fall to a two-year term as president of the Association for Jewish Theatre (AJT). Chack was also recently honored as a semifinalist for the 2008 Charles Bronfman Visiting Chair in Innovative Jewish Communities, for his proposal “From ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ to ‘Rent,’” addressing the question of changing the way the Jewish community sees itself. The theater association, which will hold a festival and a conference in May-June of 2009, is the nation’s largest network of Jewish theaters, playwrights, producers, and performers, and is dedicated to the enhancement of Jewish culture through theater.

A Festival of Jewish Theatre and Ideas, sponsored by the Untitled Theatre Company #61 and the Association for Jewish Theatre, will run May 20-June 14 in New York City. The festival will run in conjunction with the Association for Jewish Theatre Conference June 6-10 in New York City.

For more information on the festival, the conference, and on the AJT, visit www.afjt.com.

In November, JUF News Managing Editor Cindy Sher conducted a phone interview with Chack to discuss his new presidency, the evolution of Jewish theater, and the bright future for the medium.

Jay Tcath, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and Juan Salgado, executive director of Instituto Del Progreso Latino presented their perspectives on the roles of Jewish and Latino voters in the Nov. 4 election in a forum organized by the Alliance of Latinos and Jews and co-sponsored by The American Jewish Committee. Listen to Tcath speak about the Jewish presence in the legislative branch and to Salgado on the importance of the issue of immigration to the Latino community.

Alex Cicelsky, an American-Israeli and co-founder of Kibbutz Lotan, outlined his kibbutz’s unique emphasis on environmental concern and ecology. Julia Parzen, a Chicago-based environmental expert who has recently consulted the City of Chicago on its Climate Action Plan and the Beracha Foundation on the Israeli environmental movement, addressed a “Midwestern Perspective on Israel’s Environmental Challenges and Opportunities: What We Have to Learn and What We Have to Share.” Parzen and Cicelsky spoke to nearly 30 organizational leaders and delegates, who gathered at yesterday’s meeting of JUF's Jewish Community Relations Council to learn about recent strides in environmentally conscious agriculture, construction, and technological development both in Chicago and in Israel.

The band that has helped so many of Chicago’s Jewish families celebrate their simchas is now celebrating a milestone of its own. Chicago’s own Maxwell Street Klezmer Band is marking a quarter century of bringing its energetic music to Chicago… and the world. The gantze megilla— that’s Yiddish for “the whole story”— of the band’s origins, its tours of Europe, and its five recordings is available in this exclusive, hour-long interview with Lori Lippitz, the founder and lead singer of the band. In the interview, she also discusses the klezmer history of the Maxwell Street area, and band’s efforts to further klezmer music through its Junior Band and its Klezmer Music Foundation; listen to it at www.juf.org.

During the Chanukah season, the band will be offering three opportunities to hear them live:

Chanukah Concert Sat., December 20, 7:30 pm, Sunday at 1:30 and 4:30 pm. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, following “Brother Heinrich’s Christmas,” presented by Ars Viva.

Hanukah Dinner and Concert, Monday, Dec. 22, 6:00, Dinner 4:30 and 7:00 pm, Chicago Botanic Gardens

“Eight Nights of Joy” concert with Rabbi Joe Black, Saturday, Dec. 27, at 7:00 pm, Temple Sholom of Chicago

More than 60 people gathered at the Nov. 5 meeting of the JUF Jewish Community Relations Council to hear local political scientist Julie Strauss analyze the factors that led to Obama's election and what the new administration’s first steps will be. Strauss also spoke about the meaning of the election for the Jewish community, of which about 78 percent voted for Obama.

In October, Jay Tcath, Vice President of JUF and Executive Director of its JCRC, was the guest at The Ideas Café at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, in a program entitled "The 2008 Elections and Beyond: What’s at Stake—and Taking Steps to Shape the Future." The Ideas Cafe is open to the entire community. For information contact Leann Blue, Director of Jewish Life and Learning, at LBlue@BethShalomNB.org

JUF/JF Chairman David Sherman talks about J-Help, the Jewish community’s response to those experiencing economic hardship.

