Guide Category: Israel
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.
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Shorashim – Tailor-Made Programs
Shorashim, meaning roots in Hebrew, is a cutting-edge, non-profit, educational organization devoted to building long-lasting bridges between Israeli and North American Jews on multiple levels for more than 30 years. Catering to the variety of interests and needs of participants and values of each partnering organization, our bicultural programs are built to allow each individual in any group to carry out their journey in a way makes the most sense to them and create a relationship to Israel that’s meaningful to them. Our pluralistic Israel experience and tailor-made experiences focus on travel, arts/culture, history, and new technology. Our innovative and immersive programs are crafted to the needs of our partners and participants, which include CFJE (Ta’am Yisrael), CJDl, Solomon Schechter Day School, and more. Through these programs, we continue to build bridges between North American and Israeli Jews, ultimately strengthening ties to Israel through strong personal relations and longlasting connections.
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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.
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J Street
Political organization for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans.
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Puzzle Israel
Israeli tourism company that invites tourists and visitors from around the world to get to know Israel. Puzzle's main goal is to give its travelers an Israeli experience "with a twist," a memorable adventure built around the needs and desires of the traveler. The company focuses on unique and personalized journeys in Israel that do not resemble your standard tour, whether it's the client's first or tenth time visiting Israel. It is Puzzle's belief and experience that exposure to different layers of Israeli society and culture, visits to regions less traveled, and interactive activities will make the journey that much better and more special.
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Israel ParaSport Center
Committed to providing ongoing financial support to the Center, empoweringIsraelichildren with physical disabilities to participate in physical and psychological rehabilitation through sports to attain the goal of leading productive and successful lives in Israeli society. Today, more than 2500 kids and adults participate in 20 different sports activities without discrimination of religion, race, or ethnicity.
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Year Course
The original Gap Year in Israel, gives recent high school graduates, ages 17-19, the opportunity to step out into the world, gain valuable life experience and skills, and begin the transition into independence. Earn up to 30 college credits while learning Hebrew; living with peers from the United States, Israel, Canada, the United Kingdom, and around the world; participating in volunteer activities; and developing a Jewish identity before heading off to college or university.
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Birthright Israel Foundation
Organization for raising tax deductible funds sending young Jewish adults, ages 18-26, on a free 10-day trip to Israel from the Chicago area and Midwest region.
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Buy Israel Goods
Consumer guide for retail purchase of Israeli products.
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Birthright Israel: Shorashim
Shorashim is a cutting-edge non-profit organization that has dedicated more than 30 years to building long-lasting bridges between Americans and Israelis through innovative, immersive adventures. On Shorashim, Americans and Israelis explore Israel, side-by-side, for the entire experience. Our transformational, authentic journeys offer new perspectives, focusing on experiencing the culture, sites, scenes, vibes, variety of stories, and people of Israel, in the way that connects to each participant. The adventure is made, not only by what is seen and experienced, but by the people that participants encounter and the close group formed. Since Birthright Israel’s inception, we have worked in valued partnership with JUF to offer tailored Birthright Israel adventures to 18-to-26 year olds in the Chicago community. Shorashim is a leading trip provider, with trips running in December, January and May through August, with all of our Chicago community trips departing from Chicago!
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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.