A foundation of strength and support our community relies on

Our community’s generosity helps JUF power the day-to-day operations of local Jewish programs, facilities and agencies—and fuels our unique ability to respond in times of crisis.

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Old man on the left wearing chevron brown and red sweater holding hands with a younger man on the right wearing a bright red sweater with jeans walking in a courtyard filled with green plants.
A group of individuals, including several children and adults, are gathered in an indoor playroom. The room features wooden floors and large windows that allow natural light to flood in. Some children are standing, while others are being held by adults. The adults appear to be engaged in conversation or play with the children. The setting is casual and welcoming, with various toys and play equipment visible in the background.

Our Impact

We take care of people

Children without enough to eat. Holocaust survivors living in isolation. Families in need. Immigrants looking to begin new lives. Teens facing mental health crises. Together with our partner agencies, we care for all.

We engage people in Jewish life

Social events, Jewish experiences, volunteer and leadership opportunities—from baby to bubbe, there are endless ways to participate in Jewish life with JUF.

We secure the community

Keeping our Jewish spaces safe, 24/7 support for students on campus, antisemitism training at our local schools, deep relationships with local law enforcement—we engage all facets of civic life to ensure Jewish representation and fight hate.

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300+

occasions JUF security was deployed to local schools, synagogues, camps and agencies

11k

immigrants and refugees received support from JUF agencies

27.5k

people received mental health services

2k

people attended trainings to respond to antisemitism

Hillel was the way I found my own path to my Judaism.

Pierce, student at University of Illinois at Chicago

How would a queer, interfaith family be accepted in the community? I can honestly say our family has been embraced. Now it’s our turn to welcome other new families into the mix.

Olga, jBaby parent ambassadoR

This Is What We’re Made For certainly rings true as domestic violence has increased and many find themselves in dire situations. JUF was there to help.

Carol Ruderman, Executive Director, SHALVA
Older man smiling with big ears wearing a white button up collared shirt and a blue t shirt underneath.
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I’m grateful for the help, happy to be working again, and thankful to be back on my feet.

52-year-old who received support from The Ark

Get Involved

2 college aged individuals sitting outside at a red and white checkered table cloth table with three students gathered behind them. There are water bottles and plates on the table with students in the background chatting.
Three individuals are in a kitchen setting. The person on the left is wearing a red hoodie and a black cap, the middle person is wearing a black t-shirt with white hbrew text and is holding a baking tray with braided challah dough, and the person on the right is wearing a beige sweater and gesturing towards the dough with both hands. The background includes kitchen cabinets and appliances, suggesting a domestic cooking scene.

College

Helping Illinois students navigate Jewish life, learning and Israel—and providing resources to fight antisemitism on campus. 

Find a Hillel on your campus or explore internships, scholarships and opportunities to travel to Israel. 

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5 young adults standing in front of a dark blue sparkly curtain. From left to right: a black man with glasses wearing a blue open button up collared shirt, a brunette woman with long hair wearing a teal purse, a black haired woman with glasses and a maroon shirt, a woman wearing a black and white floral shirt with teal hair and a tall brunette man wearing a red button up collared shirt with a pocket.
A group of five individuals sitting in stadium seating at Wrigley Field, watching a Chicago Cubs game.

Young Adults

Welcoming Chicago-area Jews in their 20s and 30s to share experiences and to make a difference in Chicago, Israel and around the world. 

Whether you’re new to Chicago, looking to volunteer, meet new people, learn more about Judaism, network or play dodgeball, our programs and events have got you covered.

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toddlers playing with toy trains

Young Families

Connecting families to Jewish life in Chicago

From welcoming a newborn and finding your tribe to choosing the right Jewish preschool to receiving free Jewish books for your kids, our programs help families experience and celebrate the joys of Jewish life.

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Two individuals with obscured faces stand at a podium with a microphone, during what appears to be a public speaking event. One individual is holding papers, possibly preparing to speak. The backdrop features the words “TEEN COMMUNITY CELEBRATION” along with various decorative elements such as stars and lines. The podium has a sign that reads “18 UNDER 18 JEWISH”.

Teens

Offering Chicagoland Jewish teens meaningful experiences, new friendships and exciting ways to make a difference in the community.

JUF Teens offers programs in leadership development, volunteering, Israel advocacy, philanthropy and more.

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Four women sitting and chatting in front of the JUF logo banner.

Women

Join Jewish women to make a profound impact on our community locally, in Israel and around the world.

Whether your interests lie in education, networking, fundraising or community service, we provide wonderful opportunities to meet other women who share your passions and raise crucial dollars for our community. 

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Professionals

Providing networking opportunities for Jewish professionals and business leaders to come together and make a difference. 

Our JUF Professionals Network is the largest network of Jewish professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners in Chicago, offering access to high-level business leaders and networking opportunities.

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General

From baby to bubbe, there are endless ways for everyone to participate in Jewish life with JUF. 

Volunteer

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Events

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Read Jewish Chicago

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Events

Volunteer, Network, Celebrate, Learn and Socialize—JUF’s Events Calendar is your resource for community happenings.

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Where We Are

At home in Chicago, JUF provides diverse opportunities for community, connection, and crisis intervention. Together with our deep network of 75+ partner agencies, we support the needs of Chicagoans of all faiths.

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Israel has long been a core focus of our Chicago community—and our bond with our Israeli family is strong and unbreakable. Each year JUF supports about 80 projects in Israel: helping vulnerable populations, promoting educational projects and creating people-to-people connections. 

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JUF responds swiftly whenever our global Jewish community is in need and is fiercely committed to supporting Jews in 70 countries across the globe.

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Magazine

Jewish Chicago

Profiles, news and commentaries about Jewish life—locally, in Israel and around the world

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One fund. So much impact.

Your donation today makes a world of difference for Chicagoans in need, in the fight against rampant antisemitism here and across the globe and to ensure everyone in our community can safely participate in Jewish life.