Guide Category: Community Organizations
The Guide to Jewish Living offers a comprehensive, up-to-date directory of Chicago-area Jewish organizations, resources, products, and services. The guide acts as a community driven lexicon sponsored by Jewish Chicago: The JUF’s Magazine to foster connection and support. Email [email protected] with questions or for information on advertising opportunities.
* Listings with an asterisk are part of the JUF/JF partnership of agencies serving the Chicago and worldwide Jewish community.
-
A Wider Bridge Chicago
Dedicated to creating opportunities for LGBTQ people in North America to engage with Israel and its LGBTQ communities. AWB leads missions of LGBTQ leaders to Israel, brings Israeli LGBTQ leaders and artists to programs across the U.S. and Canada, and publishes a daily online magazine exploring the intersections of LGBTQ and Jewish life, in Israel, North America and around the world.
-
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
Registered lobbying group for issues affecting U.S./Israel relationships.
-
American Jewish Committee
AJC is the leading global Jewish advocacy organization, with unparalleled access to government officials, diplomats, and other world leaders. Through these relationships and our international presence, AJC is able to impact opinion and policy on the issues that matter most: combating rising anti-Semitism and extremism, defending Israel's place in the world, and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all people. AJC Chicago is the local gateway to this international network. Advocacy opportunites available.
-
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
-
American Jewish World Service – Chicago
Inspired by the Jewish commitment to justice, American Jewish World Service works to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world.
-
American Zionist Movement
Umbrella organization, providing educational materials and programs on Zionism and Israel. Sponsors of "Say It In Hebrew" ulpan.
-
American-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago (AICC)
Promoting business between the U.S. and Israel.
-
Amirim Israel Summer Programs
Offers volunteer and internship opportunities in Israel with social action oriented organizations. Four- or eight-week programs for ages 18-27. Includes weekly trips, insightful speakers, social events and learning opportunities.
-
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, securing justice and fair treatment for all. With an array of educational, legislative, diplomatic, and interfaith initiatives, ADL acts as an important resource for the community at large.
-
Association of Descendants of the Shoah-Illinois (ADSI)
Programs and events for descendants of Holocaust survivors.
-
Avenue of the Righteous
Chicago-area counterpart to Israel's Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, with its own Avenue at the Evanston Civic Center. Emphasis on education and public awareness.
-
Avodah
Avodah engages the Jewish community in social and economic justice work by training future Jewish leaders who will stay in the fight for justice for life. In our flagship program, the Jewish Service Corps, we place young adults 21-26 from across the United States at leading anti-poverty nonprofits, where they spend a year combating the causes and effects of poverty. Our Corps Members live together and learn together in a supportive, pluralistic community at the crossroads of social activism and Jewish life. Meanwhile, the Justice Fellowship brings together early-career professionals who are working to address social and economic injustice. Fellows spend nine months engaging in cutting-edge programming that examines methods of social change, Jewish life, and the powerful intersections between the two. Finally, Avodah engages the wider community through a variety of educational programs executed in collaboration with our local partners.
-
B’nai B’rith International
Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization. Since 1843, BBI has worked for Jewish unity, security, continuity, and tolerance, in 50 nations worldwide. The Midwest Region includes Illinois, and most of Wisconsin and Indiana.
-
Chaiway Riders
Chicago-based Jewish motorcycle touring club, open to individuals and couples; all makes of bikes and riding experience welcome, regardless of riders’ Jewish identity and religious practice.
-
Chicago Chesed Fund
Assistance for those in need of food, clothing, employment or help in time of crisis.
-
CJE SeniorLife
For more than 45 years, CJE's wide range of services has grown to include more than 35 program areas, including counseling, geriatric care management, assisted living, short- and long-term skilled nursing care, Alzheimer's and dementia care, adult day services, home-delivered meals, health and wellness education and more.
