Blog

Abuse does not discriminate. It impacts Jews and gentiles of every age, marital status, economic and educational level. It is important that our professional and lay leadership understand how abuse occurs throughout the lifespan and how this applies to synagogue life, including sensitivity to those who have been victims of abuse.

JCFS Chicago board members, employees and partners gathered on September 11 in our new downtown office at 230 W. Monroe for the 2023 JCFS Annual Meeting. Some highlights of the evening include...

Bikes & Music was launched in 2020. They collect used bicycles and musical instruments, refurbish them, and get them to families via various nonprofits – including HIAS Immigration & Citizenship here at JCFS Chicago.

The Jewish fall holidays are filled with many themes – solemnity, renewal, joy, family, food (what Jewish occasion does not have at least some connection to food!) and much more. But underneath, there are also themes of loss and grief, of questions, of connection and healing from the loss. 

The sun is out, birds are chirping, flowers are in bloom and there is no doubt that summer is in full swing. When we are grieving, the outside world often feels inconsistent with what is happening inside, more often in the summer.

Open lines of communication between children and parents are vital in empowering young children to make safe choices and to keep themselves safe. JCFS Chicago has created a list of tips to help you create a welcoming environment for these important conversations.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to call attention to the recently published Surgeon General Advisory report on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

JCFS Chicago addiction services, in partnership with Live4Lali, is encouraging Jewish communal organizations to hold Overdose Prevention and Reversal (Narcan) Training for staff and community members.  We all have the responsibility to know how to save a life and with Narcan, it couldn’t be easier. 

Todd Grayson has been a member of the JCFS Chicago Board since 2017. Emily Keith just joined in 2022. They are the two co-chairs for the 2023 A Striking Event – the largest annual fundraising event at JCFS.

The Jewish community has come a long way in acknowledging addiction as a significant issue and in supporting community members struggling with addiction and those in recovery. JCFS Chicago and the Chicago Board of Rabbis invite you to continue this forward momentum.