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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].

Featured Events

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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.







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YLD Pride Challoween Shabbat Dinner

Join YLD and Silverstein Base Chicago on October 30 for a spooky Halloween Shabbat dinner at Base Logan Square. Enjoy delicious food and meet new people! Please wear family friendly costumes.

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Happy Hour

Meet new people at YLD’s upcoming happy hours:
YLD Hebrew Speaking Happy Hour
Thursday, November 5
30’s Happy Hour
Thursday, November 19

Register now
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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.

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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

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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.

A group of people sitting on couches and chairs in a circle having a discussion with a rabbi in his house.

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.


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