In this Issue:

• Welcome to JUF Synagogue Connections

• Registration for JUF Taglit-Birthright Israel Summer Trips Begins February 19

• Israel Experience Scholarship Applications Due March 1

• 2009 Klutznick Lecture in Jewish Civilization Presents Dr. Tova Hartman, Wednesday, March 4

• Spring Programs from The Chicago Center For Jewish Genetic Disorders

• JEN Responds To Sustained Unemployment

• Teen Volunteer Programs

• Jewish Healing Network

Please view the Federation - Synagogue Connections brochure to learn more about Jewish Federation/agency programs and opportunities for congregations.

Israel Solidarity Day T-Shirt Design Contest.  The winning entry will go on 10,000 t-shirts distributed at this year’s Israel Solidarity Day, Sunday May 3, 2009.  All entries must be received by Monday, March, 9. 

Learn more »

One of the best ways to begin a child's Jewish journey is by sending him or her to a Jewish Preschool. Young families who enroll their child in a Jewish Preschool for the first time may be eligible to receive as much as a $1000 Gift Voucher towards their child's preschool tuition.

Learn More »

JUF is delighted to present this new e-newsletter, Synagogue Connections, for congregation professionals and leadership. Appearing monthly, it will highlight JUF/Federation programs that are available for your congregation and/or members.

We hope that you will use this publication to help your congregation benefit from our programs and pass along the relevant information to your congregants.

Please take some time to look over the Federation -Synagogue Connections brochure (click on the image to the left) as it can be a great resource. In the brochure, you will see the abundant programs and connections that JUF/Federation and our partnership agencies provide for congregations and how we can work together to serve the people in our community, especially now as there are more and more people in need of programs and services.

Knowing that there is a greater need for assistance, the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has allocated $417,500 for various needs including: financial assistance, food, employment using JEN (Jewish Employment Network), Jewish day camp scholarships and funds that will go directly to congregational rabbinic discretionary funds to provide assistance. The funding is the first under J-Help: A Boost in Tough Times, JUF's effort to assist those hit hardest by the current financial crisis. J-Help will be exploring other ways to connect to synagogues and their members.

JUF believes strongly in the importance of an Israel experience for young adults and it is proud to sponsor Taglit-Birthright Israel Chicago community trips for 18-26year olds. The trip is run by Shorashim, a local and recognized trip provider that gives priority to Chicago area young adutls for these specific community trips. While numerous opportunities exist related to Taglit-Birthright Israel, the advantage of the Chicago model is that participants are exposed to programs considered important to young Jews from our area and they retain a connection with one another. The goal is that they will continue their journey of Jewish discovery and become engaged in many options offered by the Chicago Jewish community.

In addition, Shorashim offers high quality educational programs and the experience of mifgash, where up to 8 Israeli peers live, travel and experience Israel with their Chicago counterparts. The result is a lifelong connection with Israel and Israelis.

Chicago area eligible young adults are encouraged to sign-up for Chicago Community trips at www.shorashim.org. Registration is on line only and opens Thursday, February 19, 8:00 a.m.

For further information, please contact Paula Harris, (312) 444-2859 or PaulaHarris@juf.org, or Sharna Marcus at Shorashim at (312) 267-0677 or birthrightisrael@shorashim.org.

High school, college students and young adults planning to travel to Israel this summer or next fall may be eligible for Jewish Federation’s financial need or merit-based scholarships. For more information, go to www.juf.org/israel_experience.

Dr. Tova Hartman will be the featured speaker at the 2009 Klutznick Lecture in Jewish Civilization on Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University, Evanston. Her topic is: Gender, Judaism and Freud: Confessions of an Orthodox Jewish Feminist.

The lecture is free and open to the public, however reservations are suggested. Register online or call (312) 357-4675. Light refreshments will follow (Dietary laws observed).

Dr. Tova Hartman teaches at Bar Ilan University in the School of Education and the Program in Gender Studies. Her first, book, Appropriately Subversive: Modern Mothers in Traditional Religions (Harvard University Press, 2002), examines how feminists in traditional religions balance and blend their roles as mothers and believers. Her second book, Feminism Encounters Traditional Judaism: Resistance and Accommodation (Brandeis University Press, 2007), explores the relationships between contemporary feminist thought and Jewish tradition. Dr. Hartman is one of the founders of Shira Hadasha, an Orthodox feminist synagogue in Jerusalem.

