YLD Programs
JUF’s Young Leadership Division aims to build a better Jewish community in Chicago, Israel and beyond through diverse programs for young adults aged 22–39. To get on the waitlist for any of our programs, email [email protected].
Featured Events
Shabbat Dinners
Join YLD in partnership with Silverstein Base Chicago, OneTable, synagogues and more for Shabbat dinner.
Happy Hours
Enjoy your favorite drink while mingling with other young adults in the community! We offer happy hours tailored to various groups, including community members in their 20s and 30s, Hebrew-speakers, Russian-speakers and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Shul Shuffle
Looking to experience Shabbat at a local synagogue? Join YLD for a Shul Shuffle!
Sports Leagues
YLD offers seasonal sports leagues for young Jewish adults, providing an opportunity to come together and engage in friendly competition. Sports include softball, dodgeball and pickleball.
Jewish Chicago 101: LEADS
This unique series attracts hundreds of young adults each year by offering an introductory exploration of the Chicago Jewish community and contemporary issues in a relaxed, social setting. Small groups organized by age and location meet in several areas of the city and all LEADS participants come together following most sessions. The LEADS program runs twice a year—fall and spring.
Leadership, Development, Training, and Education Series: Gesher
This program offers participants a unique opportunity to advance their leadership skills, develop relationships with fellow community leaders, explore the inner workings and operations of JUF, make a difference in the Chicago Jewish community and map out their own Jewish leadership journey.
Come back in the fall to register!
Tackle life’s tricky questions in small-group sessions: LEARN
An ongoing program presented in partnership by Silverstein Base Chicago and YLD. A cohort of young professionals meets twice per month over dinner with a Rabbinic couple to explore what Judaism has to say about life’s big questions while creating a new community as they learn together.
Stay tuned for the Summer 2026 LEARN Program.
36 Under 36
Check out this year’s 12th annual Double Chai in the Chi: Chicago’s Jewish 36 Under 36 list of talented, difference-making Jewish young adults in our city, presented by YLD and Jewish Chicago: The JUF Magazine.