Zahava Berkowicz
Want to honor this person?
Make a donation to JUF in recognition of this 36 Under 36 honoree. All new and increased gifts to the 2023 JUF Annual Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact!
DONATE NOW
Zahava uses the unlikely combination of Judaism and acupuncture to help heal the community physically and spiritually.
After the Highland Park shooting last July, Zahava ran a free acupuncture clinic to help locals de-stress-and she does the same anytime there is an uptick in antisemitism to support people feeling anxious, stressed or depressed.
Zahava teaches about acupuncture and Eastern medicine, as well as on Jewish topics-which she brings to Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob's women's tefillah group, Shavuot night gatherings, and Rosh Chodesh circles. She is also active at Hillel Torah Day School and has offered educational talks at many Jewish organizations including NILI, Sharsheret, JUF, Pardes Institute, and Touro College.
She also volunteers at the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook and gives free acupuncture to patients undergoing cancer treatments.
Zahava's generosity also came in the form of hosting an Israeli student in her home as part of the Shinshinim program through the Jewish Agency for Israel.
AGE:
35
PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers
PRIMARY GIG:
Doctor of Acupuncture and founder of Chicago Family Acupuncture in Northbrook
ON THE SIDE:
Women's health & Israel Advocate
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I modeled for a Hasidic clothing store when I was a little girl. I did IVF 3 times in hopes of becoming a surrogate for someone I'm close to. I practice Kabbalah Yoga, and I'm passionate about bridging the gap between Judaism and East Asian medicine.
CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
I always get Lizzy Caplan and Rachel Brosnahan as Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
My proudest accomplishment is building my acupuncture clinic from the ground up. I started my business with $1,500 because that's how much was needed to open a bank account without fees. I never took a business loan and was able to build a large clinic with amazing employees, small step by small step on my own, all while raising 3 kids!
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
I love Noa Tishby and Bari Weiss. Strong Jewish female leaders who are courageous and lead with integrity- they are my role models and I hope to be as brave as them one day.