The Honorable Urs Ziswiler, Swiss Ambassador to the U.S., spoke before the organizational leaders and delegates comprising JCRC's 46 constituent groups October 7, about Swiss policy in the Middle East and relations with Iran.

The art and science of effective marketing have helped make 2008 a banner year for tourism to Israel. Hear Israel Ministry of Tourism executives Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, and Oren Drori, Deputy Director-General and Head of Marketing Administration, describe the strategies putting Israel at the top of the list of desirable destinations.

The Hon. Sallai Meridor, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., extolled the partnership between Chicago’s Jewish Community and the State of Israel in achieving common goals and advancing shared values, in “doing good,” which is “basically what we’re all about. Meridor was keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, September 18, 2008.

“We won’t fail because the challenges facing our community are huge, the stakes are high, and the people in need depend upon us,” Steven B. Nasatir, President of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, said in his address to the 108^th Federation annual meeting September 18, 2008.

Father Patrick Desbois tells his extraordinary story of documenting the ‘Holocaust by Bullets’ in Ukraine, and speaks about God, Holocaust, and humanity with Aaron B. Cohen.

JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Adult Jewish Education Co-op (AJEC) of the Northwest Suburbs presented the 2008 Jewish Community Election Forum on Sunday evening, Sept. 14, at Temple Chai in Long Grove. Representatives of both political parties debated issues of importance to the Jewish community, including U.S.-Israel relations, Iran, the energy crisis, and the partnership between non-profits and government. The evening featured debate between Richard Baehr, consultant and advisor to the Republican Jewish Coalition and Ira Foreman, executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, and was moderated by Jay Tcath, executive director of JCRC, while Rabbi Matthew L. Berger, of Temple Chai, offered a Judaic perspective on the election.

To register to vote, visit http://www.juf.org/jcrc/voter.aspx.

The AJEC is comprised of Temple Chai, Congregation Beth Am, Congregation Beth Judea, and the Jewish Community Center of Chicago.

Aaron Cohen speaks with Rabbi Stanley and Resa Davids about retiring in Israel.  Moving to Israel after their lifelong involvement in Zionism was a natural for this Reform rabbi and his activist spouse. Now living in Jerusalem, they encourage American Jews of every age and stage to follow suit, in order to transform Israel into a vibrant, pluralistic democracy.

Sallai Meridor, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, speaks with JUF News Executive Editor Aaron Cohen about Israel-U.S. relations, the Iranian threat, Middle East peace efforts, and other issues. Meridor will be the keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Sept. 18, 2008. For more information call (312) 357-4815.

This is Lisa Klein’s second report about her visit to Israel with four Catholic educators, who are collaborating with JUF and the Archdiocese of Chicago on a curriculum on modern Israel, to be taught in some Catholic high school social studies classes.  Lisa Klein is associate director of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council.

Analysts Yossi Klein Halevi of the Shalem Center and Israel correspondent of the New Republic, and David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy read the tea leaves at the annual meeting of the American Jewish Press Association in Washington, DC, June 24, 2008.

JUF and the Archdiocese of Chicago are collaborating on a curriculum on modern Israel, to be taught in some Catholic high school social studies classes.  In preparation, Lisa Klein, associate director of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council, is visiting Israel with four Catholic educators.

Linda Epstein, director of JUF/JF’s Israel Office, says it’s good news when the Prime Minister decides to step down and let the justice system take its course.

“Call it odd, but one of the best lessons I learned about the human condition and my own fate, I learned from a tree,” says JUF News Executive Editor Aaron B. Cohen.

JCRC Domestic Affairs Associate David Brinn reports on his experience doing flood cleanup in Waverly, Iowa. Read the transcript.

JCRC Domestic Affairs Associate David Brinn reports on his experience doing flood cleanup in Waverly, Iowa. Read the transcript.

A strong message about the power of identity to fix the world came through as Aaron Cohen as he encountered Natan Sharansky at a TV studio, in a cab, on a plane, and at a conference.

