Building connections among Jewish elected leaders 

From left: Jill Scheer, District 68 Board Member; JUF’s Natalie Glick; and Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, Niles Township Supervisor, connecting and enjoying the evening together.

What happens when 53 Jewish elected officials from across Chicagoland gather for an end-of-summer barbecue? They nosh, they schmooze, and, most importantly, they become chaverim (friends).  

In September, JUF hosted its inaugural Jewish Elected Officials BBQ, bringing together Jewish legislators representing local and state government offices for an evening of food, music, conversation, and connection at North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe. 

The gathering affirmed that, despite political differences, we remain mishpacha (family), and must stand together, especially in these very challenging times.  

“Connecting with other Jewish elected officials was an inspiring opportunity to zoom into our own microcosm and experience a strong, supportive network contributing to the greater good,” said Lori Fink, newly elected North Shore School District 112 Board Member. “Much gratitude to JUF for bringing us together to support our efforts of civic engagement and tikkun olam. We are stronger together.” 

As Jewish leaders—both newly elected and long-serving—navigate an increasingly complex landscape, having a network of peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of serving in public office can make all the difference. The evening provided a much-need space for elected officials to meet colleagues from different municipalities and levels of government, exchange ideas, and begin building relationships that can extend well beyond the barbecue.  

The event, moderated by Shaka Mitchell of the Come Together Music Project, centered on the power of music and memory. He invited panelists Ill. State Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, and Skokie School Board 68 Member Jeremy Glickman to reflect on the songs that have shaped their lives. 

“Sharing the music that shaped my childhood, and singing together, created an unexpected and meaningful connection with my colleagues,” Katz Muhl reflected. 

JUF Board Member and Jewish Community Relations Council Chair David Golder agreed. 

“The conversation with Mitchell and the panelists offered a reminder that beneath the titles, offices, and political responsibilities are people with shared experiences, memories, and Jewish connections,” he said. 

Hearing the panelists’ personal stories set the tone for an evening focused not on what divides Jewish elected officials, but on what can bring them together. 

“What stood out most was the strong sense of engagement and collaboration, which made it especially meaningful and distinct from many other events I’ve attended,” noted Andrew Hochberg, JUF Board Member. “I am so pleased that JUF invested resources and reputation in this event.” 

For some attendees, the gathering was an opportunity to meet Jewish elected officials they had never met before.  

For others, it was a chance to reconnect. “It was so nice to reconnect with some regional leaders and to meet some new ones,” said Eric Smith, Buffalo Grove Village President. “As I looked around the gathering of elected officials, it struck me just how many of us were raised with the same strong Jewish values of tikkun olam and volunteerism. Our upbringing plays a part in why so many of us now serve our communities.” 

As the evening concluded, the hot dogs were eaten, the conversations continued, and new connections began to take root. Participants were given the opportunity to share what next steps would serve them best. JUF will deploy these initiatives over the next year, continuing to strengthen our community of Jewish elected officials. 

The inaugural Jewish Elected Officials BBQ was more than an end-of-summer gathering. It was the start of a network built on friendship, shared experience, and a commitment to supporting one another. And, if the first gathering is any indication, there are plenty more chaverim to be made. 

“We look forward to continuing to find ways to bring Jewish elected officials together,” Golder said, “for not only the difficult times, but the good ones, too.” 

Danielle Schoenberg is the JUF Communications & Digital Engagement Manager for Public Affairs.