YLD Programs
JUF 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].
High Holy Days:
Explore this year’s High Holy Days events and discover the amazing offerings from Metro Chicago Hillel! View them here!
Event Recap:
Relive YLD’s most epic summer party celebrating this year’s 36 Under 36 Honorees. Watch here!
Featured Events
YLD and OneFamily Shabbat Services and Dinner
Join YLD and the Chi-Town Schvitzers, Chicago’s homegrown Jewish Run Club on October 9, for a special Shabbat evening with OneFamily, Israel’s leading organization supporting victims of terror and their families through long-term emotional, financial, and community care
YLD Yoga Sculpt Class
Join YLD on October 28 for a 60-minute yoga sculpt class. Break a sweat, build strength, and meet new people! All necessary equipment, including mats, will be provided.
Happy Hour
Meet new people at YLD’s upcoming happy hours:
RSJ Happy Hour
Wednesday, October 21
30’s Happy Hour
Thursday, November 19
YLD’s Big Event Fundraiser 2026
Join us on December 5 for an unforgettable night at this year’s Big Event Fundraiser featuring a mind blowing performance from Oz “The Mentalist” Pearlman. The night includes a pre-party with food and drinks, and an after-party with a DJ, photobooth, desserts, and more.
36 Under 36 Honorees are Here!
Take a look at this year’s 15th annual Double Chai in the Chi: Chicago’s Jewish 36 Under 36 list, celebrating talented and impactful Jewish young adults in our city, presented by YLD and Jewish Chicago: The JUF Magazine.
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.
Stay tuned for our 2027 spring LEADS cohort
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.
Email [email protected] to join the interest list.
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.
Connect with Us
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