-
Collective Kindness
Collective Kindness is a nationwide nonprofit founded in 2023 that empowers Jewish families facing financial setbacks to regain stability through its "Smart Chesed" model, a hand-up, not a handout. Serving hundreds of families across the country, including a growing Chicagoland presence, Collective Kindness provides struggling lower- and middle-class families with wraparound services including financial coaching, budgeting, debt relief, career placement, mental health support, legal advocacy, and short-term financial assistance. Each family receives a personalized treatment plan designed to move them toward cash-flow positivity and long-term self-sufficiency, ensuring that every dollar drives lasting change, not temporary relief.
-
Decalogue Foundation
39 S. LaSalle Street Suite 410 Chicago IL 60603 (312) 263-6493 [email protected] http://www.decaloguesociety.org Gerlad Schur Fundraising for scholarships in Chicago area law schools and for Hebrew University Law School. Support for Jewish legal education
-
Decalogue Society of Lawyers
39 S. LaSalle Street Suite 410 Chicago IL 60603 (312) 263-6493 [email protected] http://www.decaloguesociety.org Gerald Schur A bar association promoting educational, social, community, legal, and Judaic issues of interest to lawyers. None fals
-
Descendants of Jewish War Veterans of the USA
Addresses the concerns and problems of family members who served in the nation's armed forces.
-
Dina & Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center
The Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center is dedicated to tikkun olam, or “repairing the world,” and helping our community members live with dignity through advocacy and compassionate, collaborative care for those experiencing a crisis or isolation.
-
Director of Government Affairs
Advocacy for the needs and civil rights of Jewish individuals and the Jewish community.
-
Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs
Jewish volunteers committed to serving their congregations, building a strong and united Conservative movement, study of traditions, and understanding through brotherhood.
-
Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe
Language, job placement, and other assistance programs for Russian Jewish émigrés.
-
Hadassah Associates North Shore Chapter
Hadassah Associates fundraise and educate for men's health initiatives and offer informative and education programming throughout the year. Through the Hadassah Medical Organization and its cutting edge medical research and technology, we strive to improve the health of people worldwide and find treatments and cures for diseases such as prostate cancer, ALS, macular degeneration, heart disease and more.
-
Hadassah Chicago-North Shore Chapter
Hadassah Chicago-North Shore supports the medical research and technology of the world-renowned Hadassah Medical Organization, bringing healing and hope to those around the word. Through state-of-the art medical research and technology, we find treatments and cures for diseases such as cancer, ALS, macular degeneration, MS, heart disease and more. Hadassah women are also a vital voice for advocacy on issues such as sex trafficking, women's health issues, gender equity in medical research and more. Work to support youth with Jewish camping and indigent and immigrant youth in Israel are also a major focus. With more than 11,000 members in the Chicagoland area, we offer opportunities for leadership skill development, Jewish learning, camaraderie and fulfillment. Hadassah women are the Women Who Do.
-
HIAS Immigration & Citizenship
As part of the JCFS family of services, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship provides comprehensive, cost-effective immigration, and citizenship services for individuals and families. We provide assistance with the citizenship application process (including citizenship preparation classes), Green Card applications, family-based immigration, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and restitution assistance for Holocaust survivors, along with academic scholarships for college students.
-
HIAS Immigration & Citizenship Volunteers
Volunteers provide assistance to individuals who are applying for citizenship. This includes facilitating group citizenship classes, offering one-on-one tutoring sessions, and performing mock interviews, providing in-office interpretation or accompanying individuals to their naturalization interviews.
-
Hidden Children/Child Survivors Chicago
Members of this international organization survived the Holocaust, as children in Europe during World War II.
-
Holocaust Community Services
Provides care management, financial assistance, and socialization programming for survivors living in the Chicagoland area. A collaborative effort of JUF/Federation, CJE SeniorLife, Jewish Child & Family Services, in partnership with HIAS Chicago. Social services for Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
-
Holocaust Educational Foundation of Northwestern University
Establishes Holocaust courses in colleges and universities. Holds biennial Lessons and Legacies Holocaust International Conference for professors. Established annual Summer Institute for Holocaust and Jewish Civilization at Northwestern University. Videotaped Holocaust survivors for inclusion in the Yale Archives for Holocaust Testimony.
