Programs

LEADS is an eight-week series in which small groups meet once a week. This program provides an introductory exploration into Jewish community and contemporary topics, and allow participants to discuss and debate contemporary Jewish issues with their peers. Participants will expand their knowledge of problems facing the Jewish community locally and abroad, while socializing with peers and forging new friendships. LEADS groups are formed in multiple areas of the city and participants are matched together based on age and location. Current locations exist in the Gold Coast, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park.

Other Programs

New to the Community - Are you new to Chicago or to YLD?  We would like to invite you to coffee with a YLD representative who can tell you more about the variety of programs and events we offer, and connect you with other Jewish resources in the city.  This is a great way to get started in the YLD community. 

Social Programming - YLD is proud to offer a wide selection of social events and programs.  We have regular bar nights and happy hours at the hottest new venues in town, Shabbat gatherings for people of all religious affiliations, co-ed softball during the summer, and LEADS, a unique series that attracts hundreds of young adults each year by providing participants with innovative programming in a relaxed group setting. 

Professional Networking - The Business Professionals Network (BPN) is proud to announce the newly established Young Business Leaders Forum (YBLF).  This group has been created to be the foundation of a new professional community within YLD, targeted towards people who would like to get involved from a professional perspective with activities including intimate workshops, high-level speakers on current topics and business networking opportunities.

Volunteerism - YLD, in partnership with the TOV Volunteer Network, offers volunteer opportunities at various JUF-funded social service agencies.  Give back to the Chicago community by feeding the hungry, helping the needy, or raising funds at our phonothons. 

Leadership - Gesher is YLD’s year-long leadership development program that focuses on forming a connection between participants and the organized Jewish community.   The Gesher experience provides participants with advanced leadership skills, team building activities, a network of experienced colleagues, and opportunities to take their volunteerism and Jewish community involvement to the next level.

Campaign - YLD is proud to contribute over 2 million dollars to the Jewish United Fund’s Annual Campaign.  These funds reflect the generosity of over 3,500 donors in the young leadership community.  Each year we host fundraising events to celebrate and honor the generosity of our donors.  Our events feature prominent speakers at the city’s best venues.  The Ben Gurion Society (BGS) is a national young leadership society that recognizes young professionals who make a commitment of at least $1,000 to the JUF Annual Campaign.  The Golda Meir Society honors our donors of $2,500 or more. 

Travel Opportunities - Every summer the National Young Leadership Mission to Israel gives YLD participants the unique opportunity to tour, learn and discover Israel with young professionals from around the country.  YLD also has a significant presence at United Jewish Communities’ (UJC) National Young Leadership Conferences, which bring together hundreds of people from various cities across the country.

Innovative Programming - In 2009, YLD will be kicking off a brand new “Israel Series,” highlighting Israel’s achievements in a global society.  Topics for this series include Israel’s contributions in the following fields:  Hi-Tech, Green Initiatives, Economy/Business, Disaster Relief Efforts, Global Health and Medicine, Sports, Music and Fashion.  With exciting speakers and presentations, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Israel - the greatest achievement of the Jewish people in the 21st century.  YLD’s recently established “Hot Topics” program offers the community relevant speakers and events that present Jewish perspectives on contemporary issues. 

Couples and Family Programming - YLD hosts specific programming for couples and families.  This includes Dialogues in Jewish Life, a unique series that brings couples together in casual small group settings to explore Jewish issues and build bonds.