I again set off to make the new guide the history of my brothers and sisters in Europe, past and present, as well as note the synagogues, monuments, museums, kosher restaurants, cafes, and cultural heritage sites. 

Our trip came at a time not only of a global rise in anti-Semitism, but also a fragmentation within the Jewish community at home on several important issues relating to Israel.

The stop in Warsaw was part of an 11-day trade mission through Germany and Poland.

Chicagoans have come together to raise and distribute more than $1 million toward relief and rebuilding efforts in these areas over the last six months through the Jewish Federation Disaster Relief Fund.

The elections in Germany held last Sunday Sept. 24, resulted in victory for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who won a fourth term in power, but also for the far-right Alternative for Germany party.

Thus far, Chicago's Federation has raised a total of over $800,000 to support efforts to rebuild homes, institutions, communities and lives in Texas and Florida. Moving forward, donations will also support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean, and earthquake relief efforts in Mexico.

A diverse array of Jewish organizations rallied in support of Dreamers earlier this week after the White House announced plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The renamed Jewish Federation 2017 Hurricane Relief Fund now will support relief efforts in Florida and other areas expected to be hit by Irma, as well as in Texas, where Harvey caused massive damage.

Many know of Denmark’s heroic rescue of its 7,000 or so Jews from Nazi hands during World War II, along with Bulgaria’s open defiance of orders to deport its 40,000 to 50,000 Jewish citizens to concentration and death camps.

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has made $100,000 in grants to partner agencies, the first round of distributions from its Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.