In this Issue:

• Synagogue Federation Commission Upcoming Programs

• 2009 Israel Solidarity Day

• Taglit-Birthright Israel Orientation

• JUF Right Start

• Teen Volunteer Opportunities

• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) Programs

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

Participate in Spring Mitzvah Mania's 2009 Collection Drive. From now until Sunday, May 17, JUF TOV Volunteer Network will be collecting new and gently used children’s books and non-perishable food.

More Information »

The Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has allocated money under J-Help: A Boost in Tough Times, JUF's effort to assist those hit hardest by the current financial crisis, for various needs including: financial assistance, food, employment using JEN (Jewish Employment Network), Jewish day camp scholarships and funds.

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“HOW TO LEAD IN CHALLENGING TIMES”
This program will address leadership needs of congregations within the turbulent economic environment. Specially designed for executive directors, presidents and presidents-elect, it will use the current situation as a way to emphasize the importance of congregational leadership as well as provide some practical approaches that will help both the congregation and members. The program will address both common and individual needs through facilitated group discussions.

Please join us this Monday, April 27 at the Bernard Weinger JCC (300 Revere Drive, Northbrook). Dinner will take place at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.

The cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

To register, please click here. For more information, please call 312-357-4864 or email the Synagogue Federation Commission.

Save the Date for “CONNECTING TO OUR CARING, JEWISH COMMUNITY”
OPEN TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, the Synagogue Federation Commission presents “Connecting to our Caring, Jewish Community” on Sunday, May 17. This program will provide resources and practical tips to community members during these challenging times. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the Jewish Federation affiliated agencies. Information and resources will cover topics such as: how to find a job and stay motivated in a tough market, taking control of your stress, talking to your kids about tough times, and the bumpy road to retirement.

Sunday, May 17
Congregation Beth Am, 225 North McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove
Registration and information tables – 1:00 pm
Program - 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND, but reservations are required.
More information to follow.

Join your community and stand with the people of Israel at the 2009 Israel Solidarity Day. This year’s Israel Solidarity Day, featuring the Walk with Israel, will be held on Sunday, May 3. We are heading back to your neighborhoods by holding seven different events in the City, Northern Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, Oak Park/River Forest, Skokie/Lincolnwood/Rogers Park/Peterson Park, Southern Suburbs & Western Suburbs. Register now to participate or volunteer.

Help children in the South of Israel! All dollars raised through Israel Solidarity Day will support a summer of safe activities – well-deserved, greatly-needed breaks from the trauma and the threat of Kassam rocket attacks. Donate today and support over 10,000 children in the Sderot area.

Participant Orientation for Summer 2009 Taglit-Birthright Israel will be May 5 at 6 pm at the Jewish Federation (30 S. Wells, Chicago).

Parent Orientation will be held on May 6 at 7 pm at Temple Beth El (3610 Dundee Rd, Northbrook).

Join us to learn more about Taglit-Birthright Israel and ask questions about the trip. For more information please visit Birthright Israel or email chicagocampus@birthrightisrael.com.

National Day of Jewish Youth Service, this 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.

Register online. Please call 312-357-4928 or email teens@juf.org for more information.

TOV MTV – Monthly Teen Volunteering

Join teens from around Chicago for hands-on volunteer projects.

Save the Date for Israel Solidarity Day, Sunday, May 3rd. Come serve your local community! Our volunteer project will be stationed in the Northern Suburbs at Highland Park High School, where teens can help young kids with cookie decorating and face painting.
• When: Sunday, May 3, 2009
• Where: Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Avenue
• Time: 10:30 am-12:30 pm

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. For more information please call 312-357-4928 or email teens@juf.org.

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

Space is limited! For more information, to receive promotional materials or to register, please call 312-357-4928 or email teens@juf.org.

Ask a Career Expert

This program provides job seekers with a free private consultation with a JVS Career Counselor. Available at various public libraries through May. For more information, or to schedule a session, call one of the numbers below:

• May 5: Deerfield Public Library (847) 945-3311
• May 6: Wilmette Public Library (847) 256-6912
• May 7: Skokie Public Library (847) 673-7774
• May 11: Evanston Public Library (847) 866-0300
• May 12: Glenview Public Library (847) 729-7500
• May 13: Harold Washington Library
• May 18: Elmhurst Public Library (630) 279-8696
• May 19: Northbrook Public Library (847) 272-6224

Workshop/Seminars for Job Seekers

May 4: “The Art of Networking: Techniques for Success”: Arlington Heights Public Library, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Information, tools and techniques to help you better understand the process, improve your networking ability and increase the likelihood of success. For information call (847) 392-0100.

May 11: “From the Recruiter’s Desk”: Ezra Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation, 7:00 p.m. Bennett Ockrim, Regional Vice President of Technisource, will focus on how to assess your job campaign to move forward successfully and stimulate employer curiosity. To RSVP call (847) 568-5150.

May 12: “From Contract to Consulting: Think Like a Business” Temple Anshe Sholom in Olympia Fields, 7:00 p.m. This roundtable features Donna Rockin, MBA, director of the JVS Duman Microenterprise Center. As managers and professionals transition to a new position, they may decide to work as a consultant. Learn to clarify contract expectations, be paid equal to your value, and develop new business and networking contacts. To RSVP call (312) 673-3443.

May 14 – June 4: “Staying Motivated in a Tough Job Market,”: JVS Career Planning Center in Northbrook, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Learn to understand the personal barriers to motivation, manage stress and find the support and encouragement to create an action plan that works for you. To register for this four week program call (847) 412-4304.

Support/Strategy Groups for Job Seekers

May 18: “Career Support Group”: Skokie Public Library, 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. Attendees network and share job search strategies and motivational tips with other job seekers. Call (847) 324-3176.

Business Workshops

May 11: “Entrepreneurial and Business Assessment”: Skokie Public Library, 9:30 –11:30 a.m. Find out if you’re the type of person that can succeed as a business owner and if your business ideas are feasible. Individual counseling sessions are scheduled from 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. To register call (312) 673-3429.

May 11: “Entrepreneurial and Business Plan Assessment” Morton Grove Public Library, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. To register call (847) 929-5101.

For more information on JVS programs call: (312) 673-3400 or (847) 568-5150 or go to www.jvschicago.org.