YLD Programs
JUF Young Leadership Division aims to build a better Jewish community in Chicago, Israel and beyond through diverse programs for young adults aged 22–39. To get on the waitlist for any of our programs, email [email protected].
Featured Events
RSJ Shabbat
Bring in Shabbat with YLD and Silverstein Base Chicago for RSJ (Russian-Speaking Jews) Shabbat dinner at Luba & Bernard Friedman Base Loop on June 12th.
Register now
Summer Kickoff Bash
Celebrate summertime in Chicago with YLD and Silverstein Base Chicago at Base Logan Square on June 18.
Register now
Israeli Wine Tasting
Join YLD for our second annual Israeli Wine Tasting Night on Thursday, June 27. If you are a Level Up or BGS member, you are invited to our pre-party at 6pm!
Register now
Post-Pride Parade Cookout
Join YLD and Silverstein Base Chicago after the Pride Parade for a drink, a tasty summertime treat, and good company on Sunday, June 28.
Register now
36 Under 36
Check out this year’s 12th annual Double Chai in the Chi: Chicago’s Jewish 36 Under 36 list of talented, difference-making Jewish young adults in our city, presented by YLD and Jewish Chicago: The JUF Magazine.
Jewish Chicago 101: LEADS
This unique series attracts hundreds of young adults each year by offering an introductory exploration of the Chicago Jewish community and contemporary issues in a relaxed, social setting. Small groups organized by age and location meet in several areas of the city and all LEADS participants come together following most sessions. The LEADS program runs twice a year—fall and spring.
Registration is now closed. Come back in the fall!
Leadership, Development, Training, and Education Series: Gesher
This program offers participants a unique opportunity to advance their leadership skills, develop relationships with fellow community leaders, explore the inner workings and operations of JUF, make a difference in the Chicago Jewish community and map out their own Jewish leadership journey.
Email [email protected] to join the interest list.
Tackle life’s tricky questions in small-group sessions: LEARN
An ongoing program presented in partnership by Silverstein Base Chicago and YLD. A cohort of young professionals meets twice per month over dinner with a Rabbinic couple to explore what Judaism has to say about life’s big questions while creating a new community as they learn together.
Stay tuned for the Summer 2026 LEARN Program.