Programs for Young Families

Welcome to the JUF’s Joyfully Jewish Family Programming!  If you have young children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors in your life, this is the place for you.  The Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and its agencies offer many exciting opportunities for families with young children to explore and celebrate Jewish life.  All families are welcome to participate in JUF’s Joyfully Jewish programs.

JUF Book Buddies JUF Book Buddies makes learning about the Jewish Holidays fun! Join other young families in four locations around the Chicago metro area each month for creative holiday-themed art projects, sing-a-longs and story reading. Events are appropriate for children approximately ages 0-5 years and are held in various locations in Naperville, Schaumberg, Vernon Hills and Chicago. More event information, times and locations »

PJ Library Let us help foster your child’s love of learning with the PJ Library! This FREE program sends high-quality, age-appropriate Jewish books and music each month to families with children ages 0-6 years. So go ahead—put on your pajamas (PJs) and cuddle up with the family for a good story—all on us. There are absolutely no strings attached -not even the ones on your pajamas! More information and to sign up »

JUF Right Start JUF wants to help your family discover the wonderful world of learning, values, community and joy awaiting your child at Chicago-area Jewish preschool and daycare programs. JUF’s RIGHT START program provides a gift voucher of up to $1,000 toward the tuition of the first child in a family attending a participating Jewish early childhood program for the first time! More information and application »

Shalom Baby Hello baby! JUF’s Shalom Baby gives a warm welcome the newest (and cutest!) members of our community by sending a complimentary gift package that includes Mazal Tov: Baby’s First Record Book, the Guide to Jewish Living in Chicago, a personalized welcome certificate and optional sibling certificate, and information on raising a Jewish child and creating a Jewish home. Packages are mailed to Jewish newborns up to one year old living in the Chicagoland area. More information and to sign up »

Sign up for The Shofar! Sign up for JUF’s bimonthly e-newsletter for families with young children that includes dates and times for JUF’s Joyfully Jewish events and other relevant information. Sign up »