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
Volunteer with YLD and TOV
Join YLD and TOV on July 12 in partnership with the Chicago Park District for a morning at the Community Roots Community Garden! Volunteers will learn about local gardening while taking part in hands-on activities.
Register now
Happy Hour
Meet new people at YLD’s upcoming happy hours:
30s Happy Hour Thursday, July 9
20s Happy Hour Thursday, July 16
Class of ’26 Happy Hour Thursday, August 6
Coffee with YLD
Connect with YLD over coffee on a Sunday morning near you!
Suburbs Sip & Social July 12
City Sunday Morning Schmooze July 19
WYLD
YLD’s most epic summer party! Enjoy a night of music, drinks, and connecting with other Jewish young adults in Chicago. Save the date for Thursday, August 27.
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.
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.
Registration is now closed. Come back in the fall!
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.