The lecture is sponsored by the Crown Family Center for Jewish Studies, Northwestern University and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

Genetic Education and Screening Program
1 in 5 Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier of a “Jewish” genetic disorder – and may not even know it. With a simple blood test, find out if you’re at risk for passing on a debilitating, if not fatal, genetic disorder. If you’re thinking about starting a family, now’s the time to learn your risk – and your options.

Monday, March 16, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Temple Sholom, Chicago

Monday, April 27, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Chicago Sinai Congregation, Chicago

The cost is $90 per person or $36 for students and includes dinner, educational presentation, and screening for 9 disorders. These tests usually cost over $3,000! Pre-registration required. Space is limited. Contact Rachel at 312-357-4988.

Jean Therapy: Feel Good In Your Genes!
Shop at participating retailers such as Mark Shale, Blues Jean Bar, Denim Lounge, Bett’s, and Ami Ami from Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15 and get 20% off all denim just by mentioning “Jean Therapy!” Plus, pick up an informational card from the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders to learn how genes affect your health.

The Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders provides public and professional education about Jewish genetic disorders and hereditary cancers. The Center is a cooperative effort of the JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and Children's Memorial Hospital, and is supported in part by the Michael Reese Health Trust. For more information about Center programs, contact the Center at 312-357-4988.

Who knew that the Jewish Employment Network (JEN), created in 1991 to help displaced middle managers and executives, would be so essential today? The economic climate has produced a crisis in the Jewish community not seen in recent years.

Today, congregational members from the southern suburbs, to the city and suburbs north to Gurnee, to the western suburbs including Naperville and Elgin are experiencing the effects of downsizing. JEN offers: networking events and evening roundtables in congregations; individual career counseling; support/strategy groups; and range of adjunct services to help clients wage a successful job campaign. Former clients and mentors do a mitzvah by connecting with and assisting current clients.

JEN, a partnership of Jewish Vocational Service, the Chicago Board of Rabbis, the Jewish Federation and affiliated congregations, strengthens the fabric of the Jewish community, providing a circle of giving to others in need. For more information call 312-673-3443 or e-mail jvsjen@jvschicago.org.

Make A Difference With Jewish Federation Youth Philanthropy Programs
High school students - do you want to make a difference in your Jewish community, Israel and the world? VOICES and KOLOT are hands-on youth philanthropy programs that give teens the opportunity to allocate at least $25,000 to important causes and make an impact on the world today. These programs invite you to combine tzedakah and tikkun olam in an exciting new way. Visit Voices and KOLOT to download an application.

TOV MTV – Monthly Teen Volunteering
Join teens from around Chicago for hands-on volunteer projects.

On Sunday, March 1, 2009 volunteer at The ARK's Food Pantry from 10:30 am-12:00 pm, where food is distributed to 2,400 Jews in need each month, from young families with small children to the elderly. We will help assemble and package Purim and Shabbat goodie bags, as well as take a tour of the facility.

Space is limited! To register, or if you have any questions, please contact Brett Klugman, Program Coordinator, Teen Volunteer Initiatives at 312-357-4928 or teens@juf.org. If you are active in a youth group or work as a youth group advisor, special TOV MTV programs can be coordinated for your group.

National Day of Jewish Youth Service, Sunday, April 26th
In honor of J-Serve, the National Day of Jewish Youth Service, there will be three volunteer projects to choose from throughout the day to accommodate your teen’s schedule and interests. Volunteer organizations include the Chicago Chesed Fund, CJE Gidwitz/Friend Center and the Campus Kitchen at Northwestern University. Please contact Brett Klugman at 312-357-4928 or teens@juf.org for more information.

Camp TOV 2009
Camp TOV is a week long, fun, interactive service oriented program on wheels. Each day brings a new volunteer project and service-learning experience, focusing on: poverty, hunger, homelessness, environmental concerns, caring for the elderly, leadership skills and more. Seventh through tenth grade teens from throughout the city and suburbs of Chicago will be brought together for what promises to be a memorable summer learning experience!

Camp TOV 2009 Dates:
• August 10-14
• August 17-21

For more information on teen programs, please email teens@juf.org.