-
Hyde Park/Kenwood Council of Jewish Organizations
An umbrella group representing South Side Jewish organizations and producing community events.
-
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
Illinois Holocaust Museum honors the Survivors and victims of the Holocaust and transforms history into current and universal lessons in humanity. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, the Museum inspires individuals and organizations and provides a universal wake-up call to action. The Karkomi Holocaust permanent exhibition weaves history with local Survivor narratives and over 500 artifacts to create a highly personal experience. The Take a Stand Center includes the world's first interactive, holographic Survivor Stories Experience Theater, followed by three galleries that guide visitors through social justice issues suggesting ways to take action.
-
Interfaith Worker Justice
Works to improve wages, benefits and working conditions, especially for low-wage workers.
-
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
30 N. La Salle Street, Suite 4300 Chicago IL 60602 (312) 641-7200 [email protected] http://www.ifcj.org To foster better relations and understanding between Christians and Jews; encourage greater cooperation on issues of shared biblical concern; and build support fo
-
Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center at Lake County JCC
Housed on our sprawling 37-acre Jewish Community Campus at Lake County JCC, Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center reflects the beauty around it. Children engage in exploration inside and out. Sunny classrooms and our two custom-built, developmentally appropriate playgrounds create an opportunity for learning and outside exploration.We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. For ages 6 weeks - 4 years.
-
JCC Chi Town Connection
Year-round teen program offers social, recreational and cultural activities, leadership development and volunteer opportunities.
-
JCC Chicago
JCC Chicago offers a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values and continues to reimagine them for a more connected, inspired community. Through a mix of formal and informal education, recreational and cultural activities, JCC Chicago provides quality experiences that enrich the lives of individuals, families and the community. JCC Chicago's award-winning preschool programs, summer camps and wide array of activities provide opportunities to bring Jewish values to life through innovative programs designed to meet the needs of everyone from infants to adults. Founded in 1903 to serve the needs of the burgeoning population of Jewish immigrants in Chicago, JCC Chicago today serves more than 24,000 Chicago area children, adults and families each year. JCC Chicago is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. Programs located throughout Chicagoland: Lakeview, W. Rogers Park, Hyde Park, Evanston, Northbrook, Lake County, Glencoe.
-
JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Day Camp
“Z” Frank Apachi Day Camp is located on our beautiful 10-acre campus in Northbrook. With large green spaces, manicured athletic fields, shaded areas and shelters, it's the ideal place for kids who love to play, create and explore. Our camp features air-conditioned spaces, two large heated outdoor pools, an outdoor cooking classroom, arts and crafts studio, adventure tree, boating, tennis court, a climbing wall and more. Campers can try everything from sports, arts and crafts and gaga, to clowning, cooking, drama, yoga and rock climbing. Music is always in the air, theme days are legendary, and our Shabbat celebrations foster a true sense of community and connection. 4 years-7th grade + CIT.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Day Camps
Offers kids the chance to try new activities, have fun, and make new friends in a Jewish camp community. All camps feature carefully selected and skilled staff, and traditional activities and specialties. Day camp programs for children age 3 years through 10th grade at ten Chicagoland camp locations. Day camp programs also offer before and after camp care.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Evanston
A special sense of community is fostered at Apachi Evanston and it carries over from summer to summer. Endless fun and activities, including sports, performing arts, fine arts, teambuilding and more mean there’s something for everyone each day. There is plenty of air-conditioned classroom space for activities and exploration, a large gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, a stage and an outdoor playground, plus open green fields and plenty of shaded areas for outdoor play. Several specialty programs are offered as well, including Performing Arts Camp, Sports, Apachi Ivrit and Apachi Ivrit Sports. Apachi Evanston really has all the ingredients for one fantastic summer. 3 years-8th grade + CIT.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Hyde Park
