Search the Guide:
Community Organizations
* Listings with an asterisk are part of the JUF/JF partnership of agencies serving the Chicago and worldwide Jewish community.
A Wider Bridge Chicago * |
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Phone:
URL: www.awiderbridge.com/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) |
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Midwest Regional Office |
Registered lobbying group for issues affecting U.S./Israel relationships. |
American Jewish Committee |
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Chicago Regional Office |
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) * |
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220 East 42nd Street |
Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. Works in more than 70 countries and in Israel to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and provide immediate relief and long-term development support for victims of natural and man-made disasters. |
American Jewish World Service - Chicago |
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848 Dodge Ave. |
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 |
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Chicago Region |
Umbrella organization of Zionist member groups to strengthen the connection of American Jews with Israel; encourage travel, long-term visits and Aliyah to Israel; and to facilitate dialogue, debate and collective action to further Zionism. |
American-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago (AICC) |
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203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2100 |
Promoting business between the U.S. and Israel. |
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) * |
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Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Region |
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. |
B'nai B'rith International |
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Midwest Region |
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 |
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Phone:
(773) 936-0866
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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 |
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7045 Ridgeway Ave. |
Assistance for those in need of food, clothing, employment or help in time of crisis. |
Decalogue Foundation |
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134 N. LaSalle Street |
Fundraising for scholarships in Chicago area law schools and for Hebrew University Law School. Support for Jewish legal education. |
Decalogue Society of Lawyers |
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134 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1430 |
A bar association promoting educational, social, community, legal, and Judaic issues of interest to lawyers. |
Descendants of Jewish War Veterans of the USA |
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"If We Forget, Who Will Remember" |
Addresses the concerns and problems of family members who served in the nation's armed forces. |
Director of Government Affairs |
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Agudath Israel of Illinois |
Advocacy for the needs and civil rights of Jewish individuals and the Jewish community. |
Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe |
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Samuel Bellows Educational and Cultural Center |
Language, job placement, and other assistance programs for Russian Jewish émigrés. |
Hadassah Associates North Shore Chapter |
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Women's Zionist Organization of America |
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 |
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Joseph & Mae Gray Hadassah House |
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 * |
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JCFS Chicago |
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. |
Hyde Park/Kenwood Council of Jewish Organizations |
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5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. |
An umbrella group representing South Side Jewish organizations and producing community events. |
Interfaith Worker Justice |
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1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. |
Works to improve wages, benefits and working conditions, especially for low-wage workers. |
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews |
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303 E Wacker Dr |
To foster better relations and understanding between Christians and Jews; encourage greater cooperation on issues of shared biblical concern; and build support for Israel and Jews in crisis or need. |
JCC Chicago * |
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30 S. Wells Street, Suite 4000 |
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. |
Jewish Community Against Sex Trafficking Chicago (JCAST Chicago) |
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5 Revere Drive, Suite 200 |
Works to eradicate sex trafficking in the Chicago area through public awareness, community engagement, and advocacy at state, local, and national levels. Partners with interfaith and human rights groups, non-profit organizations, government officials, and law enforcement agencies, and works with congregations, clergy, Jewish organizations, and secular groups to educate the community and take action to end demand for purchased sex and protect children. The coalition meets bimonthly in Chicago and the Northern Suburbs. |
Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park |
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3525 W. Peterson Ave. |
Strengthening and preserving Chicago's flagship Jewish community in an international neighborhood. JCCWRP is an organization of neighborhood residents and Jewish community leaders who care deeply about the past, the present, and the future of West Rogers Park. We aim to promote and encourage commercial, cultural and residential development designed to sustain a thriving community for generations to come. |
Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) |
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4700 N. Ravenswood, Suite B |
Works to combat poverty, racism, and anti-Semitism working in partnership with diverse communities in Chicago. JCUA mobilizes the Jewish community to act on social justice issues that address the root causes of disparity and inequality in the city and region. Jewish community members can get involved through membership, regular meetings, events, and leadership development opportunities. Or Tzedek is JCUA's Teen Institute for Social Justice. Offering both year-round programs and immersive summer sessions, Or Tzedek reaches hundreds of teens every year. Teens build advocacy and community organizing skills, take action on meaningful social justice campaigns, and of course, have fun! |
Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois |
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Temple Beth-El |
Are you researching Jewish family history and looking for a Chicago-area network of experts and enthusiasts? We help members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors and serve as a resource for the worldwide community to research their Chicago-area Jewish roots. The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois motto is: "Members Helping Members Since 1981." Monthly meetings feature informative Jewish genealogy experts sharing research tips and family history discoveries. When we meet in-person, members and guests also have access to an 800-volume genealogy research library and a volunteer expert genealogy help desk. Members also have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including video recordings of more than 50 past speakers' presentations, a members' forum, the monthly JGSI E-News, the quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. The JGSI Jewish Chicago Database, available to members and non-members alike, is a growing compilation of information from cemeteries, obituaries, memorial plaques, retirement homes, and other Jewish organizations. A non-profit volunteer-driven organization with more than 300 members, JGSI is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. |
Jewish Labor Committee * |
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205 N. Michigan Ave. |
Enables the Jewish community and the trade union movement to work together on issues of mutual concern, including the security of Israel, combating anti-Semitism and other forms of racism, and economic and social justice. |
Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. * |
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Department of Illinois |
The Jewish War Veterans (JWV) is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members and veterans, fights anti-Semitism, and supports the State of Israel. We continue to be a leading Veterans Service Organization in the United States, supporting and advocating for all uniformed service members, veterans, and their families. Open for membership to all Jewish veterans who have served in the US Armed Forces.The Jewish War Veterans (JWV) is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. We are organized into local posts. |
Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. Post 54 |
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West Suburban Post 54 |
Open to all U.S. Armed Forces Jewish veterans regardless of where and when served. We support all veterans in local VA hospitals and through community activities, preserve the memories of patriotic service, honor the memory of our heroic dead, foster the education of former service members, and provide support for active duty service members. We meet the second Sunday of every month at Cong. Etz Chaim in Lombard, at 10am (please check our website for exact time and location). You are invited to attend a meeting, become a member, and help us help all veterans. |
JPRO Chicago * |
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30 S. Wells Street, Suite 5015 |
The mission of JPRO Chicago is to support individual career growth and the collective growth of our community by serving as a central resource for professional development. JPRO Chicago connects Chicago's Jewish communal professionals to each other, provides training and leadership development opportunities, inspires and strengthens individuals and their organizations, and empowers professionals to make a difference in our community. |
Lubavitch Women's Organization |
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2646 W. Farwell St. |
Programs for all Jewish denominations. |
Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago * |
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3710 Commercial Ave |
Delivers kosher holiday foods to families and individuals in need throughout the Chicago metropolitan community. Food is delivered for Rosh Hashanah and Passover. Volunteer opportunities exist for all aspects of the delivery—building boxes, packing boxes, and delivering the meals door to door. Everyone is welcome. |
Maxwell Street Foundation |
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P.O. Box 4307 |
The mission of the Maxwell Street Foundation is to preserve and interpret the history of Chicago's Maxwell Street neighborhood for future generations. The Foundation presents slide programs at outside venues about historic Maxwell Street; walking tours of the redeveloped Maxwell Street, upon request; and participates with the New Maxwell Street Market on select Sundays of the year operated by the City of Chicago on Desplaines Avenue north of Roosevelt Rd. The Foundation sells Maxwell Street-themed items on its website, and accepts donations of Maxwell Street artifacts and memorabilia for its archive and collection. The Foundation provides research in its archive upon request, for a donation. The Foundation assists new research on historic or contemporary aspects of Maxwell Street and the Market. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and contributions are tax deductible. |
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) |
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Chicago North Shore |
The National Council of Jewish Women is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. For over a century, NCJW has been at the forefront of social change. NCJW members are outspoken champions for progressive policies at the federal, state and local levels. Over the years, NCJW's collective voice has changed the world for the better -- improving the lives of women, children and families in the US and Israel. |
National Council of Jewish Women South Cook (NCJW) |
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P.O. Box 982 |
For 96 years, NCJW South Cook Section has addressed the needs of our South Suburban Chicago communities through dedication to improving the lives of women, children, and families, community service, and advocacy programs to preserve our individual rights and freedoms. We are advocates, tutors, readers, art appreciation volunteers, local agency board members, actors and singers who entertain special needs populations, supporters of local emergency shelters, lunch servers, donors, event planners, and so much more. We are proud to partner with other local agencies to provide the most comprehensive programs to assist those in need in our communities. |
Pushing the Envelope Farm * |
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1700 Averill Road |
A community farm and education center in Chicagoland's Fox Valley serving the greater metropolitan Chicago area. The farm explores Jewish connection to the land, provides hands-on educational experiences, and offers the opportunity to experience sustainable agriculture firsthand. The farm provides a wide variety of custom programs, such as educational programs and workshops for people of all ages and groups such as schools, synagogues, churches, home school and scout groups either on the farm or off the farm. The 14-acre site hosts organic farm that grows anything from small plots to multiple acres of land. |
Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) |
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564 W. Randolph Street, Suite 200 |
Fosters and enhances ties between the American Jewish-community and Republican decision-makers. |
SHALVA * |
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P.O. Box 46375 |
Since 1986 SHALVA has been the expert in Jewish relationships and abuse for the Chicago community and serves the entire metropolitan area. Our counseling and supportive services are free and tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Services include a 24-hour helpline; domestic violence information; safety planning; individual and group counseling (virtual and in-person); financial assistance; legal support; case management and referrals. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, SHALVA can help. |
Sharsheret |
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6677 N. Lincoln Ave |
Sharsheret is a national not-for-profit organization supporting Jewish women and their families facing breast and ovarian cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women, of all Jewish backgrounds, diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources. |
Shomrim Society of Illinois |
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P.O. Box 59258 |
Society of Illinois is a fraternal organization of Jewish Law Enforcement Officers from Chicago and surrounding areas. |
Simon Wiesenthal Center |
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Midwest Region |
Global Jewish human rights organization that confronts anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, promotes human rights and dignity, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations. |
Skokie Cteen |
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Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie |
Skokie Cteen aims to transform the sometimes-tumultuous teen years into years of Jewish growth and self-discovery. We offer creative and educational programs including weekly meetings, monthly Shabbat dinners, and occasional trips, as well as opportunities to volunteer and do for others. Cteen is a place for kids to relax and connect with one another while experiencing Judaism in a relevant and stimulating fashion. Cteen engages teens in charitable and humanitarian projects, and helps them realize the special joy and satisfaction which comes from giving. CTeen increases Jewish awareness and pride, and helps our youth appreciate the richness of our beautiful traditions. By building strong relationships and fostering leadership skills, we are growing the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Skokie Cteen is for Jewish teens, regardless of affiliation. |
Springfield Jewish Federation |
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1045 Outerpark Drive, Suite 320 |
The Hinda Institute |
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9401 N. Margail Ave. |
Services to Jewish prisoners, prison visitation program, support for family members, and help to reintegrate inmates when they leave prison. |