Soil & Soul: RJD Family Volunteering Picnic

Sunday, June 22, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join RJD families for an inspiring afternoon of volunteering and a delightful picnic at The Institute of Soil & Soul, celebrating connection, kindness, and the joy of getting a little messy. Agriculture has been central to Jewish tradition, connecting us with the land, our faith, and our community. This event is a powerful opportunity to reclaim and celebrate our agricultural heritage.

Activities:
• Volunteering in the garden
• Potluck Picnic
• Community bonding

Bring your family, enthusiasm, a dish to share, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Let's cultivate kindness, connection, and a deeper appreciation for our heritage together.

Location:
The Institute of Soil & Soul
3372 Old Mchenry Rd
Long Grove, IL 60047

Contact:
Alina Zatulyviter
alinazatulyviter@juf.org
312-673-2350

Register Online

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RJD Busy Moms: Sound Bath & Meditation

Thursday, July 17, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

We know how busy life can get. That's why we've created a special series of events, each uniquely designed to help you relax, recharge, and connect with other amazing mothers. Our first meeting features Rachel Gitlevich, renowned for her profound devotion to helping people connect deeply with themselves. Rachel is committed to cultivating community through various workshops and events, and her meditative voice will instantly bring you peace that stirs deep within your soul.

Event Highlights:
• Sound Bath Session: Relax and unwind with healing vibrations for a nervous system reset.
• Meditation: Guided meditation led by Rachel for tranquility and inner peace.
• Herbal Tea and Healthy Treats: Enjoy herbal teas and healthy treats to nourish your body and soul.

Join us for an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and connected. This is your time to unwind and embrace the serenity you deserve.

Location:
Lake County JCC
23280 N Old McHenry Rd
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Contact:
Alina Zatulyviter
alinazatulyviter@juf.org
312-673-2350

Register Online

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RJD Shabbat Under the Stars

Friday, July 18, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Join RJD for an evening in celebration of Shabbat while listening to Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Lysenko. Enjoy classical music, new friends, candle lighting, and dining al fresco. This will be a picnic-style/potluck dinner, we encourage you to bring food of your choice to share. We will provide challah and wine.

Location:
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601-6530

Contact:
Sofia Jouravel
rjd@juf.org
312-673-2351

Register Online

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RJD Excelsior: Short Stories about Lasers, Space, and Self-driving Cars

Thursday, July 31, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

What does it take to build the future?
To navigate the uncharted legal and business landscapes of world-changing technologies?
Join us for an exclusive evening with Alex Fishkin—a visionary leader who’s helped shape some of today’s most disruptive industries. From guiding legal strategy at Google to launching public companies in space (Momentus), autonomous vehicles (Luminar), and EV infrastructure (FreeWire), Alex brings a rare insider’s view to the frontier of innovation.
With a unique trifecta of expertise—an engineering degree from Stanford, an MBA from Kellogg, and a law degree from Northwestern—Alex will share the real story behind what it takes to lead when the path forward doesn’t exist yet.
This isn’t just another talk. It’s a front-row seat to the mindset that transforms ideas from hacker house scribbles to ringing the bell on the NASDAQ.
Come for the insights, stay for the inspiration—and connect with others who are building what’s next.

RJD's Excelsior Committee provides opportunities to network with like‑minded Russian‑speaking Jewish professionals, learn more about industry‑related Chicago happenings, and join business leaders who come together to make a difference.

Location:
Winnetka Community House
620 Lincoln Ave
Winnetka, IL 60093-2371

Contact:
Sofia Jouravel
rjd@juf.org
312-673-2351

Register Online

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RJD Women's Book Club: Mamaleh Knows Best by Marjorie Ingall

Saturday, August 16, 2025 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Immerse yourself in a world of wisdom and inspiration at the RJD Women's Book Club, where we will be discussing Mamaleh Knows Best: What Jewish Mothers Do to Raise Successful, Creative, Empathetic, Independent Children by Marjorie Ingall. This distinguished book, selected as PJ Library’s Parent Book Choice, provides profound insights into the art of parenting.

Marjorie Ingall, a distinguished writer for Tablet Magazine and the New York Times Book Review, brings her expertise in children's literature to our discussion. Her book, Mamaleh Knows Best, is a treasure trove of knowledge!

How to Participate:

• Pick up a print copy: Contact Alina Zatilyviter at AlinaZatilyviter@juf.org.
• Find the book: Available at local libraries and in e-book format on book apps.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the wisdom of Jewish parenting and engage in a heartfelt conversation with fellow book enthusiasts. Let’s come together to explore, learn, and grow. We look forward to seeing you there!

Note: The exact location will be chosen closer to the event date in consultation with participants.

Location:
Location to be Determined
North Suburbs of Chicago, IL 00000

Contact:
Alina Zatulyviter
alinazatulyviter@juf.org
312-673-2350

Register Online

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11th Annual RJD Family Retreat

Friday, September 5, 2025 4:30 PM - Sunday, September 7, 2025 12:00 PM

Join us for an enriching weekend retreat tailored for Russian-speaking Jewish families! This unique experience brings together families with roots in the Soviet Union, providing an opportunity to celebrate Shabbat authentically while fostering connections, learning, and making memories. Enjoy cozy campfires, get creative with arts and crafts, participate in family workshops, play sports, and more!

Our comfortable rooms come with private baths, and all meals are included. This experience is perfect for families with children aged 10 and under, and we warmly welcome older siblings and grandparents too.

Retreat pricing:
Early bird (until July 29):
$225/adult, $105/kid 2+
Regular pricing:
$250/adult, $115/kid 2+

Location:
OSRUI, a URJ Camp
600 Lac La Belle Dr
Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Contact:
Alina Zatulyviter
alinazatulyviter@juf.org
312-673-2350

Register Online