In this Issue:

• Gateways

• 2009 Tzedakah Spotlight

• Mitzvah Opportunities

Find us on Facebook.

More info »

Check out photos from past events.

See why Miriam and Cindy, both YWC Council members, give. E-mail YWCCouncil@juf.org to tell us why you give.

Watch videos »

Learn how to be a stronger advocate for Israel

During this difficult time for Israel, we all wonder what more we can do besides giving as generously as possible. Join us as we learn more about Israel's history & politics as well as sharpen our communication skills so we too can be a positive voice for our Jewish homeland

*The goal of Gateways is to educate and inform you about the agencies and programs that JUF supports in the city of Chicago 

**JUF’s “Write On for Israel” is an intensive two-year program that trains high school students to be positive voices

This event, which celebrates women who give a gift of $250 or more in their own name, will be held the evening of Wednesday, April 1.

We’re delighted to welcome Rotem Yehudai, an 18 year old Israeli woman, born and raised in Sderot, as our featured speaker. Rotem will be sharing her first-hand experiences of living in Sderot, the Israeli town on the border with Gaza where Palestinian rockets rain down daily. We will also hear from Jay Tcath, Vice President, JUF, and Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council, in regards to the current situation in Southern Israel and how our local Federation is helping.

In conjunction with JUF’s Tikkun Olam Network (TOV), the Young Women’s City (YWC) Council coordinates special volunteer opportunities for groups of women throughout the year. Locations will be announced upon receipt of reservations. Limited spaces are available for each program. Please contact Elissa at YWCcouncil@juf.org for more information or to RSVP.

Deliver Passover Food Packages
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Location released as date approaches
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Family Friendly

Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago provides food to needy Jewish people in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs for Passover and Rosh Hashanah so that they may observe the holidays in a traditional and dignified manner. Volunteers will meet a truck at an apartment building and distribute food boxes to individuals’ apartments.
Volunteers are needed to deliver packages to clients’ homes

JUF Uptown Cafe
Thursday, May 21, 2009
909 W. Wilson, Chicago
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Adults only

The JUF Uptown Cafe is coordinated by the Dina and Eli EZRA Multi-Service Center under the auspices of the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago. This cafe, which is a kosher, anti-hunger program, provides 4 meals per week to people who are hungry while nourishing their spirits.

Volunteers are needed to serve food and converse with guests at their tables.

Beautify a Jewish Child and Family Services group home facility & make meaningful crafts
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Location confidential – will be released once signed up.
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Family Friendly
Cost: $18 per participant for Glazed Expression supplies

Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) runs numerous group homes for foster children and disabled adults in the city of Chicago. You can put smiles on the faces of those in need by planting a beautiful garden at a JCFS facility in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. Then spend the remainder of the time painting a new set of dishes for the JCFS facility, in partnership with Glazed Expressions.