Guide Category: Education
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.
-
Silverstein Base Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a home for Metro Chicago Hillel students and Chicago area young adults and the actual home of a rabbinic family committed to pluralism and founded on three core values: hospitality, learning, and service. Rabbi Megan and her wife Paige GoldMarche invite all Metro Chicago Hillel students and other young adults, living in or visiting the Lincoln Park area, into their home to learn, volunteer, celebrate, and of course, eat with them. Metro Chicago Hillel is fortunate to have the first Base Hillel in the country integrated into a campus Hillel.
-
Keshet MY Life Residences
MY Life is Keshet's residential program. It is designed to allow residents to become fully active members of the community in a warm and caring home that promotes independence and a meaningful life.
-
Introduction to Judaism
An 18-week program designed for individuals and couples from Jewish and various other faith backgrounds who want to explore Jewish holidays and life cycle ceremonies, Jewish values, symbols and traditions, and Jewish liturgy and texts. Introduction to Judaism is ideal for those who are part of a Jewish family, are considering conversion, or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Co-sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism and the Chicago Association of Reform Rabbis. Classes are offered at several locations around Chicago and the suburbs in the fall, winter and spring.
-
A Taste of Judaism
Curious about Judaism? A Taste of Judaism is designed for you. These three free weekly sessions focus on the modern Jewish take on spirituality, values, and community. Sessions are dynamic and interactive; the teachers are engaging and accessible and are open to all of your questions and concerns. Whether you are simply curious about Judaism or are looking to take your next steps on your Jewish journey, you have come to the right place! All are welcome. Program offered at several locations across Chicago and suburbs in the fall, winter, and spring.
-
EdtechMMG, LLC
EdtechMMG creates highly collaborative and innovative professional development experiences for Jewish educators rooted in Jewish text study and hands-on explorations of blended learning technologies. Our professional development series are paired with in-classroom instructional coaching, online learning opportunities, and parallel student and family programming. We provide customized consulting and curriculum design services for both educational and technology-based initiatives. By connecting Jewish education goals and technology-infused learning, our model focuses on keeping Jewish content accessible, engaging, and connected to the daily lives of today's Jewish students.
-
Birthright Israel Onward
Birthright Israel Onward participants are able to develop their professional future and build their resume through a high-level internship side-by-side with Israeli peers. This Tel Aviv-based internship program places current college students in a work environment based on skills, interests, and future plans. Interns work four days a week while one day a week is devoted to learning about and experiencing contemporary Israeli society. Participants are able to immerse themselves in Israeli culture, and leave the heavily- subsidized Birthright Israel Onward experience with greater connection and confidence. The Chicago program is proud to be able to send over 100 students to work and live in Tel Aviv each summer, making it one of the largest Birthright Israel Onward programs. To fit the needs and academic calendars of all Chicagoland students, there are three date options. For 2026, the date options are: Track 1 (Wendy Miller Track): May 27-July 21, 2026 The Wendy Miller Track of Birthright Israel Onward is named in loving memory of a lifelong educator and deeply engaged member of the Chicago Jewish community whose life reflected Jewish pride, moral clarity, and a profound belief in the power of education. Wendy devoted her career to teaching young children and spent many years as a docent at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, helping others understand the importance of remembrance and the responsibility to be an upstander. Known for her generosity, her commitment to family and community, and her joyful approach to Jewish life, Wendy believed deeply in the potential of young people. This program reflects her hope that participants will explore Israel with curiosity and openness, engage thoughtfully with the stories they encounter, and return home ready to share their experiences and stand up for what matters. Track 2: June 4 – July 29, 2026 Track 3: June 17th – August 12th, 2026. Interested applicants can apply at Birthright Israel Onward and should reach out to [email protected] with any questions. Applications open in November and are rolling.
-
JCC Shalom Over 50
Shalom Over 50 is a Jewish club that meets weekly at Shir Tikvah in Homewood for Yiddish classes, speakers and fellowship. A full schedule of thought-provoking lectures, current events and performances ensures lively discussion and a good time. Lunch is provided each week.
-
Oakton Community College
Metro Chicago Hillel 924 S. Morgan Street Chicago IL 60607 (312) 829-1595 http://www.metrochicagohillel.org Carly Greenspan, [email protected] Jake Beckert, [email protected] None false
-
Or Tzedek: Teen Institute for Social Justice
Or Tzedek is JCUA's Teen Institute for Social Justice! A unique 12-day summer immersion program for teens across Illinois and the country who want to become agents of change. Learn about social justice and community organizing through a Jewish lens and participate in hands-on justice work with local organizations. Build Jewish community and bond with fellow teens interested in making a difference in their communities. Tour Chicago in the summer time and have a blast!
-
The Chicago Workmen’s Circle School
This is Not Your Parents' Hebrew School! The Chicago Workmen's Circle School is the place for Jewish cultural, progressive education for families with children from ages 5 to 13. The supplementary school learning program, which meets two Sundays per month, brings together hands-on Jewish learning, social justice activism, Yiddish language and culture, history, music and arts, bar and bat mitzvah prep, and holiday celebrations for the whole family. The Workmen's Circle provides a home for families seeking an alternative to a more traditional religious school education.