In this Issue:

• Synagogue Federation Commission Upcoming Program

• JUF Provides $411,000 for Streams Programming in Israel and in Ukraine

• Program for Families with Young Children

• Registration FULL for Camp TOV 2009

• JUF Israel Experience Opportunities

• More Opportunities for Teens to Get Involved

• Save the date: the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

• Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) Programs

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

Click here to learn more »

JUF’s Shalom Baby welcomes the newest members of our community by providing a complimentary gift package to Jewish newborns up to one year old in Chicagoland.

Click here to learn more »

Repair the world, one mitzvah at a time

Want an eco-friendly volunteer opportunity? JUF TOV Volunteer Network presents the second annual Green Mitzvah Mania, which will include sorting clothes at a local thrift shop, gardening at a nature conservatory and cleaning up a nature preserve.

Click here to learn more about TOV »

Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20

SAVE THE DATES for upcoming Synagogue Federation Commission Programs with Rabbi Kerry Olitzky.

Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky is the Executive Director of the Jewish Outreach Institute, a national independent organization dedicated to promoting a more welcoming and inclusive Jewish community that encourages increased participation in Jewish life. A leader in the development of innovative Jewish education, particularly for adults, he has shaped training programs for clergy of all faiths. Rabbi Olitzky also serves as a fellow and consultant to Synagogue 2000 and is a partner with the Kalsman Institute on Judaism and Health at HUC-JIR.

Rabbi Olitzky will be returning to Chicago to join us for two days of programming about Synagogue Outreach. Monday evening will be a Synagogue Federation Commission program for synagogue professionals and leadership. On Tuesday, Rabbi Olitzky will be holding tailored synagogue consultations.

More information, including location and times, to be announced.

Since 2001, JUF has been providing funding to the pluralistic religious streams in Israel. In FY ’09 JUF provided $360,000 for programs affiliated with the Progressive (Reform), Masorti (Conservative – both from the Masorti Movement and the Schechter Institute for Jewish Studies), Modern Orthodox, and transdenominational (multiple streams – or no specific stream). In addition, this year JUF provided $51,000 for pluralistic religious programs in Ukraine, including madrichim training programs and Jewish summer camping experiences. Our support of these programs has had positive affects locally, nationally, in Israel, and around the world. By targeting some of our overseas funds without detracting from the support of the major beneficiaries, JAFI and JDC, Chicago has set itself up as an example for other communities to follow.

Here is a Jerusalem Post article about one such program which received support from JUF, the Schechter Institute’s Women’s Study Day.

Move and groove this summer at JUF's first-ever

A live concert featuring the music of Shira Kline’s ShirLaLa:Outrageously Hip Jewish Music for Kids

Perfect for kids 6 and under! Join JUF as we celebrate the launch of our newest program for families: The PJ Library® and a new year of JUF Right Start!

Shira will perform SUNDAY AUGUST 16 at two times and locations:

Registration: $10/family in advance, $15/family at the door. No family will be turned away for inability to pay.

Register online

Questions? Please contact Roberta Wexler at 312-357-4513. Brought to you by:

Although registration for Camp TOV 2009 is at capacity – more than 90 teens will participate in our service-learning programming this summer – we are operating on a waitlist. Please contact Brett Klugman at 312-357-4928 or teens@juf.org for further information.

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

Help! I’m almost 26 and I haven’t used my SKIP Funds!
If you are nearing the end of SKIP eligibility, don’t panic! We can help you find the best way to make use of your SKIP funds. There are many wonderful programs for young adults, ranging from 10 days to a full year, whether or not you have participated in Birthright Israel. More information is available here.

Is an Israel Experience in your child’s future? Give the Gift of Israel!
If your child is of bar/bat mitzvah age, high school--and a high school Israel Experience program--are right around the corner. Help make an Israel Experience more affordable by enrolling your child today in the Gift of Israel program. Find out more.

Teen Connections Newsletter shows what JUF has to offer teens. Take a look at the most recent version of the Teen Newsletter!

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 teens to combine tzedakah and tikkun olam in an exciting new way. For more information or an application, email voices@juf.org or kolot@juf.org.

Learn more about Programs for Teens »

Save the date: the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders celebrates its 10th anniversary on Thursday, October 15. Reserve tickets now for an engaging and inspirational evening featuring Amy Harmon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist whose series The DNA Age explores the effect of genetics on our lives.

Contact Karen Litwack by phone (312-357-4717) or email (KarenLitwack@juf.org) to order tickets or to learn more about supporting the Center.

Workshops/Seminars for Job Seekers

• August 10 and 24 -Monday Morning Workshops at the JVS Skokie office, 5150 Golf Rd, Skokie, 9:30 a.m. On the 10th, Job Search 2.0 will give you an overview of cutting-edge job search strategies to be competitive. On the 24th, Resume Review and Development will give you an overview of resume construction techniques. Fee - $5 (JVS clients are free). To RSVP call (847) 568-5150.
• August 25 - Resume Review Workshop offers resume construction techniques and cutting-edge strategies. Held at 216 West Jackson, Suite 700, Chicago, 11:00 a.m. Fee - $5 (free for clients). RSVP to (312) 673-3434.
• August 26 - Discover the Missing LinkedIn: Basic Steps to Creating your Professional Presence Online presented by Career Connections for Professionals. The roundtable features David J. P. Fisher, President, RockStar Consulting, who will discuss how to leverage LinkedIn groups to gain visibility and prosper. Held at 30 South Wells, Chicago 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Free admission. To RSVP call (312) 673-3437 or e-mail jvsccp@jvschicago.org.

Ask a Career Expert
Free private consultation for job seekers with a JVS Career Counselor. Appointments are made by calling the libraries:

• August 4 - Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Call (847) 945-3311.
• August 5 - Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Call (847) 256-6912.
• August 6 - Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton, Skokie, 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Call (847) 673-7774.
• August 10 - Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Call (847) 866-0300.
• August 10 and 24 - Elmhurst Public Library, 125 South Prospect, Elmhurst, 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Call (630) 279-8696.
• August 11 - Glenview Public Library, 1980 Glenview Rd, Glenview, 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Call (847) 729-7500.
• August 12 - Harold Washington Library, 400 South State St, Chicago, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. First come, first served.
• August 18 - Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Call (847) 272-6224.
• August 20 (two locations)
  • Des Plaines Public Library, 150 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Call (847) 827-5551.
  • Helen Plum Library, 110 Maple, Lombard, 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Call (630) 627-0316.

Support/Strategy Groups for Job Seekers

• August 17 - CareerSupport Group at the Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton, Skokie, 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. Free. Attendees network and share job search strategies and motivational tips with other job seekers. For more information call (847) 324-3176.

Business Workshops

• August 10
  • RoundtableDiscussion for Start-Up and Existing Business Owners presented by the Illinois SBDC/Duman Microenterprise Center. Share your challenges in business and discuss what works, what doesn’t work and why. Your story is our story. Come discuss and learn. Free admission at both locations.
  • Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton, Skokie. Discussion: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Individual counseling: 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (sign-up required). For information call (847) 324-3176.
  • Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.; For information call (847) 965-4220.
• August 26 - StartingA Small Business In Illinois presented by the Illinois SBDC/Duman Microenterprise Center. Information and resources you need to be aware of before starting a business. 216 West Jackson, Suite 700, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Sponsored by CHASE. To register call (312) 673-3429.

More information on JVS »