JUF's Aaron Cohen, in Israel with a group of students from the Write On for Israel program, offers reflections the life and times of the Jewish state.

JCRC says l’hitraot to Israeli Consul General to the Midwest Barukh Binah

JUF’s Aaron Cohen is currently visiting southern Israel to see how JUF dollars help ease the conditions of residents under fire.

H.E. Nabil Fahmy, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with JCRC organizational leaders and delegates, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and local diplomatic corps May 30 at the JUF/JF headquarters.

JUF’s Aaron Cohen is currently visiting southern Israel to see how JUF dollars help ease the conditions of residents under fire.

JUF’s Aaron Cohen is currently visiting southern Israel to see how JUF dollars help ease the conditions of residents under fire.

Meeting a Palestinian truck driver on a Kentucky back road was one of many interesting twists and turns on Aaron Cohen’s journey to Whitwell, Tenn. with the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance.

Isaac Kapulski, president of the American Zionist Movement, Chicago, delivers a d’var Torah about Israel at JCRC’s May 12 meeting.

Aaron David Miller, author and Middle East policy expert to two U.S. presidents, talks to JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council about the failures and possible fixes to U.S. foreign policy in the world’s most volatile region.

JUF Israel at 60 Mission - Day Six

JUF Israel at 60 Mission - Day Five

JUF Israel at 60 Mission - Day Four

JUF Israel at 60 Mission - Day Three

JUF Israel at 60 Mission - Day One

JUF Israel at 60 Mission Day Two

Israelis created their fragile enterprise and repeatedly prevail because the roots of identity, culture, and faith run so deep, says Aaron B. Cohen

A feeling of pride is bubbling up among Israel’s diverse population as the nation celebrates its 60^th anniversary of Independence. Linda Epstein, director of the Israel Office of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, offers reflections on the national mood.

Carl Schrag interviews Rabbi Brant Rosen at The Ideas Cafe at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook.

Passover, the liberation holiday, is about transitions, the seasons of humanity, and the great epoch of the Jewish people. Aaron B. Cohen evokes the essence of the holiday. Chag kasher v’sameach, may your holiday be pure happiness.

In a 2008 interview, noted author and historian Michael Oren speaks with Aaron B. Cohen about the Iranian threat, Israel, and U.S. Middle East policy.

Tackling the topic, "Jewish Values, Public Servant" at The Ideas Cafe at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook.

You could attend a lecture on the history of music, on its African and Middle Eastern origins… on its journeys around the Mediterranean coasts, through Europe, and across the Atlantic… on its trek across North America with stops in New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, and Chicago. Or you could just listen to the music of Andy Statman, which would convey the same information but be much more pleasurable an experience. And one you can soon enjoy live, by the way— Statman is coming to the Old Town School of Folk Music on March 30, 2008. Statman is often wrongly pigeonholed as a klezmer clarinetist and a bluegrass mandolinist. While he has been both— which is impressive enough— he is no longer either, but much more than any label could encompass. Not surprisingly, Andy Statman grew up in an incredibly musically diverse environment, he explained in this interview. His family included Old World cantors going back to the 1700s, New World vaudevillians, classical musicians … and even Tin Pan Alley songwriters like Sammy “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” Fain.

Aaron Cohen covers the waterfront with Israeli writer and translator Hillel Halkin

Rabbi Ruben Saferstein of Buenos Aires describes his community’s solidarity with Israel and commitment to Jewish education.

Writer and activist Roya Hakakian talks to JUF’s JCRC about opportunity as well as risk in the quest for human rights, stability, and an informed Iranian public. 

On Feb. 11, the 29th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, nearly 200 people gathered at the Spertus Institute for a lecture titled “Iran: Insights into its Religion, Politics and Power,” featuring Professor David Menashri, Director of Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University and Mehdi Khalaji, a visiting fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a trained Shiite cleric. The program, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago (JCRC), was moderated by Ambassador J.D. Bindenagel, vice president for Community, Government and International Affairs at DePaul University.

A trip to a California bat mitzvah prompts reflections on the passage of time.

