Ten years ago, Bill Silverstein saw an opportunity to effect transformational change for the next generation. During this time, the American Jewish community was struggling with a new challenge: As people were marrying later in life, entry points to Jewish community needed to be rethought.
A new concept was taking root: the creation of authentic communities run by local rabbis out of their homes. The program was called Base, and it struck a chord with young adults. People flocked to Shabbat dinners, Jewish classes, and other activities.
Silverstein, a visionary leader, saw the potential for bringing this program to Chicago. He championed the program, generously purchasing the first Base location in Lincoln Park. That initial investment was foundational and transformative for young Jewish people in Chicago.
Silverstein, along with his brother Tom and their families, recently increased their investment to $5 million in the program aptly named Silverstein Base Chicago.
"From the moment I learned about Base, I knew this was a project my family would want to support," Silverstein said. "Watching this concept revolutionize young Jewish adult engagement in Chicago has been gratifying, and seeing its unprecedented impact on both the community level and with individuals has been incredibly meaningful."
In addition to his investment in young adult Jewish continuity, Silverstein hopes to influence others. As Base has grown, Silverstein's initial investment has spurred other funders to make significant contributions to help Base expand and sustain itself.
"Our investment in Base has exceeded all of our expectations," Silverstein said. "It's time for my generation to make transformational investments in our Jewish community. I hope that our example will encourage my peers to invest in their Jewish communal passions."
The Base program has grown to four locations around Chicago: in addition to Silverstein Base in Lincoln Park, there is now the Anna & Fred Doppelt Base in Andersonville and Luba & Bernard Friedman Base in West Loop, both purchased by Judy & Abel Friedman, and Base Logan Square.
Each Base couple offers unique and authentic models of Jewish life in their home. The Base rabbis and their spouses now engage 1,800 annually- and have involved over 9,000 young adults to date- offering hundreds of classes, thousands of one-on-one coffee meetings, serving tens of thousands of Shabbat meals, and countless texts and phone calls to support young Jews. All during what has been an incredibly tumultuous, stressful, and at times, deeply tragic nine years.
Silverstein Base Chicago has become a lynchpin in Chicago's young Jewish ecosystem.. It's a vital part of JUF's young adult offerings and a tremendous partner to local synagogues, as well as more than 18 other Jewish and non-Jewish organizations. And it remains a home base (pun somewhat intended) for young Jews.
"Base was the first place I went to a Shabbat and Holiday meal upon moving to Chicago," said Ranana Dine. "In the 4-plus years since, it has continued to be a place I go to for a warm welcome, Torah, spiritual uplift, and good company and good food. My Jewish life has been immeasurably enriched by my time with Base."
Emily Piff, a regular Baser in Logan Square said, "Living on the west side has geographically separated me from a lot of Chicago's Jewish community. Base is a way for me to stay connected to the Jewish community in my own neighborhood."
No matter what else is going on in their lives or around the world, Basers know that their rabbis and their communities are here for them.
"It has been such a delight to see our investment in the Jewish future come to life and such a privilege for our family to be able to make this transformational gift," Silverstein reflected. "My advice to anyone thinking about their own legacy or how to help the next generation fall in love with Jewish life, is to remember that an investment in the Jewish community is one that sustains from generation to generation."
Charles Cohen is Executive Director of Metro Chicago Hillel.
