Melanie Axelrod

Melanie is invested in her Jewish identity and seeks out ways to be an integral part of the Jewish community--whether in her hometown of Highland Park or in Chicago where she has lived for the past decade.  

As a long-term steering committee member of Windy City Minyan, she organizes monthly egalitarian services and Jewish programming. She coordinates joint events with BASE, where she has also participated in a weekly chevruta partner learning program.  

Melanie is passionate about reading Torah and encourages others to learn as a Team Torah committee member at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. She is a member of the Mitzvah613 Torah writing campaign and reads Torah on the High Holidays and throughout the year.  

Known as an excellent cook and baker, Melanie makes meals at Lincoln Park Community Shelter as part of Base Hillel and Repair the World's Supper Club program. She never arrives at a Shabbat dinner empty-handed, and she cooks homemade dishes for new parents and people recovering from illness. 

AGE:
34

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Regulatory Affairs at Kraft Heinz

ON THE SIDE:
Aunt, daughter, friend, volunteer, amateur gardener, reader, musical theater enthusiast

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Dependable, resourceful, soft-spoken, crafty, funny, and handy.

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
I attend Shabbat dinners, read torah, plan and oversee monthly Windy City Minyan gatherings, and participate in Base Hillel’s LEARN series and holiday programming.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My Papa, Jack Blumberg (z”l). His passion for Judaism and family, impeccable character, and dedication to community left behind a great legacy.

IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
Travel and volunteer more often.