Community Updates It's almost May and we have a full calendar of incredible programming supported by the JUF South Suburban Mini grant program to look forward to!
A series on Jewish American Short Stories hosted by JCC Chicago and Joliet Jewish Congregation kicks off on Monday, May 4 at 7PM. This 4 part series on Jewish American Short Stories is taught by Anthony Wexler, professor and author (PhD, Johns Hopkins University) who studies postwar American literature, specializing in Jewish literature and the Holocaust in American life. This class will create connection to Jewish identity, inspiring thought and conversation about what it is to be a Jewish American broadly and for each one of us. To join the group, contact Ilene Uhlmann.
Wednesdays in May please join us at the South Suburban Jewish Film Festival. JCC Chicago is bringing 3 films to the Homewood Science Center. MAY 4 at 7PM - Plan A, Based on the true story of Jewish vigilantes who plot Holocaust revenge by infiltrating German water companies to poison the drinking water. MAY 11 at 7PM - The Automat, The 100-year story of an iconic restaurant chain which was the inspiration for Starbucks. Features: Mel Brooks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Carl Reiner and Howard Schultz. MAY 18 at 7PM - Vital Passage, This film about the discovery of a lockbox buried in the basement of a former Jewish midwestern merchant’s store unlocks a half century old secret, will also be followed by a talkback with the filmaker. To reserve your seat, please call Ilene Uhlmann or email iuhlmann@jccchicago.org
Want to do some knitting? Crocheting? Our knitting group is meeting on Wednesday, May 11, at 2PM at Shir Tikvah. For more information, call Amy.
Joliet Jewish Congregation hosts an Evening of Jewish Music on Saturday, May 14 at 7pm. Join Cantor Jessica for what will be a lovely evening of music. Email Joliet Jewish Congregation to get the zoom link for this program.
Friday evening May 20 at 7:30PM and Saturday morning at 10:30AM and Saturday evening May 21, at 7:30PM join Temple Anshe Sholom and National Council of Jewish Women South Cook Section for a mini-grant program with Galeet Dardashti. Galeet leads a dynamic and participatory Sephardi/Mizrahi Kabbalat Shabbat service. Each new melody introduced is taught in nigun form first. This service involves prayers with beautiful melodies from a range of Middle Eastern/North African Jewish communities. To register click here. Mark your calendars for June 17 for our CJC Shabbat and BBQ dinner! More information coming soon!
Looking to do some good in our community? JUF's Tikkun Olam Volunteer Network (TOV) and National Council of Jewish Women South Cook Section are hosting a Nourish our Neighborhood's drive thru drop off on Sunday, May 22 from 10:30-11:30am at Shir Tikvah. We will be collecting summer essentials kits for South Suburban PADS. One kit includes: flip flops, sunglasses, hat (cap, bucket, etc.), and chapstick. You can create a kit for adults or kids. Registration opens Tuesday, May 3. Sign up here. Questions? Email TOV@juf.org or call 312-357-4762. We will also have a box to drop off old computers and other electronic equipment for PCs for People. See a complete list of acceptable items here.
As the war in Ukraine continues, JUF has been following the situation and has rapidly mobilized to help, as described below.
JUF swiftly advanced $1 million in emergency funds and has pushed an additional $5.21 million in emergency allocations to our partners on the ground as they work around the clock to provide emergency assistance to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and surrounding countries. These partners include the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and World ORT—along with Chabad, Emergency Volunteers Project, Federation Professional Volunteer Initiative, Hadassah Medical Organization, HIAS, Hillel International, Israel Trauma Coalition, JCC Krakow, Jewish Community of Vienna, Nefesh B’Nefesh, Project Kesher, Shma Yisrael and United Hatzalah. You can help support JUF Ukraine relief efforts here.
Shalom over 50 is meeting for lunch and entertainment. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays at Shir Tikvah. For information on joining this group, contact Ilene Uhlmann or Suzy Dritz. We are very happy to welcome new members!
Need a ride? Don't want to drive after dark? Shalom Transportation is available for Jewish seniors in the South Suburbs. Each highly subsidized ride is $5 and you can travel up to 25 miles, with a maximum of 10 rides per month. To learn how the program works and/or register, please contact Amy. This program is generously funded by the Albert and Lucille Delighter and Marcella Winston Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
As always, if you have any questions or are in need or resources, please let me know.
Amy
amybloomberg@juf.org or tel:708-249-6086 | 