A New Mexico waitress with a Hebrew tattoo? A recent cross country journey showed there’s room for that in this vast land.

Rabbi Capers C. Funnye, an African American rabbi from Chicago, recalls the legacy of intergroup collaboration in the Civil Rights Movement at a special JUF ceremony, Jan. 21.

Tracy Mason from Wilmette and a student at University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana provides the final report from her Chicago Community Trip.

Gal Elbaz, a 20 year old Israeli soldier from Rishon L’Zion reports on her experiences traveling with the Chicago Community Birthright Israel trip.

Steve Kamykowski, a senior at University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana reflects on the amazing time he had visiting the Jewish Federation’s Partnership 2000 region and the new friendships he has made.

Dr. Rachel Bronson, vice president of programs and studies at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and author of Thicker than Oil: America’s Uneasy Partnership with Saudi Arabia (Oxford University Press, 2006) addresses JCRC.

JUF/Federation President Steve Nasatir recalls the life and career of a leader in Chicago’s Jewish community.

The star crossed paths of the Eternal City and the Holy City come to life during a visit to the seat of Caesar and the Pope.

Lauren Feldman from Buffalo Grove, a senior at Loyola University reports on the trips’ restful and inspirational Shabbat. She also sends regards to Patti Ray, Hillel Director at Loyola.

What’s it like to participate on a Birthright Israel youth trip? Listen to Northbrook resident David Wallace describe his first day in Israel.

From saving the dolphins to nanotechnology, Prof. Daniel Weihs, Chairman of Israel’s National Committee for Space Research, talks about his work in marine biology, aviation, and robotics.

Shirah Ozeri, director of the Israel Aliyah Center in Chicago and Josie Arbel of the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel discuss the challenges and rewards of “aliyah” with Aaron B. Cohen.

JUF News Executive Editor Aaron B. Cohen examines the chances for the Annapolis peace process in the face of a rising Islamist tide.

JUF/Federation President Steve Nasatir discusses Chicago's breakthrough approach to funding day school education.

Federation Executive Vice President Michael C. Kotzin reflects on developments in Israel advocacy to meet the challenges of new forms of anti-Israel activism at the General Assembly of United Jewish Communities, Nov. 11, 2007.

Arnold Eisen, Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, speaks with JUF News' Aaron Cohen about the Jewish future.

Jpost military correspondent Yaakov Katz discusses Israel's Middle East regional strategy.

Author of "Jews and Power" speaks with JUF News' Aaron Cohen.

David Broza is one of Israel’s most popular musical exports. His fast-and-furious guitar style combines the energy of Spanish flamenco, the intricacy of Middle Eastern music and the flash of pure American rock ’n’ roll. Beyond strumming the guitar, His lyrics come from many sources, including the works of some of the greatest English, Hebrew, and Spanish modern poets, going back to Walt Whitman. In performance, he is known for his blazing fingerwork and his searing delivery. And, after 30 years in music, he is poised to become an “overnight” sensation, with his first US national TV broadcast in December of 2007. You see, every year (for 15 years so far), David has a “sunrise” concert on Masada in Israel. It starts at 3:00 in the morning and ends just as the sun is coming up over the Negev desert. And that concert is what was shown in David’s big TV special. (This special is the first production ever filmed with “HD” or “high definition” technology in Israel!) David’s onstage guests were international superstars Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin, and a Palestinian singer, too. He hopes that their star power, plus the national exposure of the broadcast, will finally catapult him into mainstream American consciousness. He also is hoping that the gorgeous imagery of Masada helps Americans see that there is a more to Israel than they may have realized!

The complexity of Jewish identity.

JCRC's reaction to sentencing of local Hamas supporter.

Each visit is unique.

Spain is an often over-looked chapter of Jewish history.

JUF president's eyewitness account of rocket attack.

On the verge of a tsunami.

From the heart of Jerusalem to the Golan Heights.

Across the divide.

Standing by the what do you call it.

On the plaza at Latrun.

It's a great day for flying.

Write On for Israel begins its journey.