JUF Tween Page Seeks Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Projects
The JUF Tween Page, featured in The JUF News and online, is designed to speak to “tweens,” those “in between” childhood and teen-hood, ages 8-12. A feature of both the print and web versions of the Tween Page is a profile of a bar or bat mitzvah celebrant and their “tikkun olam” or social-justice project.

In light of the situation in Israel, the Tween Page is actively looking for 2008 or 2009 bar or bat mitzvah celebrants whose projects revolve around Israel in some way. Projects could involve raising funds or collecting goods for Israelis, Israel advocacy projects, or any other Israel-related activity. (Simply visiting Israel or having one’s celebration there is not sufficient; there must be some element of volunteerism or social action involved.) Recent examples can be found here.

Of course, we would mention your congregation in the profile. Please email submissions to Paul Wieder, paulwieder@juf.org, or call (312) 444-2897.

Visiting the Sick, Easing Their Isolation, Making Your Mitzvah Matter
February 22nd from 2:30 – 4:30 pm
An afternoon of Jewish text study, song, and practical tips for supporting those who are ill. The presentation will include dos and don’ts of visiting and guidelines and tips for making visits, taught by Rabbi Dr. Joseph Ozarowski, Rabbi Suzanne Griffel, and Tracey Lipsig Kite. In celebration of the new preferred provider relationship between Jewish Healing Network of Chicago and Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter.

A three-week Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) class taught by Tracey Lipsig Kite, LCSW and Rabbi Dr. Joseph Ozarowski. This class is hosted by Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue (but open to the community) and will take place the Sunday mornings of March 1, 8, and 22nd in Northbrook. The class will include video of visits, text study, music, empathetic listening and role plays. If you would like to register for the class, or if your synagogue would like to host its own series of trainings, please contact Tracey Lipsig Kite at 847-568-5216 or JHNC@jcfs.org.

Survivors of Suicide: When a Loved One Has Died
Grieving the loss of a loved one by suicide is a complicated and difficult process. Join other survivors to discuss the loss, manage the grief, and develop coping strategies in a supportive environment.
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm 2/24 - 3/31/09
Contact Robyn Kaplan Seidman, LCSW 773-866-5035
Location 3525 W Peterson Ave, Ste 400, Chicago
Fee $90 for the series

Caring For the Caregiver: A Telephone Support Group
Your connection to other caregivers is only a phone call away. A clinical social worker will facilitate 3 conference calls in November. Share the joys and challenges of care giving; learn new skills and resources. Pre-registration is necessary.
Thursdays, dates To Be Determined
Contact Sheri Fox, LCSW 847-272-2882
Fee $45 for the series

Jewish Healing and Spirituality: Jewish Meditation
By popular demand, we are offering an afternoon program of Jewish meditation, starting with a brief Torah Study. Our leader will be Dr. Yonah Klem, who led the meditation program at the Renewal of Spirit day in December. Dr. Klem was ordained as a Jewish Meditation Teacher from Chochmat HaLev Center for Jewish Meditation in Berkeley, California.
Sunday, March 8, 12:45 registration; 1 – 3 pm program
JCFS, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie
For information or to pre-register, please contact Tracey Lipsig Kite at 847-568-5216 or JHNC@jcfs.org.
Fee: $15

From Slavery to Freedom: A Recovery Event
Join other members of the Jewish community in Recovery from Addiction (and their family members) for a pre-Passover afternoon of study and sharing.
Sunday, March 15, 1 – 5 pm
Horwich JCC, 3003 W. Touhy, Chicago
For information or to pre-register, contact Marcy Cohn at 847-568-5100 or JHNC@jcfs.org.

Senior Drop-In Group
This weekly group invites all seniors to discuss whatever is on their minds. Past topics include politics, current events, health issues and relationships.
Wednesdays (Weekly)
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Emily Burchfield, L.P.C., A.M.F.T. 847-568-5105
5150 W Golf Road, Skokie, IL 60077
Fee: $7

Sibshops, For Children Ages 6-12
Sibshops offer brothers and sisters of children with special needs an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed supportive and recreational setting. They are able to discuss their common joys and concerns, learn how to handle common situations and have fun!
Sunday, 3/1/09 and 3/29/09 (Monthly)
2:30 - 5:30 pm
Tamara Besser, LCSW 773-467-3751
255 Revere Drive, Northbrook
Fee: $25 per session