Just steps from Lake Michigan's shimmering shoreline, Apachi Hyde Park at Kenwood Academy, is an urban oasis. With endless sand and water play, air-conditioned indoor spaces, neighborhood pools, sports fields, a full-size gymnasium, green spaces and more, Apachi Hyde Park has it all! Campers enjoy arts and crafts, drama and improv, music, sports, martial arts and more. Weekly field trips to the beach makes Apachi Hyde Park THE place to be for so much summer fun. 3 years-7th grade + CIT.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Ivrit
Apachi Ivrit combines all the fun of Apachi Evanston while exposing campers to conversational Hebrew, by listening and speaking with counselors and friends. Campers (4 years-4th grade) play, laugh, sing, swim, run and create in the warmth of a close-knit camp group. Campers come home each day proud of their new language skills, along with new friendships, great camp memories and a love of Hebrew.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Northside Day Camp
Apachi Northside encourages campers to celebrate what makes them truly special. Through sports, art, swimming, science and theater, campers discover new ways to express themselves, create friendships and try new things. As campers get older, our program grows with them providing more opportunities for choice and leadership development. Each week is highlighted by special theme days and exciting guest entertainers, which enhance opportunities for community building and indescribable fun. 4 years—7th grade + CIT.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Old Town
Here, campers build confidence on the high ropes, climbing wall and obstacle courses. They create solutions using art and construction in the design & tinkering lab, and practice skills, playing and competing in an extensive array of team and individual sports. And, of course, each week is filled with endless moments of Apachi magic-theme days, Shabbat celebrations, guest entertainers and more. K-7th grade + CIT.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Rogers Park
Located at Bernard Horwich JCC, Apachi Rogers Park is a hidden gem in the community, providing campers with a one-of-a-kind exploration of Judaism and self. You may not see it from our front doors, but venture out back and you’ll discover a gorgeous, park-like setting, for sunny camp days packed with all the fun and friends of Apachi. With swim lessons, theme days, field trips, cookouts, and sports, campers thrive in our Torah-enriched community while exploring new interest, gaining skills, and creating lifelong friendships. 4 years-8th grade + CIT.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Village Day Camp Lake Zurich
New for Summer 2019 is Apachi Village in Lake Zurich, our beloved Apachi program for preschoolers! Apachi Village Day Camp is big on fun in a nurturing environment where emerging independence is fostered in our youngest campers. With our focus solely on 3 and 4-year olds, everything is sized just right for your little one with all age-appropriate activities taking place at Lake County JCC in Lake Zurich. Easy in, easy out carpool lines help ease the transition and make drop off and pick-up a breeze.
-
JCC Chicago Apachi Village Day Camp Northbrook
Apachi Village J Camp is big on fun in a nurturing environment where emerging independence is fostered in our youngest campers. Our focus is solely on 3, 4 and 5-year olds and campers are placed in small groups with caring, nurturing counselors. Everything is sized just right for your little one with all age-appropriate activities taking place, and learning to swim is a top priority.
-
JCC Chicago Camp Chi
An enriching, Jewish, overnight camp experience for kids in 3rd-11th grades. JCC Chicago's Camp Chi has been the summer home away from home for generations of campers. Located on 600 wooded acres on a private lake in Lake Delton, WI, the camp features two heated pools, waterfront activities, air-conditioned gym, equestrian center, high ropes challenge courses, zipline, climbing wall, arts center, lighted sports fields and more! Teen leadership and adventure trip programs available. Accredited by the American Camp Association and recognized as the #1 overnight camp in the Midwest.Summer Address: P.O. Box 104, Lake Delton, WI 53940.
-
JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom
At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom, building caring relationships with children and their families is central to what we do. Our director and teachers are dedicated professionals who focus on the individual needs of each child. We provide a warm, nurturing environment, enriched with exciting curriculum and a love of Judaism. We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. For ages 18 months - 4 years.