Save the date: Jewish Chicago to gather Sept. 10 for 126th Jewish Federation Annual Meeting 

King Harris—a noted community and civic leader and supporter of JUF—will receive the 63rd annual Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award, the Federation’s highest honor. 

After a year marked by challenges for the Jewish people, coupled with shared successes, the Jewish Federation of Chicago will host its 126th Annual Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.  

Chaired by Laurie Price, the event—both in person and available to stream—will reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of the last year, and honor those who made them possible.    

Some highlights will include:  

King Harris—a noted community and civic leader and supporter of JUF—will receive the 63rd annual Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award, the Federation’s highest honor. The award, named for the business icon and philanthropist, recognizes a lifetime of dedication to Chicago’s Jewish community.    

Harris is Chairman of Harris Holdings and President of the Harris Family  Foundation and was president and CEO of Pittway Corporation.  He is a former member of the JUF Board, serves on JUF’s Israel and Overseas Commission, and has generously fueled initiatives and agencies throughout the Federation. As the 2018 annual Campaign Chair, he brought in 4,000 new donors to JUF.  Working in the Peace Corps during the 1960s, Harris saw firsthand the links between housing, poverty, and social services. He later served in the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity, and he continues to pursue the goal of affordable housing today as chair of the Illinois Housing Development Authority. He has played a leadership role in many of Chicago’s civic organizations and arts, cultural, and educational institutions.  

During the annual State of the Federation address, President Lonnie Nasatir will emphasize that, even during challenging times, JUF is successfully meeting escalating demands and offering increased opportunities for connection.   

The Davis, Gidwitz & Glasser Young Leadership Award, celebrating the achievements of outstanding service by young volunteers, will be presented to Elizabeth Darvick and Marc Karlinsky.   

Moving to Chicago seven years ago, Elizabeth Darvick quickly immersed herself in JUF and emerged as a leader in the Jewish community.  She served as a jBaby ambassador and a PJ Library Connector, and joined JUF’s Community Building and Jewish Continuity Commission. She became active in  Women’s Philanthropy and Young Women’s City Council, taking on the role as YWC’s 2027 Campaign Chair. Darvick launched the Excel Leadership Program, introducing additional women to JUF.  She serves on the faculty at DePaul University and volunteers at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School.  

Marc Karlinsky first became involved with JUF while in high school, as a participant in “Voices: The Jewish Teen Foundation.” While in college, he interned with JUF’s Government Affairs team, helping prepare a Washington advocacy mission. That early experience led him back years later as JUF’s vice chair for state government affairs, drawing on his experience as a capitol reporter in Springfield. He also served as president of the Young Leadership Division and serves on JUF’s Marketing and Communications Committee.  At JPMorganChase, Karlinsky is a leader of Allies Against Antisemitism, an employee affinity group. Last year, he took part in the initial cohort of JUF’s innovative Civic Leadership Development Program.    

The Samuel A. Goldsmith Award, highlighting the exceptional work of young Jewish community professionals, will be presented to Jared Hoffman and Naomi Looper.    

Jared Hoffman joined JUF’s State Government Affairs team as an intern in 2020, became a full-time staff member two years later, and was promoted to the role of Senior Legislative Associate in 2025. Hoffman has been instrumental in securing support for the Illinois Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program to enhance security at houses of worship across the state. Among other legislative victories, Hoffman helped steer passage of a law discouraging Illinois schools from scheduling major events on religious holidays. He is a contributor to several coalitions, bringing together key groups that coordinate to champion shared priorities, and organizes JUF’s advocacy days in Springfield.  

Naomi Looper is currently the Midwest Community Director for BBYO, continuing a career in which she has promoted teen Jewish engagement. In her current role, she develops strategies to expand Jewish teen participation across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, and supports a network of more than 1,500 families. Previously, Looper worked at Temple Jeremiah, the Union for Reform Judaism, and in JUF’s Springboard Teen Engagement Program. She currently serves as a member of the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies Board of Visitors, where she earned her undergraduate degree.  She also holds a master’s degree in Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.  

The community will also acknowledge the 2026 JUF Annual Campaign Co-chairs Jamie Diamond Schwartz and David Schwartz, for their outstanding work and dedication.  Additionally, JUF will recognize Board Chair  Wendy C. Abrams, whose term is coming to a close.  

Also, outgoing board members will be acknowledged and the membership will elect the 2026-27 Federation Board slate.  

Registration will remain open until Sept. 4. To register for the Annual Meeting, visit JUF.org/AnnualMeeting. Questions? Contact [email protected].     

William Weinberg is JUF’s Director of Communications.